When it comes to furnishing your dining area, two things often come to mind: space and budget. Traditional dining chairs can be bulky and expensive, making it difficult to maximize your seating capacity and create a warm atmosphere.
My husband and I have ditched our dining room, and we are embracing our eat-in kitchen. This plan was born out of necessity to repurpose the large formal dining room in our 1,000 square foot home to create a much needed study/ guest room.
While our eat-in kitchen does have room for dining, it is not a grand size, so we’re looking for seating that will save space, but still be easy on the budget.
Luckily, dining benches are here to save the day!
Dining benches offer a fantastic alternative, saving space and money. In this blog post, I’ll explore seven budget-friendly and space-saving dining bench options that I’ve been considering for my eat-in kitchen that are cozy and functional.
Backless Benches: Streamlined and Versatile
Backless benches are a popular choice for those seeking a sleek and versatile option. These benches can easily slide underneath the table when not in use, saving valuable floor space. Additionally, their minimalist design allows them to blend seamlessly with various dining table styles. Whether you have a modern or traditional setting, a backless bench will complement your décor effortlessly.
The one I’ve been eyeing is from Ikea. While Ikea has many great and neutral bench options that have a wonderful timeless Scandinavian style, the SKOGSTA is super budget friendly and has a beautiful wood tone from solid Acacia wood.
It is also well over 3 feet in length, so there is plenty of space for your family and friends. I can definitely see the SKOGSTA with some beautiful throw pillows and throw blankets.
Corner Benches: Utilize Every Inch of Space
If you have a small dining area or a corner that often goes unused, consider a corner bench. These benches are designed to fit snugly into corners, making efficient use of space. By adding cushions and pillows, you can create a cozy and inviting seating arrangement. Corner benches often come with built-in storage options, offering a clever solution to keep your dining essentials organized.
While there are plenty of ways to achieve a corner bench, I found a tutorial online from Domino, and the instructions are straightforward and easy to follow.
The results (below) are absolutely beautiful, with a modern Scandinavian feel. What do you think? The best part is that this is also a budget option with the total price of this built-in look only 300 bucks!
Another inspiring post that uses Ikea cabinets to create a corner bench is from Almost Makes Perfect. Read all about how she used NORDLI dressers to complete the look below. Isn’t it clean and gorgeous?
Bench Seating with Backrests: Comfort and Support
For those who prefer a little more comfort and back support, bench seating with backrests is an ideal choice. These benches offer the best of both worlds – the space-saving benefits of a bench and the comfort of a chair. You can find a variety of designs, ranging from sleek and modern to rustic and farmhouse-inspired. A bench with a backrest adds a touch of elegance and creates a more relaxed dining experience.
Nesting with Grace has a lot of bench dining ideas, including the one pictured below, painted a light blue and complete with a backrest. What do you think about how it turned out?
Folding Benches: Flexible Seating Solutions
If versatility is high on your priority list, folding benches are worth considering. These benches can be easily folded and stored away when not in use, making them perfect for smaller spaces or when hosting large gatherings. Folding benches are often lightweight, making them easy to move around and set up wherever needed. They provide the convenience of additional seating without compromising on style.
Pssstt… the outdoor dining benches at the end of the post are foldable. You’re welcome! The white one is gorgeous.
Bench with Built-in Storage: Organize and Optimize
Maximize your dining area’s functionality by choosing a bench with built-in storage. These benches offer a clever solution to keep your dining essentials close at hand while minimizing clutter. Whether it’s drawers, shelves, or compartments, the built-in storage provides a discreet and convenient way to organize extra dinnerware, table linens, or even board games for entertaining guests.
This is where Ikea comes back into the light.
First is the PERJOHAN. It is slim and neutral, taking up very limited physical and eye space. It has a deep storage space underneath for containers that hold extra napkins, utensils, games, or even pantry items.
Next is the TOLKNING. This is a beautiful option that has a boho vibe because of the rattan material. It is well over 3 feet long, for plenty of guests. The flip top storage makes the clutter disappear!
Upholstered Benches: Comfort with Style
If you prioritize comfort and aesthetics, upholstered benches are a fantastic option. They feature padded seats and backrests, providing optimal comfort during long meals and lively conversations. The upholstery adds a touch of elegance and personality to your dining area, allowing you to experiment with different colors, patterns, and textures. Upholstered benches create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your family and guests.
While upholstered benches may come in on the pricier side, remember, you can always add a bespoke cushion, like this one I found on Etsy. It is gorgeous, and would look great on top of a budget bench from Ikea.
Outdoor Dining Benches: Expand Your Seating Area
Extend your dining space beyond the confines of your indoor area by incorporating outdoor dining benches. These benches are designed to withstand various weather conditions, making them perfect for outdoor gatherings and barbecues. Outdoor dining benches can be made from durable materials such as teak, metal, or polywood. They offer a relaxed and casual seating option while enjoying the fresh air and nature.
Choosing the right dining bench is an excellent way to save space, add versatility, and create a cozy dining experience within your budget. Whether you opt for backless benches, corner benches, bench seating with backrests, folding benches, benches with built-in storage, upholstered benches, or outdoor dining benches, each option offers its unique benefits.
Remember to consider the size of your dining area, your personal style preferences, and the specific needs of your household when selecting a dining bench. With a little creativity and the right choice of dining bench, you can transform your dining area into a comfortable, inviting, and functional space that will bring joy to your family and impress your guests.
What are your favorite dining bench ideas? Do you have more ideas about how they can help save space? What are your favorite budget options? Let me know in the comments!