Dining Benches

 

For decades in America, dining benches were a common sight. Many farmhouse tables had a chair at each end of the long table – one for mom and one for dad. Along either side of the table was a dining bench, where the kids sat. This part of Americana went out of vogue for years, but now the tradition is back, with a vengeance!

 

What’s a dining bench?

 

A dining bench is a long bench that’s used for seating at a dining room or kitchen table. Traditionally, these benches were plain affairs, without backs or arms. They were often roughly hewn from pine or from whatever wood was available.

 

During the day, the benches could be pushed under the table and out of the way. When the family gathered for a meal, the dining benches were pulled out again for service.

 

Dining benches were fairly portable, and most were stackable. Because of this, the benches were often carried to dances, cane grindings, and other events where large groups of people needed seating.

 

What types of dining benches are available today?

 

The traditional plain dining benches of yesterday are popular again. Antiqued and distressed replicas can be found in some of the finest homes in the country. Sometimes these benches are “dressed up” with cushions, which also improve the seating comfort. Other styles are also available.

 

The Shaker bench is a variation of the farmhouse bench. It has simple lines and four straight legs. Like other examples of Shaker furniture, the dining bench is stark and unadorned, yet beautiful in its simplicity.

 

Another dining bench style that’s popular is the Windsor bench. These benches have the traditional bent-wood back with spindles, along with arm rests at each end. The Windsor dining benches usually seat either two or three.

 

The Low Country dining bench has curved arms, a scrolled wooden back, and an upholstered seat. This style has French, English, and Caribbean influences.

 

A more modern type of dining bench is the sofa bench. These are much like a living room sofa, only the dining benches are narrower. These benches usually have upholstered arms, seats, and backs, with wooden legs.

 

An ultra-modern version of the dining bench is constructed of stainless steel. It’s sleek, chic, and unique! This dining bench looks great with clear glass or smoked acrylic tables.

 

How much do dining benches cost?

 

A simple wooden dining bench made of pine will cost around $50. A Shaker bench made of oak can be found for about $65. The stainless steel bench described above costs about $450.

 

Where to shop for dining benches

 

You’ll find a few dining benches at furniture stores, but with some, you have to purchase the complete dining set, including the table and chairs.

 

Another idea is to purchase an unfinished bench at a furniture-in-the-raw store and finish it yourself with paint or stain. You can even add stenciling or a crackle finish to make it look old.

 

To see the widest variety of dining benches, and to get some great ideas, shop online stores.