Squeezing a dining table into a tight corner usually results in a battle of inches. You pull a chair out, it hits the wall. You try to scoot in, and you knock your knees against the table leg. This is exactly where the concept of a bench shines. Unlike individual chairs, a bench allows you to maximize seating capacity while minimizing the physical footprint of your dining area. It creates a cleaner visual line and, perhaps most importantly, offers that coveted hidden storage that every kitchen desperately needs.
When you start looking for affordable, modular options, ikea benches kitchen setups inevitably come up. The Swedish retailer has mastered the art of small-space living, but using their products for kitchen seating isn't always straightforward. Some items are sold explicitly as dining benches, while others require a bit of imagination—and perhaps a saw—to function effectively in a dining nook.
My Experience Building a Breakfast Nook
A few years ago, I moved into a rental with a kitchen that was technically an eat-in, provided you didn't actually want to eat comfortably. There was a radiator on one wall and a window on the other, leaving a weird L-shaped gap. Chairs were impossible. I needed something custom but didn't have the budget for a carpenter.
I ended up buying three NORDLI dresser units. While they are sold as bedroom storage, the dimensions were perfect for a seat height. I pushed them together against the wall, bolted them to each other for stability, and threw a custom-cut piece of foam on top. Suddenly, I had deep drawers for my heavy cast iron pots and a cozy spot to drink coffee. It wasn't just furniture; it was a permanent upgrade to how the room functioned. That experience taught me that the best kitchen bench ikea has to offer might not actually be in the dining section.
The Ready-Made Contenders
If you aren't interested in hacking bedroom furniture and just want something you can assemble and use immediately, IKEA does offer specific dining benches. The standout for years has been the SKOGSTA. Made of solid acacia, it is incredibly heavy and durable. Acacia is a hardwood that resists water well, making it a smart choice for a kitchen environment where spills are guaranteed. The aesthetic is distinct, though; the wood has rich, contrasting grain patterns that lean towards a rustic or industrial look. It fits perfectly if you have a farmhouse table, but it might clash with a sleek, high-gloss modern kitchen.
Another option that frequently pops up is the PERJOHAN. This is a pine bench with built-in storage under the seat. It is utilitarian and raw. The advantage here is the storage compartment, which is accessible by lifting the seat. It is ideal for storing table linens or dry goods. However, because it is untreated pine, you absolutely must seal it. Without a layer of polyurethane or paint, a dropped spaghetti noodle will leave a stain that lasts forever.
The Art of the IKEA Banquette Hack
The most stunning kitchen seating often comes from repurposing storage units. This is the route to take if you want the "built-in" look without the custom cabinetry price tag. The BESTÅ and SEKTION lines are the heavy hitters here.
Using Kitchen Cabinets as Seating
The SEKTION refrigerator top cabinets are the secret weapon of interior designers. Because they are designed to hold heavy weight and be mounted securely, they make excellent bench bases. You can install them directly onto a baseboard platform, giving you a toe kick that matches your existing kitchen cabinets. This makes the bench look like it was part of the original house architecture.
When building this type of ikea benches kitchen solution, you have to consider the doors. Drawers are usually more practical than doors for a bench because it is difficult to squat down and reach into the back of a cabinet while a table is in the way. Pull-out drawers allow you to access your placemats or holiday serving ware without crawling on the floor.
The KALLAX Compromise
You will see the KALLAX shelving unit used as a bench all over Pinterest. It is cheap and easy to find. While it works for a entryway or a child's room, be cautious using it in a high-traffic kitchen. The KALLAX is made of honeycomb paper filling and particle board. It isn't designed to support the weight of three adults bouncing around during a lively dinner party. If you choose this route, reinforce the back with a piece of plywood and add legs to distribute the weight evenly, or lay it flat directly on the floor.
Comfort and Upholstery
Let's address the elephant in the room: wooden benches are hard. If you want your family to linger at the table, you cannot rely on the bare wood of a kitchen bench ikea sells. You need textiles. This is where you can inject personality into the space.
For a high-traffic kitchen, avoid loose cushions that slide around. They become annoying very quickly. Instead, look for "bench pads" with non-slip backing. If you have built a custom nook using cabinets, buy high-density upholstery foam (at least 2 inches thick) and wrap it in a performance fabric. Sunbrella or Crypton fabrics are excellent choices because they are resistant to stains and fading. You can wipe ketchup right off them. If you are not handy with a sewing machine, a simple trick is to wrap the fabric around the foam and a thin plywood board, then staple-gun it to the underside of the board. You then place this upholstered board on top of your IKEA unit.
Installation and Safety Considerations
A freestanding bench like the SKOGSTA is simple—you build it, you sit on it. But if you are creating a banquette using storage units, anchoring is non-negotiable. If you have drawers that pull out, the shift in center of gravity can cause the unit to tip forward if it isn't secured to the wall studs. This is especially true if you have children who might climb on the open drawers.
Furthermore, pay attention to the height. Standard dining chair seat height is roughly 18 inches. Many storage units are either 15 inches (too low) or 24 inches (too high). You may need to add legs to a low unit or cut down the base of a high unit. Getting the ergonomics right is the difference between a cozy nook and a backache.
Is It Worth the Effort?
Opting for a bench, whether a stock model or a hacked creation, changes the dynamic of a kitchen. It invites a more casual, communal style of eating. It allows you to squeeze one more friend at the table. While IKEA furniture sometimes gets a bad rap for longevity, a properly assembled and maintained bench can last for a decade. The key is choosing the right material for your lifestyle—solid wood for durability, or hacked cabinets for maximum storage utility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard weight limit for IKEA benches?
Most standard IKEA dining benches like the SKOGSTA are tested for approximately 240-250 lbs (110 kg) per seat area. However, storage units like KALLAX or BESTÅ technically have lower weight limits for their "tops" since they aren't sold as seating, so reinforcement is recommended for adult use.
Can I paint the shiny IKEA laminate furniture to match my kitchen?
Yes, but you cannot paint directly over the laminate. You must scuff the surface with sandpaper first, apply a high-quality bonding primer (like a shellac-based primer), and then apply your topcoat. Without the bonding primer, the paint will scratch off within weeks.
How much space should I leave between the table and the bench?
Ideally, the edge of the table should overlap the bench seat by about 3 to 4 inches. This allows you to slide in easily while keeping your plate close enough to eat comfortably without leaning forward too much.
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