We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. From the simple elegance of a solid oak seat to a transitional slipcover design, a dining bench can bring versatile seating with an intimate feel to your table. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully curated collection of dining benches has something perfect for your home, offering an elevating element for livable design.
Not sure where to start when shopping dining benches? Don't worry, we have you covered. Check out a few tips below.
When to Choose a Dining Bench Over Chairs
A well-styled dining bench can transform a dining space. Whether a breakfast nook with a small banquette or a farmhouse dining table with a rustic dining room bench, there are numerous ways to introduce bench seating into your design. But how do you know if a dining bench is right for your table set? As with all things design, there isn’t a hard and fast rule here. However, whether building a dining set from scratch or just upgrading your seating, there are several factors to consider.
One of the main advantages of styling a dining table bench is flexibility in seating. With a bench seat, there’s always room to fit one more place at the table, especially if you have older kids who bring home friends or an ever-rotating guest list of your own—after all, the best tables are always open. Many designers also feel a bench creates a more intimate feel at the table as everyone gathers in.
The other advantage of a dining bench may not be immediately obvious—but you notice it when you walk into the room. It has to do with a design principle called visual flow. Because a bench is one long uninterrupted line instead of multiple separate pieces as chairs would be, your eyes move over it more easily. This can have a subtle but profound effect on how the space feels. Not only does it lend to a less cluttered, more minimalist look, it can also make the space feel bigger as the line guides your eyes horizontally. Even in a small dinette, this can have an understated impact that elevates the whole.
Dining benches tend toward a more casual feel, so in most formal dining spaces, you may want to opt for chairs, but keep in mind that dining benches don’t come in one shape, size, or style. We’ll talk more about styling a bench below, but for now, it’s good to note that more formal pieces, such as this Haddan Slipcover Dining Bench with bespoke fabric options, exist and can make elegant seating for a refined curation.
How To Style Your Dining Bench
There are nearly endless configurations for styling your dining room furniture. You can go for a classic look with arm chairs at the head of the table or a more eclectic mix that showcases your style—but perhaps the most dynamic option is a dining bench seat. But how do you make it work in your space?
Sizing a dining bench depends on your space and the layout you have in mind. In general, the length of the bench should be no longer than the length of your table and shorter than the width of the legs if you’re looking to stow it away when not in use. As with dining chairs, you also want to leave a little over a foot of space between the table's height and the seat's height so guests can sit comfortably.
Beyond those few simple guidelines, how you style a kitchen or dining room bench is up to you. You can lean into the added comfort of a sculptural design with a contoured seatback like the Manila Dining Bench or opt for something pared-down that can fold seamlessly into Scandinavian or farmhouse decor. For a more unified approach, some dining collections include a matching dining bench seat so you can keep your table trimly tailored from end to end.
A dining room or kitchen table bench is a popular low-profile choice for flexible seating, but it can also elevate your design with standout appeal. Check out styles like this upholstered Colm Bench, which is tailor-made for round dining tables. Pieces like this can turn a smaller dining nook into a statement feature in your home—offering practical comfort with a showstopping design moment.
You can also re-purpose a dining table bench throughout your home, any place you might style a standard bench seat. Something like this Olson Bench can bring a mid-century finish to your entryway with its linear wood frame and slatted seat, perfect for putting on shoes or dropping bags and packages when you come through the door.
However you style it, bench seating allows you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Whether you want to buy a velvet banquette or a simple kitchen table bench, our collections and filters will help you find the pieces you’re looking for. By pairing the perfect chairs with your table, you can elevate one of our most basic shared rituals—with taste.
When you shop dining room furniture at Lulu and Georgia, you'll find pieces that complement the style of your home but also make it feel more elevated. You can choose from our wide selection to find the perfect purchase, no matter what you're looking for. Check our dining room inspiration page for more ideas on styling an inviting table.
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