I grew up in a busy home with a breakfast banquette, and have always looked back on it fondly. We could always pack in an extra guest at the table, and it was much more comfortable than the rigid seating I have in my own current home. With those fond memories in mind, I am in the process of rearranging my home in order to make room for a banquette, and have been pleasantly surprised by the number of creative DIY options out there.
If you're looking for inspiration, be sure check out the post by DIY masters, Aubrey and Lindsey, to see how they turned IKEA cabinets into their banquette (picture 2).
If you're looking for more comfortable pre-made options, check out the benches available at Ballard Designs. Or, for a more flexible option, you could simply pull a settee up to the table (picture 6).
Images: 1: Chris Barrett, 2: Aubrey + Lindsey, 3: Lonny, 4: Canadian House & Home, 5: Cottage Living, 6: Style At Home, 7: Elle Decor, 8: Palmer Weiss, 9-10: Better Homes & Gardens
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We have a bay window in our kitchen just calling for banquette seating... It's definitely on my "must do." These photos are lovely inspiration.
I tried banquette seating because it looked practical but at home felt uncomfortably crowded and trapped between the wall and the table. I like restaurant booths since I remain seated there for quite a while, but at home prefer being able to rise at will. So, I bought wheeled chairs that pivot and were designed for playing poker. The seat height and tilt can be easily adjusted, so almost any one who sits in them can be very comfortable.
Lovely eating areas. Unfortunately, they don't fit in many apartments. Would definitely use one were I to ever have room.
I like the idea of using them with a table that one could easily move elsewhere or disassemble for a party- that way you'd be able to have more space for guests to move and to sit down on cushions.
Anyone have any ideas where I can find a loveseat bench similar to photo 5 but in a counter/island height??
Thanks!
www.thenestinggame.com
I would love love love to have this kind of seating. It doesn't fit my current apartment layout, but it's one my requirements when my husband and I eventually buy a house. I would just die of happiness if I could curl up with a mug of tea, a good book and my kitten in one of these little window bench seats :)
amefaust.etsy.com
Window seat + nomming - what could be better?
Our house has a built in 1948 original banquette. We love love love it. A lot of the remodels remove this awesome feature, but it is such a gathering place in our teensy flat. It does take up a lot of space, but adds counter space and seating that wouldn't exist with out the built in nature. It's since been recovered, but here it is in its natural state when we bought the house:
http://www.twobedroomsandababy.com/2011/03/our-new-house.html
#6 is.... just not right.
I'd love a settee to use with my small table in my dining room... I've yet to find one delicate enough that I can afford. But I'll keep looking!
I adore #9... a banquette is a must in our next place. :)
That first one gets me every time. I'd copy it wholesale if I could.