How to Decorate Seat Board Storage

Paint

• Consider painting a built-in storage bench, such as a window seat, to give it a fresh, new look. White paint enhances a country or cottage decor as well as a black-and-white contemporary color palette. Neutral black, brown or beige paint complements traditional style. Bold, bright colors, such as lime green, purple passion or juicy orange, provide energy to a window seat in a teen's room. Distressing the edges of a window seat by lightly rubbing it with sandpaper gives a weathered, rustic look found in Tuscan or cabin decor.

Fabric

• Fabric seat cushions add comfort, color and texture to storage benches with hard seats, such as wood or metal. Custom-made, removable seat cushions are tailored to fit built-in window seats, as well as free-standing benches. Choose fabrics to complement your room's decor and accommodate your lifestyle. Microfiber fabrics are durable and easy to clean, making them suitable for families with pets and children. Place a variety of throw pillows in assorted sizes, shapes, patterns and textures atop your storage bench to create a comfy, cozy seat.

Hardware

• Adding decorative hardware to cabinets and drawers provides a designer-savvy flair to a storage bench. Knobs, pulls and handles can be easily replaced to reflect current home decor. Shiny metal knobs, handles and pulls are ideal for the modern, contemporary style. Ceramic or wooden hardware reflects cottage and country decor. Hammered, wrought-iron knobs and handles in black or burnished bronze are suitable for rustic or cabin design.

Optional Items

• Large wicker baskets provide attractive storage to a bench seat with an open area underneath. Inserting a compartmentalized divider to an open storage space keeps items neatly organized. Adding hooks above a storage bench in a mudroom provides a convenient place to hang jackets, sweaters, bags, purses and coats. Lay a coordinating scatter rug in front of an entryway bench seat to deposit wet shoes and boots. Install decorative beadboard on the wall behind a storage bench to impart a country or cottage ambiance.