There is nothing more classic when it comes to home furniture than an antique monks bench.
These stunning vintage wooden items are a traditional combination of seating and storage, characterised by their dual functionality and historical design. A vintage monks bench is certainly the way to go if you want to make a statement in your home.
Originating from medieval Europe, monks benches were used in monasteries as a practical solution for seating and storage for monks - hence their name. They could be used to stash away books and personal belongings, keeping these buildings clutter-free and allowing monks to live and worship in a tidy space.
Monk benches are designed with both purposes in mind.
They often have high backrests that are adorned with intricate carvings and decorated panels, and armrests for additional comfort when being used as vintage seating.
The seat itself doubles as a hinged lid that can be lifted to reveal a storage box providing a safe and secure space for anything you want to keep tucked away.
Though the popularity of monks benches dipped during the 18th and 19th Century, due to the need for more specialised and comfortable seating options, they saw a resurgence as we moved into the 20th Century.
Monks benches are now a popular decorative furniture item in households that can be elevated with the addition of seat cushions and throws.