Setting the bench mark
Late night chats, confidences, work day debriefings... Considering how much time we spend in the kitchen, you might as well make it a comfy space! It doesn't matter how soft your sofa is or how big the dining table; it doesn't matter what your living room looks like or what resolution your TV has. Flat after flat, it's always the same conclusion: the heart of any home is the kitchen. Your best ally? The bench seat. Placed well, it creates comfortable seating while increasing storage space. The perfect spot for those end-of-day work recaps over a glass of wine. Get inspired and turn inspiration into reality!
Out of sight, out of mind
More than just a seat, the versatile bench also provides a spot for your favourite plants and decorative objects. Or perhaps that painting collecting dust in the attic? Any mess can disappear in a flash behind its doors and drawers. Located at kid-friendly height, the bench cabinets are also perfect for storing colouring books and kitchen utensils for little chefs in the making, giving them independent access. Sign us up!
How's your bench game?
What's hidden behind each of these stylish benches? You guessed it, Ikea Metod cabinet frames! No risk of damage here: ultra-resistant, they can accommodate one person per piece without a worry in the world. It's up to you to choose the depth depending on the space you have available. The Swedish giant offers 37 cm and 60 cm versions. As for height, it's best to opt for 40 cm cabinets. Installed on 8 cm legs hidden by a plinth, the seat height will be 48 cm and can be perfectly adapted to your table. Creating a bench or impromptu dining table from Ikea cabinets has never been so easy! Not keen on using your bench as a dining area? Place it directly on the floor: voila, you now have a bench in your hallway to put on your shoes with ease. However, make sure you have small silicone glides so that the doors don't get in the way. You can also add a 60 cm high module at the end of your bench to play with different heights and looks.
Ready to install
Not keen on using your bench as a dining area? Place it directly on the floor: voila, you now have a bench in your hallway to put on your shoes with ease. However, make sure you have small silicone glides so that the doors don't get in the way. You can also add a 60 cm high module at the end of your bench to play with different heights and looks.
Cream of the crop
Linear furniture, a central island, maybe a bar... Whatever the look, classic kitchens repeat the same old story over and over. It's time to switch it up! With its height lower than that of a traditional cabinet, the bench seat helps redefine your space. Adding one of 1.5 to 2 metres is enough to make your room feel larger than it really is. It's also the perfect way to take advantage of your walls with windows that don't fit kitchen cabinets, or to optimise even the smallest of corners. Our tip for extra cosiness? Add cushions: you'll create a calm atmosphere perfect as an everyday dining area.
Within reach
Door or drawer, it's all a question of taste, but also of use. For everyday use, the drawer is easier to access. On the other hand, if you plan on storing appliances in your bench that you only take out once a year, the door will cost less and hide your relics very well (the door layout is less expensive because you won't have to buy a Maximera drawer, only Utrusta hinges). You can even opt for push buttons and exclude handles from your budget too, making your storage units go extra incognito. Installing your fronts and handles is ultra-simple: just follow our video tutorials, which you'll find in our Installation Guide.
Cherry on the cake
Last but not least, it's time to decorate your bench! Cover panels are your best friend here: match them with your fronts, in the same colour but with a different finish, or opt for something radically different, the choice is yours. In our offices, we opted for a Green 02 - Sombre forest bench with matte lacquer doors and visible grain on top.
Ikea references to remember
Cabinet frames
Ready to take the plunge and customise your bench? When you head to Ikea, there's only one word to remember: Metod. The rest all depends on the dimensions you prefer.
> For 60cm depth, the "overhead" cabinets, which you can place on the floor:
- W40xD60xH40 cm: Ikea reference 602.240.78
- W60xD60xH40 cm: Ikea reference 402.055.37
- W60xD60xH60 cm: Ikea reference 002.055.39
> For 37cm depth, the "wall-mounted" cabinets, which you can also place on the floor:
- W60xD37xH40 cm: Ikea reference 302.055.33
- W80xD37xH40cm: Ikea reference 802.055.40
Legs
- Metod legs to be covered with a Plum Living plinth: Ikea reference 402.055.99
- You can also choose to have your bench rest on the ground, by raising it slightly with small felt pads so that the fronts don't rub on the ground.
Hinges
- Utrusta hinges (if you opt for doors): Ikea reference 805.248.82
Drawer rails
- Maximera rails, chosen according to the cabinet dimensions
Imagine your dream bench seat with Plum Styler
Between cane or frame, painted or natural wood, brass or chrome... your heart is in the right place?
Discover our 3D Styler, which will allow you to imagine and customize in the smallest details the bench made for you.
There are no limits to your creativity!
