Have you heard of banquette seating? It’s a fairly traditional design, but has been growing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. It has been commonly used in an eat-in kitchen setting and breakfast nooks. But as we continue to plan out our kitchen and dining room reno, I’m obsessing over all these banquette seating ideas.
(Ps- I recently learned it’s pronounced bank-ette. Not ban-QU-ette like the stuffy awards ceremony dinner. So you can save yourself the embarrassment).
This type of seating creates a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in any dining room, but especially small dining rooms. The best part? Banquette seating is an excellent option for small spaces, as it allows for the addition of built-in storage, making it a practical and functional choice.
I love SOO MANY things about banquette seating and think it could be a great option for our open kitchen/dining space that’s on the smaller size. I have to share this pathetic story so you know our current dining room seating struggles … We recently invited another couple over a small group game night. Instead of BYOB for the event, I had to instruct guests to BYOC (bring their own chair). LOL how embarrassing that I didn’t even have extra seating. But with my banquette seating inspiration, even in our small dining area could easily accommodate large groups.
Here, I’ll be sharing all the top reasons I’m sold on the idea of banquette seating and all the possibilities it could bring to our currently very boring, very builder grade and very far from cozy space.
1. Saves Space without Sacrificing Seating
One of the main benefits of built-in banquette seating is its space-saving design. Unlike traditional dining room chairs, banquette seating can be pushed up against the wall, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient use of space. This can be especially beneficial in a smaller room or apartments where space is limited. By choosing banquette seating, homeowners can make the most of their available dining space. If you have a small dining nook or bay window that would be a perfect solution to your dining seating needs.
Banquette Seating benefits
I just love how Pauline, interior designer from Studio Etthem, designed this eating-in nook using banquette seat. Talk about a design that truly maximizes the space with that adorable tulip dining table! As you can see, it would be so easy to create a custom-feeling space by having a custom seat cushion and back support made (or sewing your own).
2. Opportunity for Extra Storage
Another advantage of banquette seating is the option to include built-ins for extra storage. Again, super useful in small spaces where storage is at a premium. (*cough cough* like an extension of our 12 x 10 kitchen). Built-in storage can take the form of drawers or cabinets, providing a convenient and discreet way to store table linens, dishes, or other dining room essentials. Imagine all your Thanksgiving essentials that you never use any other time of the year tucked aware in a floor level drawer under the bench! Plenty of storage! Genius!
In the photo below from House Beautiful, you can see how custom banquette seating can also be incorporated into a formal dining room, not just in a casual breakfast nook setting. A pedestal table isn’t the only kitchen table option… regular rectangular tables with standard table legs also work if you have the floor space. You could create a custom upholstered look like the one here or even toss some loose cushions on a window seat style bench.
Design by Schulson Collective
3. Cozy Factor: 100
In addition to its space-saving benefits, the cozy factor of banquette seating is like expert level 100/100. Doesn’t the bench just look so intimate and inviting. Like it’s saying, “Come sit on me, prop your feet up and stay awhile.” As you can see in the photo below from Elle Decor – banquette seating can also be customized to fit any style or décor. Kevin Dumais threw in a nice modern flare on this traditional seating approach and I LOVE IT! Banquette seating doesn’t have to be all built-in, here he is just using a simple table, couch and chairs. Just goes to show you how much you can switch up the seat cushions on an upholstered banquette to fit the style of the rest of the house. Heck, add in some throw pillows to those bench seats for even extra coziness.
Design by Kevin Dumais
When it comes to designing a banquette seating area, the options really are endless as far as storage, seating and style goes. The ability to utilize extra space for kitchen extension storage would be a huge perk for our smaller kitchen/dining area. You can opt for a fully built-in design with under bench storage or head down the cozy couch path with luscious seating.
I just love how function completely meshes with beauty in all these banquette seating options.
In conclusion, banquette seating is a practical and stylish choice for a dining room of any style. Its space-saving design, cozy atmosphere, and built-in storage options make it an excellent choice for small spaces or those looking to maximize their available space. I can totally picture entertaining with a stay-in-game night or a formal dinner party in a space like these. What do you think of banquette seating? Could you use this in your home?
Girl Behind the Blog
I’m Jess, the creator of Oak & Grain. A mid-west girl at heart who now resides in Raleigh, NC. I love finding old things and giving them new purpose by way of refinishing or incorporating unexpected, overlooked thrift store finds in the modern home. I work full-time in medicine and I love dipping into my creative side and in the process, keeping my sanity. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to see more behind the scenes action.