Narrow Benches

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Whether you are looking for an entryway seat while taking your shoes off or you need additional seats in your living and dining area, narrow benches add functionality without taking up a lot of floor space. Their visually light and casual appeal brings a sense of openness to the interior environment. If you are on the lookout for the perfect long and narrow bench or small bench options, let our design experts guide you through the selection process.

Chloe Hughes Interior Design Expert

Chloe is a highly-regarded expert in all things vintage and antique. She’s excited to share her vast knowledge with readers and clients wishing to infuse their homes with a mixture of old-time warmth and modern comfort. In addition to her design work, Chloe regularly volunteers at her local community center, teaching DIY projects to adults and kids.

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Updated 27/04/2023

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Narrow Benches

Buying Guide

A dining bench is a simple yet effective way to introduce comfort and flexibility in your home. A bench is easy to interpret in either a formal dining area or a casual kitchen because of its various sizes, types, designs and colors.

Let this guide help you make the right decision and have a purchase you will not regret.

What Size Kitchen & Dining Benches should I Pick?

Before you decide on the size, have the width and height of your kitchen/dining space measured to avoid disappointment.

An obvious thing to consider first is how many people you would like to seat and if a set of two benches would be better. A bench between 42 and 52 inches long will seat two adults or three kids comfortably.
If you already have a table, you should aim for the bench to be roughly the table measurements from between the legs. And calculate the total footprint based on the bench aligned with the edge of the table so everyone can get to their seats.
In case you want a bench that has a backrest, make sure it fits under windowsills and other panelling.

Which Style of Bench will Suit my Kitchen / Dining Area?

Full-Length Dining Benches - this type of bench suits a pedestal dining or kitchen table or tables where the legs are not set at each one of the four corners.
Tucked in Dining Benches - these benches offer a neat compact look so you can save some space. This type needs to fit the inside leg length rather than the tabletop's length.
Corner Dining Benches - these are great for creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. They beg for pedestal tables but with the right measurements you can always opt for a table with legs.
Backless Benches - Due to their backless feature, they effortlessly open your kitchen and dining space. They can save you quite some space if their length is smaller than the table so you can neatly tuck them underneath.
Dining Bench with Backrest - a backrest provides a bit more comfort, support and seating space than the backless one.
Interchangeable Benches - this is a recently designed bench, which aims to reduce issues with permanent size and seating. It offers you the choice of fitting several people to a single person and is ideal for smaller dining and kitchen areas.

Does the Material of the Kitchen & Dining Bench Matter?

If you are adding a bench to an already established kitchen or dining interior, you need to consider how the material of the bench will match it.
Wood is always a safe choice for interiors because it can fit any style but still consider the color.
Upholstery benches might be the right choice if you have little ones because it is easier to clean if stains or spills happen. They are also the most diverse in fabric patterns and colors.
A leather dining bench is a design statement since leather is linked to elegance and finesse. It is a good choice if you can maintain it properly and if it has a water-resistant coat. It can fit both vintage and modern kitchen and dining areas.

What are the pros and cons of different materials used in constructing benches?

The type of material that the narrow bench is made from will depend on where you intend to put it. Materials such as wood can look great outside, but if it's likely to rain a lot, you should consider a sturdier material. Iron or steel might not look very appealing to you, and metals will rust easily in bad weather. Ensure that any wooden benches have been varnished properly beforehand, and if you choose a harder and more durable material, add character and color by using cushions and throws.

How to use narrow benches for extra storage?

Narrow benches made a great addition to your home when placed in the hallway. This allows you or guests to your home the space to put any items along with coats, shoes and bags. It's also a great place to perch while you take your shoes on and off!

Another way you can make your bench into a useful storage solution is to install shelves underneath the bench. You can store books, shoes, plants and ornaments on the shelves, and you will still have the entire length of the bench for anything else.

How to make sure the bench is suitable for the whole family?

If you have a family and there are young children living in your home, you should ensure that any furniture you buy is suitable. This includes checking that the items comply with rules around fire resistance, particularly if you are buying from an individual trader. You should also request for any sharp edges to be softened or rounded so that injuries are minimized, should your child accidentally trip or collide with it.

How to style with narrow benches?

Narrow benches can look very stylish when used in a vintage setting within the home. They look particularly good if you are going with a 'farmhouse' style – a wooden bench will make an attractive addition. If you don't like the full vintage look but you want a bit of a throwback, you can paint a wooden bench a bright color and make it into a more 'retro' bench. As long as you buy a bench in a material that is versatile, you can switch it up and change the colors and themes whenever you like.

Quick Tips

Here's a quick list of the main points made in the guide to help you come to a decision quicker:

The most important thing to remember about dining and kitchen tables is size. They need to be roughly the table measurements from between the legs.
The type of bench comes down to personal preference but also to the amount of space and kind of table you have. For smaller kitchen and dining areas a backless bench or interchangeable one fits best but if you can spare some extra space, you should opt for a full-length bench or corner one.
Benches are usually made from wood, fabric or leather. Wood fits well with any set color scheme, leather adds a touch of elegance to a space and fabric ones are most popular with families with kids because they are easiest to maintain.
A storage bench is never a bad idea, especially if you have a lot of bulky kitchen devices that clutter your countertop.

Bonus tip: A great idea when buying benches is to look into the handmade items which are available from many individual tradesmen. Not only can you be proud of supporting a local business, but you're also likely to get quality furniture that is unique to your home and can't be found anywhere else. It also means that you can request for the bench to be customized, whether in terms of sizing, color or shape.