Dining Table Bench vs Dining Chairs: Which is Best for Your School Hall?

Choosing seating for your school’s dining hall might not seem like a big decision at first, but it can make a huge difference in how the space is used every day. While it might be tempting to go for what looks good or is easiest to buy, it is more important to choose something that fits the needs of your students and staff. If you are currently deciding between benches and chairs, here are some factors to think about.

Considerations when Choosing between Dining Benches and Chairs

Space Efficiency

One of the most important considerations for any school dining hall is how to make the best use of the available space. Benches allow more students to sit at a single table compared to chairs, making them a practical solution for schools needing to accommodate as many students as possible at one time. For example, a typical dining table with benches might seat 8–10 students, while the same table with chairs might only fit 6–8. In a busy dining hall, this difference can quickly add up, reducing the number of seating rotations needed during lunch service.

Chairs, on the other hand, take up more space due to their individual design. Each chair needs room to be pulled out and tucked back in, which can make the hall feel more crowded in schools with limited space. However, they offer more flexibility for older students who might prefer to sit in smaller groups or spread out for a bit of extra room while eating.

Flexibility and Storage

School dining halls are rarely used just for lunch. Because of this, it is important to have furniture that can be rearranged quickly and easily to suit whatever the day brings. Benches are ideal for group seating during meals, but their fixed design can feel less adaptable for other uses. Our Versa range of mobile folding tables is here to change that. They have been designed with busy school environments in mind, offering smart, space-saving solutions that work for halls of all sizes.

The Wall Pocket system, for example, combines benches and tables into a single unit that folds flat against or into the wall when not in use. This design makes it easy to clear the space for other activities without the hassle of moving or storing multiple pieces of furniture.

Chairs, by comparison, are naturally more flexible because of their independent design. They can be arranged in rows for assemblies, clustered for group activities or spaced out for exams. Having chairs in your dining hall also ensures you will always have extra seating available, avoiding the need to borrow chairs from other parts of the school.

However, they do require more effort to clear and store. Because schools need far more chairs than they would benches, stacking them can take significantly more time compared to benches. For schools with limited storage or time constraints, this is something to consider.

Comfort

Comfort during mealtimes is an important consideration for any school dining hall. The right seating can help students settle quickly, focus on their meals and enjoy a break from lessons.

Chairs are often considered the more comfortable option because they come with backrests, which provide added support while eating. For older students, this can make a noticeable difference, especially during longer lunch breaks. Chairs also give each student their own defined space, which can make the dining area feel less crowded, particularly for those who prefer a bit of personal room while eating.

Benches, on the other hand, focus on creating a more communal experience, where students can sit closely together and interact more freely. While benches do not offer back support, the Versa furniture range has been thoughtfully designed to enhance comfort in other ways. Adjustable table heights ensure that students of all ages can sit comfortably without feeling cramped, and the Benchmark tabletop extends beyond the attached benches, providing extra legroom and space. These features address some of the common concerns about backless seating, making benches a more practical option than they might initially seem.

So, Which is Best for Your School Dining Hall?

When deciding between benches and chairs, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Beyond the factors already mentioned, you might also want to consider your budget, the age range of your students and the design of your dining hall. If you are still unsure, Westcountry Group has over 45 years of experience in providing dining furniture for schools. We can help you assess your needs and choose the right option for your space.

Whether you would like to upgrade your current dining furniture or are looking for something new, we have delivered a number of multipurpose and dining hall projects that meet the needs of education environments. Here is what our customers had to say about our work.

Contact us today to find out more – call 0330 030 0330, email: ideas@versadesign.co.uk or visit our website.