Dining Benches

Have Room for Everyone with Dining Benches from Ashley Canada

Ever notice how chairs sometimes have a way of taking up way more space than they're worth? You need room to pull them out, push them in, and they usually end up scattered around the room when you try to vacuum.

This is where dining benches come in. They slide neatly under your table, accommodate more people in less space, and create a casual, “pull up a seat” vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.

Dining spaces in most Canadian homes need to be flexible. On Tuesday night, it’s just the four of you, but on Saturday, you might have ten people gathered for game night. No matter what size table you buy, there always seems to be one more person than you have chairs for. A dining bench solves this problem without turning your dining room into a crowded furniture showroom.

Why Choose a Dining Bench?

More Room for Guests -Three adults can comfortably sit where two chairs would fit, and kids can squeeze in even tighter. Hosting a birthday party? The bench handles it easily. Unexpected dinner guests? No problem! You won't be scrambling for extra seating because it's already available.

Easy to Use - Kids love benches because they can slide in and out without needing to pull a chair back. There’s no scraping noise against the floor or struggling with heavy chairs, just hop on and off. For parents, this means less furniture to replace when little ones inevitably bump into things during their daily activities.

Space-Saving Design - Once dinner is over, you can tuck your bench completely under the table. Suddenly, there’s more room to walk around, and your dining area feels less cluttered. This feature is especially handy in smaller homes, condos, or apartments where every square foot counts.

Mix and Match Your Style - Your dining set doesn’t have to match perfectly. You can pair a wooden bench with upholstered chairs or be bold with a tufted bench on one side and simple chairs on the other. Mixing different types of seating adds visual interest and gives your dining room a more personalized feel, rather than a cookie-cutter look.

Choosing the Right Dining Bench

Size and Fit - Measure your table first. Your bench should be slightly shorter than the length of the table, leaving space at the ends for comfortable movement. Most benches range from 42 to 72 inches long. If you’re pairing your bench with a standard rectangular dining table, aim for a bench about 12 to 18 inches shorter than the table itself.

Material Matters - Wood benches bring warmth and durability. They handle spills, wipe clean easily, and work with almost any decor style. Upholstered benches add softness and comfort, perfect if your family lingers at the table.

Styling Your Dining Bench

Create Balance - When mixing benches and chairs, consider placing the bench on one side of the table and chairs on the other. This creates a balanced, intentional look. Alternatively, you can use two benches facing each other with chairs at the head and foot for a modern, communal feel.

Add Comfort - Throw some cushions on a wooden bench to soften it up. Choose washable covers because let’s face it, spills happen. Cushions also allow you to change colours and patterns seasonally without needing to buy new furniture.

Consider Your Space - In an open-concept area, a bench helps define your dining space without obstructing sightlines. In a tight corner, a bench maximizes space better than chairs, as it can fit snugly against a wall.

Frequently Asked Dining Bench Questions

Are dining benches comfortable for long meals? It depends. Backless benches work well for quick meals and casual dining. If you're someone who enjoys long dinners with friends and family, look for benches with cushions for extra comfort. Many people find benches perfectly comfortable, especially when paired with the right table height.

How many people fit on a dining bench? Typically, you can fit one person per 24 inches of bench length. A 48-inch bench comfortably seats two adults or three kids. A 60-inch bench can accommodate three adults or four kids. Of course, this can vary based on the size of the individuals and personal comfort levels.

Can I use a dining bench with any table? Yes, but height matters. Your bench should sit 12 inches below your table's surface for comfortable seating. Standard dining tables are 28-30 inches high, so look for benches around 17-19 inches tall. Always double-check measurements before buying.

Do I need a bench on both sides of the table? Not necessarily! Many people opt for one bench paired with chairs, offering flexibility and visual variety. Two benches can create a casual, communal atmosphere that is great for families with children. Ultimately, it depends on your personal style and needs.

How do I clean an upholstered dining bench? Vacuum regularly to prevent crumbs from settling in. For spills, blot the area immediately using a clean cloth. Be sure to check the care instructions for your specific bench, and consider using a fabric protector spray for added protection against everyday messes.

Ready to Make Room for Everyone?

A dining bench changes how your dining space works and feels. It makes room for more people, saves precious floor space, and brings a relaxed, welcoming energy that makes everyone want to pull up a seat.

Whether you’re looking for a simple wooden bench for your farmhouse table, a comfortable upholstered option that adds style, or a storage bench that serves two purposes, Ashley Canada offers a variety of benches to suit your home and lifestyle.

Browse our collection of dining benches and discover the perfect piece to make your table the heart of gathering for all.