Kitchen seating ideas – A look at the options to ensure you’re sitting comfortably and in style

There are so many things to consider when choosing a new kitchen – from the layout of your room and the colour of your cabinets, the appliances you want to kitchen seating. In fact, making sure you select the right seating is also an important decision – for aesthetic, comfort and practical reasons.

Start by thinking how you’ll use your kitchen. Is it is the place where you’ll eat all your meals – including entertaining – or just breakfast? Is it part of an open plan living area – does the design need to work with existing furniture or soft furnishings? Is it going to be a place where friends congregate over a relaxed coffee or pre-dinner drinks (if it’s the latter, you might want to think about a drinks cabinet)? All these considerations – along with the space you have available – will make a difference to the type of kitchen seating that you choose.

Upholstered banquettes

If your dining table will be in a different room, you may decide that more casual, built-in seating – at a breakfast or bistro table – meets your needs. Integrated benches and banquettes are a good idea if space is at a premium – after all, building seating into an alcove or corner takes up less room than a freestanding table and chairs. Benches can also provide storage, too, doubling up on their appeal. We’ve explored how to add texture to your kitchen here – this could include upholstering your banquette to match blinds or curtains, dialling up the design factor in your room.

Breakfast benches

In many properties, the kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s here where families start the day, sitting down to breakfast before heading off to school or work. A breakfast nook with benches or stools – nestled next to a breakfast station, perhaps – is a great way to make busy mornings more efficient. Ideal if you don’t have the room for a table with chairs –  stools and benches can be pushed neatly under a table when you’re not using them. This can be a great spot for homework, too – and if this involves afterschool snacks, it’s worth making sure this seating is easy to keep clean.

Kitchen seating – Island stools

Still one of the most popular features in a kitchen design, an island is the perfect place to perch with a coffee or to chat to the chef while they’re rustling up dinner. Counter height or bar height, you can choose stools that work with your kitchen design, blend with your soft furnishings or make a bold style statement. Same goes for the kitchen seating you choose for a breakfast bars or peninsula – think about a classic stool or one with a back for added comfort.

Cafécore comfort

As nation of coffee lovers, we’ve welcomed the cafécore trend into our kitchens – creating a designated spot to enjoy the perfect brew. From a café-style table and chairs and bistro sets to bar stools at an island, this is your chance to choose seating for your kitchen that suits your aesthetic. This your opportunity to enhance the comfort, too – add cushions or throws for a casual yet stylish look and feel.

Window seats

If you’re lucky enough to have the space for a window seat in your kitchen, you can choose from a finish that matches your cabinets, wood that works with your window frames, or upholstery to tie your look together. This can be the perfect spot to read, enjoy your morning coffee or to watch the world go by, so it’s worth putting some thought into the comfort as well as the style.

Kitchen seating – making the most of a dining kitchen

Whether you have a spacious dining kitchen or your kitchen transitions into your open plan living area, you may want to choose a dining furniture that complement your handcrafted kitchen. This could mean dining chairs in the same wood as your kitchen, a coordinating painted finish or a contrasting look. Think about tying your dining chair design in with the stools at the island – or using the same fabric or leather upholstery on your window seat. Bringing your look together with a few carefully-chosen touches will ensure your kitchen has a considered look and feel.