Footboards. Overrated: Yes or No? The answer, I think, hinges on three things:
1. personal preference
2. the size of your bedroom
3. the layout or floor plan of said bedroom.
I once loved footboards. I once wore Electric Youth perfume and big bows in my hair. I still like footboards. I don’t like Electric Youth anymore. I know you’re relieved.
Lately, I like layers and the way benches help the room and bed meet. I am drawn less to being confined by the partnership of a headboard and its footboard. I’ve outgrown all things that confine. Don’t fence me in, I say. I’ll make my own boundaries. Here are more images that inspire me. (The inset picture is from House Beautiful.)
House Beautiful
As I search the Web over for the perfect bench, trunk, or ______ to layer at the foot of my bed, I look for something that passes my litmus test: can it work in more than one place. I have a rule when I buy furniture or anything that requires much money for my home–it has to work in more than one place. You might have noticed that I don’t like to commit to one particular thing. I want options. I like pieces that work in a variety of ways. The things that are not versatile are the things I find myself dragging to Goodwill a year later.
Here are a few things I’ve found that might make a great bench at the end of my bed, or coffee table, or…. I’m sure I’ll come up with something. All are available online–
Industrial Bench from UrbanWoodGoods (with or without vintage wire locker basket)
Wes Bennett’s Etsy Shop wesbenn
Factory20 
Harmony Bench from ABC Home (with or without casters)
Wood Plank Storage Bench from Ballard Designs
Kilm Bench from Overstock
From Kathy Kuo Home
Amelia Storage Bench from Ballard Designs (fabric options available)
What do you think? How do you feel about the bench? If you’re looking for a something to compliment your bed, I hope these links help.
Thanks for reading!
At my last place, I kept my grandmother’s cedar chest at the end of the bed, which was absolutely perfect. I don’t have room to do that in my current bedroom and look forward to a day when I’ll have a bench/cedar chest/trunk back in its rightful place.
I know a guy who makes tables that look JUST like the wood bench you posted. I’m sure he could do the same… let me know if you’re interested. I’ll put you in touch.
Maybe I should be more specific… just like the one with the wire crate attached. Yeah. That one.
I knew what you meant.
I’m a fan of anything made locally or sold through Etsy. Thanks for being willing to connect me, John!
The factory 20 one took me right back some old school basketball locker rooms from high school.
memories…
I love the West Elm bench, but I’m also a big fan of storage ottomans (even though I don’t have one).
We stumbled upon some salvaged bleachers from a high school gym, and we’re going to try to make one of those benches with the pipes. Should be fun! However, I’m in the process of ordering one of those bathtub couches (Ruff House Art, Etsy) for the end of my bed. I. CANNOT. WAIT.
I wish this blog was more like Facebook and I could “like” your comments!
Leigh: I’m glad you’re here. It’s so great to hear from you!
Nanette: I wanted to “like” your comment because I like that West Elm bench a lot.
Amy G.: I’m jealous of your bleachers. Flat. Out. Jealous.
Thanks for chiming in, friends!