5 Benches to Pull Up to the Dining Table
The dining chair has seen humankind through many eras. Available in thousands of forms and silhouettes, the chair has more than solidified itself as a household essential. But what about the bench? Typically reserved for gardens, parks, and restaurant seating, the bench is often passed over for the chair in the dining room. We’d like to argue in favor of the bench and show you all the reasons you should place a modern bench right alongside the chairs at your dining room table.
This is not a trend. Benches have been around just as long as chairs; they just aren’t usually chosen for dining spaces. Maybe it’s the slight inflexibility of them, or the preconceived notion that benches are boring or uninteresting. Whatever the reason, we at HORNE know benches have so much to offer in dining rooms.
Benefits of Using Benches in Dining Rooms
We’ve moved beyond the simple, three pieces of wood when it comes to benches. Like we said before: benches have a lot to offer. These days, we have some of the most memorable and desirable benches from Mid-Century Modern designers and contemporary design visionaries.
If you’re considering upgrading your dining room seating, here are some benefits of benches in dining rooms:
- Seating for everyone. The greatest benefit of the bench is that it instantly creates more space. No more space between chairs or accommodation for armrests. Instead, guests can crowd onto a bench. Usually this adds at least one more seat on that side of table than you would have had with chairs.
- Subtle Drama. Picture this: a bench stretching the length of your large dining table, lengthening the visual impact of the room and building some subtle drama. Or even better, a bench with contrasting materials and well-defined aesthetics that elevates a simple table and anchors the room’s style.
- Communal feel. Benches automatically create a communal feel around the dining table. As diners crowd in, and long tables are filled, you’ll feel the camaraderie. Benches are great for outdoor entertaining areas and dining rooms that regularly seat large families because they bring everyone together and force them to scrunch together during a delicious, shared meal.
Ultimately, we feel using benches in dining rooms creates a closer, more intimate environment. While chairs have a lot to offer, the bench tends to infuse that essential stylistic expression and produce a little bit of drama with dynamic visuals.
5 Benches to Pull Up to the Dining Table
Transform your dining experience with amazing benches from top designers. These pieces have inspired us, and we know you’ll love to pull them up to the dining table in your own home.
Brooks Bench - 102"
Urbia is well known for the visual impact of their furniture. The Brooks Bench seems simple at first glance, but packs a punch with its bold dimensions, Acacia wood construction, and natural edges. Available in five finishes, this bench allows the versatility of the wood to shine and offers a refined presence that doesn’t get lost in the room.
Edi Bench
The Edi Bench is already matched up with the Edi dining table, but we know this bench would look amazing in any Scandinavian dining room. Simple and refreshing, this bench features traditional joinery and beautiful oak or ash wood that provides that bright and clean look. Lightly oiled and smoothed, the Edi Bench has a calming expression and is available in three extra long lengths to suit all dining spaces.
Bough Bench
Another Scandinavian bench, the Bough Bench is a classic piece in the Kalon Studios collection. Its spindled legs, wide seat, and elegant angles make the Bough a perfect seating option for any dining room. Pair this bench with the Bough table or make it the minimalist addition to a more decorative table.
Cadence Bench
For us, the Cadence Bench exudes a welcoming presence. This bench is our top pick for outdoor dining seating, but we would love to see it in contemporary dining rooms. Made from teak, this bench features a slatted seat and angled slatted backrest that create the perfect recline and pair beautifully with cushions for endless comfort.
Mogensen Bench - Oiled Oak
Authenticity is at the heart of the Mogensen Bench. This oiled oak bench features a beautiful backrest and upholstered seat that complement a variety of spaces and offer exquisite comfort. Fredericia’s pieces have a luxurious feel and the Mogensen Bench combines that with a more Scandinavian aesthetic and brilliant modern expressions that just feel fresh no matter where you place this bench.
Where to Find Iconic Dining Table Benches
Building a dining room is about the environment and dining experience. But in the end, it’s the furniture that creates that environment. From subtle Scandinavian pieces to more modern benches, these expanded dining seating options craft community and visual interest, and provide ample seating for everyone to gather. At HORNE, we source the best of modern benches from contemporary design houses and iconic Mid-Century Modern designers. Shop the full bench collection and find iconic dining table benches for every dining space.
Explore related collections, including Tableware and Kitchen + Dining, and visit our design guides for a broader point of view.
