Corner Bench Seating - Maximize Your Kitchen's Potential

If your kitchen feels cramped and crowded, constantly scrambling to find enough seating is an all-too-familiar frustration. Dragging mismatched chairs around your kitchen table just doesn't cut it when you want to host family dinners or have friends over for a casual weekend brunch.

The solution? Consider incorporating corner bench seating into your kitchen layout. Not only does built-in bench seating save precious floor space, but it also makes the most of unused corner real estate. You can transform those wasted corners into cozy, efficient seating areas with the addition of bench dining. Let's explore the possibilities!

Types of Corner Bench Seating

There are several styles of corner bench seating to choose from, depending on your kitchen size and needs:

Corner Banquettes

A corner banquette refers to a bench that is built snugly into the corner of your kitchen, often paired with a table to create a breakfast nook. The defining feature of a corner banquette is that the bench itself is constructed directly into the corner.

Pros: Banquettes are incredibly space-saving, allowing you to fit seating into unused space. They create a cozy, diner-like feel perfect for casual family meals and breakfast gatherings.

Cons: Because it is fixed, a banquette minimizes access to the corner space. The permanent design limits flexibility if you want to rearrange.

Best for: Banquette corner benches make sense for small kitchens. When square footage is at a premium, a corner banquette helps you get seating without consuming much floor space.

L-Shaped Corner Benches

As the name implies, L-shaped corner benches utilize bench seating in an L formation to tuck neatly into kitchen corners. Instead of being built-in, L-shaped benches simply sit flush against two joining walls.

Pros: The L-shape is an efficient use of kitchen corners, and you can potentially rearrange the bench if needed. The open-ended design increases accessibility compared to banquettes.

Cons: Like banquettes, an L-shaped bench can make the corner space feel unusable. The fixed 90-degree angle limits some flexibility.

Best for: L-shaped corner benches excel at maximizing seating in medium-sized kitchens. The length can extend several feet while still hugging the walls.

Storage Benches

As their name suggests, storage benches incorporate hidden storage space within the bench itself, typically underneath the seating cushion. Storage benches may or may not be built into a kitchen corner.

Pros: You get the dual benefits of extra seating and discreet storage for kitchen items, from bakeware to spices to table linens.

Cons: Storage within the bench may slightly reduce seating comfort depending on design. The storage access can disrupt open floor flow.

Best for: Incorporating storage benches is a smart choice when you want to maximize every inch of space. The extra storage is perfect for kitchens lacking cabinets or closets.

Breakfast Nooks

A breakfast nook refers to a casual dining area styled with bench seating, often in a kitchen corner or bay window. Unlike formal dining rooms, breakfast nooks have an intimate, casual feel.

Pros: Nooks create a diner-style eating spot perfect for casual family meals. The defined space feels more intimate than an open floorplan.

Cons: Nooks require a minimum amount of space to feel useful. Cramped, narrow nooks defeat the purpose.

Best for: Adding a breakfast nook zone is ideal if you want to carve out a dedicated eating area without the formality of a dining room.

Custom Corner Benches

For a truly tailored solution, many companies offer custom-built corner benches designed specifically for your unique kitchen layout. This allows a custom fit.

Pros: You can dictate the exact dimensions, style, and features based on your needs. It will fit your space perfectly and match your style.

Cons: Custom benches are usually the most expensive option compared to pre-fabricated sizes.

Best for: Splurge on a custom bench for kitchens with unusual dimensions or layout quirks that warrant a tailored solution.

Size Considerations

When incorporating corner bench seating, take careful measurements of the existing corner space to determine appropriate sizing:

• Measure corner length and width to calculate maximum dimensions.
• Consider how many people you want the bench to seat comfortably.
• Standard bench depths range from 15-18 inches deep, widths from 36-48 inches.
• Determine appropriate length - what makes sense for the space?
• Account for leg room so seated guests don't feel cramped.

Look for corner benches that offer customizable sizing options within typical size ranges. Having some wiggle room on dimensions will ensure your new seating fits the space while accommodating guests.

Material & Style Choices

Corner benches come in a variety of materials to complement your kitchen aesthetic. Consider options like:

• Wood: Classic material that adds warmth and durability. Stains allow color customization.
• Upholstery: Cushioned upholstered benches provide comfort and softness. Easy to clean.
• Mix and match: Combine wood, upholstery, and other materials for an eclectic hybrid style.

Aim to match the style of your existing kitchen. For example, vintage kitchens suit wood benches, while modern spaces may call for sleek upholstered cushions. Consider staining, painting, or upholstering your bench to personalize.

Features & Add-Ons

Functional features can enhance your bench seating. Assess options like:

• Back vs. backless: Backless is more space-efficient, but backs provide more comfortable support.
• Storage: Look for lift-top benches or drawers to stash essentials. Under-seat storage is also useful.
• Removable cushions: Helpful for cleaning and replacing worn fabric.
• Lighting: From overheads to sconces, lighting creates ambiance.
• Attached table: Optimize footprint with a table that locks securely to the bench.

Focus on features that increase function, storage, or comfort to get the most out of your bench seating.

Decorating Tips

Finish your corner bench seating with decorative touches like:

• Pillows and cushions to add color and softness.
• An area rug underneath to anchor the space.
• Curtains or valances to create a cozier breakfast nook.
• Plants, flowers, and other greenery for fresh appeal.

Incorporate corner bench seating early in your kitchen remodel to build the layout around this focal point. With the right dimensions, materials, and style, your bench can become a beloved gathering spot for family and friends.

With their space-saving layouts and multi-functional designs, corner benches are a smart solution to maximize seating in your kitchen. Banquettes, L-shaped benches, storage benches, and breakfast nooks each offer unique benefits to transform unused corner space into comfortable, stylish seating. Following measurements and layout, tailor your bench to match your kitchen's size constraints and design aesthetic.

Strategically incorporating corner bench seating creates an inviting spot to enjoy a home-cooked meal or cup of coffee. No longer will you need to sacrifice comfort for lack of space. Corner benches let you reclaim your kitchen's potential one cozy, efficient inch at a time.