Make the Most of Your Kitchen Space with Built-In Bench Seating
For those with compact kitchens, it can be a challenge to maximize every inch of space. From finding room for extra seating to storing all your essentials, small kitchens often mean making compromises. However, built-in bench seating offers an ingenious solution that can transform any modest kitchen.
By incorporating customized bench seating into unused nooks and corners, you can add storage, seating, and style. Built-in benches prevent wasted space and open up new possibilities for even the smallest kitchens.
Types of Built-In Kitchen Bench Seats
Built-in bench seats can be incorporated throughout the kitchen in a variety of ways. Here are some of the most popular options for customized bench seating.
Breakfast Nook Benches
One of the best uses of built-in bench seating is constructing a breakfast nook. By setting a bench and table into an unused space or alcove, you can create a cozy dining spot within your existing kitchen layout. Built-in nooks provide an intimate area for morning coffee away from the rest of the kitchen hubbub. Bench nooks can also help delineate the dining area from the cooking area in a small kitchen. Custom-built nook dimensions allow benches to maximize the available space. Benches can be built into the wall or constructed from the end of a kitchen island or peninsula to utilize every inch.
Window Seat Benches
Another prime spot for built-in bench seating is in front of windows. Bay windows and standard windows commonly have a few feet of unused space in front that is ideal for bench seating. Window seats allow you to take advantage of the natural light from the windows to create a comfortable reading spot or dining nook. Benches can be attached to the wall under the window or free-standing in front of the windowsill. For a seamless look, ensure the bench depth matches the depth of the windowsill. Storage drawers or cubbies can be incorporated underneath window benches to optimize the space.
Corner Bench Seating
Make use of awkward corner spaces with built-in corner benches. Corner benches maximize kitchen space by taking advantage of the empty area where two walls meet. Bisecting a corner with angled benches creates an inviting breakfast nook or casual dining spot. Corner benches can be configured in different shapes and sizes to perfectly fill the corner space. Make sure to leave enough room for walking and opening nearby cabinets or appliances when determining bench dimensions. Placing soft cushions on top of corner benches enhances comfort.
Choosing Materials for Built-In Benches
When designing your custom built-in benches, the material you choose will impact the look, durability and comfort. Here are some top options for bench materials:
Wood Benches
A natural wood like oak, maple or pine provides an attractive, traditional look for built-in benches. Wood is also extremely durable, easy to cut and stain to match your existing cabinetry. The rich, warm aesthetic of wood makes an inviting statement. Woods like pine are budget-friendly options, while oak and maple provide higher-end quality and beauty. Go bold by selecting a contrasting wood that pops against your cabinet color. Or mimic your cabinet stain for a cohesive style.
Upholstered Benches
For a softer, more padded bench, choose upholstered cushions over wood. Covering your bench seat in fabric provides extra comfort thanks to the cushioning and smooth texture. Upholstered benches also tend to be easier to clean than wood over time. The downside is that upholstered bench seats will be more restrictive in terms of custom sizing capabilities compared to built-in wood benches.
Tile, Stone & Concrete Benches
For a sleek, contemporary look, opt for cool, hard materials like tile, stone or concrete. The smooth, durable surface makes an impressive statement and requires little maintenance. Built-in tile or concrete benches can mimic countertop or backsplash materials for cohesive appeal. However, be aware that tile and concrete provide a much firmer, colder seating surface than warm woods or padded cushions.
Maximizing Built-In Bench Storage
In addition to providing seating, built-in benches present the perfect opportunity to incorporate discreet storage solutions. Here are some ways to maximize hidden storage spots in your benches:
Under Seat Storage
The most straightforward option is to install pull-out drawers or lift-up doors for cabinets directly under the bench seat. This creates an easily accessible storage space perfect for stashing toys, linens, electronics and other clutter prone items. Optimize drawer storage by incorporating dividers and compartments.
End of Seat Storage
Make use of the space at the end of bench seats by installing shelves or cubbies. These spots are great for storing upright items like books, shoes and handbags. Woven baskets can help corral smaller objects while keeping the space organized.
Flip-Top Bench Lids
Get full access to the interior bench storage space while still keeping a flat bench seat on top with hinged lids that lift open. Flip-top benches allow you to store larger, bulkier items inside like extra placemats, table linens and serving dishes.
Design Tips for Built-In Benches
Ready to add built-in bench seating to your kitchen? Keep these design tips in mind:
- Carefully measure the entire space where you want to install benches and any adjoining walls or openings.
- Allow sufficient room to walk comfortably around the benches.
- Make benches more inviting with plush cushions, throw pillows and blankets.
- Incorporate lighting, chargers, and cup holders into benches for function.
- Match the style of benches to your kitchen’s existing aesthetic.
Built-in bench seating offers tremendous potential to maximize kitchen space in small homes. From cozy breakfast nooks to window seats with storage, benches create new possibilities. Carefully select complementary materials and style your benches to harmonize with the rest of the kitchen. With customized sizing and clever storage solutions, built-in benches help you make the most of every inch.
By incorporating built-ins, you can gain extra seating, storage and style. With some thoughtful planning and expert installation, you can take your modest kitchen to the next level with the addition of built-in bench seating.