Vintage Charm: Mid-Century Benches for Every Room

Mid-century benches are infinitely versatile — they can serve as a spot to sit, an impromptu coffee table, a footrest, or even an entryway drop zone. So whether you're decorating your entire home with a mid-century modern design or adding a hint of this style to your space, exploring the best mid-century benches is an excellent starting point for enhancing your decor.

What Gives a Bench Mid-Century Styling?

Mid-century modern (MCM) style is almost always trending, and with good reason — it's a simple, functional look with a dash of minimalist inspiration. But makes a mid-century bench, well, mid-century?

"A mid-century bench should have a clean, simple design. This means that the bench should have straight lines and avoid any ornate details or embellishments," explains John Linden.

This description might not apply to all mid-century benches, but it's pretty accurate. Here are some other defining characteristics of mid-century modern styling:

• Straight, clean lines
• Minimalist style
• Natural base colors and warm wood tones (e.g., oak or walnut)
• Muted, subtle upholstery
• Interesting features (e.g., slanted legs or nailhead trim)
• Multifunctional furniture
• Vibrant pops of color
• Graphic shapes
• A blend of manufactured and natural materials

"I think most people would agree mid-century modern has some specific hallmarks like clean lines, minimalist, and natural base colors," said Allison Kersun. "If upholstered, typically the tone is muted and subtle, and the pieces have some element of surprise, like a curved or slanted leg, curving lines, and multiple uses."

How to Use a Mid-Century Bench in Your Home

"Benches are great additions to the entryway as a quick and comfortable place to sit to put shoes on, on your way out the door. They are also perfect for the end of the bed as a nice finishing touch and a place to sit and get ready in the morning," Toussaint Derby told Living Cozy.

"Benches are great additions to the entryway as a quick and comfortable place to sit to put shoes on, on your way out the door."

"Another great option is to incorporate a wooden bench into your dining room setup," continued Toussaint. "With the right commercial fabric on the seat cushion, this bench can introduce both comfort and a playful touch of color to your dining area. Even if you have a round table, a bench with a standard bench width can still work beautifully, offering additional seating without disrupting the harmony of the space."

Before we get to our favorite benches, here's a quick roundup of expert-approved options (plus a few of our own) for using a mid-century modern bench in your home:

• Entryway bench: A bench to sit on as you put on or remove shoes in your home's entryway — entryway benches also work well for making great first and last impressions with guests.
• Bedroom bench: A modern bedroom bench at the foot of the bed, where one can change clothes, read, or relax before bed, elevates the space easily.
• Dining room bench: A dining bench can add seating, visual interest, and accessibility to a dining set or stylish dining table, bringing the whole room to life.
• Coffee table: A coffee table in the living room can double as extra seating in a pinch. This can work well for large sectionals.
• Ottoman bench: An accent bench can serve as a footstool, seat, or impromptu coffee table in the living room, family room, or other seating area.
• Outdoor seating: A teak bench is an excellent outdoor seating option that can be paired with other outdoor furniture to make your deck, patio, or yard more inviting.
• Storage bench: A bench with hidden storage is perfect for any of the above settings, allowing you to add extra storage space to the room or area.

Our Favorite Mid-Century Benches

1. Broad Bench

• Brand: Modloft
• Price: $1099

"The Broad Bench by Modloft is quilted, all leather, and a great size at just under 5 feet long and 18 inches deep," Allison Kersun told Living Cozy.

This best-selling mid-century bench features a solid wood frame, a comfy foam seat, and high-quality leather upholstery. And with an eye-catching tufted design and your choice of pearl gray or warm gray leather, it'll make a statement in any room.

2. Mid-Century Bench

• Brand: The Inside by Havenly
• Price: Starts at $449

"The Inside's Mid-Century Bench in the Olive Odalisque color is one of my favorite fabric options because the color, pattern, and design make it the perfect piece for any mid-century enthusiast. My other favorite is the Henna Cheetah by Scalamandre. This is perfect for someone who wants something bolder and glam without sacrificing clean lines so it's not too over the top," commented Toussaint Derby.

We can't help but agree with Toussaint's review of the Mid-Century Bench by The Inside. This piece stands out with its tapered wood legs and clean, minimal design. The tapered legs are available in a black or espresso finish, and the seat boasts button tufting with rounded corners for a touch of character. At just over 4 feet long and 21 inches deep, it's built for relaxation.

3. Terracotta Mid-Century Modern Abstract Bench

• Brand: Society6
• Price: $354

The Terracotta Mid-Century Modern Abstract Bench from Society6 is super stylish with metal legs and a simple yet standout terracotta pattern against an ivory background. The metal legs come in a black or gold finish, and the seat is upholstered with faux leather to keep things vegan and eco-friendly. This mid-century bench could brighten up any space, and since it's on the smaller end, at just under 4 feet long and 16 inches deep, it can fit almost anywhere, too. You might try it in the entryway or by a window with plush throw pillows and a soft blanket.

4. Serif Bench

• Brand: Burrow
• Price: $329

The Serif Bench by Burrow is a simple solid wood bench with an oak or walnut finish. It's designed for durability and style, featuring solid hardwood construction, a precision-milled seat, slanted legs, and elegant metal supports. This bench is just over 4 feet long and 15 inches deep, and it'd look excellent in an MCM entryway, but you might also try it at the foot of your bed or by a window.

5. Branch Bench

• Brand: BluDot
• Price: $750

BluDot's Branch Bench boasts a clean, minimalist design with a solid wire-brushed oak seat and sculptural steel legs. The legs are available in gray, black, or white powder-coated steel, and the bench seat is available in natural oak or black finish. BluDot recommends pairing this bench with a dining table like their Branch Table for a matching set. Although 5 feet long and 16 inches deep, you can use this versatile piece anywhere from the entryway to the bedroom.

6. Doris Bench

• Brand: Castlery
• Price: $189

The Doris Bench from Castlery boasts a stylish, eye-catching design perfect for any mid-century or Scandinavian space. The upholstered seat comes in your choice of blue or dark gray with a comfy PU foam fill, and the rubberwood legs feature a slanted, tapered design with a dark walnut finish. The Doris Bench is 48 inches long and 14 inches deep, which is a super versatile size that would work well in the entryway or bedroom.

7. Bowen Leather Bench

• ‎Brand: Anthropologie
• Price: $1,089

Crafted with high-resiliency foam core cushions wrapped in soft fiber padding, this bench offers a firm, structured seat while maintaining a sleek silhouette. It's Flexolator and sinuous spring construction ensure lasting comfort and support. This piece promises durability and style and is built on a sturdy kiln-dried, laminated hardwood frame.

What makes the Bowen Leather Bench truly special is its handcrafted nature, with each unique piece showcasing slight variations in appearance. Proudly made in the USA, it’s designed for indoor use and requires no assembly—just place it in your favorite spot and enjoy!

With removable cushions and legs, this bench is as practical as it is beautiful, making it a perfect choice for any mid-century collection.

8. Modern Natural Wood Bench Entryway Bench

• ‎Brand: Homary
• Price: $399.99

This bench combines the charm of natural wood with sleek, modern lines, making it a perfect addition to any entryway. Crafted with high-quality solid wood, its unique grain patterns ensure that each bench is one-of-a-kind.

The sturdy metal legs provide exceptional support and durability, while the minimalist design adds a touch of elegance to your space. This piece is a blend of functionality and style that effortlessly enhances any décor.

9. Belmont Bench

• Brand: Modloft
• Price: $4,399

Modloft's Belmont Bench is an award-winning architectural masterpiece with an undulating wave design and a rich walnut shell. It boasts a sculptural seat and a metallic matte interior that's at home anywhere from your living room to a museum gallery. At nearly 9 feet long and 16 inches deep, this mid-century bench is the most sizeable piece on the list today!

"It's gorgeous, big, and an art piece, but also practical," commented Modloft's in-house interior designer, Allison Kersun. What more could you ask for?

10. Chanel Toscana Tan Bench

• Brand: Article
• Price: Starts at $399

The Chanel Toscana Tan Bench from Article boasts solid wood splayed legs and a seat cushion in either tan leather or neutral-toned fabric options. The seat cushion is Velcro-secured to keep it in place during even the most lively conversations without getting in the way of versatility. And it's available in your choice of 43" and 56" lengths, with a comfortable 17-inch depth. Try this mid-century bench on one side of your dining table to break up the dining chair look or at the foot of your bed to add eye-catching style.

11. Harris Bench

• Brand: AllModern
• Price: $249

The Harris Bench is a stylish and practical addition to any home. It is perfect for providing a spot to sit while you take off your shoes or accommodating extra guests during gatherings.

Made from solid wood and supported by four slightly splayed tapered legs, this bench combines durability with elegance. Its foam-filled polyester upholstery features charming button-tufted detailing, making it an inviting centerpiece that can support up to 250 lbs after assembly.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of free and fast shipping to elevate your space in no time!

12. Ines Bench

• Brand: Interior Define
• Price: Starts at $595

The Ines Bench from Interior Define is a stand-out option that's highly customizable and has a wide range of upholstery options. You can even choose between a length of 4 or 5 feet based on what's best for your space! Regardless of size, the bench features an 18-inch seat depth and an overall depth of 22 inches.

With a minimalist style, elongated legs, and a simple wood frame, the Ines Bench stands out for its simplicity. But the leather strap detailing over the upholstered cushion adds character to this streamlined design, making it perfect for mid-century spaces.

13. Henrik Bench

• Brand: Lulu and Georgia
• Price: $998

The Henrik Bench from Lulu and Georgia can bring artisanal warmth into any mid-century modern home. It features visible joinery with an oak wood frame and a natural grain finish. The bench seat boasts soft lines, and it's perched atop wide, modern legs, creating a fashionable appeal that would work in any room. This mid-century bench is just under 5 feet long and 16 inches deep, and it's the perfect option for adding style, versatility, and extra seating to any laid-back space.

14. Catamaran Bench

• Brand: Industry West
• Price: $1,200

The Catamaran Bench by Industry West is a functional, simple mid-century bench with solid oak construction and a large, versatile bench seat. It's nearly 6 feet long and 15 deep, creating a stylish and practical surface in any space. This piece pairs beautifully with the Catamaran Table, but it works well in an entryway, by a window, in a hallway, or anywhere else you need extra seating.

15. Henry Backless Bench

• ‎Brand: Arhaus
• Price: $999

The Henry Backless Bench showcases the beauty of handcrafted craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from the intricate patterns of artisan-made baskets. With its woven leather straps and solid oak frame, this bench offers a modern aesthetic and a sturdy and durable seating option for any space.

Each piece is uniquely finished by hand, ensuring that no two benches are alike. The natural variations in the wood and suede add character, making it a distinctive addition to your home that will evolve beautifully over time with use.

16. Wexler Small Dining Bench

• ‎Brand: Apt2B
• Price: $678

This bench is a beautifully designed piece that effortlessly complements any dining setup. Its gracefully tapered legs and herringbone seat create a sophisticated look, while the brass inlay accents add a touch of elegance. Crafted from solid oak and rubber wood, this bench lets the wood's unique grain and texture steal the show—because even furniture deserves to flaunt its good looks!

Not only is the Wexler bench stylish, but it also provides practicality with a weight capacity of 330 lbs. Although some assembly is required, the final product promises to be a sturdy and attractive seating option for gatherings with family and friends.

17. The Acton Slat Bench

• Brand: Floyd
• Price: $1,116

Originally created by renowned designer and artist Hugh Acton, the Slat Bench was a response to the new post-war period modernist principles of design. Acton brought the bench to life in Cranbook, just outside of Detroit, and now, 70 years after its original release, Detroit-based Floyd brought it into production again.

True to the original design, but with modern materials and manufacturing processes, the Acton Slat Bench represents timeless design and feels as contemporary today. It embodies Acton and Floyd’s vision for creating long-lasting, quality design.

Use a Bench to Complement Mid-Century Furniture

Mid-century modern furniture adds functionality and versatility to your space, turning it into somewhere you'll love coming home to at the end of the day. But the bench you choose doesn't have to have a perfect mid-century look to complement the rest of your MCM aesthetic. Instead, you can pair most simple, classic benches with mid-century furniture or a rug to capture the look without overdoing it.

For instance, a wooden bench can balance functionality and style, providing additional seating while maintaining the clean lines and minimalism of mid-century design. Whether refreshing an existing room or getting ready to furnish a new space, it can be a versatile addition to your home.

"We recently finished a major renovation and addition and were thrilled that the client loved the mid-century modern style," Pamela O'Brien told Living Cozy when discussing this beautiful renovation. "In the primary bedroom, we used an existing leather bench. While not exactly mid-century modern, it's classic with its cognac leather upholstery, simple piping, and lightly tufted top. And paired with an authentic mid-century modern dresser, minimalist nightstands, and modern accessories, the room channels mid-century style."

"With a touch of mid-century styling, many classic leather benches can provide a mid-century modern vibe."

"With a touch of mid-century styling, many classic leather benches can provide a mid-century modern vibe," added Pamela O'Brien. Wooden and retro-style benches also work well with modern modern furniture and home decor.

Meet the Experts

Our experts help us provide top-quality recommendations, tips, and tricks to make your house (or apartment) feel like a home. To explore the best mid-century benches, you'll get advice from:

• Toussaint Derby, Lead Designer at Havenly
• Allison Kersun, In-House Interior Designer at Modloft
• Pamela O'Brien, Principal Designer at Pamela Hope Designs
• John Linden, Interior Designer at Mirror Coop