If you’re looking for new dining room furniture, you’ve likely seen dining room benches and perhaps wondered if they’re a good choice. They are! A dining bench is a simple yet effective way to update the look and feel of your dining space.
Once you’ve tried modern, comfortable dining benches, you may wonder why you didn’t get one sooner. Whether you’re furnishing a casual kitchen diner or a fancy formal dining room, there are many dining room bench options and ideas to choose from.
Benefits of Dining Benches
When it comes to modern dining room furniture, benches replace or complement dining chairs in surprising ways. Besides looking stylish and attractive and offering a cost-effective seating solution, benches have some practical advantages over traditional dining room seating. The benefits of choosing dining benches over chairs include:
More Seating
If you often have a large family or entertain regularly, bench seating can provide extra dining room capacity. Whereas chairs are limited to one diner each, a bench can easily hold two or more people. A longer bench with a larger dining table could seat up to six or seven, depending on how close diners are willing to sit together.
A Minimalist Design That Maximizes Functionality
The minimalist design of benches offers an interior design edge. They create a cleaner, neater appearance in your dining room. They allow you to seat more people on fewer pieces of furniture, reducing clutter and helping maintain a more visually pleasing space. The sleek design also offers several advantages over chairs. These include more cohesiveness, a better connection between diners, extra storage space, and a clear view.
When people sit side by side on a bench rather than separately on individual chairs, they feel closer. With more comfort, interaction is easier, promoting communication and intimacy. Bench seating is effortless yet can provide a cozier atmosphere for socializing.
The low-profile design of benches can also help make dining a visual pleasure. If you’ve positioned your dining room table in front of a window with a beautiful view, a bench keeps the window space clear and allows you to enjoy your view to the fullest.
Additionally, some benches feature a handy compartment under a lift-up seat or on pullout shelves to add extra storage beyond standard buffets. This type of bench provides a great place to stash cloth napkins, candles, or anything special you might want to use to create a festive table.
Types of Dining Benches
There are several styles and sizes of dining benches to suit various spaces. It’s essential to consider the space itself before choosing a bench. For example, how much room do you have? How long is the space? If you want a bench with a backrest, how high can it be without getting in the way of paneling or artwork in the area? Is there enough space between the table and the wall for everyone to get to their seat comfortably? Keeping your specific space in mind, consider your dining bench options:
Full-Length Benches
As the name suggests, a full-length dining bench is the entire length of your table. This type of seat is an excellent choice if you have a pedestal-style table because you can tuck the bench neatly under the table without the table’s legs getting in the way.
Tucked-In Benches
If your table has legs at all four corners, you’ll want a bench that will tuck under the table between the table’s legs. This feature provides enough clearance so the bench does not bump the legs every time you tuck it in.
Corner Benches
Corner dining benches work well with tables near a corner of the room (or in a smaller room) and for people who entertain often. Be sure when choosing a corner bench that there is plenty of room for people to access it and sit comfortably.
Benches With Backrests
A bench with a straight back has a simple, clean look and helps create a pleasing visual impact. Benches with backs also allow you to squeeze an extra person or two in, making seating more comfortable no matter how many people you entertain.
What to Consider When Buying a Dining Room Bench
When you’re ready to pick out bench seating for your dining room, you should consider a few things. These pointers can help ensure you choose a piece that works well in your space and that you and your family and guests will enjoy for years.
Dining Room Space
Be sure to measure your space to ensure the bench you choose will fit comfortably. Also, consider your existing decor and choose a dining bench that will coordinate well with the colors and style you already have in your home. Bear in mind the table size and shape, bench size, and the piece’s style and appearance.
Table Shape
Benches are designed to accompany square, rectangular, triangular, or corner tables. Unless you can find a curved bench, this furniture choice may not be ideal if you have a round table, where individual chairs take up less space and seat more diners.
Table Size
Measure your table, including the space between the legs if there are legs at the corners of the table. Make sure your bench will fit easily and tuck under the table when not in use.
Bench Size
Choosing the best bench is a balancing act. You want one that will seat enough people and fit properly into your space. Remember that your bench should be the right length and height from floor to seat to allow enough leg space between the seat and table. While many bench options are dining-table height, you’ll need a bar- or counter-height bench for bar- or counter-height tables.
Style and Appearance
With so many assorted styles, finding a dining room bench that suits your preferences and needs should be a breeze. Consider the material. For example, a padded and upholstered dining bench will look luxurious. In contrast, a simple wooden dining bench will be easier to clean.
Make Dining More Convenient and Enjoyable With Home Zone’s Dining Room Benches
Whatever you want in a bench, you can find it at Home Zone. We have many comfortable dining benches in a range of colors, styles, and materials, from solid wood to upholstered and padded, to part of a table’s seating set. You’ll also find many furniture pieces for your dining room, living room, bedroom, and more. Place your order today or contact us for home decor or interior design ideas. .