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The Vera Banquette from the FFDM Textures Collection.
What is referred to as banquette seating are those benches that are often found inside restaurants. These are, basically, upholstered benches, nothing more but these, like booths, are a great way to dine cozily. The great news is that this setup has now moved into many kitchens and family rooms in many residences. ‘Want to be the first to know how to set it up?
Banquette History
Many furniture historians trace back the origins of banquette to 15th century in France. The word is derived from the Germanic equivalent of bench.
What’s amusing is that there were secret passages found underneath banquettes in many castles and palaces.
In American homes, banquettes only began to appear in the early part of the 20th century. Various kitchens were then infusing the table to post-colonial kitchens. They served as work surfaces more than a seating unit.
When the kitchen was no longer just a place for servants, the table became a place where families gathered to talk and dine informally.
The Banquette Design
A banquette can easily become the focal point in a breakfast nook, kitchen or even a multi-functional space in your home. This can also be traditional or modern according to your design taste. You can include this in your furniture investment the moment you’re ready to have banquette seating in your home.
The formality of banquette design is appropriate also in the dining room. The bench could have upholstery complete with a fabric that coordinates with the rest of the design elements. If you want it to have very little maintenance, then find a fabric that is washable and easy to clean.
If you have small children or pets at home, then consider investing in a banquette fabric that cleans easily. As much as possible, have the removable cushion type as well as washable slipcovers.
The bench can also be paired with some freestanding chairs. This way, you expand the banquette setting from two to three seats to as many as needed.
When setting up the bench, make sure that the ones seated there will be able to get up and get out of the area with ease. Of course, we wouldn’t want anyone crawling under the table during dinner.
The table that is paired with the banquette can match its style or it can also be purchased separately. The trestle table is the best option for a banquette. Pick the one that has a pedestal support at the center so that free movement and legroom are supported.
The bench seat must be about 18 inches above the floor. Make room for 24-30-inch sitting space for every person. The thickness of the cushion must also be carefully thought of.
Banquette Means Freedom
Now that we have established what banquette is all about, you would surely love the freedom that it can offer inside your eat-in kitchen or your dining room. You don’t have to conform to the matchy-matchy dining chairs and table and anymore.
The banquette can fill that booth in your kitchen or can be tucked under a dining room wall. Underneath the bench, you can also have a storage set up.
The banquette is a huge blessing to a home that has a small dining area. Banquettes can optimize seating while infusing a laidback vibe.
If urban dining is your thing, then your open-space plan can easily accommodate a banquette. This is perfect for the busy lifestyle and the refined tastes of many people these days.
How about having a retro diner right in your own home? A pure white space will come to life with a colorful set of chairs and a banquette plus a black lacquered banquette table.
You see, it takes just a little creativity to set up a dining space that’s both comfy and stylish.
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