Kitchen design
Kitchen Settles, Benches and Window Seats
Built-in and freestanding bench seating for the kitchen table: the sizes that make it comfortable and the pros and cons.
Long before the fitted banquette, farmhouse kitchens had the settle: a high-backed wooden bench that kept draughts off the people by the fire. A bench or window seat along one side of the table still seats more people in less space than chairs.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Options
| Type | Good for | Drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Settle (freestanding, high back) | Traditional and country kitchens | Heavy; takes floor space |
| Simple bench | Tucks under the table; cheap | No back support |
| Built-in banquette | Corners and alcoves; storage underneath | Fixed; hard to get in and out of the middle |
| Window seat | Bay and deep windows | Needs a table that fits the space |
Sizes that work
| Measurement | Guide |
|---|---|
| Seat height | 45–48 cm (with cushion) |
| Seat depth | 40–50 cm |
| Width per person | about 60 cm |
| Table top above seat | about 28–30 cm |
| Table edge overlapping the seat | 5–10 cm, so you do not perch |
Tips
- Mix seating: a bench on one side and Windsor chairs on the other is easier to get in and out of.
- Lift-up or drawer storage under a built-in seat is a good home for tablecloths and occasional-use kit.
- Cushions in wipeable or removable, washable covers survive family meals.
Deciding on the table itself? See island or farmhouse table?.
BeneRecipes may earn a commission from retailer links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product suggestions are based on published specifications, not hands-on testing. How we work.