4.7 
A dining bench offers more seats per running metre than individual chairs and fits nicely against a wall or in a corner. Chairs are more comfortable for long meals, easier to clean and can be moved around. Most households get the most out of a combination: a bench on the wall side and chairs on the open side.
The choice is often made on looks, while in practice it is mainly a question of space. Below are the differences that really matter after a year of daily use.
How many extra seats does it give you?
On a bench, allow fifty-five to sixty centimetres per person; with chairs, sixty to sixty-five. That may not seem like much of a difference, but with a bench the space between the chairs disappears too.
In practical terms, this means that at a 220 centimetre table, four people fit on the bench side, compared with three chairs. With children the difference grows even further, because it is easy to shuffle up on a bench.
On the other hand, that shuffling up is also the downside. Whoever sits in the middle cannot get out without everyone else standing up.
Which is more comfortable?
For a half-hour meal, it makes little difference. For lingering at the table, a chair wins, because your back is supported at the right height and you can lean back a little.
Many dining benches have a low or straight back. That is fine for eating, but less pleasant for sitting at for two hours.
If you do choose a bench and like to linger at the table, look for a model with a full backrest rather than a bare seat.
Which is more practical to maintain?
You can lift chairs, clean them separately and, if necessary, have them cleaned individually. You cannot just put a 240 centimetre bench out in the garden.
On the other hand, a bench has fewer legs, and legs are what get dirty fastest under a dining table and scratch the floor.
With young children, a removable cover on the bench is worth having. Ask about it explicitly, as by no means every model offers this option.
Which table shape suits which choice?
| Table shape | Bench | Chairs |
|---|---|---|
| Rectangular | Good, straight bench along the long side | Good |
| Danish oval | Good, provided the bench follows the curve | Good |
| Round | Only with a semicircular bench | Good |
| Table in a corner | Best choice | Fair |
| Free-standing table | Fair | Best choice |
With a round table and a straight bench, a wedge of unused space remains between the bench and the edge of the table. In that case, choose a bench that follows the curve.
What does it cost?
| Option | Example | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dining bench, corner arrangement | Philip dining bench, 245 x 165 cm | from €2,305.00 |
| Dining bench, semicircular | Philip dining bench, 330 x 85 cm | from €2,325.00 |
| Six chairs, entry-level model | Seoul dining chair, €249.00 each | € 1.494,00 |
| Six chairs, wooden model | Malmo dining chair, €520.00 each | € 3.120,00 |
So a bench is not automatically cheaper or more expensive; it depends on which chairs you compare it with. View the range of dining benches and dining chairs.
Key points
- A bench gives you roughly one extra seat per running metre.
- Chairs are more comfortable for lingering at the table and easier to clean.
- Whoever sits in the middle of a bench cannot get out without help.
- For a table in a corner, the bench wins; for a free-standing table, chairs win.
- A combination of a bench plus chairs works best for most households.
Frequently asked questions
Can you combine a dining bench with chairs?
Combining a dining bench with chairs is the most popular arrangement. Usually the bench is on the wall side and the chairs on the open side, so everyone can get out easily. Do make sure the seat height of the bench and chairs is roughly the same, otherwise people will sit unevenly at the table.
What seat height does a dining bench have?
A dining bench has a seat height of forty-five to fifty centimetres, matched to a table height of seventy-five centimetres. If the seat height is lower, you sit too low in relation to your plate.
How deep should a dining bench be?
A dining bench is about sixty-five centimetres deep. That is enough to sit upright with back support, but not so deep that you sink into it. Deeper models are really lounge sofas and are uncomfortable at the table.
Is a dining bench suitable for young children?
A dining bench works well with young children, because more children fit on it and they cannot fall off a chair. The downside is that crumbs and stains are harder to reach than on an individual chair. So ask about a version with a removable cover.
Does a dining bench fit under the table when you are not using it?
A dining bench usually only slides partly under the table, because the backrest hits the edge of the table. Models without a back do slide away completely. If you want to be able to put the bench out of sight, deliberately choose a backless version.
Finally
Look at where your table is and how long you stay seated at the table. If the table is in a corner and you eat quickly, a bench is the logical choice. If the table is free-standing and you like to linger, choose chairs.
If in doubt, a combination is usually the answer. Visit one of our showrooms to try both arrangements.
