Shoe benches come in a few different types of materials. Below we'll cover which work best in different spaces.
Wood
The most common material you'll find in a shoe storage bench is wood. It's a sturdy material that holds weight, making it a good option for a bench design. Choose wood if you want a basic piece that can fit into almost any home style.
Wooden benches work best with rustic, mid-Century modern, vintage, French-country and cottage styles. Woodgrain finish will add unpretentious and organic warmth to any of the above styles, but you're not limited to these.
Choose wood with white coating if you have a light contemporary color scheme and a solid painted neutral color like brown or tan for timeless and transitional homes.
Metal
Another type of material you'll find in a shoe storage bench is metal. Metal benches are great in industrial, modern or minimalistic homes. Often, these have a metal frame that features a certain design, such as a bronzed appearance or black finish.
A combination of metal and wood is also a popular choice that perfectly emphasises the beauty of sleek interiors. For a touch of elegance, choose a metal frame topped with a leather upholstered seat.
Upholstery
You can also find storage benches lined with fabric. Sometimes the whole bench is lined in a fabric style or it's just topped with a fabric cushion. Fabric benches look best when you are attempting to match furniture or want a timeless transitional style. Velvet is a popular fabric option and will add an elegant touch to your space, whereas vinyl or leather are easiest to clean and this option may be a great choice for a family with young children.
Wicker
Wicker baskets are also a common material you can find as part of a shoe storage bench. These often sit in a cubby under the seating area and slide out. Wicker baskets look great in rustic or classic homes. Benches made entirely of wicker are the perfect choice for coastal style homes.