Compared to the usual table and chair configuration, a dining table with bench seating seems a bit odd and unusual. But before you dismiss the idea, consider the advantages and all the unique features that come with it. For instance, a bench can be perceived as being more comfortable by a lot of people because of the simple fact that it seats more people closer together, allowing them to interact.

A bench can also be more practical than a set of chairs if, let’s say, you have an oval table and you decide to complement it with a curved seat.Usually, when furnishing a dining space, we get a table and we immediately think to put some chairs around it. But just because this option is so common doesn’t necessarily mean it’s also the best one for every type of space and decor. In fact, sometimes too many individual chairs can make a space look cluttered and smaller and a much better option is to have banquette seating instead.

You can have both a bench and a set of chairs if you think the combo would suit your dining roomThe chairs can sit along the wall and the bench can double as a divider on the other side of the tableA bench of even a minimalist sofa can be used in the dining space if the space and decor allow itSomehow benches made the dining room look cozier and more inviting than chairs would

As it turns out, benches offer multiple advantages. For instance, they can make a space feel more casual by bringing everyone closer together and favoring the interaction between those seated at the table. It’s what a round table top does but in a different version. A dining table with bench seats can also create a more comfortable and intimate ambiance and decor.

Small dining tables can be used in combination with benches too. You just have to find a small benchConsider a corner bench or sectional if you want to maximize the usable seating spaceEmbrace diversity by putting a bench on one side of the dining table and chairs on the other

Another detail to take into consideration when choosing between chairs and benches is the fact that a bench can also include some storage under its seat. In some cases that can come in very handy, especially if the space is small and storage is a general issue. Kitchen bench seating and breakfast nooks areusually known to include built-in storage.

The bench and chairs can have matching designs or they can complement each other in other waysSome benches also offer built-in storage under their seats which is useful for small spacesIn a lot of ways, benches are the best fit for kitchen breakfast nooks or corner spacesYou can also use a bench to delineate the dining space in an open floor planYou can have more flexibility with a bench than with individual chairs around a dining tableIt’s the chairs that stand out in this case, being combined with a matching bench and table duoDespite its casual nature, a bench can also fit in a sober and formal settingIf a casual and comfortable ambiance is your final goal for the dining room, a bench can help you achieve itThere are a lot of variations to choose from when it comes to benches. This is one of the optionsChoose a bench without backrest if you want the room to look more spaciousA bench can be replaced by a loveseat or a small sofa in certain configurations and decorsYou can also have more than two types of seats at the dining table if you enjoy diversityBenches can be with or without backrests and you can put these two types together at the same tableA small dining table can be overwhelmed by the seating placed around itMake the chairs and bench match the decor to allow the table to stand outAn L-shaped bench is a nice way to frame a rectangular table and to fill a cornerFor cohesion, you can pick a bench or banquette that matches the chairsMix and match different seating options so everyone can be comfortableRound tables and straight or L-shaped benches don’t really match. Look for curved models insteadIn this case, the bench highlights the long and linear design of the table topThis is a configuration that offers both comfort and flexibilityWhen you combine chairs with benches or sofas the result is usually an eclectic designThe high wingback backrest of the bench makes the dining configuration feel more intimate and comfortableSometimes a bench can emphasize a geometric or linear design better a set of chairs wouldAlthough quite long, this table doesn’t look big thanks to the strong contrast and the size of the bench alongside itSmall sofas or benches with backrests are a good option for open dining areas or large spaces

A bench can also help highlight the elongated form of a rectangular dining table or its size. Benches can also turn out to be better for corner spaces, offering more seating room than one or two chairs would. You can also a bench to delineate the dining space in the case of an open floor plan that also includes the kitchen or the living area. Another advantage is the fact that there’s no predefined number of seats in the case of a bench so when you set the table you can include as many plates as you want as long as everyone can fit around the table.

The live edge wood unifies the table and bench and the chairs add a welcome contrasting elementAlthough it’s more difficult to make benches work for oval dining tables, it is possibleYou can also count on a bench to make a dining room look more traditional