The Perfect Corner Storage Bench For My Small Mudroom

Welcome to the 864th Metamorphosis Monday! I have been eyeing this bench for at least a year. I kept wondering how it would look in my small back entry that I often refer to as a mini-mudroom.

This is the spot where I envisioned using it. I noticed in the “Question and Answer” section HERE, someone asked about the depth of the cushion, and the answer was 14.8 inches. The diagram at that link showed the bench was 30 inches long each way. Armed with that information, I taped off the area that I thought the bench would occupy. (Note: Please ignore the chipped paint/trim and other visible imperfections in the back entry of this 87-year-old home. I’d love to find a garden/bird-themed wallpaper for this space, something that feels relaxing and beautiful. I’ve been searching for the right one, but haven’t found it yet. Once I do, the walls will be repaired, the quarter round replaced, and everything that isn’t wallpapered will be freshly painted, so try to ignore the many imperfections for now.)

Here’s a view looking down on the area that I expected the storage bench to cover. Funny story about this tile: When I first moved into the Dollhouse, I really, really disliked this tile. It looked super dark,  a mottled dark brown and black with no character at all. Once I replaced the ceiling light in this space, I was shocked to see how varied and colorful the tiles were! You couldn’t see any of that before the light was replaced. I like it a lot now, and feel it’s perfect for this high-traffic area. There are some scuffs on the tile that will not scrub away, probably from something that used to be in this area—maybe another bench. I need to find a tile “stain” (if there is such a thing) to darken that area to hide the scuffs.

Crossing my fingers that my measurements were accurate, I ordered the bench that I’d been eyeing for so long. It was listed as a Special Buy, plus, the week that I placed my order, Ohio was having a no-tax holiday since school was about to start back up.

I put the bench together the day it arrived and was happy to see it fit just as I had expected. Whew!

I’m really pleased with this corner storage bench. (Bench is available here: Corner Bench.) I removed the section of quarter round that was behind it so it would fit flush against the baseboard trim. The trim on the left side chipped just a little as I was removing it, but that’s okay since that whole section was not in great shape anyway and already needed to be replaced. That will be done when this entry is wallpapered and painted.

Here’s the view coming up from the basement/movie room.

As you can see, there’s still plenty of room to walk by.

The fabric on the cushion that comes with this bench is a pretty linen-looking, neutral color. Once this mini-mudroom is wallpapered, I may consider having it recovered, but there’s no rush since this fabric should work great with almost any paper I choose for this room.

The storage compartment on the left side looks like this inside. I’ve ordered a soft basket that should fit here to hold gloves, wool beanies/hats, chapstick, and other small items I may need as I head out during the fall and winter.

The other storage door leads to an area that’s around 14 inches deep and 28 inches wide. So, there’s a lot more storage space on this side of the bench. I’d love to find a rubber boot tray that’s around the right size to fit here to keep it clean when placing shoes/boots inside. Update: The rope baskets that I ordered arrived, and I changed my mind on how to use this storage. The three baskets will go on this side, and I’ll use the smaller compartment for storing my rain boots. At least that’s the plan for now.

This bench was super easy to put together. The doors lined up beautifully the first time I attached them—no adjustments necessary. This bench is available in two colors: Off-white and Black.  (You’ll find it available here: Corner Storage Bench.) I’m so glad I finally took a chance and ordered it. I can’t stop going downstairs to stare at it. I really love how it looks in that corner, like it was made for that spot!

Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Like to know when a new blog post is up? Subscribe for email updates (it’s free) and your email will never be shared. Subscribe for free email post updates here: Subscribe.

Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “url” box for InLinkz when prompted.