Anyone who’s tried to furnish a home knows there are those awkward spaces that seem to defy definition. I struggled for ages with an empty corner in my entryway, cluttered with shoes and bags, offering no place to sit down or rest items. Leaving it like that felt chaotic and unwelcoming, a constant eyesore that needed a practical, stylish solution. Without addressing this, the clutter would just pile up, making the entrance feel cramped and disorganized. A quality bench was clearly the answer I needed.
Essential Considerations Before Acquiring a Bench
Benches serve a wonderful dual purpose in many homes, providing both extra seating and a convenient surface. They’re perfect for entryways where you need to sit and put on shoes, living rooms for flexible guest seating, or even at the foot of a bed. Someone seeking to add a touch of style while maximizing function in a specific area, like an entryway, mudroom, or dining area, is the ideal candidate for a bench. However, if your primary need is concealed storage, or if your space is extremely cramped, a bench might not be the best fit; a storage ottoman or a narrower console table might be more appropriate. Before purchasing a bench, several factors demand your attention. Consider the dimensions carefully to ensure it fits your intended space without overwhelming it. Think about the material – wood, metal, or upholstered? Does the style complement your existing decor? Durability, weight capacity, and the anticipated ease of assembly are also crucial points. Lastly, determine your budget and look for options that offer the best value for your money.
Introducing the Meridian Furniture Waverly Bench
Let me introduce you to a piece that finally solved my spatial dilemma: the Meridian Furniture 179Cream Waverly Collection Modern | Contemporary Bench. This isn’t just a place to sit; it’s designed as a statement piece, promising both robust functionality and eye-catching style. When you purchase this Waverly Collection bench, you receive the solid wood frame, the luxurious cream boucle fabric cushion, and the necessary hardware for assembly. This particular bench is ideally suited for individuals seeking a distinctive, modern accent piece that doesn’t compromise on sturdiness. With its generous 52-inch width and 500-pound weight capacity, it’s perfect for entryways, spacious bedrooms, or even serving as dining bench seating. It might not be the right choice if you require integrated storage or need a bench in a different style or color palette.
* Pros:
* Striking modern/contemporary design
* High-quality, luxurious cream boucle fabric
* Durable solid wood construction with a beautiful natural finish
* Excellent sturdiness and weight capacity (500 lbs)
* Relatively quick and easy assembly
* Cons:
* The seat cushion is not securely attached and can slide
* One user reported minor issues with dowels and corner alignment
* The exact shade of the natural wood finish may vary slightly from photos
Delving into the Bench’s Key Aspects
After living with the Meridian Furniture Waverly Bench for a significant time now, I can really speak to how its individual features translate into everyday use and overall value. It’s one thing to see specifications online, and another to experience them daily.
Design and Aesthetics: A Modern Statement Piece
The visual appeal of this bench is undeniable. Its modern and contemporary design, characterized by clean lines and the substantial look of the wood frame paired with the distinctive cushion, instantly elevates the space it occupies. The frame boasts a rich natural finish, which I find truly beautiful. While product photos can sometimes be misleading, the wood on my bench strikes a lovely balance – it’s not overly blonde or light like birch, nor is it a deep, dark walnut. It’s a warm, inviting mid-tone that showcases the natural grain beautifully, just as described by other happy owners. This finish has held up well over time, resisting minor scuffs and maintaining its luster with simple dusting. The cream boucle fabric on the cushion is equally impressive. It’s got that wonderful textured, looped feel that is so popular in contemporary design right now, adding both visual interest and tactile appeal. The color is a true, soft cream, making it versatile enough to blend with various color schemes while still standing out. This Meridian Furniture bench’s aesthetic is exactly what I needed to turn a previously neglected spot into an intentional, stylish part of my home. It serves as a focal point, demonstrating that functional pieces can also be works of art.
Construction and Materials: Built to Last
One of the first things you notice about the Meridian Furniture 179Cream Waverly Collection bench is its weight and solidity. Tipping the scales at over 60 pounds, this isn’t some flimsy piece of furniture. This heft is a direct result of its solid wood construction, a significant step up from particle board or MDF often found in less expensive options. The frame feels incredibly sturdy and well-built. This robust construction isn’t just about feeling substantial; it translates directly into durability and reliability. The stated maximum weight capacity of 500 pounds is impressive and feels entirely believable. This means the bench can comfortably seat two adults, or even more children, without any creaking or wobbling concerns. It’s durable enough to withstand daily use in a high-traffic area like an entryway. Over months of use, it hasn’t shown any signs of strain or weakness. While one review mentioned a minor issue with dowels and a corner not lining up perfectly, this seems to be an isolated incident and certainly wasn’t my experience. My bench’s joints are tight and well-aligned, reflecting overall high-quality craftsmanship. Knowing this solid wood bench is built this well provides peace of mind; it feels like an investment piece that will truly last for years to come.
Size and Dimensions: Perfect Proportions
The dimensions of this bench – 52 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 18 inches high (with a seat height of 18 inches) – are, in my opinion, spot on for its intended purpose. The 52-inch width is generous enough to seat two people comfortably side-by-side, making it highly functional in an entryway for multiple family members getting ready at once, or in a living room for extra guest seating. It’s wide enough to make a statement visually but not so wide that it dominates a standard hallway or room. The 19-inch depth provides ample space to sit fully on the cushion without feeling like you’re perched precariously on the edge. It’s also deep enough to place items like bags or books securely. The 18-inch height is a standard seating height, making it easy to sit down and stand up from, particularly useful in an entryway where you might be putting on or taking off shoes. This 52″ wide Meridian Furniture bench was exactly the specific size I had been searching for to fill that awkward space, and the measurements proved true to the description. It feels substantial without being bulky, achieving a perfect balance between presence and practicality.
Comfort and Cushioning: A Luxurious Seat, With One Caveat
The luxurious cream boucle fabric cushion is definitely a highlight in terms of comfort and feel. The fabric itself is soft yet durable, with that tactile texture that invites you to touch it. Sitting on the cushion provides a pleasant experience. While one user described the cushion as “unusual but very comfortable,” I’d say it offers a good balance of support and softness. It’s not overly plush or sink-in soft, which helps it maintain its shape over time, but it provides a comfortable seat for putting on shoes, resting briefly, or accommodating guests. The fact that the cushion feels substantial and well-padded adds to the overall sense of quality.
However, I must address the one notable disadvantage: the cushion is not securely attached to the wooden base. It simply rests on top, held minimally (and not effectively) by some basic straps that don’t anchor it firmly. This means the cushion *can* slide relatively easily, especially if someone pushes off it or slides across it. This is a design oversight that is a bit frustrating in day-to-day use. It requires occasional adjustment to keep it perfectly centered. As one user suggested, adding some non-slip padding or Velcro to the underside of the cushion and the top of the wood base would be a relatively simple fix that Meridian Furniture could consider for future iterations. Despite this, the comfort provided by the boucle fabric cushion on the bench for short periods of sitting is excellent, and the look and feel of the fabric are top-notch.
Assembly: Surprisingly Swift
Furniture assembly can often be a daunting task, filled with confusing instructions and ill-fitting parts. Thankfully, that wasn’t my experience with the Meridian Furniture 179Cream bench’s setup process. The product description mentions assembly in about five minutes with two people, and I found this claim to be remarkably accurate. The bench arrived well-packaged, and the components were clearly labeled. It essentially involved attaching the legs to the main frame. The pre-drilled holes lined up perfectly, and the included hardware was straightforward. It truly was one of the easiest furniture assemblies I’ve ever tackled. This quick and hassle-free setup means you can unpack the bench and have it functional in your space almost immediately, without needing to set aside a significant chunk of time or wrestle with complicated steps. Even considering the single user report of a minor dowel issue, the overwhelming consensus, including my own experience, is that assembly is a breeze.
Insights from Other Users
I wasn’t the only one impressed. Looking at feedback from others who purchased this Meridian Furniture bench confirms many share my positive experience. Users frequently praise its solid construction and how heavy and well-made it feels, highlighting the impressive quality for the price point. The assembly is consistently described as quick and simple, often taking just minutes. Many highlighted how perfectly it fit their intended space, whether entryway or bedroom, appreciating its modern aesthetic and the quality of the wood finish and boucle fabric. While a few noted the seat cushion could slide, the overwhelming sentiment is that this Waverly bench is a high-quality, stylish piece that is well worth the investment.
Bringing It All Together
If you’re dealing with a similar challenge – an underutilized space that feels cluttered and lacks purpose – ignoring it only perpetuates the disarray and prevents your home from feeling truly finished. The Meridian Furniture 179Cream Waverly Collection Modern | Contemporary Bench offers a fantastic solution. Its combination of elegant modern design, sturdy solid wood construction, and comfortable seating makes it a highly functional and attractive addition to any room. It’s a piece that truly elevates a space while serving a practical need, feeling like a high-end piece without excessive cost. To see more details or add this beautiful and practical piece to your home, click here.