Three Bench Options For My Dining Room (Plus, Do My Chandelier Flowers Need Color?)
As you know, I’ve decided to build new benches for the dining room. I’ve had this bench and artwork arrangement on the walls flanking the pantry doorway (which no longer has French doors on it) ever since the first iteration of this room. And then when I did the colorful makeover of the room and turned it into a temporary sitting room, I kept this arrangement.
If you’ve been following along, you know that I’ve gone through so many other options and ideas for these walls — full floor-to-ceiling cabinets, matching buffets, etc. But I’ve come back to the bench and artwork idea because it’s what I like. I like that it gives me options to add fabric and texture on the benches and pillows, and I really love the bigger area for artwork that I would lose if I put taller buffets there.
Anyway, I’ve already shared all of that, so I won’t rehash it here. All of that to say that I’m keeping with the benches + artwork + sconces arrangement. And I need new benches because I’ve already repurposed one of those original benches for our bedroom foyer.
That’s a done deal. I don’t want to have to redo that bench again. And I’m pretty excited about the idea of building new benches anyway. I had those two benches in the breakfast room for almost nine years. The decorator in me is ready for a change, and the builder in me is ready to build something new.
And that brings me to the three benches I’ve narrowed it down to. I posted these options on my A2D Facebook page a few days ago, but here’s the thing about Facebook. Those posts are shared not only with people who follow me, but they’re also shared with people who don’t know me from Eve. They know nothing about me or my house or my decorating taste or style. And I don’t know about you, but if I’m wanting input on something, I like to get that input from people who actually “know” me. I’d never walk up to some random person on the street and ask for their input on a decision I’m trying to make, and sometimes that’s exactly what Facebook feels like to me.
So I thought I’d share the three options with those of you who have actually “know” me, have been with me through full room renovations, and know my decorating style and taste. Getting input from those of you who regularly visit me here on my blog feels a bit more like asking friends for input rather than asking random people on the street for input.
With that said, let me show you the three options I’ve settled on. All three of them are from One Kings Lane. And I should mention that I’m about 95% sure at this point that regardless of the one I choose, I’ll be keeping the benches a natural wood color rather than painting them.
The first one is this scalloped wood bench with the turned legs and upholstered cushion seat. Y’all know how much I love turned wood legs, and that scallop detail is so pretty. The legs on this one would be a little tricky to replicate, but I already have an idea for how I would do that. I’m pretty confident I could pull it off.
The second one is this pretty bench, and while it’s all wood with no upholstered top, I could upholster the top or add an upholstered cushion to the top.
The legs on that one kind of remind me of the console table that I made way back in 2014 for our entryway. The shape is very different, but the concept is the same.
The third option is this rope bench with the upholstered cushion. If I go with this one, I won’t be wrapping mine in rope. I would simply use the shape and design as a template for building my benches. I’m afraid that with two cats in our home, any rope-wrapped benches would become instant scratching posts, so there’s no way I’d spend all that time wrapping mine with rope for my cats to destroy. But I was drawn to the shape and simplicity of the style of this bench. I would probably add a little flourish to those corner brackets, though.
Those are the three I’ve narrowed my decision down to. I think the first one might be my favorite, but it’s only by a very slim margin. I really like all three of them, and I wish I had a place in our house for all three. I imagine building all three, and I think all three would be fun building projects.
Now on to the chandelier. I was hoping that I could get it finished yesterday, but I didn’t quite get all of the flowers sanded and painted. Hopefully I can get that finished up today. I’m so excited about how it’s turning out, and I can’t wait to show you the finished product. But as I was painting those little flowers yesterday, I kept wondering if they needed a little color added to them. I used my pastels and a little paint brush to add some color to one of them. I took this picture of the plain white clay flower on the left, the flower left white with only the iridescent finish in the middle, and the flower with the iridescent finish and just a touch of color on the right. I’m not sure why I included the plain white clay flower because that’s not an option at this point. I’ll either use all plain white iridescent flowers, or I’ll add color to the iridescent finish. Those are the only two options I’m weighing right now.
I do like it, but I’m trying to envision a light with 135 of those flowers with a touch of color on them, and I’m having a hard time imagining what they would look like. Maybe it’s too much and I should just leave them all white iridescent. And I guess I could always go back and add color later if I decide it needs some color once the room is closer to being finished. Anyway, you can let me know your thoughts on that. In the meantime, I’ll be in my studio sitting at my worktable for the rest of the day sanding and painting the rest of these flowers! 😀
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
I vote for bench number 1, love the scallops.
I think you should add color to the flowers, incorporate all the pastel colors that make sense in the room with flowers of different colors. But I think all iridescent would be pretty too, but a rainbow of flowers seems more like you.
Yep. Me too, although with longer legs. In order of preference – 1,2, then 3, all with a cushion.
I like the touch of colour on the flowers, maybe a mixture of the iridescent and coloured ones?
I love the top bench with the scalloped edge. As for the flowers my choice would be just the iridescent. I think you already have enough pink.
Same votes
Agreed
Agree 100%
I agree.
Same here
Me too!
This.
Agree with all above.
Agree
I think you already have a lot going on in this room with fabric and multi colored chair, etc. I would head a bit towards simple with these two decisions. The third bench and no color on the chandelier would be my vote. That said, I always am so in awe of the final outcome of your projects!
My vote:
Bench no. 2
White iridescent flowers
Love all of the benches, but I am still a fan of some sort of storage. As you entertain, you will find the need for things that make entertaining easy such as platters and what have you. So, storage can become critical. Perhaps the benches can be storage also. I have that with my breakfast nook with the built-in banquette. Love the flowers, and yes to color and perhaps a little touch of gold and kitty fur, everything is always better with kitty fur. You are on the right track it looks amazing.
Cheers to you, Matt, and the Fur Helpers!
Oooo, a touch of gold! That’s a good idea!
#2 on the benches!! I think the style looks great for a dining room and suits you nicely. #1 looks like a child’s bed to me and #3 looks like a hospital bed. I’d stick with the iridescent finish on the flowers. Add your color in other areas. If you decide to change up finishings down the road, you won’t be limited by the color on your flowers. Have fun!
Have you thought about placing the 2 extra chairs from the dining room in those spaces? If you are going to usually have the table set for 4, you are going to need someplace to put the extra chairs.
I think the extra two dining chairs would look great there instead of benches. The benches are all lovely, but to me they serve no purpose as they are too low to use at the table and it is a dining room after all. The plain iridescent flowers look so good, I would do as you suggested and leave them plain and add colour later on if you think it needs it.
I don’t think she has extra chairs. I think the plan was to purchase folding chairs for company and only have the 4 hard back chairs with upholstered seats.
The first bench say “Kristi!” to me! As for the flowers I like the iridescent look. With the lights it is going to be beautiful and will be like a jewelry peice to the room. The curtains and the upholstery will shine by themselves.
SheilaF.
#1 and no color on flowers
I agree with you…although that tiny edge of gold sounded good too.
My vote would be for bench option #2 with your added upholstered top and going with iridescent flowers gives you the option to add Color later if you choose to do so.
Could you please post a ChatGPT’d version of your dining room with the pink-touched flower chandelier, next to the one with the all white version? It helps to see how the whole room works with each version.
I personally love the first bench with the turned legs. As for the flowers, I think that painting them all the iridescent white and maybe adding color later would be the way to go.
Bench number 1 is to die for! As for the flowers I love the iridescent white. It’s gorgeous!
Another vote for bench 1. Picturing each of the benches with the green table, the scallops and turned legs will look great – and it looks the most like Kristi. For the chandelier, I think keep the flowers white. You posted recently about how you need white to make the other colors work. This may be the same situation.
Bench no.2 would be my choice! It “reads” dining room in the most perfect way in my humble opinion. The first bench seems a better fit for a bedroom.
As for the chandelier? I think the entire process of you creating it and taking us along for the ride is all that matters to me 🙂
Bench 1, no color.
All 3 of the benches are beautiful so I see why it’s a hard choice. My vote is #1–the scallops and turned legs are perfect. Second choice is #3. For the flowers I vote starting with iridescent, no color. The flowers should naturally pick up some of the colors already in the room. And like you said you can always go back and add color later if you change your mind. This dining room will be stunning! ☺️ Blessings to you, Matt, Cooper and the kitties from NC! 🙏🏻
I hate it when a cushion slides all over, and both bench 1 and 3 have “rails” that hold the cushion in place if someone sits on it. Either option would be great.
If your ceilings will be white then I vote for color on the light fixture. It looks like the color you’re thinking about is subtle. Either that, or maybe hit them with some gold highlights. Yes, you can always add color later if you do the iridescent and don’t like it, but the reverse is also true – if you don’t like them with color then you can always re-paint them white! On the benches, I love the scalloped detail. It reminds me of the picture frame for your chapel picture in your bedroom foyer. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe just a thin edge of the same gold as the chandelier hardware on the edge of the flower petals
A gold edge is a great idea!
The first bench looks like something more suited to a child’s room. It is on the short side at 16.5″ tall according to the website although you could make it taller. I prefer the second or third bench options. Have you done some kind of mock up to see how those benches would look in the space with your Louis XV buffet, Louis XVI table and the chairs you bought that have a French feel to them? I am not saying the benches have to be French, just coordinate with the furniture you have. I would go with the iridescent white paint on the flowers. Iridescent finishes often reflect some color. Does this paint do that?
The first bench would be my choice and I would not add color to the flowers at this time. Seems it would be prudent to see it finished AND lit up to determine whether or not color was needed.
P.s. I’ve been following consistently since the apartment/condo 🙂
Bench one, maybe explore using it for storage some with a lift off upholstered lid no fancy hinges. Only if you got the scrap/materials to do it. Maybe later upgrade with hardware if it’s useful.
Leave the flowers iridescent, less is more, less to coordinate, visually balance and all.
I have a question regarding the benches. I know you have mentioned before about a Bible study at your home. Would someone be using these benches to sit on for that study? If so, I would think you would want a back for them, not just the wall to prop against. If they are mainly for eye candy and not function, then whatever you choose will be fine.
I am more of a “have a function” with furniture, so this is where I am coming from.
And girl, that iridescent on the flowers is so pretty! I think it will make the light brighter!
Could you do just a handful of the flowers with a blush of color? I think that could look really nice. Put the light together with the no color flower then see how you feel about it. If it feels blah in the finished room, add the color then.
I love bench #1. You can purchase wooden balls in varying sizes on Amazon. I actually used them to repair an old dresser drawer that had a set of 3 wooden balls as the handles of the drawer—one ball was missing!! I carved a “crack” in the ball and make 3 divots on each side of the crack and then stained to match!! The flowers… I’m leaning towards leaving them white and see what you think after the room is complete. UNLESS it’s to hard to go back and paint once it’s hung. Or…see what AI can do with the three light choices! 😃
From a friend who has followed you since the condo days-
I really like bench number one!
And I like the flowers with just the iridescent paint. I think once you get it hung in the dining room with all the other color and the mass of “blossoms” that will be plenty. Like you said, you could always add a touch of color later.
It’s all coming together so well!
What if you did the legs from bench #1 and the sides from bench #2? I’m not a fan of bench #3 without the wrapping. As for the flowers, I really love the touch of color, but someone else suggested doing the flowers in different colors and I really like that idea. But maybe start out iridescent and then add color only if you feel it still needs something.
I’d paint the flowers with the white iridescent. The one you show leans to blue , do you have one that reads more coral/pink?
Of all the bench options I’d go for #1 also
I like the first one for the curves it adds to your room.
There is no question, the first one is you.
I think all white would be fine. BUT, what if you put a touch of color on just some of them? It would be an option.
Hey friend! 😃
Bench, #3–I like the simple lines
Flower, no added color
Peace!
I like all things presented here! A hard decision for sure. I do like the first bench the best and the flower with a splash of color. But as you stated, hold off on the color until the room is near completion, then see if it is needed.
Could you do an ombré effect with the flowers – just iridescent at the top and subtly getting darker towards the bottom.
Will the benches be used at all, e.g. extra dining seating? Suggest you make the benches standard dining chair height to enable use at the table, and it will also make it easier for older people to get up from the bench.
My vote is for the bench with the scallops. yes to painting the flowers
I love the tinge of pink! I think a smattering of them within the plain iridescent flowers would be perfect! As far as benches, I am torn between the first and third, but lean to the third one. I like the simplicity of the design, instead of the gingerbread scallop on #1. Just the simplicity of design adds an unpredictable design element. i wonder if there is a flexible trim that could be wrapped instead of rope? The room will be dominated by your art & chandelier I think.
Personally, bench #2 is my favorite. Also, I really like the flowers with a touch of blush color on them. You could also consider blue, purple, orange or yellow for the flowers, if your wanting something other than pink!
I would prefer seeing the 2 extra chairs used instead of benches. Also solves the problem of where to store them, plus they are right there when needed. And the “storage closet” may already be full. I like the idea of “wait and see” for the chandelier flowers. Color may reflect from curtains, chair fabric, and large wall art. Best to you.
Thanks trusting us long time followers! I will take that as a compliment.
I can see you going with Bench 1 or 2. Both seem to be “you”. and I love the iridescent idea on the flowers! Maybe do a photo shop of the bench styles and see what jumps out at you.
One of the things I liked about the inspiration light fixture was that the leaves seemed to be a mix of white, silver, and gold, at least of my screen. The iridescent white is really lovely, but mixing in some with a touch of gold where you now have the pink or along the petal edges could be spectacular and very sophisticated.
I like bench #2. But have you considered putting chairs that coordinate with the ones you have at the table so you can pull them up to the expanded table when you have more than two guests over?
Of the three options I would go with #2, but I like the ones you had there before best. Those are simple and would not distract from other design features in the area. Flowers – go with white. You can always add a dash of color if needed.
On another thought, have you decided on wall color? Wonder how either the pink or the blue will go with the teal cabinets. Personally I would stay white and let the design elements explode!
I like the scallops on the first bench, but number one and number three both remind me of toddler beds. Maybe if the turned leg is longer it will look more like a bench. Personally, I like the tiny touch of pink on the flowers – I also like someone’s comment about adding a touch of gold instead. It’s hard to see on screen how the iridescent paint looks much different than just a plain white flower. All I know is that both the chandelier and the benches will turn out great when you are finished!
I love the first bench as well but feel I would quickly tire of the scallop. Maybe I prefer it because the fusion is influencing me. The last one is not one I would expect you to pick.
Can you tint your inspiration chandy in chat to see if you find it to much?
I like the first and last benches in terms of shape and style. Presumably, I’m or you are going to build these. Many older people have issues getting up and down off a bench unless it is chair ht at the seat. Soooo . . . whatever you build, don’t make it too low.
No comment on the chandelier. I’m not a floral person, more geometrics or modern art. I do like the original expensive but the main thing I see is trying to keep it dust free. I’m more of a recessed puck light girl!
I like bench #3 and the flowers white.
Oh please the first bench!!! And the flowers with the pink and iridescent!!!
I love the first bench! I would love it in my house. It looks a little short to sit on. I also like a little color on the flowers, here and there, maybe not all of them.
Hi, Kristi, bench number 1 with the scallops just feels like you. I also like that the design will help keep the cushion on the way the corners are.
I think mostly white iridescent flowers with just a scattering of the pink tinged would be beautiful. I also really like the idea of a little gold edging (at least on some of them) to really make it sparkle.
Love haw the room ideas are progressing.
My choice would be for bench #2 and the iridescent flowers. I would give the flowers a metallic gold center and a thin gold edge around each leaf.
Upon seeing bench #2, I remembered ( I think I remember correctly 😂) that you lived in Turkey. This bench reminds me a little of Turkish design.
I love the flowers either way, it will be gorgeous.
I love the scalloped bench! I think it looks the most like something in your house. Most of the furnishings in your home have some extra detail to them; it may be subtle, but there is something that sets it apart from big box store options. I think the other two aren’t cohesive enough to what you have already gathered for your home.
I also like the flowers with just a slight color in the middle. Again, it feels like something you would lean towards. What about just adding color to some of the flowers and placing them randomly in the chandelier? Like a little surprise when you study the fixture. Just a thought. I’m sure whatever you do it will be perfect.
I vote #1 first and #3 second choice.
I vote for the first bench but that’s because I love a scallop trim.
I love the pink flower but I’m having a hard time imagining 135 of them. That said, based on the structure of the light fixture, it seems that you would only see the pink area at the center on the flowers that are actually facing you and the rest would appear white. Perhaps you are right to leave them pearly for now though and when the room is closer to finished, make a decision.
My personal one is #2 bench. And just paint the flowers with the iridescent. They are turning out beautiful. This is of course, all my opinion. 😁😁
Love the kitty legs in your photo 🐾
Off topic we’ve had a heck of a time with our cat clawing and trying to chew the end of our area rug! So now we have double
Stick tape on top of the rug with a little overhang to keep her away from it. So far so good! The decor decisions always need to revolve around our fur babies! *Sigh*. I like the first bench very much!!
I like the first one best.
I love all three benches. You have such exquisite taste! My personal favorite is number 1. For the chandelier, I envision the iridescent white but with a touch of yellow and or umber at the center like a real flower. I can’t wait to see what you choose and how you bring both ideas to fruition!
Love, love LOVE bench #1.
A lot of things went through my mind while reading your post! Then I remembered the designers you like and how you are embracing that more. Sooooo…bench #1, although #2 is reminiscent of a previous table, that table was switched out. #3 doesn’t feel like the designers that inspire you, to me, BUT you could definitely surprise us with something awesome. As for the light, leaning towards the colorful designers you love, I could see using multiple colors (like someone else suggested) along with some gold edging.
This is an easy one for me … Bench #1, I love the legs! And no color on the flowers. I think 135 flowers with the pink center, not matter how subtle is just too much.
I like the first bench and I have a fondness for iridescent.
While all three beaches are pretty, I love the first bench.
My favorite is bench number 1, 2nd favorite is bench number 2. I don’t think bench number 3 looks your style at all. I like the flowers in just the white iridescent.
My thoughts on the benches:
#1-Has a nice substantial feel, a “weight” to it, plus it has those scallops you like so much. ^_^ I personally like the way the legs “hug” the cushion. It would also be a different build than what you’ve previously done, which if I was the one building, would make it more interesting to do.
#2- Really nice design, easy build, very similar to what you’ve done in the past, which could make it tie in to the rest of the house, which I know you like. ^_^
#3-I think the proportions of this one are a little insubstantial for anchoring a wall and for playing nicely with your chairs and table.
As for the flowers…that’s a tough one. Iridescence really doesn’t photograph well. I think it would be nice if the flowers had a little subtle definition to them so that they could be appreciated-does the iridescence read well? The pink tones would add a little warmth to the center of the room as an anchor. This will be the thing you see when you walk into the kitchen or are standing at your sink. But I can’t tell really, from the pictures exactly how much a viewer could see.
You had 2 benches in that area before. Did you use them?
One is now in the bedroom foyer. Painted green, and she doesn’t want to redo it again.
#1 – I too like the first bench! I think the legs won’t be that hard – just some round wooden balls you can get at a craft store, and a bit of router work on the rectangle sections. The only issue would be matching the type of wood to the balls. #2 – I vote to leave the flowers white iridescent, and like you said, you can always add color later. ( But I wouldn’t!)
Forgot to ask — for the rods, could you purchase skinnier, hollow rods that would be easier to bend? Some of the ones you showed in the post are bent differently, and that would bother me; I don’t know about you! If you had to add something to the end of the skinnier rod to make it attach, maybe cut one of the rods that are thicker into a piece you could attach to the skinny one, and insert it back into the base.
Bench 1 seems more “you” to me. As to the flowers, as you said you can always go back and add color after assembly.
First bench, you will see a lot of legs with your chairs and the benches would ground the room. They have it all, the scallops, the turned legs and a cushion that you can choose the fabric or even change it out for the seasons. Good luck in making up your mind.
I vote for bench #1. I actually gasped when I saw it. I may need to go buy one of these for myself. 🙂
As for the benches, I would only say that #3 does not seem like a fit for your style or room. Definitely do a mockup with all your furniture to see if you like the mix of styles. And certainly consider the height of the benches as they can always be pulled up to the table if needed.
My eye says the light fixture flowers look far more dimensional and textured with the paint. Maybe it could even be lighter if you think it’s “too much” or simply a creamier white or a pale gold rather than a pastel color. Is there any value in trying to mix a color and the iridescent? Would that give a different look rather than painting one over the other?
Which one does Tiger like? I like the color one, but like you said 135 colored flowers might be too much. What if you just colored some on them?
I really like your breakfast room light fixture.
Absolutely bench #1. I like the plain white flowers, myself, which shocks the maximalist in me. 🙂
I like the second bench best because it has a solid top. I always have to move table decor when I host a meal and never have anywhere to put the items from the table. The benches could be multi purpose for that. I’d make a loose cushion for them that can be removed and put underneath when I’m temporarily needing the hard surface.