C’mon in and have a seat!

Holiday season means housefuls of people who need a comfy place to perch. Dining room chairs are fine for the dinner hour, but for the rest of the afternoon and evening, you’ll want something more relaxing. Most of us don’t have room for an extra sectional or sofa, so what’s the solution?

Upholstered benches and ottomans are portable and comfortable, and they happily do double-duty the rest of the year.

When not in use as extra seating, benches and ottomans:

• Tuck under a sofa table in the foyer or living room.
• Add a pretty spot for books and blankets at the end of the bed in your private retreat.
• Serve graciously as a coffee table in the living room and as a snack table/homework spot for kids in the family room.

What to look for? Ottomans and benches 18-inches to 19 inches tall are the right height for comfy sitting and informal snacking. Look for ottomans that are flat, spacious and sturdy enough to hold a tray of drinks; and backless benches that are not too wide but are long enough to hold several people. Look for pieces that are round or have soft, no-bump corners for when the room gets crowded, charades get wacky or there are little ones on the scene. If space is really small, go for one or two little ottomans to tuck away until needed – or use as accents.

The Holland ottoman from Sam Moore Furniture, for example, is a generous 35-inch round ottoman, perfect for extra seating or as a coffee/cocktail table. Available in fabric or leather, it features a practical handle so you can lift off the top and store all those toys and magazines in a hurry!

Interior designers often use ottomans and benches in colors that coordinate with toss pillows, rugs, vases and other accents. There’s no easier way to add zest to a room when your major upholstered pieces are in neutral hues. When choosing covers, leather and leather-look vinyl are practical surfaces, and so are spill-hiding prints in mid-tone hues. Consider berry/wine with taupe, teal/aqua with brown, or warm red with gray.While you’re shopping for yourself, don’t forget a bench or ottoman as an heirloom holiday gift for someone special.

Whatever your style, here are just a few great-looking choices that say, “C’mon in!”

Guests will be impressed with the elegant neoclassical-inspired look of the Andre ottoman. At 31”W x 20”D, it would fit gracefully in just about any space. Cover choices include fine fabrics and leather; all embellished with the subtle luster of nailhead trim.

Any room could use a charming and practical accent (or two) like the Lolita ottoman by Sam Moore Furniture. About 19 inches tall and round, this pretty little ottoman is welt-less for low-key comfort and style. Great solo or in pairs, it’s available in fabric or leather.

Ample enough for a big room or a big crowd, this 42” square cocktail bench is a handsome centerpiece you’ll depend on. Mace comes standard with brass nailhead trim and antique brass casters; or you can choose optional pewter nailhead trim and pewter casters.

Who says you can’t make a dramatic decorating statement with a totally comfortable cocktail bench? Inviting Renee is a roomy 41 inches in diameter and features baseball stitching for extra flair. Available in leather or fabric, the bench is on sturdy casters for easy movement wherever you need it.

A modern, structural look and long, lean lines (49”W and 21.5”D) makes Manhattan a distinctive choice. Sharp styling is balanced with hand tufting on the top to provide a soft seat. Use it anywhere you have a narrow, long stretch of space.

Petite and festooned with opulent details, Toulon is just the right touch for your traditional room. It’s a space-saving 19”W x 12.5”H x 14”D, perfect for a foot stool or charming end table next to a chaise, sofa or bed. Or tuck a pair under a sofa table for a little extra seating whenever guests arrive.