When you dine out in a restaurant, do you naturally gravitate to a cozy corner booth? Maybe it’s time to recreate that intimate dining experience in your own home by using banquette seating.
What is banquette seating?
Banquette seating uses a bench, often cushioned, along one or more sides of a dining table. This banquette dining bench is usually placed along a wall. For the sides of the table that face into the room, either individual dining chairs or a low-backed bench are usually used.
How should Banquette a Dining Bench be arranged?
One of the biggest advantages to this type of seating is its versatility. Especially in a smaller room or when a larger room has to serve more than one purpose, this type of seating can help you to place more people around a table without eating up too much space. Picture two wicker dining benches meeting at a ninety-degree angle in a corner of a breakfast room. Place two or more indoor wicker dining chairs along the other sides for a practical grouping.
Also popular is to place two dining benches facing each other across the table. This is an especially apt arrangement when there is a window with a pleasing view between them. Because the ends of the benches can be pushed right against the window wall, this is a great space-saving option. Place an area rug underneath, top it off with a striking pendant light or chandelier and enjoy!
How else can this type of seating be used?
If you are using banquette seating where you will be serving meals, you’ll need an appropriately sized table. But have you considered using banquette seating where only drinks or snacks will be consumed? A corner of the master bedroom may be just the spot to savor your morning coffee and muffin while cuddled with your special someone on a comfy banquette. Only a small table or stylish tea tray would be needed. Another great idea is to use a rattan dining bench in your sunroom or great room for overflow party crowds. A few occasional tables sprinkled throughout the room would be sufficient to hold drinks and hors d’oeuvres. And wouldn’t it be welcoming to have a handy banquette with your slippers tucked underneath right where you enter your home?
Banquette seating is not just for restaurants!
Just as your favorite eatery may be urban-casual or Victorian-formal, banquette seating lends itself to many possibilities. Paired with thoughtfully chosen flooring, lighting, and tableware, your banquette area can evoke the mood of your choice and be easily rearranged as your fancy changes. A bit of food for thought!
