Do Storage Benches Increase Home Value?
Storage benches are useful pieces of furniture. They give you a place to sit and also store items. Many people love them for their homes. But one big question is: Do storage benches increase home value?
Storage benches are useful pieces of furniture. They give you a place to sit and also store items. Many people love them for their homes. But one big question is: Do storage benches increase home value?
In this article, we will explore that question. We will look at the benefits of storage benches. We will also look at how they affect home appeal and value. Lets begin.
What Is a Storage Bench?
A storage bench is a bench that opens up to store things inside. It can have a flip-up lid, drawers, or shelves. Some are soft and padded. Others are made of wood, metal, or plastic.
People use them in many parts of the home. You can find them in:
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Entryways
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Bedrooms
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Living rooms
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Mudrooms
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Patios
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Hallways
They help reduce clutter and keep your space neat. At the same time, they offer a place to sit or rest.
Does It Add Value to a Home?
The answer is: It depends. A single storage bench will not raise the price of a home by itself. But it can improve how a home looks and feels. That can help in many ways.
Lets look at what value means in a home.
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Market value is the price a home can sell for.
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Perceived value is how buyers feel about the home.
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Usability value is how well the home works for living.
Storage benches often raise the perceived and usability value of a home. When people see a clean, organized space, they feel more at ease. They may like the home more and be willing to pay a better price.
Benefits of Storage Benches
1. They Help Keep Things Organized
Storage benches reduce clutter. Shoes, blankets, toys, and other items can be stored out of sight. A neat space looks bigger and more open.
Buyers often look for storage when choosing a home. A well-placed storage bench shows that the home uses space wisely.
2. They Maximize Small Spaces
In smaller homes, every inch counts. A bench that also stores items is a smart use of space. It shows that the home is practical and well planned.
Buyers with families or limited space may love these features.
3. They Add Function Without Taking Extra Room
Unlike big cabinets or shelves, a storage bench takes little space. It sits against a wall, near a bed, or at the end of a hallway. It gives both seating and storage in one.
This is useful in areas where you cannot add large furniture.
4. They Improve Appearance
Some benches are stylish and match the homes look. A beautiful storage bench adds charm. It makes rooms feel warm, clean, and inviting.
People often make decisions based on first impressions. A home that looks cared for will attract more interest.
5. They Can Be Moved or Built In
Some benches are part of the home (built-in). Others are moveable. Built-in benches may count as a permanent feature, which can help in home listings.
Even freestanding benches, if included in home staging, can affect how people feel about the space.
Where Storage Benches Help Most
1. Entryways
An entryway bench gives a place to sit while putting on shoes. It also stores bags, hats, or umbrellas. This gives a clean and organized first impression.
2. Bedrooms
A bench at the foot of the bed can store blankets or clothes. It makes the room feel cozy and complete.
3. Living Rooms
Some benches double as coffee tables or window seats. They add style and function at the same time.
4. Mudrooms and Hallways
These areas often need both seating and storage. A bench here keeps the space tidy and usable.
Built-In vs. Freestanding Benches
Built-in benches are part of the house. They may add more long-term value. Real estate agents may list them as a feature of the home.
Freestanding benches are not part of the home structure. But they still help with design, staging, and appeal.
A built-in bench near a window can become a reading nook. A bench with drawers in the hallway can show buyers that the home is well organized.
Real Estate and Buyer Appeal
Home buyers want a home that feels well cared for. They also want space to store their things. If a storage bench helps meet those needs, it can improve the homes appeal.
Even if the bench itself does not increase the price, it may help the home sell faster. A faster sale is also a benefit.
Some buyers may even ask to keep the storage bench. This can help during negotiation or add to the home's charm.
Tips for Using Storage Benches to Boost Home Appeal
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Keep it clean and clutter-free. A tidy bench shows off the space.
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Match the homes style. Choose a bench that fits the design of the room.
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Use soft corners in small spaces. This makes the bench safer and more family-friendly.
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Stage the bench well. Add a cushion or a folded blanket. Make it look cozy.
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Place it in high-traffic areas. Entryways, bedrooms, and mudrooms are great spots.
Final Verdict: Do They Increase Home Value?
A storage bench may not add thousands of dollars to your homes price. But it does increase the useful value of the space. It also improves how buyers feel when they walk in.
That feeling can make a big difference. A well-placed bench shows smart design. It shows that the home is practical, clean, and inviting.
In a competitive market, small touches like this can help your home stand out. They can lead to quicker sales and better offers.
So, while a storage bench may not be listed as a major feature, it adds value in quiet but powerful ways.
