Dining benches with hidden storage are worth considering because they turn a piece of furniture you already need into somewhere to keep the things that otherwise clutter a kitchen or dining room. Table linen, placemats, candles, board games, children’s craft supplies and seasonal tableware can all disappear inside the seat. In the compact rooms common across the UK, that extra space often removes the need for another cabinet altogether.
A storage bench is not right for every home, though. It tends to be heavier, it cannot always slide under the table, and the lid mechanism needs to be well made. Below we look at the main types, where they work best and what to check before you buy. Our dining benches UK sale range includes several designs with lift up seats and drawers, which give a good sense of the options available.
The most common design has a hinged seat that opens to reveal a box beneath. These offer the largest single storage space and suit bulky items such as spare cushions, throws or large serving dishes. Look for soft close or gas assisted hinges, which stop the lid slamming and protect small fingers.
Some benches have one or two drawers beneath the seat. Drawers are easier to access than a lid because nobody needs to stand up, and they keep smaller items organised. They suit cutlery, napkins and placemats particularly well.
A bench with an open shelf or cubbies underneath offers storage you can see at a glance. Baskets slotted into the spaces keep things tidy. This style works well against a wall where the shelf faces into the room.
A deeper storage bench placed along a wall, sometimes with a back, creates a cosy banquette. This is a popular solution for kitchen corners and bay windows and can hold a surprising amount.
When the dining table lives in the kitchen, cupboard space is often already stretched. A storage bench takes pressure off kitchen cabinets by holding the things you only need at the table.
In compact homes, every piece of furniture benefits from doing more than one job. A storage bench can replace a small sideboard and free up valuable wall space.
Children’s colouring books, puzzles and homework supplies tend to gather on the dining table. A storage bench gives them a home within reach, which makes clearing the table before dinner much quicker.
A storage bench fitted into a bay or alcove makes use of an awkward space and gives you a comfortable window seat that also works as storage.
Storage benches usually cannot tuck under a table as neatly as slim benches, because the box section is deeper and taller. Before buying, measure the distance from the floor to the underside of the table apron. If the bench is taller than this, it will need to sit beside the table rather than beneath it.
For a lift up lid, also check the clearance above. If the bench sits under a window sill or shelf, make sure the lid can open fully without hitting anything. Drawer benches need about 40 centimetres of clear floor in front of them for the drawer to open comfortably.
When planning the full dining area, it can help to choose the bench alongside the table. Our modern dining table and chairs sets UK include tables that leave enough height and leg clearance for practical bench seating.
A storage bench quickly becomes a dumping ground unless it is organised. A few simple habits keep it useful.
A storage bench is not a direct replacement for every type of dining room storage, and it works best alongside other pieces. A bench is good for soft items and things used at the table. It is less suited to glassware or fragile china, which are safer behind doors at waist height.
Our modern sideboards UK sale are a good complement, holding plates, glasses and serving pieces while the bench handles linens and everyday clutter. For rooms that need flexible solutions elsewhere, our modern storage furniture UK range covers cabinets, shelving and units that work alongside dining furniture.
If you are pairing a bench with a sideboard, our guide to styling dining tables with sideboards in UK homes explains how to balance the pieces so the room feels coordinated rather than crowded.
Oak and pale timber storage benches suit Scandinavian, Japandi and country kitchens. They wear well and are easy to maintain.
Painted benches in soft white, grey or sage suit cottage and Shaker style kitchens. Painted wood can be touched up easily if it is chipped.
Benches upholstered in fabric or faux leather look softer and more finished. They work well in dining rooms and living spaces where comfort and appearance matter as much as practicality.
A storage bench changes how you use the dining area in small but noticeable ways. Knowing what to expect helps you decide whether the trade offs suit your household.
With a lift up lid, whoever is sitting on the bench needs to stand to open it. That is rarely a problem for items used occasionally, but it can become irritating if you store things needed during meals. Keep those items in a drawer bench or in a nearby cupboard instead.
A full storage bench is heavier than an empty one. If you regularly move it to vacuum or rearrange the room, a bench on legs or with felt pads on the base will make life easier. Avoid filling it with heavy items such as cookbooks or bulk supplies.
Benches that sit flat on the floor stop crumbs gathering beneath them, which some households appreciate. Others prefer raised designs that let a vacuum reach underneath. Both are practical; it simply depends on your preference.
Because the top must lift, the cushion on a storage bench is usually fixed to the lid rather than separate. Check that it is generously padded and that its edges are rounded, as you will sit on it every day.
In family homes, a storage bench can quickly become one of the hardest working pieces of furniture. Assign the interior to specific purposes so it does not become a catch all.
Children can then tidy up after themselves, and the dining table stays clear for meals. A soft close hinge is particularly important here, as it prevents the lid slamming on small hands.
If your dining area lacks storage, if you live in a compact home, or if your table regularly gathers clutter, a storage bench is a sensible investment. If you need a bench that slides fully under a low table, or you rarely use the dining area, a slimmer design may suit you better. We include both types in our range, and you can compare them alongside our tables, chairs and storage furniture at Furniture in Fashion.
Yes, particularly those with a padded seat. The seat height is usually similar to a standard bench, so they suit normal dining tables as long as there is enough clearance beneath the table.
Some can, but many are taller and deeper than slim benches. Measure the height under your table apron and compare it to the bench height before buying.
Table linen, placemats, napkins, candles, board games and children’s craft supplies all suit a bench well. Fragile glassware is better kept in a sideboard or cabinet.
Benches with soft close or gas assisted hinges are the safest choice, as the lid lowers slowly rather than dropping suddenly.
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