Katy not only found a bench for seating around her dining table, but also discovered one that combines storage and aesthetics. You might wonder where she found this luxurious, however practical, piece of furniture. Well, the answer might surprise you: IKEA’s kids section.
IKEA’s SMÅSTAD Bench Works Well in This Small Space
It was essential to get creative with storage solutions because, although Katy may not have the biggest amount of square footage, she has numerous hobbies, including flower arranging. She selected IKEA’s SMÅSTAD bench due to its storage capabilities. It was initially made for housing kids’ toys (hence, the ample space), but she uses it for her pup’s food, clothes, and other miscellaneous items.
The bench costs less than $100 and has an almost five-star rating on IKEA’s website. It also comes in three colors (white, blue, and light green), so it’ll work in any space, not just a playroom. The bench is fully personalizable, allowing you to select your preferred knobs to make it truly unique. Katy chose to put comfortable pillows on top, making it look so cozy. Reviewers have not held back on sharing their positive experiences.
One reviewer shared, “We bought 2 and put them by the window. Nice and simple solution for storing toys and winter jackets for 4 people in our house. They look like bay window bench seats. Easy to assemble. Highly recommend!”
Another person wrote, “We bought one to use as extra storage/seating in our dining area and loved it so much we bought another. We purchased some overstuffed pillows from IKEA to put on the top for comfort and it works beautifully and looks fabulous.”
If your IKEA doesn’t have this piece or if you don’t have an IKEA nearby, you’re in luck. Wayfair is selling a similar bench that comes with storage, too. It’s a bit more expensive than the IKEA alternative, but it comes with drawer pulls and in five colors.