Short answer: Choose a bench when you want to seat extra people along one side of the table in less space, or when the table is pushed against a wall. Choose chairs when you want back support and the freedom to move a seat. Our Vela bench is 59.1 inches (150 cm) long and 18.6 inches (47.2 cm) high with its cushion, and the Vela chair is 20.9 inches (53.1 cm) wide with a backrest that rises 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) above the seat.
A good dining setup often mixes both: chairs at the ends of the table, a bench along one side. Here is how each option performs.
On This Page
- Space and seating capacity
- Comfort and back support
- Cozey bench and chair measurements
- Cleaning and covers
- Which should you choose?
- Explore Cozey dining
Space and seating capacity
A bench has no separate seat positions, so people can sit closer together along one side of the table. The Vela bench is 59.1 inches (150 cm) long and 15.0 inches (38 cm) deep. Separate chairs need their own width: the Vela chair is 20.9 inches (53.1 cm) wide and the Ushi chair 20.6 inches (52.4 cm).
A bench is flexible about how many people sit on it, but comfort drops if you squeeze too many people on. As a rough planning guide, a common rule is about 24 inches (61 cm) of table edge per person; this is general advice, not a product specification.
Comfort and back support
A chair gives each person a backrest. The Vela chair's backrest rises 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) above the seat, its seat is 19.0 inches (48.2 cm) high and its seat depth is 16.5 inches (42 cm). A bench does not have a backrest, so it suits shorter meals, casual dining and children better than long dinners.
If you or your guests like to linger at the table, put chairs on the sides where people stay longest and use the bench where people come and go.
Cozey bench and chair measurements
Cozey bench and chair measurements
| Piece | Width or length | Depth | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vela bench (no cushion) | 59.1 in (150 cm) | 15.0 in (38 cm) | 17.2 in (43.8 cm) |
| Vela bench (with cushion) | 59.1 in (150 cm) | 15.0 in (38 cm) | 18.6 in (47.2 cm) |
| Vela chair | 20.9 in (53.1 cm) | 22.1 in (56.2 cm) | 31.2 in (79.3 cm) |
| Ushi chair | 20.6 in (52.4 cm) | 23.3 in (59.2 cm) | 30.4 in (77.3 cm) |
For the Vela dining table, the tabletop is 30.2 inches (76.8 cm) high. The cushioned bench sits at 18.6 inches (47.2 cm), which is close to the seat height of our dining chairs, 18.0 to 19.0 inches (45.8 to 48.2 cm).
Cleaning and covers
Our Vela and Ushi chair cushion covers are removable and machine washable. Replacement covers for the Vela bench are sold separately (see the Vela bench covers). Check the care instructions on the product page for the cover you choose.
Which should you choose?
- Bench: best along a wall, for families with children, or when you want an extra seat or two without adding another chair.
- Chairs: best for long meals, for guests who want back support and at the ends of the table.
- Both: a common solution is chairs at the ends and a bench on one side.
Read our dining table size guide to match your seating to your table.
Explore Cozey dining
Product specifications can change. Check the current dimensions on the product page before ordering.