Selecting The Right Bench
Benches are extremely versatile pieces that add an unexpected charm to the dining room. They’re one of the best ways to maximize seating around the dining table, as they accommodate more people than chairs do. They're also ideal for seating children, who tend to love the independence and novelty of bench seating.
Choosing a bench for your dining room is a relatively simple process. It requires only the careful consideration of a few factors to determine the best style for your use and home, so before selecting your bench, take the time to think through the following prompts.
ENVISION HOW THE BENCH WILL BE USED AND BY WHOM
Similar to picking out your dining room table, choosing a bench means you need to envision the people that will use it. Consider whether the bench will be used most often by little children or full-grown men. Then think about how many people you are hoping to fit onto the bench, and let these answers guide your choice.
CONSIDER THE DIMENSIONS: WIDTH, LENGTH, AND HEIGHT
It’s important to take into consideration the overall space where the bench will live. If you want to tuck it underneath the table when not in use, then measure how much space you have and how that will affect the size of your bench.
If your dining table is against a wall and the bench will be between wall and table, opt for a wider surface area. If not limited by a wall, then there’s the option to push back when needed, which allows for a narrower bench. Width is a personal choice, so envision your space and your people. Twenty inches is roomy, allows for pillows, makes it easier to get on and off, but it does take up more space. Eighteen inches is still comfortable and a space saver.
As for the bench length, it should be shorter than your table length, and the bench legs should either go outside or inside the table legs.
The standard height for most seating is 18", which pairs nicely with the standard height of most tables at 28.5-30". You can physically test sitting at different heights and see what feels most comfortable before committing to a specific height.
SELECT WOOD TYPE
When setting up your dining room, you may have chosen one leading colour. If so, then the wood type and finish for your bench should complement your table and other elements in the room for a monochromatic look. However, if you’re looking for contrast, then your bench can stand out. Choose a wood type and finish that brings attention to other small elements in your space.
PICTURE THE TRAVELLING BENCH
Benches are perhaps the most flexible piece of furniture. The entryway, mudroom, dining room, living room—it’s the piece that goes anywhere. So it's important to take other spaces in your home into consideration. Picture your bench at the foot of a bed or as a waterfall coffee table, and make sure you are investing in a piece that can travel through the home.
Here are a few ways our clients have styled their benches to serve as inspiration while you search for the perfect addition to your home!
To choose the best supporting cast for your dinners, it’s important to take a few things into consideration. Specifically, consider the way the dining table will be used (function), the size and style of your space, and your seating arrangements.
