When is a bench appropriate for a dining room?

9 years ago

We've always liked the look of a bench. When is it considered appropriate to use a bench instead of two chairs? Are there any "rules" on using a bench at the dining room table?

Featured Answer

hayleydaniels

9 years ago

It might look cool, but do you really expect two of your guests to sit on a hard wooden bench while two others get nice, well padded chairs? Don't put something out you aren't willing to sit on, and then when you have company, offer for you and your spouse to take the bench out of common courtesy. I can tell you this, if I was expected to sit on a hard old bench, I wouldn't be happy.

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Comments (42)

crowley48
9 years ago
I think you should do what you love. :).
I've never followed "the rules" in decorating my home.
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Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
@hayleydaniels you make a very good point. I think this is a "form over function?" scenario. I love the look but like you said, it is probably uncomfortable.
Darzy
9 years ago
We only use a bench from the bedroom for extra seating at the table when we need to. And, as Hayley mentioned, my husband and I use the bench. Not our guests.
stryker
9 years ago
Consider ease of use, or lack thereof. You can't scoot it in and out, And look how much lower this particular bench is compared to the chairs. I agree with hayley: I wouldn't be happy either if I had to sit on a hard thing. Personally, I think it's impractical and not worth potential style points.
Cristina Lo
9 years ago
You can always put nice bench pads to make it comfortable. I think benches are space savers, say one side of your dining table is a high traffic area, a bench can help give the illusion of a bigger and cleaner space
PRO
User
9 years ago
The bench doesn't need to be hard. There are beautiful upholstered benches that offer both comfort and style. There is no right or wrong on when to use a bench. And you'll be on the edge as benches are definitely growing in popularity. Enjoy!
groveraxle
9 years ago
A bench is appropriate for squirmy kids in the breakfast nook.
747.2fra
9 years ago
I like the back rest of a chair. This provides comfort to leave back and enjoy conversation. Benches are for kids and those you don't want to linger.
User
9 years ago
Since you like the *look* of a bench, use it. No rules against looking;))
tw123456
9 years ago
I don't even like the look of this photo, (no offence) it is way too out of balance for me. Besides all the bad aspects of a bench in a dinning room as mentioned above, when one of your guests, or whoever is sitting on the bench needs to get up, the the other person/people would have to get up. also. I do know that when a lady gets up from the table the men used to at least get up also until she left,....
As others have said though, you need to do what appeals to you ;0).
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
@tw123456 No offense taken. It's not my dining room. I definitely see the reasoning behind not doing the bench. I've decided against it. Never really took into account most of what's been said here.
tw123456
9 years ago
Good morning Joe ;0), I am glad you have decided not to go the bench way. Houzz is a great site to make friends, and get good advice from pros, amateurs, and some who think they are pros (snickering).
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
I still don't know what dining room set we're gonna go with though.
tw123456
9 years ago
what styles do you gravitate towards, do you entertain a lot, are you more formal than casual, or somewhere in between? You must be thinking, what's with all the questions ;0(? LOL.
cabingirl13
9 years ago
outside on a farm is what comes to mind....but you do whatever you want.
lisask12
9 years ago
I like the look of the photo - very pretty, but have been seated on the bench ar various times. I agree that it is not very practical, but if you are not using the bench often, it might be fine. My other concern is with the height of the bench, which must be high enough for guests yo reach the table comfortably.
karen3000
9 years ago
I agree that a bench would be uncomfortable for dining. Your guests will want to lean back after the meal while enjoying conversation and a glass of wine.
tw123456
9 years ago
I guess if someone has to have a bench, maybe the bench should be placed against a wall, so the guests can lean back and not fall off. LOL
carebear_zb
9 years ago
I agree about the wall. My grandmother had a bench, but it was against the wall and was a great way to get 6-7 kids all on one side of the table. Or just push the table to the wall to get more room. But otherwise I wouldn't offer one to my guests at an indoor table.
tw123456
9 years ago
I was joking about the wall, but come to think of it guests might appreciate it, lol.
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
@tw123456 I really hope this makes sense...my wife and I are pretty much simpletons when it comes to interior design. If I weren't a Graphic Designer by trade I'd probably have zero clue what I want. Anyway, the style we gravitate towards is best described as "simple and clean but not modern". We like darker wood. Love black. I like a lot of stuff on West Elm – in particular this table...

http://www.westelm.com/products/emmerson-dining-table-g504/?pkey=cdining-tables&cm_src=dining-tables%7C%7CNoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-&group=1&sku=6499610

Only thing is, we want that in black and as you can see, they don't offer it in black.

Also, this is our first house and with our first baby on the way, we intend on taking over hosting some of the family holidays. We want to have family & friends over often so I guess you could say, yes – we want to entertain.

When it's just my wife and I, we eat at our little table in the kitchen so I see our dining room table getting used 1-2 times a week.
Cristina Lo
9 years ago
Hi Joe, there's a table at Urban Barn that is pretty dark too, don't know if you like that or prefer the total black ones
http://www.urbanbarn.com/product/ironside+extension+counter+table.do?sortby=ourPicks&refType=
Joe Nicklo thanked Cristina Lo
PRO
APK Designs LLC
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
A bench in a dining room can often be used if you would like a more casual, homely look. Another reason to use a bench is when you have spatial constraints. I just did a layout and used a bench up against the wall to make the dining area roomier and more functional. Comfort is the number 1 design element I would consider in a bench.
PRO
Carey Reid Kirk inc.
9 years ago
Good morning Joe, Have you considered using an upholstered bench with a back, somewhat like a banquette? This would provide fanny and back comfort/support as well as good design.
sarainitaly
9 years ago
I am doing a bench, but i have 5 nieces and nephews. I also have 8 other chairs (that will be coordinated) at other tables that I can pull in and swap for the bench, as needed per dinner party. I love the look, and also love the fact that chair backs won't block the front view of my table. The two styles will be similar to these:
Joe Nicklo thanked sarainitaly
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
@Cristina Lo That is a really nice table. Thanks for the link.
tw123456
9 years ago
Joe, I don't know how large your dining room is, but I thought since you will be entertaining your family a lot, the size of this table might be good. Would you please post some pics of your space, and what you have in there. What is your budget for the dining room, I will be looking for some more sets. http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Warehouse-of-Tiffany-9-piece-Brown-Juno-Table-Dining-Set/9040008/product.html?refccid=HJVYN7QTKUEZYYKAY4VPGA7LIQ&searchidx=6
tw123456
9 years ago
Some rustic tables. This site has reasonable prices.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Anvil-Wood-Dining-Table-in-Black/9086604/product.html
Joe Nicklo thanked tw123456
tw123456
9 years ago
Table just above is sold separately.
Joe Nicklo thanked tw123456
rouxb
9 years ago
Not a fan of dining benches for adults. You have no control over your own comfort in terms of distance from the table and access can be problematic.
PRO
Studio M Interior Design
9 years ago
I love the bench and two chairs look! It's perfect for a space with modern asian flair :)
glschisler
9 years ago
I grew up in a family of 8 kids & a small dining room. Mom had a very nice long deacon's bench on one side for 4 of us & a slab bench my dad made that was on the wall side of the room. The table was pulled out from the wall at dinner time. The deacon bench was swung around to to living room when guests visited. Benches are quite functional.
tw123456
9 years ago
http://www.worldmarket.com/category/furniture/dining-room.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&pp=191 This black table seems like a handy table, with extension hidden within the table itself. I am trying to post this pic, but having trouble, will try again.
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
I'll post some pics. We just moved into the house from our apartment so we have very little furniture. Clean slate.
tw123456
9 years ago
Joe, one thing you and your wife might consider is, if you are going to buy a coffee table, try to remember that the baby is going to be trying to, and later will stand near and at the table, so what I mean is, you might consider some kind of soft upholstered ottoman/bench, maybe even leather or faux leather which will hold up well. This type is used for seating, eating on, and many other ways. If you do buy a table, you will need to buy bumper pads for the edges of the table, (sold at baby stores) so baby doesn't get hurt on the edges of the table.
Joe Nicklo thanked tw123456
cyprinella
9 years ago
I have a table with regular chairs and a bench. The bench is great for my kids and even better when we have parties. Lots of kids can fit as opposed to two chairs. When having adult company, my husband and I gladly take the bench if the kids are not eating with us. So, for the right family, a bench can be very practical.
Joe Nicklo thanked cyprinella
Joe Nicklo
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
@tw123456 Here is the photo of the space. My wife pointed out that she wants a dining room table with a stone top. I had showed here the tables you linked to me and while I love them – she's leaning towards something a little different.
PRO
Old English Fireplace Benches
9 years ago
On benches and dining rooms, consider a club fender. The fireplace is probably rarely lit and therefore ceremonial. The fender bench will add design interest and relevancy. Before or after formal dining, it'll provide casual seating. It's a great place to set down a tray when the table is otherwise set for meals.
PRO
B. Thrower, Interior Redesign and Home Staging
9 years ago
Padded and tufted....clearly a personal preference. I have two each side of my dining room table.
annacabana2000
9 years ago
my dining space s against a wall- so I will have quite a deep bench outfitted with sheep skins and cushions for a cozy feel whre dining guests can lean back and get comfy during a long meal...on the other side of the table I will have two chairs. Some people may not enly a dinner where they cannot get comfy and lean back into a chair /against a wall...just a thought :)
gianna0322
6 years ago
what about in a small breakfast nook with
a small table?