Benches or chairs are a necessity in every home, especially because people have to sit. However, sometimes you may wonder which is best for your home. Considering that many people opt for chairs even before considering benches, it’s always good to know the advantages of choosing one over the other.
When I moved into my new home, I wondered how best to maximize space at my dining table. For the first time, I found myself asking: Do benches take up less space than chairs?
Benches take up less space than chairs. Unlike chairs, furniture makers naturally design benches to save more space and accommodate more people. A seating area that allows only three chairs for three people can conveniently house a single bench and accommodate up to 5 adults or six children.
Some people may not fancy benches because they are common in parks. However, you’ll learn more about why benches could be the perfect choice for your modern home when there’s a need to save space. I’ll also share useful tips on how to select the perfect bench for your dining table as you read further.
Are Bench Dining Tables Good?
Bench dining tables are good and can be a great choice for people on days when you have guests. For example, the first time I had other families at my home for a Christmas-eve dinner, I ran out of seats. I couldn’t avoid bringing in more seats to accommodate the small crowd in the dining room.
Once I switched to bench dining tables, I had an idea how to better plan my guest sitting arrangement. Bench dining tables are quite fashionable and can give you a better mental picture of who should sit where. Also, you never have to worry about kids of the same age sitting too high or low.
Knowing that bench dining tables are good is not all the information you need regarding shopping. You’ll need to consider your space and how you’d like to decorate it. Of course, benches can come in very natural woody looks, but it won’t hurt to consider the theme of your home when shopping for dining benches.
Do Benches Take up Less Space than Chairs?
Benches take up less space than chairs because they are designed to create more space. There are two options for a compact family dinner table when it comes to benches and chairs.
The first option is a bench meant to seat four people but could allow five adult bottoms and six child bottoms at a push. The second option involves three seats that fit comfortably along one side of the table. The more people you can fit around your dining table, the better.
If you buy a set of chairs to go with a table, chances are they won’t all fit under the table. Most contemporary dining seats can be tucked beneath the table to save space in your dining room or kitchen area when not in use. This helps to make the room appear cleaner.
Add extra cushions or choose a padded space-saving bench for a more comfortable seat. If possible, choose an upholstered seat with a spill-resistant cover or washable cushion covers. To save repeated scrubbing and minimize staining, you may opt to leave your chairs bare if you have youngsters.
Should a Bench Be as Long as the Table?
The length of the dining bench should be equal to or slightly less than the length of the table. Opting for a slightly longer bench than the table will not only look ugly; it’ll take up more space than needed. Also, a longer bench might mean no “table space” for whoever sits at the edge of the bench at full capacity.
Also, the height of the seat from the floor should create sufficient legroom beneath the tabletop. Measure your existing dining table before purchasing a bench. Before purchasing bench seating, measure the height and length of your table’s top and examine the shape of the table.
If you are not sure about what size of table and benches to buy, ensure to measure your dining area. Knowing the size of the area you’re working with helps you decide how much space you want to save and what length of dining table and benches will work best.
How Tall Should a Dining Table Bench Be?
A breakfast bench is an excellent complement to any kitchen table. Getting the appropriate one that fits can be difficult. To ensure that you fit and feel at ease, you must choose the appropriate depth, width, and height. You may be wondering what the proper height for a dining bench is while you search.
A dining room bench’s typical height should be around 18 and 20 inches. This permits adults to sit nicely with their feet on the floor and allows it to fit beneath a regular 30″ height table. This, when combined with the appropriate depth and width, helps make the bench more pleasant.
Most dining tables will come with matching benches to assist you in choosing the ideal one from the start. If you’re introducing a bench to a table that didn’t previously have one, the measurements listed above are an excellent first step.
If you intend to use a table that is not the typical 30′′ in diameter, you may need to choose a different size for the bench. A 36-inch counter-height dining table requires a bench that is 24 inches tall from floor to seat.
The dimensions above are based on the assumption that you are the typical U.S. height. If you are shorter or taller than this height, the standard height may not be comfortable for you.
The goal of selecting a good dining bench is for you to sit and be relaxed with your feet on the ground. If your feet are hanging, the bench is not at the correct height. And if your legs are cramped up, this is also a terrible indicator. Some easy guidelines to follow are as follows:
- Think about shortening the bench if you’re shorter.
- Raising the seat height will allow taller people to sit more comfortably.
If you choose this strategy, keep in mind that you may need to adjust the size of the table as well. You don’t want a table that’s too short if you raise the bench or too high if you lower it.
