Save space with a stylish dining bench

Discover why dining benches save more space than chairs and the latest bench features to look out for

Ironbridge Industrial reclaimed wood dining bench, Modish Living

Benches save more space than chairs

Benches save more space than chairs because they actually make more space. With the table shown above, you can get two chairs comfortably along the length of one side of the table or a bench that's designed to seat three, but could probably accommodate four adult bottoms and five children's bottoms at a push. By opting for a bench instead of chairs, you will get more people around your dining table. 

Kelso Dining Bench, Dunelm

Benches tuck under tables

It's rare that you find a whole set of chairs that will tuck neatly under the table they are bought to sit alongside. Most stylish dining benches can be tucked right under the table, however, so when not in use they take up much less floor space in your kitchen or dining room, which means that the room looks a lot less cluttered.

Sanza Grey Gloss and Mellow Velvet Dining Set, Danetti

Consider an upholstered bench for extra comfort

For a more comfy seat, look for a space-saving bench that is upholstered or add extra cushions. Ideally you want an upholstered seat that is protected against spillages or cushion covers that can be washed when required. If you have young children, however, you may prefer to leave your seats bare to avoid constant scrubbing and minimise stains.

Alden Bench, Cox & Cox

A bench with a back offers more support

If you suffer from back pain or often entertain people that do, a space-saving bench with a back offers more support. You may have to search a little to find one that's to your taste, but there are a host of contemporary and traditional styles out there.
A style with a back and arms will offer even more support, but if it's to regularly hold more than two people, getting everyone in and out of it, will entail a little shuffling. To make things easier look out for a model with lowish arms.
If you decide to go with a bench with no back or arms, go for two chairs at the top of and bottom of the table with good support, so that you have a more ergonomic alternative when required. 

Bunk White Pine Storage Bench by Woood, Cuckooland

A space-saving bench with storage

When space is really tight and you need to maximise your storage space, consider a stylish dining bench that also allows you to store stuff within it or under it.
These storage benches will be heavier to lift up and more awkward to move around though, so this is really only an option if you plan to place your bench and leave it. When it comes to access, you will need to move the table instead of the bench to get seated upon it.

Fill a corner with an L-shaped dining bench

Tuck an L-shaped dining bench into the corner of your kitchen to make the most of every inch of space in your dining area. The hand-crafted corner low-arm Monk's bench, shown above from Amazon's Handmade range has low arms for easy access and it offers oodles of storage underneath the lift-up seating area; perfect for dog food, toilet rolls or blankets. It's offered in a range of lovely Farrow & Ball paint finishes too.

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Dining tables that max space