I am a big fan of just about anything that helps to keep me organized. From the porch to the kitchen, I look for furniture pieces that will not only look beautiful in my home, but that will also be functional for every day home living. 

Not long ago, I came across a wonderful company- Southern Enterprises, Inc, which specializes in home furnishings. I began to look through the categories on their website and was so impressed by the selection of media storage, craft and hobby storage and organization, outdoor furniture, kitchen and lighting accessories, and so much more! I was immediately drawn to the outdoor furniture selections, because I just love outdoor living. I have a fantastic front porch, which I love to be out on when it's not too hot during the summer months. On one side of my porch, I have a table and set of chairs, but the other side of the front porch looked extremely bare. It definitely needed something to balance it with the other side. I thought a nice sitting bench would look perfect sitting in front of the window.

I was offered the opportunity to review a beautiful Teak wood Storage Bench from SEI. I was absolutely thrilled for the chance to try this bench out, not only because I had been wanting a bench, but because I needed extra storage on my front porch, as well. I couldn't wait for the UPS man to deliver my new bench! I must have checked the front porch a hundred times as I waited for him to arrive. When it did finally arrive at my house, I had the delivery guy leave it on the front porch (it was too heavy for me to move myself), where it stayed until my husband got home from work. As soon as Sacha walked in the back door, I dragged him outside with a screwdriver and asked him to get to work on putting the new bench together. He loves putting things together, so he was happy to do that for me.

The bench only took about ten or fifteen minutes to put together. Everything was clearly marked, and the instructions were detailed, which means I probably could have put it together myself. What girl doesn't want to be able to put something together herself!?

I am so in love with this bench from SEI! It's absolutely stunning! Everyone who comes to my house now has something to say about my beautiful bench, wanting to know where I got it from. I love taking my coffee or a nice glass of wine out on the porch and just sitting on my bench- looking out at the sun as it rises or sets, just enjoying my surroundings. The bench is stable, but comfortable. The arm rests are a really nice addition, and I love how easily the seat lifts up for easy access to the storage area below (pictured above). The storage area has a slatted bottom, which is removable so that air can flow through. I have decided to store my extra planters and pots in this bench, because I do a lot of potting on my porch. While I do try to keeps planters that aren't in use clean, I love knowing that any excess dirt can just drop right through the bottom through the open slats at the base of the bench. It's an excellent depth, height and width! 

    • 48" W x 25" D x 36.25" H
    • Seat height 16.75"
    • Seat width 44.75"
    • Dark brown teakwood stain
    • Slatted back rest
    • Armrests for added comfort
    • Storage measures 43.25" W x 15.75" D x 12.75" H
    • Hidden storage beneath the bench
    • 100% Teakwood
    • Assembly required

This beautiful bench is now one of the nicest pieces of furniture I own! I love that I can use it indoors or outdoors, and with proper care, it will last for years on end! My husband informed me that the wood can be treated by giving it a gentle sanding, and rubbing teak oil into the wood. Hubby's comments on the bench: 'It was super easy to put together, it's incredibly sturdy, and it's really nice!' Our new outdoor storage bench from SEI is really a showpiece. Every time we have a visitor, we proudly say, 'Look at our new bench!'

My porch was nice before the bench, but now, my porch seems to be like another room of our house, which is exactly what I envisioned it being! I am proud to welcome guests to my home, knowing that they feel special as they are so warmly greeted by a functional, comfortable front porch- all with the help of our beautiful bench from SEI.

If you've been looking for new outdoor furniture, or any home furnishings, for that matter, SEI is the first place you should look! They have so many wonderful furnishings and accessories to choose from. Visit their website and take a look around... you'll be so glad you did! Let SEI help you turn any area of your home into an organized, welcoming, functional space for your family and friends!