I tend to stick with workbenches and build them into tiny ugly huts around the yard, or into walls/ceilings. I like having the building coverage. Later on I start encasing pillars of layered crafting tables in stone, if I'm really serious about a location and building.

On the other hand I'm not above just chucking some bonfires out past the perimeter wall to push back spawns some more and aid illumination. Most things won't attack fire since it hurts them.