20 Small Dining Room Ideas with a Window Bench to Maximize Your Dining Room Seating and Natural Light

This post shows you the best small dining room ideas with a window bench to try today!

A morning ritual I love is having a mug of hot cocoa while sitting on the bench in the small nook on my balcony.

There is something about enjoying the fresh morning air and the chirping birds that sets me off to a good start every day.

To achieve this, all I needed was a small unused space and some creativity to turn things around in my favor.

With that said, I will share twenty ideas for your small dining room with a window bench to maximize seating and natural light.

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Bright Colors for Vibrance

With some clever color scheme choices for your dining room, you could achieve the right vibrance to complement the warmth of the sun rays that penetrate your dining space throughout the day.

In addition to having a dining table with benches by the windows and extra seats for functionality, consider baby pink or peach color schemes to enhance the dining area’s vibrance.

No Curtains for More Light

Painting your walls white is a great tip for maximizing brightness in your room whether you use natural light or artificial light.

For natural light, leaving the windows curtainless allows maximum sunlight into your dining area, which bounces off the white walls for maximized brightness.

If the windows meet at a corner, fit a bench and a round table in front of it with a chair.

Intimate Settings

Sometimes, you only need a small but intimate setting to sit, eat, and laugh.

If your kitchen is partitioned with little room for a dining area by the window, fit a bench in that section along with a small rectangular table to leave some room for easy mobility.

Leave the windows curtainless to allow maximum natural light into your space.

Large Windows

Fitting large windows in your space is another unique solution for maximized brightness and natural light for your home.

If you have these windows in the dining area, place a bench without cushions and a small rustic table for a casual setting that you could easily switch up for different occasions.

Add two extra seats in neutral colors to complement the scenic nature views you will enjoy.

Leverage Your Bay Window

If you have a bay window in your home, you could easily leverage it to create a dining nook.

To do this, get a small table and place it next to the bay window with three evenly spaced seats.

Then, use the window’s protruded section as a bench and place cushions as accessories.

Leave the window curtains drawn to allow as much light in as possible.

Breakfast-Nook Inspired

If all you need is a small dining area for breakfast, then this idea is just for you.

This would be suitable if you have designated a small balcony-like section as the dining section.

With the window drapes drawn and a cushioned bench against the wall, place a small round table with two casual chairs.

The round table fits the compact size of this setting.

Consider a Long Table

For a spacious dining room, consider getting a long and rectangular dining table.

Get as many chairs as you need for the table.

Then, fit an upholstered bench by the wall-to-wall windows for you and your guests to sit on as they enjoy the outdoor views and natural light.

Round Table and Stools

Get a small round table with two woven stools and place these next to the wall.

Install a bench against one of the walls.

This idea is ideal for rooms with windows on all walls where you could sit on the bench and enjoy the natural views and natural light.

A round table leaves space for mobility.

Compact Nook

If your home is not large enough to accommodate a dining room, you can designate a part of your kitchen as a dining nook.

Fit a small round table with one casual chair near the bench by the window for extra seats.

Both the bench and the chair are close enough to the window to enable you to enjoy natural light while sitting.

Improvise with a Circular Nook

This idea suits anyone with a circular nook in their home, which they could convert into a small dining section.

Fit benches against the walls to fit the shape of the circular section, and then fit a round table in the middle.

The circular design leaves just enough space to move around as you sit or manoeuver on the bench while enjoying the outdoors.

Don’t Be Afraid to Match

A common yet inspiring way to showcase your style is through matching colors.

For this idea, the concept is to match every component of the dining area in different shades of brown.

The dining table is rustic, the seats are woven, and both match the dark brown walls.

The floor carpet, bench cushions, and window curtains are a light shade of brown.

The natural lighting is minimal to match the subtle dark theme of the room.

Airiness and Freshness

Painting your space white is good for more than merely maximizing the brightness of natural light.

It also facilitates a sense of airiness and freshness in the room while making it appear spacious.

Furthermore, having see-through chairs enhances the airiness.

That said, get a white dining table, paint part of the bench and all the walls and windowpanes white, and get see-through seats.

Potted Plant

Introducing a potted plant into your living space is among the most common tips for facilitating freshness in your living space.

Placing the potted plant right by the window where the natural light emanates takes this to the next level.

Seating on a bench by the window and enjoying a meal or reading a book engulfed by this fresh aura is therapeutic for many.

Few Seats for Mobility

Placing both a bench and seats is an excellent tip for functionality as it enables you to accommodate more people in the dining section.

To de-clutter the space and ensure efficient mobility, leave space between the bench and the table and place a few seats.

In doing so, it is easy for people to move around with minimal collision.

Colorful Cushions

In addition to placing a small dining table and seats alongside a bench by the windows, you could spruce this up by placing bright and colorful cushions on the benches.

The essence of doing this is improving your mood through facilitating vibrance in the dining space.

This is elevated by enjoying the views from the comfort of your bench overlooking the outdoors.

Regulate Light with Curtains

Sometimes, allowing too much light into your space is undesirable, especially when the sun shines extra bright.

In addition to having a dining table and a bench that offers seating functionality, consider fully covering the windows with sheer curtains.

These enable you to regulate the amount of brightness in the dining area.

The lighter the curtains, the more light penetrates.

Match the Seats and the Benches

For this idea, get a dark brown rectangular dining table and fit a bench by the window with two or three seats.

To showcase your style, get the benches and seats in matching covers and upholstery.

Ensure the covers match the table’s shade of brown.

Multi-Purpose Bench

The bench in your dining section could be more than a seat.

In addition to free-standing seats and a table, get a bench with compartments, enabling it to double as a storage space. 

That could be an excellent idea for creating a dining section inside an RV.

Cozy Corners

Circular benches are not strictly for spaces with circular designs.

You could also fit these benches in spaces with sharp corners and place a small round table in between.

Consider strategically placing natural and artificial light fixtures directly above the table to complement the slide windows, maximizing brightness and light.

Themed Settings

If you dislike uninspired or monotonous color schemes, you could get bold with any theme you prefer.

For instance, you could go for a floral theme, where you get a bench with upholstered floral cushions and covers and install matching curtains over the windows.

A small table with a neutral color that matches the theme provides a stylish finish to this aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of incorporating a window bench in a small dining room?

A window bench maximizes both seating and floor space in a small dining room.

It creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere while offering additional storage underneath.

By placing seating along a wall, you free up more room for movement and other furniture.

The natural light from the window enhances the space, making it feel more open and airy.

Plus, it can be customized with cushions and pillows for a comfortable and stylish seating solution.

2. How can I style a window bench to complement my dining room decor?

Start by choosing cushions and pillows that align with your dining room’s color palette and style.

Mix textures like linen or velvet for a cozy and inviting look.

Add seasonal accents, such as throw blankets, to change the vibe of the space throughout the year.

You can even install a gallery wall or curtains above the bench to create a cohesive design around the window area.

This makes the window bench a functional yet beautiful feature in your dining room.

3. Can a window bench provide storage space in a small dining room?

Yes, a window bench can be designed with built-in storage to maximize functionality.

Consider adding drawers, baskets, or cabinets underneath the seat for discreet storage of dining essentials like napkins, tablecloths, or even extra dishes.

This hidden storage solution is perfect for keeping a small dining room tidy and clutter-free.

Not only does it save space, but it also ensures your dining room remains organized and practical.

4. What types of window benches work best for small dining rooms?

A slim, low-profile bench works best in small dining rooms to maintain a clean and uncluttered look.

Built-in benches are ideal as they fit seamlessly against the wall, maximizing the available space.

Floating benches or benches with tapered legs can also make the room feel more open by not crowding the floor.

Additionally, an upholstered bench adds softness and warmth, while wooden or minimalist designs can give a modern or rustic vibe.

5. How do I ensure my window bench is comfortable for dining?

Start by adding a padded seat cushion that provides enough support for longer meals.

Layer throw pillows along the backrest for extra comfort and visual appeal.

Ensure the bench height aligns with the dining table height to allow comfortable seating.

You can also consider a slight incline on the backrest for ergonomic support, making the bench a cozy spot for dining and relaxation.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Dining Room” board.