Monks Benches and Storage
From the ornate to the rustic, monks' benches come in all shapes and sizes. A nifty bit of storage in your hallway to house shoes, a great way to store linens in your bedroom, or simply fantastic ottoman-style seating, a vintage or antique monks bench is multifunctional and practical.
While many monks benches are over one hundred years old, don’t let their age fool you. They grow old gracefully and ooze a newfound level of style over time. Handcrafted out of solid pine, oak, or elm, a monk's bench with storage is built to last. Welcome one into your home and you could start your love affair with preloved pieces, giving your monk bench a new lease of life.
Not sure where to start? Have a browse of Vinterior’s curated collection. Fancy something traditional? Take a look at our hand-carved monks' benches. Want something a little more simple in its design? A Georgian settle, with its clean lines and honeyed patina, could have your name written all over it. And the best part about shopping with Vinterior? You’ll be supporting a thriving community of trusted antique and vintage sellers across the U.K. and Europe.
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What is a monks bench?
A monks bench is a wooden piece of furniture that encompasses both seating and storage. Usually handcrafted, these benches have a tabletop, ottoman-style seat with storage below. Some have drawers to add another layer of storage. When the bench is accompanied by a high back, the terms monks bench and settle become interchangeable. you can find all sorts in our collection from the upcycled painted blue to the traditional antique elm bench.
Why is it called a monks bench?
While it’s a lovely thought that every antique monks bench adorned monasteries over a hundred years ago, sadly they probably didn’t. The term ‘monks bench’ originated because the seating is reminiscent of a church pew or settle. A popular piece of furniture that has been handcrafted for centuries, the high back on many of the pieces is there to ward off cold draughts and breezes.
Why buy a monks bench?
For a space-saving piece of furniture that combines comfortable seating, antique styling, and durability, a monks bench with storage is worthy of your consideration. Practical, novel, and adding a touch of uniqueness to your home, you can shun the sameness and enjoy taking Vinspiration from Vinterior’s monks bench collection.