the romance of benches in decor

SHARON DSOUZA

From the ubiquitous charpoi in our villages, and the more stately Bhavanagari benches on India's west coast,  to the lavice in Czechoslovakia, and in gardens around the world, benches speak the universal language of romance.

This powder blue bench  under the faux stained-glass window looks extremely charming.

Upholstered benches like this one serve many purposes. They can be used as corner tables, or seating!

This charpoy looks very aesthetic against the brick walls in the verandah of my home in Mangalore. The old vakil baanq (a part colonial, part vernacular bench style) is also seen here.

This entryway bench in Priyanka Joseph's house sets a festive, welcoming tone. A big thumbs up to those colourful cushions on the wooden bench.

A bench can even be a great substitute for a sofa in a living area.  This boat shaped  bench in my parents' home is quite charming, and unique!

This is a dining bench that doubles up as seating space in the living room, when there are guests in my home. Benches are multi functional, and a great investment!

Benches add infinite charm to verandahs, patios and balconies. This is the bungalow of a coffee plantation in Chickmagalur, and the bench looks so welcoming against the red oxide flooring of the verandah!

A bench on a balcony can be both pretty and functional as a WFH space, especially during conference calls!

Benches are fuss-free additions to your home, low on the pocket and heavy on charm! They also lend themselves beautifully to various decor styles.