A wooden bench is one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in the house—and one of the most underutilized. Most people picture it simply sitting next to the dining table. But it has so much more to offer. Here are five specific ways to make the most of it.
A bench takes up less visual space than two or three chairs, allows more people to sit on the same side, and creates a clean, continuous line that chairs cannot provide. Furthermore, when it’s not in use, it doesn’t clash with the space—it simply is there.
The LUMA Bench by Studio Tablas is crafted from FSC-certified solid oak in our workshop in Granada. It is available in various lengths and three finishes—Oak, Distressed, and Walnut—to suit any space.
The most common combination—and for good reason: a bench along the longest side of the table allows more people to sit in less space and creates a much cleaner visual line than a set of chairs.
When you have guests with kids, a bench is much easier — children climb up and down without moving anything. During long dinners with friends, with no armrests or rigid backrests between diners, conversation flows better. And day to day, the bench can be pushed away from the table with a single motion to gain walking space.
The bench works well alongside any of our tables:
LUMA table in walnut finish + LUMA bench in walnut on one side + two linen-upholstered chairs on the other sides. This is the configuration we’re asked for most often, and the one that best balances warmth and modernity.
The entryway is the first space your guests see and the last one you see before leaving. A solid oak bench completely transforms it—it provides a place to sit and put on your shoes, a spot to set down a bag, and a visual presence that no coat rack can match.
The key to a hallway bench is its length: a bench measuring 100–120 cm is long enough to sit on without blocking the passageway. The LUMA Bench in Oak finish, with a small rug underneath and a mirror above, is one of the most effective and timeless entryway arrangements.
On top: a ceramic tray for keys, a small plant, nothing more. Underneath: a small wicker basket for slippers or a pair of neatly placed shoes. The bench doesn't need much to work — its shape already speaks for itself.
In the bedroom, the bench at the foot of the bed serves an immediate practical purpose—it’s where you leave your clothes for the next day, where you sit to put on your socks—but above all, it has a huge visual impact. It transforms a bed into something that looks like it belongs in a hotel.
The bench at the foot of the bed adds a layer of depth to the space. The bed no longer ends at the mattress—it ends at a piece of solid oak that anchors the whole arrangement. With a folded blanket draped over it, the effect is complete.
The living room always needs more seating than it seems when guests arrive. A solid oak bench solves that problem elegantly—it takes up no space when it's not needed and comes out when it's needed.
Placed in front of the sofa as a low coffee table, the bench works perfectly. On top: a tray with candles, the remote, and a book. It’s cozier than a glass coffee table and more functional than a tall solid-wood one.
At an informal gathering with lots of people, the bench is the easiest seat to move around. It has no legs that catch on the rug and no excessive weight. It moves, turns, and sits wherever it's needed.
Solid oak can be used in covered outdoor areas—such as a covered patio, a porch, or a veranda. We do not recommend exposing it to continuous rain, but in a sheltered outdoor setting, varnish-finished oak holds up perfectly and ages gracefully.
We offer three finishes that complement the most common home decor styles:
The LUMA Bench is available in various lengths. As a general guideline, a 120-cm bench comfortably seats two adults; a 160-cm bench seats three.
The LUMA Bench is designed to be used on its own or in combination with the rest of the collection. Its standard height of 45 cm is compatible with all of our dining tables.
If you'd like to see the complete set—bench and table—before making a decision, request our wood samples and see how the finish looks in your space under your lighting.
