When visitors announce their arrival for the holidays, the question of sufficient seating quickly arises. Additional chairs from the basement often look makeshift, rarely match the existing decor, and then have to be stored away again. A more sensible solution is furniture that can serve as seating during the festive season and then remain permanently in the room. Stools and benches meet this requirement, provided their dimensions and design match the existing furniture. In the following, you will learn which criteria are crucial for selection and how to use the pieces after the holidays.
Why Stools and Benches Work as a Permanent Solution
Stools and benches can be used flexibly. A stool can stand next to an armchair as a side table after the festivities, while a bench can find its place in the hallway or at the foot of the bed. Unlike folding chairs or camping furniture, high-quality pieces integrate seamlessly into the existing decor. It is crucial that the material and workmanship match the quality of the other furniture. A solid wood stool or one with brass details suits a classic dining room, while an upholstered model with velvet cover finds its place in an elegant living room.
Dimensions and Seat Height: What Matters for the Dining Table
For stools or benches to be comfortably usable at the dining table, the seat height must match the tabletop. For a standard table height of 74 to 76 cm, the ideal seat height is between 45 and 48 cm. The distance between the seat and the underside of the table should be at least 27 cm to allow sufficient legroom. Before purchasing, measure the height of your table and check if the armrests of an existing chair fit under the tabletop. This height serves as a guideline for the maximum height of the stool or bench.
| Table Height | Recommended Seat Height | Minimum Distance Seat–Tabletop |
|---|---|---|
| 74 cm | 45 to 47 cm | 27 cm |
| 76 cm | 46 to 48 cm | 28 cm |
| 78 cm | 47 to 49 cm | 29 cm |
Length and Width: How Many People Can Be Seated
For each person at the dining table, allow a width of 60 cm. A bench 120 cm long thus comfortably seats two people, while 180 cm accommodates three people. Stools are suitable for individual guests and require a seat area of at least 40 by 40 cm, preferably 45 by 45 cm. Note that the total width of the bench should match the table length. For a table 200 cm long, there will be space for a chair at each end if the bench measures 120 to 140 cm.
Upholstery and Cover: Comfort for Longer Meals
For multi-course holiday meals, an upholstered seat is recommended. An upholstery thickness of 4 to 6 cm offers sufficient comfort without significantly increasing the seat height. Velvet and bouclé add a festive touch to the room, while leather or faux leather are easier to clean. Check if the cover is removable or wipeable. Unupholstered wooden stools have a puristic look and suit modern interiors, but require a change of sitting position after about 30 minutes.
Use After the Holidays: Where the Pieces Will Permanently Stand
After the festivities, stools and benches can serve in various places. A bench in the hallway provides space for putting on shoes and holding bags. At the foot of the bed, it serves as a storage surface for clothes or blankets. Stools can be used as side tables next to the sofa or placed in the dressing room. In the study, a stool can be additional seating for meetings. Choose pieces whose appearance suits multiple rooms, should you wish to change their location later.
Style Questions: How the Addition Fits the Decor
To prevent stools or benches from looking out of place, they should pick up on a design element of the existing furniture. This could be the type of wood, the leg shape, a metal tone, or the upholstery color. For a dining room with dark walnut, choose a bench with a walnut frame. If your chairs have brass feet, look for a stool with brass details. The colors of the pieces do not have to match exactly, but should be in the same color spectrum. A contrast works if it is deliberately set, such as a light bench with dark chairs.
- Measure table height and available space under the tabletop before ordering.
- Allow 60 cm width per person to determine the required length of a bench.
- Choose upholstery and cover according to the planned duration of use during meals.
- Before purchasing, consider where the furniture will permanently stand after the holidays.
- Look for a unifying design element that connects to your existing furniture.
You can find suitable pieces under Stools and Benches. Information on how the pieces are constructed, available dimensions, and delivery times can be found on Eichholtz Benches and Stools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a backless bench for longer meals?
A backless bench is suitable for meals up to about 90 minutes. For longer festive dinners, it is advisable to place the bench against a wall so that guests can lean back. Alternatively, change the seating arrangement between courses so that everyone sits on a chair with a backrest for a while. For children and younger guests, the lack of a backrest is usually not a problem.
How much space do I need between the bench and the wall?
If the bench stands freely in the room, allow at least 80 cm behind the seat so that people can get up without moving the table. If the bench is directly against the wall, 60 cm between the table edge and the wall is sufficient. Measure the available space and subtract the depth of the bench and the desired distance to the table edge. This will help you determine if the room is sufficient.
What height should a stool have if I later use it as a side table?
As a side table next to a sofa, the ideal height is between 45 and 55 cm, depending on the sofa's seat height. The top edge of the stool should be approximately at the height of the armrest or slightly below. Measure the armrest height of your sofa and choose a stool that matches this measurement. This way, you can comfortably place a glass or book without stretching or bending.
Does the bench have to be exactly the same width as the table?
No, the bench should be shorter than the table length to allow space for chairs at the ends. For a table 200 cm long, choose a bench of 120 to 160 cm. This leaves at least 40 cm at each end for a chair. A bench that extends beyond the table edge looks disproportionate and makes it difficult to pull up to the table.