Dining Chairs vs. Dining Bench: Which is Better?

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you envision your ideal dining room? If you answered “A dining table and a matching set of chairs,” then you would be in the majority who favour formal dining rooms. While there is nothing wrong with that as a preference, a new option has now arisen from the depths of the more eclectic side of interior decorating – the dining bench. There are two types of dining benches – the mobile version which is generally smaller and lighter, and the non-mobile version, commonly referred to as banquette seats, which is generally bigger as more carpentry work is involved. With its ability to not only breathe life into a dining room but to also help you save space, will this new contender give the tried and tested dining chairs a run for their money? Here are some of the pros and cons of dining chairs vs. dining benches.

1. Space

Put aside the chair vs. bench debate for a moment and take a step back to check how much space you have to spare in your dining room. Smaller quarters favour benches due to the absence of a backrest and armrest, which means you can easily slide them right under the table and put them out of sight when not in use. A mobile dining bench that doubles up as storage takes space saving to the next level as it allows you to hide dining room clutter. However, it is also worth noting that chairs give you the option of removing or adding seats whenever you please.

2. Comfort

Before you splurge on that fancy seat, consider if your dining room ideas factor in the most important aspect of all – comfort. The key to this is to decide what you’ll mostly be using your dining room for. Would you be having guests over frequently? Would you and your other half be growing the family? Do your potential guests appreciate personal space or would they rather get cosy with each other? While dining benches offer the option of squeezing in extra guests, individuals with a preference for personal space (and breathing room) may favour the comfort of a traditional dining chair.

3. Support

Thinking about comfort also brings this key aspect into consideration. Dining chairs will almost always come with a backrest, but dining benches usually come without a backrest. While having no backrests provide more room to tuck away the seats, having a backrest gives you the option to lean back into some plush comfort after a good meal. Based on this aspect, most people may favour traditional dining chairs due to its comfort and smaller footprint. The only exceptions are banquette seats and the Debbie Bench – a comfy and chic dining bench that comes with an armrest and backrest.

4. Style

Laidback and casual or sophisticated? Dining chairs that come with a matching dining table set tend to give off a more sophisticated and formal vibe. Dining benches with a matching dining table, on the other hand, are more modern and casual. Still can’t make the decision? Here’s a dining room idea! Why not opt for a set that comes with dining chairs, a dining bench and a matching table for a contemporary look that will give you the best of both worlds? Do take into consideration the existing table style if you’re just buying the seats on their own, especially dining benches. Certain styles and shapes may not compliment the table you already own and make it hard for the seats to be tucked in.

5. Versatility

Have an extra guest and not enough seating in the living room? A dining chair makes a great temporary substitute while a dining bench may be a little cumbersome to move from room to room, especially the non-mobile ones. Dining chairs give you the flexibility of moving them wherever you please with little issue and may even be stacked if you need to stow them away. A dining bench, on the other hand, can be used as a decorative piece such as a low table or a seating option on your balcony to give it a bit of a rustic yet elegant feel. Dining benches with an added storage feature can also help hide a mess in a pinch and double up as both seat and storage.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to seat styles and it all boils down to what you’re truly comfortable with. That being said, there’s no better way to figure out what styles suit you best than browsing through the extensive range we have to offer at Comfort Furniture. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Team Dining Chair or Team Dining Bench; at Comfort Design, your comfort and satisfaction is our priority. Take a peek at your ideal future dining room now!