Bench in the hallway: choosing the right depth and length
In a hallway, a bench is used for sitting down briefly when putting on and taking off shoes and as a place to put bags. At the same time, the hallway is a through room in which every centimetre of walking width counts. A bench that is too deep narrows the route; one that is too short is of little use. In hotel corridors, medical practices and restaurant entrance areas, requirements for escape routes and cleaning are added. The dimensions should therefore be settled before the model is selected.
Seat depth: a modest measure is enough
In a hallway people sit upright and only for a short time. A seat depth of around 35 to 45 centimetres is generally sufficient for this. Deeper Benches are intended more for living spaces and project unnecessarily into the walkway in a hallway. Measure the overall depth including the backrest and splayed legs, not just the seat. Models without a backrest stand flush against the wall and save a few centimetres. The seat height is usually around 45 to 48 centimetres, which also makes it easier for older people to stand up. Armrests at the sides give additional support when standing up.
Length: number of people and wall space
Allow around 50 to 60 centimetres of seat width per person. A bench of roughly 100 to 120 centimetres offers room for two people or for one person with a bag. Longer benches are worthwhile in waiting areas but need a correspondingly free wall. Leave some distance to door frames, radiators and light switches so that doors open freely and nothing is covered. In long corridors, two shorter benches set apart often look calmer than one very long bench and are easier to redistribute when the space is rearranged. Measure the wall precisely beforehand and take skirting boards into account as well.
Checking the passage width
What matters is what is left beside the bench. In private hallways, at least around 90 centimetres should generally remain clear, and considerably more in corridors in commercial use. There, binding requirements apply to escape and rescue routes, which you should clarify with the person responsible for fire safety or the competent authority before furniture is set up. Mark the footprint of the bench on the floor with adhesive tape and walk the route with luggage or a serving trolley. This quickly shows whether the planned depth works in everyday use. If in doubt, the shallower model is the better choice.
Design and care
In a hallway, outdoor shoes, wet jackets and bags come into contact with the furniture. Choose a hard-wearing, wipeable cover and legs that can withstand knocks from the vacuum cleaner. Baroque furniture with a carved frame sets a clear accent in the entrance area but should not stand where suitcases regularly bump into it. A bench with free space under the seat makes floor cleaning easier and provides room for shoes. In premises with public traffic it is advisable to look for sufficient weight so that the bench does not shift when someone sits down. Medium shades show fewer signs of use in the entrance area than very light covers.
Related categories: Consoles, Mirrors, Chairs. The full range: Baroque furniture.
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