Folding Faux Leather Storage Bench

An end of bed bench is one of those pieces people only appreciate once they own one. It becomes the place where clothes, bags and throw pillows land at the end of the day, instead of the floor or the bed itself. The Folding Faux Leather Storage Bench takes that everyday habit and makes it tidy. The padded top lifts to reach a storage compartment inside, so the things a bench collects can go into it rather than piling on top.

It is also sturdier and more flexible than most benches. The folding frame is rated to 400 lb, the tufted faux leather top wipes clean, and the whole bench folds flat when it is not needed. It is an ottoman bench that works at the foot of a bed, in a hallway or as extra seating in a living room.

What makes the storage bench stand out

The storage is the first advantage. Lift the padded top and there is a compartment inside, big enough for spare blankets, shoes, bags or the sweaters that tend to end up draped over a chair. Close the lid, and the bench looks neat again.

The strength is the second. The folding frame is rated to 400 lb, which means two people can sit side by side to put on their shoes without anything creaking. It feels like a real piece of furniture rather than a lightweight box.

The folding design is the third, and it is rare on a bench this size. When you do not need it, it folds flat, so you can slide it under a bed or into a closet. That also makes it easy to move between rooms or take with you to a new home.

Finally, the look is simple and warm. Tufted faux leather in brown gives the bench a classic, tailored feel that suits bedrooms, entryways and living rooms alike, and it wipes clean with a soft cloth.

Where it looks best, room by room

• Bedrooms. At the foot of the bed for blankets, pillows and tomorrow's outfit.
• Entryways. A seat for putting on shoes, with shoes stored inside.
• Living rooms. Extra seating that also hides games, remotes and throws.
• Kids' rooms. A place to sit that swallows toys at tidy up time.
• Guest rooms. Stores spare bedding and folds away between visits.

The brown faux leather pairs well with wood furniture, linen bedding and warm neutral walls. In a modern room, it adds a touch of classic tailoring; in a traditional room, it blends in like it has always been there.

The longer length makes a proper bed end bench, while the shorter one fits neatly into a narrow entryway or beneath a window.

Folding furniture is especially useful in rooms that change with the seasons. A guest room can have a bench at the foot of the bed while visitors stay, then fold it away afterward to free up floor space. In a rental, it is a piece you can take with you when you move, since it folds flat for the trip. It is the rare storage bench that is as easy to own as it is to use.

Choosing the size and placement

There are two lengths, 29.9 inches and 43.3 inches, and both are 15 inches wide and 15 inches tall. Measure the foot of the bed before choosing. For a balanced look at the end of a bed, many people choose a bench that spans a good part of the bed width but leaves a little space on each side.

A few tips help it look and work its best:

• Unfold the frame fully and check that it sits square on the floor before anyone sits on it.
• Set it on a level floor rather than a thick pile rug, so it stays steady.
• Keep the heaviest items low inside the compartment, so the lid opens easily.
• Leave enough space in front of it to lift the lid without moving it.

In an entryway, the shorter length fits beside a door or under a coat rack, giving you a seat and shoe storage in one spot.

Pairing it with other pieces

A storage bench looks best when the space around it is layered and inviting. At the foot of a bed, fold a throw blanket across one end and set a couple of cushions against it. In an entryway, pair it with a mirror above, a small rug in front and a basket nearby for keys and gloves.

Browse the throw blankets collection for a layer to drape across it, or the wall mirrors collection for a mirror to hang above it in a hallway. For more seating ideas, the poufs and ottomans collection has other pieces to mix in.

Is the storage bench right for your space?

This bench is a strong fit if you:

• Want seating and hidden storage in one piece.
• Need a sturdy bench that two people can sit on.
• Like furniture that folds flat when it is not needed.
• Prefer a classic, wipe clean faux leather finish.

It may not suit you if you want a fabric bench with a soft, textured look, or a bench in a color other than brown. For a softer look, an upholstered fabric ottoman bench will suit you better.

Every order ships free across the US and most arrive in 6 to 9 business days. Unused items in their original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery, and questions about lengths are answered at info@norafurnish.com.