Bench Height
A standard bench seat is 17–19 in (43–48 cm) high, the same height as a dining chair. That height lets your feet rest flat with your knees at about 90°. Entryway, dining and window benches all start from it; only bar benches and garden benches move far from it. For the build, see how to build a bench.
Bench heights and depths
| Bench | Seat height | Depth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entryway / mudroom bench | 18–19 in (46–48 cm) | 14–18 in (36–46 cm) | Lower by the cushion thickness if cushioned |
| Dining bench | 18 in (46 cm) | 13–16 in (33–41 cm) | 10–12 in below a 30 in table |
| Kitchen nook / banquette | 18 in with cushion (46 cm) | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) | Base about 16 in plus a 2 in cushion |
| Window seat | 18 in (46 cm) | 15–20 in (38–51 cm) | Deeper for lounging |
| End-of-bed bench | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) | 14–18 in (36–46 cm) | A little below the mattress top |
| Garden / park bench | 16–18 in (41–46 cm) | 16–20 in (41–51 cm) | Often with a sloped back |
| Bar or counter bench | 24–30 in (61–76 cm) | 12–16 in (30–41 cm) | 24–26 in for a 36 in counter |
| Accessible (ADA) bench | 17–19 in (43–48 cm) | 20–24 in (51–61 cm) | Fixed, with back support |
Seat height and the table
At a table, the gap between the seat and the table top matters more than the seat height itself: 10–12 in (25–30 cm) leaves room for thighs without making the table feel high. A 30 in dining table therefore takes an 18 in bench, a 36 in counter a 24–26 in bench, a 42 in bar a 28–30 in one.
Length and space
Allow about 24 in (61 cm) of bench per person: a 48 in bench seats two, a 72 in bench three. In an entryway, leave at least 36 in (91 cm) of floor in front of the bench to sit and put shoes on, and keep the depth to 14–16 in in a narrow hall.
Cushions
A seat cushion adds 2–4 in (5–10 cm). Build the bench base lower by the same amount, so the finished seat still ends up at 17–19 in.
Building a storage bench
An entryway bench with shoe cubbies is a good first sheet-goods project. Our storage bench plan sizes the seat, sides, dividers and plinth from the length, seat height and depth you type, and warns you if a cubby leaves the seat too long between supports:
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard height of a bench?
17–19 in (43–48 cm) to the top of the seat, the same as a dining chair. Measure with the cushion on if the bench has one.
How high should an entryway or mudroom bench be?
18–19 in (46–48 cm) without a cushion, or 16–17 in if you add a 2 in cushion, so you can sit and put your shoes on comfortably.
What height should a dining bench be?
About 18 in (46 cm) for a standard 30 in table: 10–12 in between the seat and the table top.
How long should a bench be per person?
About 24 in (61 cm) per person; 22 in is tight, and dining benches need a little more.
What is the average bench height?
About 18 in (46 cm) to the top of the seat, the same as a dining chair.
What are standard mudroom bench dimensions?
18–20 in high, 14–18 in deep and 36–60 in long, with about 24 in of length for each person who sits on it.