Like many, I found myself in need of more flexible seating in my dining area. The constant shuffle of adding chairs for guests or trying to make a small space feel more open was a persistent problem. Finding a comfortable and stylish solution was crucial; neglecting this would mean continued awkward gatherings and a dining space that never truly felt complete or functional for everyday use.
What to Think About When Choosing a Dining Bench
A dining bench is a fantastic way to add seating flexibility and a different aesthetic to your dining space. It solves the problem of needing versatile seating that can accommodate more people in a pinch and often offers a cozier, less formal feel than individual chairs. Someone seeking to maximize seating, introduce a touch of modern or mid-century style, or simply break up the traditional dining set look is an ideal candidate for a dining bench. However, if your primary need is for individual, armrest-equipped seating that offers significant lumbar support for long, formal meals, a bench might not be the best fit; in that case, traditional dining chairs or perhaps chairs with arms would be more suitable. Before buying, consider the dimensions of your table and space to ensure the bench fits proportionally and slides underneath if needed. Think about the material – wood for durability and style, upholstery for comfort and a softer look. Also, consider the assembly process and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your room.
Meet the Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott Bench
The Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott 59″ Upholstered Solid Wood Frame Dining Bench, Gray/Brown is presented as a fresh take on classic design, promising both form and function. When you purchase this bench, you receive the upholstered bench seat, the solid wood frame components with legs, and the necessary hardware and instructions for assembly. It’s positioned as a versatile dining bench option from Ashley, a well-known name in furniture. Compared to older, perhaps more traditional bench styles, the Lyncott bench features a distinct mid-century modern silhouette with tapered legs and a clean, upholstered top. It’s designed for someone looking for a blend of comfort and contemporary style in their dining or kitchen area. It might not be the best fit for someone seeking a bench with a backrest, armrests, or built-in storage.
Pros:
* Stylish mid-century modern design
* Comfortable upholstered seat
* Solid hardwood frame for durability
* Generous 59.25″ width allows seating for 2-3 people
* Easy assembly process
Cons:
* Upholstery color might show dirt easily
* Included assembly tool is basic and can be cumbersome
* No backrest or armrests (inherent to the bench style, but a con for some needs)
Diving Deep: The Lyncott Bench’s Key Aspects
Having lived with the Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott 59″ Upholstered Solid Wood Frame Dining Bench, Gray/Brown for a considerable time, I can attest to how its features translate into real-world use and benefits. This isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s become an integral part of our dining and gathering space.
Solid Wood Frame Construction
The description highlights the solid hardwood frame and medium brown wood-tone finish. This isn’t just marketing speak; the foundation of the Lyncott bench feels substantial and well-built. When you assemble it, you can feel the weight and density of the wood. This is crucial because a dining bench, especially one frequently used or scooted around, needs to withstand daily wear and tear. The benefit here is longevity. Unlike benches made from particleboard or composite materials that can chip or loosen over time, the solid wood construction promises years of stable use. For me, this means not worrying about wobbles or structural integrity issues down the line, making it a reliable seating option for family meals and entertaining. The cherry finish adds a warm, classic touch that complements the modern design.
Upholstered Comfort
The top of the bench features polyester upholstery covering a foam cushion. The “Gray” color of the upholstery provides a neutral, versatile look that fits into various color schemes. Functionally, the upholstery is where the bench shines in terms of comfort. While it’s not an armchair, the foam cushion provides a comfortable place to sit for a meal or even just to perch for a chat. The benefit is added seating without the hard surface of an all-wood bench. This makes it more inviting and allows people to sit for longer periods without discomfort. The polyester fabric feels durable and seems like it will hold up reasonably well, though, as mentioned, lighter gray upholstery can be prone to showing spills or dirt if you’re not careful, especially with kids or pets. This is a minor drawback to the chosen color and material, requiring quicker cleanup of messes.
Mid-Century Modern Design and Aesthetics
The “soft-edged silhouette” and “round tapered legs” are key design elements that give this bench its distinct aesthetic. It successfully blends modern clean lines with a touch of retro charm. The medium brown wood finish contrasts nicely with the gray upholstery. The benefit of this design is how it elevates the look of a dining space. It doesn’t just serve a practical purpose; it’s a stylish statement piece. It fits seamlessly into a mid-century modern decor but is versatile enough to complement transitional or even some contemporary styles. The tapered legs, in particular, give it a light, airy feel despite the solid construction, preventing it from looking bulky. This design choice was a major factor in why I chose this particular dining bench.
Practical Dimensions and Seating Capacity
With dimensions of 59.25″ W x 15.13″ D x 19.75″ H, the bench offers practical seating space. The nearly 60-inch width is generous enough to comfortably seat two adults side-by-side, or even squeeze in three children. The 19.75-inch height is standard for dining seating, allowing it to fit well with most dining tables. The depth of just over 15 inches is sufficient for comfortable seating without the bench protruding too far into the room when not in use. The benefit here is functional seating capacity. It’s perfect for creating flexible seating at a dining table, placing under a window for a cozy nook, or even using in an entryway. Its size makes it versatile, and it easily slides under most standard tables when you need to save space.
Assembly Experience
The product description mentions “EASY ASSEMBLY REQUIRED.” This is generally true, although my experience confirmed what others have sometimes noted: the included tools, typically a simple Allen key, are basic. Attaching the legs involves screws and the Allen key, and while the process is straightforward following the instructions, using a higher-quality Allen key from your own toolkit (or even a hex bit for a drill if you’re careful) makes the process much faster and easier on your fingers. The benefit, despite the basic tool, is that the assembly *is* fundamentally simple. All the holes lined up perfectly, and the hardware felt robust. It took me less than 30 minutes to get it fully assembled and ready to use. This ease of setup means you can start enjoying your new seating solution quickly without needing specialized skills or tools beyond what’s provided (though a better tool is highly recommended).
Versatility Beyond the Dining Room
While marketed as a dining bench, its design and dimensions lend themselves well to other uses. I’ve found myself using it not just at the dining table, but also pulled up to a large window as a window seat, or even placed at the foot of a bed in a guest room. The neutral gray and warm wood tones make it adaptable to different rooms and functions. The benefit is its multi-purpose utility. You’re not just buying a piece for one specific spot; it’s a flexible item that can add seating and style wherever you need it in your home. This versatility adds significant value, allowing the Lyncott bench to grow with your needs or move to different areas as you rearrange or redecorate.
What Others Are Saying: Echoes from Users
Searching online, it’s clear that many others share my positive feelings about this bench. Users frequently mention how well it fits into their space, often highlighting its perfect placement under windows or with their dining tables. Many are pleased with the quality, noting the solid wood construction and its elegant appearance, sometimes expressing pleasant surprise at the value compared to prices they’ve seen in furniture stores. People love its mid-century modern legs and the comfortable, cozy seating it provides. While some did mention the provided assembly tool wasn’t the easiest to work with, they agreed that the overall setup was simple and the end result was a beautiful, functional piece they were delighted with.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lyncott Bench Right for You?
Still struggling with finding flexible, stylish seating that works for both everyday meals and special occasions? The complications of not having adequate seating can make your dining area feel cramped or unwelcoming. The Signature Design by Ashley Lyncott bench offers a compelling solution. With its durable solid wood build, comfortable upholstered seat, and chic mid-century design, it’s a great fit for anyone looking to enhance their dining space’s function and aesthetics. Its versatility and ease of assembly make it a smart choice. To learn more and see if this upholstered solid wood frame dining bench is the right addition to your home, click here to check out the product page.