Banquettes are hot! I wrote a post about a year ago called “Banquette, Booth, or Built-In?” and I’ve been noticing these when I see them ever since. And I’m seeing them a good bit.
I’ve collected a few more photos to share and discuss all about nice banquette seating.
Banquette Bump-Out
If I were building a banquette, it would probably look something like this one. I’ve got very limited space to work with so this would be a great use of space. I also love the use of V-Joint Siding. But my favorite aspect of this space is the cozy nature of a bump-out like that closed on three sides.
Built-In Storage Seating
I really like the class and finish of the built-in above. Can you call that a banquette? To me, it has to have at least two sides to be considered a banquette, but what do I know. A couple of years ago I would still have said built-in or, gasp, booth!
Curved Built-In Seating
And what if your particular kitchen banquette is round-ish? Then does it have one side, or two, or three? It’s that kind of tricky question that can get you into trouble. I prefer to spend my time focusing on the really great craftsmanship of this particular example. Everything follows the curve, from the window trim to the custom curved cushion.
Rustic Wood Banquette
Maybe a little bit of rustic built-in seating is more up your alley! I really like the look of this one in the right setting. The bench does have a bit of a church pew look though. I wonder if I’d feel bad if I ate too much (you know, gluttony…)?
Cantilevered Seating
One of my favorite words in all construction talk is this: Cantilever
Don’t you just love the way it rolls off the tongue? And besides sounding cool, the word describes something that looks cool and is often very useful.
In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m referring to the way that bench above just hangs out with no legs to support it. When something sticks out with no support on one end, it’s cantilevered. (sort of, but let’s not get too far into this)
Restaurant Style Banquette
This is one of those pictures that can get me totally distracted. The little iron table works with something that looks like a restaurant banquette I dined upon once. (more accurately, I dined upon the table and rested my arse upon the banquette)
I love the brick wall (though I’m somewhat chagrined that the work around the window was done with a mismatched mortar).
Then there is a tie between these things (on the awesomeness scale):
- that yellow hutch
- those beautiful French doors
- That real wood curved front island counter (that so rocks)
- and one very special hardwood floor
But we weren’t talking about all that. We were talking about banquette seating.
Banquette and Kitchen Related Posts
See more awesome banquette pictures at my post: Banquette, Booth, or Built-In?
You may also want to read about Bump-Out Additions which are a great place for banquettes!
We put in a banquette last winter and it was such a great decision. It opened up our kitchen and allows us to seat at least an extra three or four people at the table. On top of that it’s just super cozy and injects a much-needed burst of color into the room.
@Erin – I had to go look at that colorful kitchen of yours and you’re right! It is beautiful and cozy. If anyone wants to go see… here is the link: http://theimpatientgardener.blogspot.com/2010/06/finally-kitchen-reveal.html
Everyone of these was “drool” worthy! YUM! franki
p.s. We’re “heading toFlorida” so keep that sun shining!!
Thanks for checking it out! What I think is a really important point about banquette seating that I don’t see mentioned much is what a space saving measure it is. In our small house the back door opens up right into the eating area of the kitchen. When we had a 50-inch round table there it felt like you were walking right into the table. Now the walkway is much more open and we have so much more seating around a much bigger table. Plus I got all kinds of storage in the banquette and we all know that in a small house you have to find storage in every nook and cranny that you can.
I love built-in seating like the examples. Occasionally I wish I had designed something like that in our breakfast nook….maybe the next house!