Take a peek at some of our Patio Dining Table Sets with Benches and Chairs. This is an elevated take on the picnic table with a creative variation on its seating mix to accommodate more diners. Shop the entire collection and discover which style, material, and seating size is perfect for your home.
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A: The hybrid set offers the ultimate blend offlexibility, comfort, and capacity.
Maximized Comfort/Capacity: It leverages the strength of each seating type. You gain thehigh capacity and space efficiency of benches on the long sides, while retaining thepersonalized comfort, armrests, and easy access of chairs at the head and foot of the table.
Aesthetic Appeal: The mix of seating styles creates a more dynamic, designer-curated look that feels less rigid and more welcoming than a single set of six identical chairs.
Ideal Placement: Best suited for areas that serve multiple purposes—casual family meals during the week (benches) and more formal entertaining on weekends (chairs for the hosts).
A: The standard, most functional arrangement places the more formal seating at the ends.
Head/Foot: Theindividual chairs are typically placed at the head and foot of the table. It is where the hosts often sit, as chairs offer the easiest access and most defined comfort.
Sides: Thebenches are positioned along the long sides of the table. It maximizes the seating capacity for guests.
Aesthetic Consistency: Even though the seating types are mixed, thematerials and color scheme must be consistent. For example, pairing teak benches with teak-framed chairs, or black poly benches with black poly chairs, maintains visual harmony.
A: When combining seating types, the relative dimensions become critical.
Bench Length: The bench length should be shorter than the table to avoid interference with the chairs at the ends. Agap of at least 6 inches should remain between the bench end and the table leg to allow access for the end chair.
Seat Height: All seating must share thesame standard dining seat height (approx. 17-19 inches). A chair and a bench with different seat heights will look mismatched and feel awkward for diners.
Chair Depth: Ensure the chairs, when pushed in, do not protrude beyond the benches when the benches are moved in. It helps maintain the space-saving benefit.
A: The hybrid nature often simplifies cushion selection by allowing you to mix cushion styles for different needs.
Benches: Can use a single, long, thin cushion for comfort and an uncluttered look.
Chairs: Can use smaller, structured seat pads or cushions with back ties for individual support.
Pillows: Use decorative throw pillows on the chairs to tie the colors together while keeping the bench area minimal and functional.