InteriorsVersatile Dining Table Configurations With Bench Seating
Versatile Dining Table Configurations With Bench Seating
Compared to the usual table and chair configuration, a dining table with bench seating seems a bit odd and unusual. But before you dismiss the idea, consider the advantages and all the unique features that come with it. For instance, a bench can be perceived as being more comfortable by a lot of people because of the simple fact that it seats more people closer together, allowing them to interact.
A bench can also be more practical than a set of chairs if, let’s say, you have an oval table and you decide to complement it with a curved seat. Usually, when furnishing a dining space, we get a table and we immediately think to put some chairs around it. But just because this option is so common doesn’t necessarily mean it’s also the best one for every type of space and decor. In fact, sometimes too many individual chairs can make a space look cluttered and smaller and a much better option is to have banquette seating instead.
View in galleryYou can have both a bench and a set of chairs if you think the combo would suit your dining roomView in galleryThe chairs can sit along the wall and the bench can double as a divider on the other side of the tableView in galleryA bench of even a minimalist sofa can be used in the dining space if the space and decor allow itView in gallerySomehow benches made the dining room look cozier and more inviting than chairs would
As it turns out, benches offer multiple advantages. For instance, they can make a space feel more casual by bringing everyone closer together and favoring the interaction between those seated at the table. It’s what a round table top does but in a different version. A dining table with bench seats can also create a more comfortable and intimate ambiance and decor.
View in gallerySmall dining tables can be used in combination with benches too. You just have to find a small benchView in galleryConsider a corner bench or sectional if you want to maximize the usable seating spaceView in galleryEmbrace diversity by putting a bench on one side of the dining table and chairs on the other
Another detail to take into consideration when choosing between chairs and benches is the fact that a bench can also include some storage under its seat. In some cases that can come in very handy, especially if the space is small and storage is a general issue. Kitchen bench seating and breakfast nooks are usually known to include built-in storage.
View in galleryThe bench and chairs can have matching designs or they can complement each other in other waysView in gallerySome benches also offer built-in storage under their seats which is useful for small spacesView in galleryIn a lot of ways, benches are the best fit for kitchen breakfast nooks or corner spacesView in galleryYou can also use a bench to delineate the dining space in an open floor planView in galleryYou can have more flexibility with a bench than with individual chairs around a dining tableView in galleryIt’s the chairs that stand out in this case, being combined with a matching bench and table duoView in galleryDespite its casual nature, a bench can also fit in a sober and formal settingView in galleryIf a casual and comfortable ambiance is your final goal for the dining room, a bench can help you achieve itView in galleryThere are a lot of variations to choose from when it comes to benches. This is one of the optionsView in galleryChoose a bench without backrest if you want the room to look more spaciousView in galleryA bench can be replaced by a loveseat or a small sofa in certain configurations and decorsView in galleryYou can also have more than two types of seats at the dining table if you enjoy diversityView in galleryBenches can be with or without backrests and you can put these two types together at the same tableView in galleryA small dining table can be overwhelmed by the seating placed around itView in galleryMake the chairs and bench match the decor to allow the table to stand outView in galleryAn L-shaped bench is a nice way to frame a rectangular table and to fill a cornerView in galleryFor cohesion, you can pick a bench or banquette that matches the chairsView in galleryMix and match different seating options so everyone can be comfortableView in galleryRound tables and straight or L-shaped benches don’t really match. Look for curved models insteadView in galleryIn this case, the bench highlights the long and linear design of the table topView in galleryThis is a configuration that offers both comfort and flexibilityView in galleryWhen you combine chairs with benches or sofas the result is usually an eclectic designView in galleryThe high wingback backrest of the bench makes the dining configuration feel more intimate and comfortableView in gallerySometimes a bench can emphasize a geometric or linear design better a set of chairs wouldView in galleryAlthough quite long, this table doesn’t look big thanks to the strong contrast and the size of the bench alongside itView in gallerySmall sofas or benches with backrests are a good option for open dining areas or large spaces
A bench can also help highlight the elongated form of a rectangular dining table or its size. Benches can also turn out to be better for corner spaces, offering more seating room than one or two chairs would. You can also a bench to delineate the dining space in the case of an open floor plan that also includes the kitchen or the living area. Another advantage is the fact that there’s no predefined number of seats in the case of a bench so when you set the table you can include as many plates as you want as long as everyone can fit around the table.
View in galleryThe live edge wood unifies the table and bench and the chairs add a welcome contrasting elementView in galleryAlthough it’s more difficult to make benches work for oval dining tables, it is possibleView in galleryYou can also count on a bench to make a dining room look more traditional