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Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,513
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

I'm thing of replacing my current dining table but possibly keeping my Arrow Back Windsor chairs and adding two upholstered chairs for each end.

 

While browsing with DS we saw a rustic set with a dining bench. He loved the idea and while it is a spacesaver I always thought of dining benches as more for little ones at the table. I included two examples, one padded/upholstered and one not.

 

Any thoughts ? Comfort? Yea or Nay?

 

RFN2500.jpgmiriam_bench.jpg

 

 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,527
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

If actually used for mealtime seating I think it would be very uncomfortable.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,294
Registered: ‎11-03-2018

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

My niece has one at her dining table.  It's very uncomfortable. 

 

She has a beautiful long table with chairs at the ends and on one side, but a bench the other  side.  Nobody wants to sit on the bench.  LOL

 

Plus, it looks off balance.  When you look at the table, you see chairs on one side and nothing on the other side because the bench is hidden by the table. 

 

I think she's going to wind up buying chairs to replace the bench. 

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 30,918
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

They were popular for a while.  I think they work great for kids and young people with strong backs.  Bench seating would be very uncomfortable for those of us bad backs, it would put too much strain on a person's back.  

Honored Contributor
Posts: 41,255
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

no, while they look good, they are not practical at all. would not like to sit on a bench to eat in a dining room. to me, a bench is reserved for a picnic table.

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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,204
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

As someone with back issues I avoid benches with no support.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,113
Registered: ‎09-30-2010

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

@Snowpuppy   Just my opinion:  I find them to be very uncomfortable.  Also I'm of the opinion they are not meant for formal dining.  And I feel like I've drawn the "short straw" when I've sat on one at someone's formal dinner party.  They really aren't comfortable, even the padded ones.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,775
Registered: ‎07-09-2011

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

[ Edited ]

To me they are uncomfortable, no back support, sliding in and out is a hassle, and look a bit unfinished.  I think your existing chairs with two new additions sounds good.  Windsor chairs! 👍 

 

*** Edited for clarity 

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,455
Registered: ‎12-07-2012

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

This reminds me of the Waltons. 

 

They had bench seating, with chairs at each end for the Dad, and Grandad. 

 

It would be nice for large families, in my opinion. 

Super Contributor
Posts: 412
Registered: ‎03-03-2016

Re: Dining Table Bench - Yea or Nay?

I think chairs would be better. I especially do not like the second one, imho looks like a picnic table bench...