How to complete your dining area with alternative seating
Abandoning the traditional configuration of chairs only means designing a more fluid and personal space, where every element contributes to a fully customized living experience. The design of the seating, in fact, is not limited to its shape alone, but helps to create an atmosphere that truly reflects your identity.
Exploring benches, loveseats, and other alternative seating solutions becomes an opportunity for personalized design: it allows you to optimize space, introduce distinctive textures, and create dynamic compositions that invite social interaction.
Table of contents
Benches
Among all options, the bench is the one that most strongly evokes conviviality and shared moments. In a contemporary kitchen, it stands out as a solution that blends aesthetics and practicality, thanks to its ability to optimize the available space to the fullest.
Placed against the wall or set into a niche, a bench makes it possible to reclaim valuable centimeters while still offering ample seating. Its structure also makes it ideal for incorporating storage compartments in the base, increasing usable space for storing utensils or other items.
This choice transforms a simple corner into an intimate and welcoming focal point, a small architectural feature within the room that can be further enhanced with matching cushions and padding.
Poufs, stools, and folding chairs
Modern life calls for spaces that can adapt intelligently to varying needs. Seating solutions like folding stools, folding chairs, and poufs respond to the demand for versatility and functionality. They are no longer considered backup options, but true design complements that provide extra seating without disrupting daily life.
The pouf is perhaps the most versatile among them. Its informal nature allows it to serve as an extra seat, footrest, or even a side table. Adding one or more poufs to the dining area means introducing a soft visual element and a touch of color, lowering the room's visual center of gravity and promoting a more relaxed and spontaneous conviviality.
Outdoor chairs
Outdoor chairs are designed to withstand weather conditions while offering durability and reliability suitable for the most frequently used space in the home. At the same time, their design is just as refined as that of indoor models, making them a great fit for domestic interiors.
Metal models, especially those made with expanded metal or slim tubular profiles, visually lighten the space and add a distinctive touch compared to more formal kitchen lines. Moreover, customization possibilities are virtually limitless: from satin to matte or brushed finishes, and a wide array of color shades.
Chairs made of wicker, rattan, or Viennese cane bring a sense of warmth and natural charm. These seats create a fascinating contrast with the sleek surfaces of modern kitchens, evoking more traditional and familiar sensations.
Loveseats
Pairing the table with a loveseat or banquette is a way to make the kitchen not only a place of comfort but also a social hub of the home. This choice encourages extending time spent together well beyond the meal itself. Upholstered seating softens the spatial perception and brings the operational kitchen area closer to the relaxing ambiance of a living room. However, three key aspects must be considered for practical use:
- The height and depth of the seat must be calibrated to ensure proper posture during meals.
- The upholstery should be both aesthetically pleasing and resistant to daily use, allowing full freedom in expressing your interior vision.
- The size and bulk of the armrests must account for traffic flow and make it easy to get in and out comfortably.
Unusual or artistic seating
A single seat can possess the power of an art piece, capable of capturing attention and defining the room's entire character. Opting for sculptural chairs or those designed by artists means treating furnishings as a personal form of expression and a reflection of taste that transcends mere functionality.
Head-of-the-table chairs, for example, are a reimagined classic that brings a sense of importance and welcome. Positioned at the ends of the table, they break the monotony of repetition and establish a visual hierarchy that mentally organizes the space.
Whether it's for their futuristic form, bold color, or an unexpected design feature, these elements become the undisputed protagonists of the kitchen.
Conclusion: choosing seating with unique character
Selecting the right seating is one of the most meaningful final acts in kitchen design. Mixing styles, materials, and types of seats is not a mistake, but rather the expression of a refined taste capable of crafting its own harmony. This is how the architectural vision becomes closely tied to daily life, transforming the dining area into a truly personal space.
The goal is to create a composition with its own rules, reflecting your lifestyle. That’s why Berloni designers are fully available to design spaces that welcome your stories, conversations, and connections. Book an appointment at our Atelier and start designing your kitchen.
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