JOURNAL

The Benefits of Banquette Seating



Banquettes have been popular in the design world and with good reason. They’re not only beautiful, they’re practical. The beauty and benefits of incorporating banquette seating into your kitchen designs are many.

Pink upholstered bench with scalloped backrest, black and white checkered pillows. White wall with framed floral artwork and a wall sconce.

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

THEY MAXIMIZE SPACE

Specializing in period homes, we come across design challenges like awkward nooks, narrow spaces, or small areas more times than not. Utilizing every inch is our goal and banquettes are often a great option. 

The design incorporates a dining bench against a wall for comfortable seating and use of adequate space. They are often best paired with pedestal tables and dining chairs for ample leg room. They can be designed in sections of benches, paired together to make a booth.

A cozy dining nook with built-in seating, wooden chairs, a round table, and a large dome pendant light. The space has a neutral color palette and brick flooring, with decorative pillows and a vase of dried flowers on the table.

Photo courtesy @lindsay_salazar_photography

THEY’RE HISTORIC

Many historic homes have long used design elements that are still functional and trending today. Banquettes aren’t a new idea. The fireside inglenook, where built-in banquettes by a fireplace offered a place to warm up on chilly days, was a popular feature in homes more than a century ago, including some designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. If you’re hesitating about incorporating a banquette in your design because you think they will go out of style, just do some quick research and you’ll find banquettes used in the most timeless of historical buildings.

Elegant indoor restaurant with large hanging lanterns, green plants, and a long dining area with cushioned seating. The interior features brick and stone architecture, elevated greenery, and natural light from overhead windows.

Photo courtesy of the Nomad Hotel

THEY’RE COZY

Banquette seating nods to the coveted restaurant booth feel that everyone tends to prefer over table seating. It can be hard to carve out a dining area in a narrow kitchen, but not only does it reduce the number of chairs needed, it can also double up as a homework station and place to watch TV.

Cozy dining nook with blue upholstered banquette and square wooden table, surrounded by framed art on white walls and a modern chandelier overhead.

Photo courtesy of the Veranda

THEY ADD EXTRA STORAGE

Many of our clients love them because of their additional storage. Clients with children or a collection of items needing to find a home are particularly over the moon with their built-in banquettes. With drawers, cabinets, or lifted tops, the extra storage is especially useful in areas like a mudroom. They provide a place to take shoes off or put them on and the perfect hiding place to stow them away and keep the home clutter free.

Modern dining nook with mustard yellow banquette, marble table, black chairs, abstract wall art, and kitchen island.

Photo courtesy of @carmelgreer

THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL

While there are many arguments for the functionality of banquettes, our favorite reason to use them in designs is how
beautiful they are. A banquette can elevate a space by adding warm textures and textiles, and quaint and cozy charm.

Cozy bar interior with leather seating, plaid pillows, and tables. Walls adorned with horse-themed artwork and sconces. Festive decorations, warm lighting, and reflective mirrors enhance the ambiance.

Photo courtesy of The Polo Bar NYC

OTHER ROOMS TO INCLUDE BANQUETTES:

mud rooms, hallways, reading nooks, closets, hallways, awkward spaces