Dining bench vs chairs: which is better for your table?
A dining bench gives a table a relaxed, sociable feel and can squeeze in an extra person. Chairs are more comfortable for long dinners. Many families end up using both.
Why choose a dining bench?
- Flexible seating: with no arms or gaps between seats, children can squeeze up and you can often fit an extra person.
- Space saving: a bench tucks fully under the table when not in use, keeping walkways clear in a small kitchen or dining room.
- Against a wall: a bench along a wall or in a window bay gives a cosy, banquette-style feel without built-in joinery.
- Relaxed look: benches suit farmhouse, Scandi and family kitchens.
Why choose chairs?
- Comfort: back support makes chairs better for long meals and older relatives.
- Getting in and out: each person can move their own chair, rather than everyone shuffling along a bench.
- Style choice: chairs give you more shapes, fabrics and colours to work with. See how to choose dining chairs.
Comparison
| Bench | Chairs | |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | Flexible; can squeeze an extra child in | Fixed: one per chair |
| Comfort | Backless benches are less supportive; some have a backrest | Back support, sometimes arms |
| Space | Tucks right under the table | Needs space to pull out |
| Best for | Children, kitchens, wall-side seating | Long dinners, adults, formal dining |
The best of both
A popular layout is a bench on one long side, usually against a wall, and chairs on the other side and at the ends. It combines flexible seating with comfort for those who want it. Choose chairs and bench in complementary materials, such as a wooden bench with upholstered chairs, or a bench upholstered in the same fabric as the chairs.
Sizing a bench
- Length: a bench a little shorter than the table looks neat and fits between the table legs. Check the distance between the legs before ordering.
- Seats: allow roughly 60cm of bench per adult, less for children.
- Height: as with chairs, leave about 25 to 30cm between the seat and the underside of the table.
- Depth: a deeper seat is more comfortable; a slimmer bench tucks away more easily.
Bench styles
- Backless wooden benches are classic and easy to wipe.
- Upholstered benches add comfort and softness; boucle and chenille are popular.
- Benches with backrests give more support for long meals.
- Storage benches hide table linen or kids' craft supplies.
Our dining benches come from LPD Home, SOLACE+CO and Vox, with wooden and upholstered designs. Some dining sets include a bench with the chairs.
Beyond the dining table
A bench is useful elsewhere too: at the foot of a bed, or in a hallway to sit on while putting shoes on. Browse hallway benches and our hallway storage ideas.
Care tips
- Felt pads under the legs protect floors when the bench is pulled out.
- Wipe wooden benches with a damp cloth and dry them.
- Vacuum upholstered benches with a soft brush and blot spills straight away.
Shop Dining Benches
Frequently asked questions
Is a dining bench comfortable?
Backless benches are fine for everyday meals and children, but less supportive for long dinners. Upholstered benches and those with a backrest are more comfortable.
How long should a dining bench be?
Usually a little shorter than the table so it fits between the table legs. Allow about 60cm of bench per adult.
Can you mix a bench with chairs?
Yes. A bench on one side, often against a wall, with chairs on the other side and at the ends is a popular layout.