Breakfast Nook L-Shaped Benches

There are many things to consider when picking out your kitchen furniture. First, you must consider how many people will be sitting at the table and how much room you have. Second, the interior design of your home and kitchen specifically should be considered. Thirdly, you want to make sure that your choice is comfortable so that people will want to spend time there.

If you choose chairs for seating, then your will be able to accommodate four to six people. An alternative seating arrangement is benches that easily can hold eight to nine people if you sit close. Another benefit of the bench option is that they take up less room than chairs.

The L-shaped bench is a very common option. The L-shaped bench is just as it sounds. An L-shaped bench sits in a corner with the table moved up to it. You can then fill in the rest of the seating with additional benches, or chairs in any combination. Using additional benches will provide more seating space because you can fit a bench for three in the same space occupied by two chairs.

If space is a consideration for you, then benches have another plus, the storage they provide under the seats. Many benches are equipped with storage compartments that you can use for small kitchen appliances, kitchen linens, games, or art supplies for your kids to play. If counter top or cabinet space is limited in your kitchen, the extra storage could help.

If you choose to use the L-shaped or parallel benches then you want to consider the image they portray. Benches are usually made of wood and have a country feel to the room. Perhaps this is because of the similarity to picnic tables and benches. Whatever the reason, benches are not very formal or contemporary.

If your kitchen has all stainless steel appliances and sleek cabinets and marble in black then perhaps the wooden benches would be out of place. If you use country themes, have wooden cabinets, or have family pictures or the artwork of small children around your home then the wooden benches will fit nicely. As with all decorating, it is important to be consistent.

One down side to benches is the comfort level. Benches do require you to get close. If you mainly will be using the breakfast nook for family meals, then sitting close should not be much of an issue. However, if you plan to entertain, then benches might presume an intimacy that is not present with all who will occupy the space. Having some chairs around the table in combination with the benches is a good compromise.

In addition, benches can be uncomfortable for people of larger size. The surface area of a chair is much larger than that of a bench. If a larger person is sitting at your table, they will definitely be more comfortable in a chair. Again, the combination of benches and chairs should keep all your guests comfortable without denying you of the extra storage or accommodations.