Church Pews Reform the Classic Bench

It would be a sin not to consider repurposed pews for stylish, space-conscious alternatives to traditional benches at home

Lisa Frederick June 27, 2012

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More

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For a slightly more offbeat take on classic bench seating, consider church pews. You can find these beauties in all styles, from simple Shaker to neo-Gothic, at antiques stores, architectural salvage shops and flea markets. Local churches in your area may also sell or give away used pews; ask around. Or source them online via sites such as Used Church Furniture.

Because pews generally are designed to hold a crowd, they'll provide a major seating boost in your home. Check out these different church pew interpretations to get inspired.

The aged, patinated beauty of this vintage pew glows in a sunlit foyer. Its lines and curves are so striking that very little other ornamentation is needed to complete the space.

Madison Modern Home

Church pews are usually consigned to rustic, old-world or country-style interiors, but they can work equally well with more contemporary decor. Clean lines make this simple pew appear as fresh and modern as its setting.

Kate Marker Interiors

With Gothic-style arches on the ends and a weathered finish, this pew lends a note of vintage grace to a hallway.

Joan Heaton Architects

A pew in this mudroom provides plenty of room to sprawl out and unlace muddy boots or plop down bags of produce from the market. The pitchfork on the wall contributes to the farmlike "American Gothic" overtones.