Dining Benches: More Space, More Seats
You know that feeling when you're hosting dinner and realize you're one seat short? Or when the kids want to squeeze in, but there's just no room? That's where dining benches come to the rescue. They're not just about saving space (though they're great at that). Dining benches bring families closer together, literally and figuratively.
At Dufresne, we've been helping Canadian families gather around the table for nearly 40 years. Our dining bench collection offers practical seating solutions that don't sacrifice style for function.
Why Choose a Dining Bench Over More Chairs?
Dining benches are not just trendy pieces you see on Instagram. Here's why they actually make sense for Canadian homes:
More people, less space - A bench can seat two to three people in the same footprint as two chairs. Perfect when your dining room isn't huge but your family gatherings are.
Kids love them - Notice how children naturally gravitate toward benches? They can sit closer together, share snacks, and yes, occasionally slide around a bit. It just works for families.
Easier to clean underneath - No chair legs to navigate around when you're sweeping or mopping. Just lift the bench and you're done.
Budget-friendly way to add seating. Instead of buying two or three additional chairs, one bench gives you extra seating without breaking the bank.
Our Dining Benches at Dufresne
Backless Benches - The classic choice that tucks completely under your table when not in use. Great for smaller dining rooms or breakfast nooks where every inch counts. These work especially well if you already have chairs with backs and want to add flexible seating on one side.
Storage Benches - Two solutions in one piece. Store your table linens, extra dishes, or kids' art supplies right inside your seating. Perfect for busy families who need every piece of furniture to work double duty.
Counter Height Benches - Designed to pair with pub-height and counter-height tables for that elevated dining experience. These are especially popular in open-concept spaces where your dining area flows into the kitchen. Counter height benches give you the casual, flexible vibe of bench seating while matching the taller proportions of counter tables.
Should I Get an Upholstered or Wood Dining Bench?
Upholstered dining benches offer cushioned comfort that makes long meals more enjoyable. Choose fabrics that can handle whatever your family dishes out.
Wood dining benches bring natural warmth to your dining space and often age beautifully with daily use. They're also easier to wipe down after messy meals.
Before You Buy: Dining Bench Basics
Measure your table first - Your bench should be about 2-4 inches shorter than your table on each side. So if your table is 72 inches long, look for a bench around 64-68 inches.
Check the height - Most dining benches sit about 18 inches high, which works with standard 30-inch tables. If your table is different, measure from floor to the bottom of your table to make sure people can fit comfortably.
Think about who's using it - A bench that's perfect for adults might be too tall for little ones to climb on easily. Consider your family's needs.
How to Care for Your Dining Bench
- For upholstered dining benches: Vacuum regularly and treat spills quickly. Check if your fabric can handle spot cleaning or if you need professional help for bigger messes.
- For wood dining benches: Dust weekly and use coasters for drinks. Wood can get water rings just like your table, so protect the surface during meals.
- For storage dining benches: Don't overload them. Most are designed for moderate storage, not as a catch-all for everything in your dining room.
Frequently Asked Dining Bench Questions
Where can I buy dining benches? You'll find dining benches at any Dufresne location across Manitoba, Ontario, and Saskatchewan, or browse our full selection online at dufresne.ca. Benches are a smart choice if you want flexible seating that can squeeze in extra people, work well in smaller spaces, or just prefer that casual, family-style vibe. Many of our dining sets include a bench option, or you can mix a bench on one side with chairs on the other. Visit us in store to see how different bench styles pair with various table options, or book an appointment for help finding the perfect combination for your space.
Can dining benches be as comfortable as chairs? With the right cushioning and back support, absolutely. Many of our customers actually prefer benches because they can adjust how they sit and move around more freely.
How many people can fit on a dining bench? It depends on the size, but generally plan for about 22-24 inches per person. A 60-inch bench comfortably seats two adults or three children.
Can I mix benches with chairs? This is actually a really popular look. Try chairs at the head and foot of your table with a bench along one or both sides. It gives you the best of both worlds.
Will a bench make my dining room look too casual? Not at all. The style of bench you choose determines the vibe. An upholstered bench with a tailored look fits right into more formal spaces, while a rustic wood bench keeps things relaxed.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Dining Bench?
Whether you need extra seating for Sunday dinners or want to make better use of a small dining space, the right bench can make all the difference. Our sales team knows which benches work best with different table styles and can help you find one that fits your space and your family's needs.
Visit your local Dufresne store to see our full selection of dining benches in person. You can sit on them, check the quality, and make sure they're the right fit before you buy. Because when it comes to furniture your family uses every day, seeing and feeling it yourself matters.
Ready to make room for everyone? Book an appointment with one of our sales professionals for personalized help finding the perfect dining bench for your home.