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Benches bring a modern, casual and flexible vibe to kitchens and dining rooms that chairs alone rarely achieve. They squeeze extra seating into small spaces, let you tuck people in closer around the table for sociable meals, and often double as storage or décor when not in use. Think of a bench as a Swiss Army knife for seating: compact when you need it, roomy when you don't, and capable of doing a surprising number of jobs without stealing the show. If you live in a flat, a terraced house, or just prefer a less formal dining setup, a bench is a simple way to up the style and improve functionality.
When you're shopping for a kitchen or dining bench in the UK, you want selection, quality and value — and several well-known retailers deliver on those fronts. Below I highlight popular stores that stock benches across price points and styles so you can find the right fit for your home.
IKEA is a go-to for affordable, practical benches that suit contemporary and Scandinavian interiors. Expect simple designs in pine, oak-effect veneers and easy-to-clean upholstered seats. IKEA also offers modular options that work well in smaller kitchens and provide clear sizing information so you can check dimensions in inches before you buy.
John Lewis tends to stock higher-quality wooden and upholstered benches with refined finishes and stronger construction. If you want a bench that looks like an investment piece — teak, oak or premium fabric upholstery — John Lewis is worth a look. Their ranges often include matching dining tables and benches to create a cohesive dining suite.
Dunelm strikes a bargain between budget and style with a broad mix of storage benches, farmhouse-style wooden benches and cushioned options. Look here for rustic or shabby-chic benches and for cushions that match their upholstery ranges. Dunelm also carries compact benches that are ideal for narrow kitchens or breakfast nooks.
Wayfair works like a big online marketplace, so you’ll find everything from minimalist metal benches to chunky reclaimed-wood pieces. The upside is variety — lots of lengths, finishes and designs — and frequent sales. The downside is quality can vary by supplier, so check customer reviews and product dimensions carefully in inches.
Made.com targets contemporary, design-led shoppers with benches that have stylish silhouettes and unusual materials. Expect elegant upholstered benches, mid-century inspired wooden options and signature designer pieces. They often feature compact benches that slot neatly under tables or in hallways when not in use.
If solid wood is your priority, Oak Furniture Land is a specialist to consider. Their benches are heavier, built for longevity and typically made from oak, pine or other hardwoods. These benches suit rustic, farmhouse and traditional dining rooms and often pair with large, solid dining tables for a cohesive aesthetic.
Argos is great for convenience and quick buys. They stock entry-level benches in a range of finishes and cushion options, from faux leather to fabric. If you need a straightforward, budget-friendly bench that arrives fast and does the job without fuss, Argos is a reliable option.
Habitat blends contemporary design with practical materials, offering streamlined benches in oak, walnut, and soft fabrics. Their designs often work well in urban homes and smaller spaces where clean lines and compact proportions matter.
Benches come in many styles; choosing the right one depends on how you’ll use it. Will it be daily seating for a family of four, occasional extra seats for dinners, or a storage solution in a small kitchen? Below are common styles and what they’re best for.
These offer a softer, cosier feel and are perfect if comfort is a priority. Upholstery ranges from durable woven fabrics to leather and faux leather. They’re ideal for long breakfasts or weekend brunches but require a little more maintenance than plain wood if you have spills or pets.
Backrest benches are essentially a hybrid between a bench and a banquette. They provide extra comfort and support, making them a great choice for dining areas or built-in nook seating where you might linger. These often come as bespoke or higher-end pieces and suit formal or semi-formal dining rooms.
Storage benches hide away cushions, placemats, kids’ toys or seasonal tableware — a real space-saver in smaller homes. They’re practical for multi-use rooms where you want seating and storage in one footprint. Look for solid hinges and ventilated compartments if you plan to store textiles inside.
These benches have character and durability. Reclaimed wood offers a lived-in look with knots and grain variations, while new solid wood benches deliver consistent strength and a classic aesthetic. Both styles stand up to wear and age gracefully with the right care.
Perfect for L-shaped dining nooks, corner benches maximize seating without crowding the space. Banquette benches can be built-in or freestanding and often pair well with a bench on one side and chairs on the other to balance the look.
Size matters with benches — you want to balance comfort and circulation space. Here are practical sizing tips in imperial units so you can measure confidently before buying.
For comfortable seating, plan on about 18 to 20 inches of bench length per person. So, a bench for two should be around 36 to 40 inches long, a bench for three about 54 to 60 inches, and larger benches around 72 inches for four. If you’re pairing a bench with a dining table, make sure the bench length works with the table width and leaves at least 6 inches of clearance at the ends for chairs or walking space.
Standard seat height for dining benches is about 18 inches from the floor, matching typical dining chairs and table heights of around 29 to 30 inches. Seat depth commonly ranges from 14 to 18 inches; anything deeper than 18 inches feels more like a lounge seat than dining seating, so stick to shallower depths for table use.
The material affects the look, durability and maintenance level of a bench. Here’s a quick rundown to help you choose based on lifestyle and aesthetics.
Pros: Durable, classic appearance, ages well with care. Cons: Heavier and pricier. Hardwoods are a top pick if you want a bench that lasts decades and can be refinished if needed.
Pros: More affordable, lighter and often more affordable. Cons: Less durable than hardwoods and susceptible to dents. Veneers can look great but don’t refinish as well as solid wood.
Pros: Sleek, durable and easy to wipe clean. Cons: Less warm than wood, can be noisy without cushions. Metal benches fit modern and industrial schemes well and hold up nicely in high-traffic areas.
Pros: Comfort and visual warmth. Cons: Requires stain protection and can be vulnerable to spills. Leather and faux leather are easier to wipe, while performance fabrics handle dyes and stains better in family homes.
Beyond style and materials, these practical tips will help the bench feel like it belongs rather than like an afterthought.
Measure the table length in inches and allow at least 6 inches of space at each end if chairs will be used on the opposite side. Also measure the clear space behind the bench so people can sit and stand comfortably; aim for at least 30 inches behind the bench if it sits against a wall and 36 inches if it faces another chair or appliance.
Consider how the bench will affect movement around your kitchen or dining room. A bench that presses too close to a doorway can create a choke point. If you entertain often, allow generous clearance so guests can move freely between seats.
If you can, sit on the bench before buying. If you’re buying online, look for seat height, depth and material details and check reviews for comfort details. Adding a thin seat pad can transform a wooden bench into a comfortable dining seat without spoiling the aesthetic.
Keeping a bench looking good depends on the material. Here are straightforward care strategies that help benches last longer and stay attractive.
Wipe spills quickly with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. Use a suitable wood cleaner and occasionally treat with beeswax or a furniture oil for raw or oiled wood. For painted finishes, a damp cloth and mild soap usually do the trick.
Vacuum fabric upholstery regularly and tackle stains promptly with fabric-safe cleaners. For leather, use a leather conditioner every few months to keep the surface supple. Removable cushions and washable covers make life easier if you expect frequent messes.
Benches can be an inexpensive upgrade or a major furniture investment depending on the material and design. Here’s how to set expectations and spot deals.
Basic benches from mass-market retailers can start around £40 to £80 for small designs, while mid-range upholstered or solid wood options typically sit between £150 and £500. High-end designer or bespoke benches can go from £600 to several thousand pounds, especially for handmade or solid hardwood pieces. Remember that retail offers, seasonal sales and comparison sites can help you land better prices.
Watch for seasonal sales at major retailers, check outlet sections online, and consider refurbished or open-box pieces for designer benches. Comparison websites and marketplaces often highlight price drops and stock levels so you can compare apples to apples before you buy.
Shopping sustainably doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Reclaimed wood benches, second-hand solid wood pieces and refurbished benches often offer unique character and reduce environmental impact.
Platforms like Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace and local antique shops can be treasure troves for solid benches at bargain prices. If you find a vintage bench with good bones, a light sand and new finish or reupholstery can make it look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a new designer piece.
Look for responsibly sourced wood and pieces made from reclaimed timber if sustainability is a priority. Some UK retailers include FSC certification or recycled materials in product descriptions so you can make an informed choice.
Choosing the right kitchen or dining bench is part practicality, part design and part intuition. Measure carefully in inches, think about daily life and cleaning needs, choose a material that suits your household, and don’t be afraid to mix a bench with chairs for a relaxed, modern look. Visiting stores in person helps, but online shopping opens up more styles and price points — just check寸details and reviews closely.
Benches are a flexible, stylish and often surprisingly affordable way to refresh your kitchen or dining area. From IKEA’s practical styles and John Lewis’s polished ranges to Wayfair’s variety and Oak Furniture Land’s solid wood options, the UK offers benches for every taste and budget. Measure in inches, match seat height to your table, think about materials and maintenance, and keep an eye out for sales or second-hand gems. With the right bench, meals feel cosier, spaces feel smarter and seating becomes both stylish and sensible.
| Kitchen & Dining Benches | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hay Palissade Dining Bench Without Armrest Anthracite | £ 583,- |
