Fitting a bench to your dining table

Measure the gap between the table legs, not just the tabletop, and choose a bench a little shorter so it slides fully underneath. Allow about 60 cm of length per adult: a 110 cm bench seats two adults, while 140 cm to 160 cm gives two adults room to spare or fits three children. Most seats here are about 45 to 47 cm high, level with standard dining chairs at a 75 cm table.

A backless bench tucks away and keeps a narrow dining area open, while bench chairs with a backrest are kinder on long meals. Challis, Drill, Mohair and Chevron fabrics add comfort, the pet friendly fabric options suit homes with pets, and metal benches wipe clean and stand up to daily knocks.

A bench on one side and chairs on the other seats more people at the same table. Keep fabric seats dry and vacuum them regularly, since damp upholstery can develop odours in humid weather.