Author Tom Hodgkinson once said that benches were “a boon to idlers,” a “free public resting place where you can take time out from the bustle and brouhaha of the city, and simply sit and watch and reflect.” This sentiment applies not only to public benches, such as in parks, lobbies, and other public spaces but also to private areas. Benches are merely one object that are used in both public and personal lives, but they are one that stands for rest, relaxation, and perhaps a bit of community. Benches are shared. You could make friends with someone on a park bench and share a meal with them on a restaurant’s bench. Benches can also be private. Lounging across one while reading a book turns a public space into a personal bubble and a bench can turn your home shower into a spa. Let’s look at a few different spaces in which one could “take a load off” and how they function for the users.

Restaurants are a common commercial space to find benches, as booths and banquettes along walls take advantage of available space and maximize any establishments ability to pack in customers and clientele. This is also common in public spaces such as lobbies, airports, bars, and other commercial spaces, as floating benches can be an eye-catching design element and also make the frequent cleaning required in commercial areas significantly easier. Additionally, given how little benches are moved, in general, they tend to be longer-lasting than chairs, making it a worthwhile investment in a public, high-traffic space.

This same idea is underlying in spaces such as community areas in apartment buildings, parks, and fitness facilities. Communal areas, such as locker rooms, fire pits, recreational areas, and such tend to have a regular influx of users, which makes wood or stone floating benches a clear choice for both relaxation purposes as well as cleanliness.

In the home, in this private and personal space, benches can still be used for storage, style, or function. In mudrooms and laundry rooms, benches can serve not only as a storage piece but also function as an easy space to take off coats, shoes, or clothing without dirtying the house. In the dining areas, similar to as in restaurants, banquettes can be used to create a cozy eating space and increase storage. In showers and bathrooms, floating benches can create a spa-like feel as well as provide a great place to relax, rejuvenate, and get ready for the day ahead of you!

For more information on floating benches and decorating your commercial or residential space, visit www.federalbrace.com or contact our experienced design team at 1(888)353-8899.