Find the optimal seat height for benches

What do you have to consider in advance?

To choose the perfect bench, you should consider a few crucial factors in advance. There is the size of the space available for the bench. Who should sit on it later and how many people should there be space on the bench? With our tips you will find exactly the right bench to make sitting a pleasure for everyone.

How high should the optimal seat height of a bench be?

This depends entirely on the height of your dining table and therefore also on the average height of your family and guests. However, there are also common standard sizes in Germany for the optimal seat height of a bench.

In fact, the dimensions for seating and tables in all public buildings are based on the DIN standard ISO 5970 for recommended seat and table heights. According to this, a table height of 76 cm is recommended for a person 172-186 cm tall. The matching seat height is 46 cm. If you are between 142-157 cm tall, we recommend a table height of 70 cm and a seat height of 42 cm. For tall people from 187 cm, the optimal table height is up to 82 cm. In this case, a seat height of 50 cm is recommended.

According to the DIN standard ISO 5970, an approximate distance of 30 cm between the seat and the table top is recommended for an adult person. This means you can fit the legs under the dining table without any problems. If the distance is smaller, there is a risk that taller people will not find space for their legs. In addition, too little space creates an oppressive feeling and should therefore be avoided if possible. Because the most beautiful gatherings with friends and family take place at the dining table.

How long should the bench be?

This depends on the question of how many people should sit on your bench and how long is your dining table?

In general, 50 to 55 cm of seating space should be allowed per person. If you would like to calculate the bench size individually for your family, measure the distance between the shoulders of each family member and add a few centimeters. The following dimensions generally apply:

• Bench length for 2 people: 100 cm - 140 cm
• Bench length for 2-3 people: 140 cm - 160 cm
• Bench length for 3-4 people: 180 cm - 200 cm
• Bench length for 5 people: 250 cm

Does the bench have to be as long as the table?

This doesn't necessarily have to be the case, but if the length is the same, make sure that everyone has enough space to get in comfortably. In principle, the space available determines whether the length of the bench corresponds to the length of the table or whether the bench should be slightly shorter than the dining table.

If you have little space around the dining area, it is a good idea to move the bench under or close to the table after use. In this case, your bench should be wide enough to fit between the table legs. To do this, measure the distance between the inner edges of the table legs and subtract another 10 cm from it. This means you can easily slide the bench under the table top to save space.

If you want armrests or a backrest for your bench, you should also measure the height of the backrests and take this into account.

Should the bench be with or without a backrest?

Especially when sitting for long periods of time, it's good to be able to lean on something now and then. Small children and older people in particular prefer seats with backrests because they provide a certain level of safety and stability when sitting.

Benches with backrests are difficult to slide under the dining table and look rather inelegant when pushed directly up to the table. Alternatively, you can place a bench without a backrest against a wall so that you can lean on it if necessary.

Free-standing benches can be stored under the dining table to save space. They also appear more open and make the room appear larger because they do not block the view.

In order to maintain the possibility of leaning, special mobile seat shells for benches are available on the market. A good stylish alternative is a seat cushion with a backrest. Thanks to a built-in joint, these cushions can be used flat as a wide seat cushion or folded as a cushion with a backrest.

The dining table is a place where people eat, laugh and celebrate. To ensure that guests can sit comfortably on a bench, the correct dimensions for the table height and seat height will help you. With our tips, it will be a successful, cozy and super comfortable evening for everyone.