When talking about dining table seating, the first thought that typically comes to mind is side chairs. While these chairs are available in sets of varying sizes that allow you to customize your configuration, they can also have shortcomings, often only seating a limited number of guests and taking up a fair amount of room. A banquette, on the other hand, offers a more versatile solution that can seat more people while using less space. Although they are often used in restaurants, you might want to add one to your kitchen after we answer the common question “What is a banquette?”. Keep reading to decide if you need one in your home.

What Is a Banquette?

(Shop this image: cushioned dining benches, wood trestle dining tables, green wood dining chairs, gold chandeliers, woven area rugs, and round wall mirrors)

A banquette is an upholstered bench with a cushioned seat and back for added support, and is commonly placed around a dining table. Many banquettes are custom-built to fit into a specific spot, often placed running along a wall or beneath a window to create a dedicated dining area or breakfast nook. The dimensions of a banquette are designed to help save floor space by seating the same amount of guests (and even squeeze more) around a table with less chairs, making for a more compact dining area.

Tip!

The terms banquette and booth are often used interchangeably but there is a subtle difference between the two – banquette refers to the upholstered bench seat, and booth refers to two banquettes facing one another with a table placed in the middle.

Where to Use a Banquette

Whether you are looking to create a formal dining area or casual breakfast nook or intend to place your banquette elsewhere – this seating can be used in an array of interior design settings.

Kitchen

Since you don't need room to walk behind a banquette or space to pull it out from the table, it can be placed up against a wall, helping to maximize the space you have in the kitchen. These dining spaces can help divide a large kitchen into smaller dedicated zones, which you can use for office work, craft, or homework. You can place a banquette or two in a corner for a cozy breakfast or coffee nook, or you can pick a larger dining table and supplement the banquette seating with a handful of additional dining chairs.

Tip!

Looking for breakfast nook inspiration? Read Breakfast Nook Ideas That'll Make Your Morning a Little Better.

Dining Room

A banquette is the perfect addition to a dining room. It’s best positioned around a large table with either pedestal or trestle legs to make sliding in and out much easier (to keep from getting stuck on the legs). This arrangement provides plenty of seating for guests and family members since it allows everyone to squeeze together and requires less space than individual chairs. You can choose different configurations, such as U- or L-shape, to complement the shape of your dining space.

Living/Family Room

If you want a casual snack spot, a banquette is taller and shallower than a sofa but the cushions still offer ample comfort, giving you an upright, dining-ready posture. It also doesn't need to be placed with a dining table, but can be used as a freestanding option instead. It can function as seating (and good place for drinks) when you have guests over, while also being comfortable enough to be placed near a window or in a corner as a bay seat where you can read a book or lie back and scroll on your phone while relaxing. You can even use a cushioned storage bench with a back as both seating and a place to stash any extra blankets, pillows, and other items you aren't using at the time.

Pros & Cons of Banquette Seating

A banquette is designed for practicality and comfort, but there are additional benefits and drawbacks to this kind of seating.

Pros

• Banquettes create a casual and intimate eating space as opposed to a kitchen or dining table because individuals can sit closer together rather than spaced out far away from one another.
• They offer a more efficient and optimized use of space – especially in small kitchens.
• The design makes your dining experience more comfortable and relaxing with the soft cushions.
• Gives access to the kitchen but is out of the way.
• This type of seating can divide a room up and offer hidden storage space.
• They are multi-functional, particularly for playing games and holding conversations – not just for eating.
• Banquettes can help you give function to an otherwise unused or awkwardly shaped location, like an alcove or corner.
• They are good for both domestic and commercial environments, making your home feel a little more like your favorite restaurant.

Cons

• Traditional custom-built banquettes may require professional installation.
• They may also require a custom table. Alternatively, you can only use a pedestal or trestle table for sliding into the seating since four-legged tables won't work.
• Depending on the upholstery fabric, they can be a little difficult to clean. Opt for a banquette upholstered in performance fabric for a stain-resistant finish.

Now you have the answer to the question “What is a banquette?”, you'll know they are no longer only found in commercial spaces but can be used in various residential settings so you can get the restaurant experience and create comfortable and functional seating arrangements for your home.

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