A Bench that serves its Function

The first benches with storage were most likely piano benches, designed so that one or more people could sit and play the instrument comfortably at the same time. Some benches have lids that you can open with both hands to retrieve what's inside without having to hold it open. When the storage compartment is opened, it usually stretches the height of the box, has a base, and can hold almost anything. Large models of storage benches offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing a room to be rearranged as needed or even transported to a more suitable location.

A bench isn't useful unless it also functions as a storage box. Chairs were reserved for the more important members of society (or 'chairmen') hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago, with the inferior sharing chest-like benches. These benches eventually developed four legs, arms, and a back, making them a more desirable place to sit, particularly for children and couples (hence the name 'love seat').

The first benches with storage were most likely piano benches, designed so that one or more people could sit and play the instrument comfortably at the same time. Storage is built into piano stools to allow the owner to keep all of their music sheets in one convenient location.

Having furniture that can be used for more than one purpose is always advantageous, and since people first sat on chests, it made sense that those chests were filled. Storage benches open via the seat, which serves as a lid that typically spans the entire length of the bench or two separate lids. The lid occasionally comes off completely; otherwise, hinges allow it to open only on one side. Some storage boxes have lids with props that allow you to open the lid and keep it open while using both hands to retrieve what's inside without having to hold it open. 

Storage benches lack legs and are supported by a box beneath the seat. When the storage compartment is opened, it usually stretches the height of the box, has a base, and can hold almost anything. Storage chests are frequently seen attached to a wall, beneath a windowsill as a 'window seat,' and are likely to be upholstered in satin, regular cotton, or leather, either fully or just on the seat.

However, benches are not only found indoors. In fact, a common use nowadays is as an outdoor storage bench, which is placed outside to hold items such as children's toys, firewood, hay, and gardening tools. Such outdoor benches work well as storage boxes if the wood is properly treated and varnished to prevent rotting, or if they are made of a material that is not subject to harsh weather, such as plastic.

Furthermore, many decorated storage benches are commonly found in children's nurseries and bedrooms and are an ideal and appealing place to store toys or baby blankets. Single-seated storage boxes may have casters on the bottom, allowing the child to sit and pull up to a desk or scoot around the room. Casters on larger models of storage benches offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing a room to be rearranged as needed or even transporting the contents to a more suitable location.

Storage benches, in general, provide a place for clutter to be hidden, organized, and stored in an easily accessible location. Their dual function as a seat only adds to the appeal of this piece of furniture, and they are especially useful in houses or gardens with limited space for extra storage.