Office Kitchen Chairs: Chairs, Benches, or Stools?

Although the dining area we include in the living room is usually designed for major celebrations, with its large, impressive table and matching chairs, the truth is that in everyday life we often have far less time than we would like to eat, and we end up doing so in the kitchen. For that reason, it is essential to create a small eating area in the kitchen: in other words, a table or a bar where two, three, or four people can sit down comfortably.

Kitchens with a table have the charm of ordinary life, of the day-to-day moments that end up shaping our lives. More than big occasions, our routines are built around the small acts and shared moments we enjoy with family around the kitchen table each day. That is why it is important to create a space that feels welcoming and pleasant, one that invites you to sit down and stay a while.

One of the key elements, and the focus of this article, is the seating. Do we prefer simple chairs, or do we like benches? Or stools? Let’s look at a few examples of each.

Classic chairs

One of each color

Although using chairs for a kitchen table is a classic choice, it is worth noting that styles have evolved. We have moved from traditional wooden chairs with rattan seats to more sophisticated and contemporary designs, such as Eames-inspired models. The way they are used has also changed. One of today’s trends in kitchens is to mix colors and patterns. A different chair in each color, as in this photo, gives the kitchen a more modern and playful feel.

The comfort of benches

Benches may feel like a throwback to another era, but they are gradually finding their place in even the most modern kitchens. There is something appealing about a bench that makes it feel especially warm and inviting. Adding one to the kitchen creates a comfortable, familiar atmosphere. The best approach is to place it against a wall and choose a functional model. It is also worth remembering that a bench can do more than provide seating: many include storage space. Some have a lift-up seat with a large compartment underneath, while others, like the one shown in the photograph, have a drawer placed behind the backrest.

New trends: backless stools

With the rise of kitchen islands, stools have made their way into many homes. Taller than chairs and usually without backrests, stools are highly practical because they can be tucked completely under the island countertop. While it is true that, without a back, they are less comfortable than chairs or benches, they do seem better suited to quicker meals and casual snacks.

Mixing styles

Today, however, it is easy to find stools of all kinds, so if you want a comfortable breakfast area without giving up the convenience of tall seating, you can certainly choose stools with soft backs and more supportive designs. That is the case in the image shown here, where, as mentioned earlier with the chairs, different styles and colors have been combined to create a more relaxed and personal atmosphere.

Chairs and stools