The straightforward bench is enjoying a wave of renewed popularity that catapults it beyond its rather humble past. Consider the definition of "bench": A long, hard seat for several people usually made of wood, with no back or divisions.

Churchgoers know hardwood pews are not intended for relaxation. And people who get around on transportation hardly look forward to a long wait on the bus-stop bench. Yet these days many modern editions of the basic bench have taken on much more appealing qualities and versatility.

Storage benches are essentially delightful because they provide dual use, the design element that in my estimation forms the cornerstone of good small-space planning. In the photo, the little Barcelona storage bench from VivaTerra is 16 inches deep, 55 inches long and 22 inches tall and topped with a comfortable kapok-stuffed cushion. It's pullout baskets offer stylish storage space made from woven natural fibers.

Kapok is a soft, springy, natural fiber from the kapok tree, which is native to Thailand and Indonesia. Silky and resilient, it is the chemical-free stuffing often used instead of foam in yoga cushions.

Barcelona is big sister to the adorable and functional Barcelona Storage Cubes, available in two sizes: 13.5 inches square or 18 inches square. You can find other benches that might offer a lift-up top, similar to a child's toy chest, that hide storage compartments.

Such a design is often great at the foot of a bed to store extra bedding or pillows. It might also be used in an entryway as a seat that doubles as a place to stash photos, records, or magazines.

Mission-style storage benches in oak are available online at www.target.com for less than $65. When upholstered in leather, this style of lift-up bench can be double as a coffee table. Leather cleans easily with a wipe from a damp cloth and an occasional treatment with leather conditioning lotion.

Room & Board, a Minnesota family-owned company, offers a petite modern blanket chest, the Tyler, that is 36 inches wide, 20 inches deep and 18 inches tall. It is available in either leather or 100 percent micro-suede polyester for easy cleaning.

If you are a fan of timeless, modern design, visit Room & Board's website (www.roomandboard.com) for the classic Parsons design. The hand-welded steel frames are made in Texas and Minnesota, so you can buy American and still satisfy your small-house needs. Check out their Pandora, Cleo, Ravella, and Gansu designs.

Famous Italian designer and architect Mario Bellini once quipped, "I designed a bench in a few moments. But, of course, it took me 25 years to do it." Bellini speaks to the elegance and complexity of bench design with authority. The former editor-in-chief of the Italian magazine Domus, Bellini has designed for Yamaha, Renault, Fiat, Artemdide and Cassina, among dozens of companies worldwide.

Another popular use for bench seating is alongside a rectangular or square table. This choice works well when your room features a view you wish to protect from interruption by a tall chair back. You can also push bench seating up against one wall and push a table right over the bench to keep it out of traffic except when needed.

From simple to elegant classics, bench seating is back.

Christine Brun, ASID, is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by e-mail at [email protected]. To find out more about Christine Brun and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.