As you know our new home has a banquette area. In trying to make it more our own, I am looking to Instagram and Pinterest for Inspiration. Let’s take a look at Rooms that beg for a Beautiful Banquette.
I have never lived in a home with a banquette. The beauty of a banquette is it can be tucked into a small space and there is no need for chairs. If you use a performance fabric it will survive the traffic and spills of children and adults while still serving as a comfy place to linger. Whether you choose a U-shape or an L-shape your upholstered banquette will be a welcome spot to enjoy a meal, a drink, or just relax
One of my all-time favorites is from Katie Denham Interiors. I return to this one for inspiration time and again. I love everything about this, the vintage art, interesting pillows, and textural interest with the blinds and tabletop. Love this!
Amber Interiors never disappoints. I love the texture and color of this one against the all-white background of the cabinetry and the walls.
This little “jewel box” from Kate Reynolds creates a tiny oasis of fabric and fun.
Here is another gem from Amber Interiors. Don’t you love the wicker (or wicker-looking) banquette? This space oozes with textural interest, doesn’t it?
This pretty version from Molly Singer is just charming. Small but mighty.
Calling all blue and white lovers. Love how the large pleated drum shade punctuates this lovely banquette area by the talented Andrew Howard.
I love the addition of the unexpected leather in this installation from Meredith McBrearty.
Who says banquettes are only for the kitchen? There is some serious pattern play going on in this fabulous rendition by Rodman Primack.
This clever mix of finishes and furniture styles adds interest to an area in front of a window. Sarah Keenlyside for House and Home.
I love my friend Annie’s banquette. I adore the clean lines and inviting style. Annie built her own banquette (with the help of her hubby). You can read about how they did it here.
The good news is now you don’t have to hire a contractor to build a banquette if you have a spot for one. Many major retailers now offer banquette seating options.
Ballard has several good options here.
Pottery Barn Banquette Seating
Williams Sonoma Home Banquette
Would you love to add a cozy banquette to your kitchen or dining room? I would love to hear about it if so. My friend Mary Ann has a good post here about her favorite banquettes here. You might also enjoy my post-Simple Changes to Make a Kitchen Personal here. As always thanks for reading Rooms that Beg for a Beautiful Banquette. Your support means the world to me. I will be back on Sunday for my Sunday favorites, and Tuesday we are going to talk about self-tanners. Next Thursday we are off to Hawaii for a wedding!
Absolutely gorgeous examples of amazing banquettes. I intended to have one at Snowberry but a architectural challenge prevented it, not discovered until imid-construction. I’m still sick about it, but you’ve got me thinking there may be another way. Hmmm …. xo
Hi Juliet
I think we are going to enjoy it! We stripped it down to it’s bones!
I am in love with that blue drum shade and the wicker chairs with blue and white cushions! Thanks for sharing!
Lucky you Cindy, have always wanted a banquette and these images sent me on those dreams again
xoxo
Time for you and Steve to come visit again!!
Excited to see what you design but I’m sooooo not a fan of this seating. They are never comfortable and the scooting in and out is so annoying. You never have back support in the right place and a flat seat just adds to the discomfort. Not to mention you can’t ever get the right distance from the table to you for working/ eating.
Leanne, your comments are spot on. My certified kitchen designer recommended an L- shaped banquette in front of existing large windows looking out over Arizona flora. Gorgeous, yes. However, not practical for us in our 70s with no children in our lives. Few people volunteer to scoot down the row, only to be uncomfortable while feeling trapped.
Hi Char
Well I am listening to you ladies comments. Since I personally have not had one, I cannot speak from personal experience. The former owners of this home were in the 80’s and used it all the time. You do need to make sure that you can easily get in and out a must.
Hi Leanne
I do think banquettes can be a problem if they are squeezed into too small a space. I will report back on what I think of mine!
Love these banquettes and they are such a cozy good use of space!!!
Thanks for the mention, Cindy!
I’ve always wished I had a need for a banquette. The examples you’ve shown are wonderful. I hope you’ll share what you end up with. I know it will be pretty.
Have a fun trip to Hawaii.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
You know I will share1. Thank you we are looking forward to Hawaii even though the timing is poor!
I love every one of these. I love them but never had an opportunity to have one in the eight houses we lived in. Have a wonderful Easter, Cindy.
Hi Katie
Thank you ! Happy Easter to you, the mister and family!!
Hi Katie
I have never had one either. I am looking forward to it as well. Happy Easter!
Love the banquettes. The Amber Interiors one seems like a nice fit! Good luck with that project, they are all very pretty.
Hi G
I love the Amber Interiors banquette to just the right amount of texture and color!
Cindy, I’m not for banquette but I have an other question. You has shown on insta your wedding skirt in beige linen. I went to their web site but couldn’t find it also I don’t know if they post to Europe. Could you help me. They have so many beautiful linen for summer.
Hi Mumbai
I have emailed them asking if they post to Europe. Where are you specifically in case they ask. Here is the link to the skirt I have
https://cpshades.com/collections/skirts/products/lily-linen-maxi-skirt?variant=39770952630316
Hi Mumbai
CP Shades said for International Orders to contact:
[email protected]
or [email protected]
I will email this to you as well
thank you so much Cindy. I am already in contact with them.
Great happy to hear that!
Cindy! I have always loved a banquette! You’ve shown how it doesn’t have to be a small corner, they work in many situations. I love how a bench seat makes room for one (or two) more seats at the table! Thank you for including our banquette, Cindy! xx
Hi Cindy! I love my banquette that my husband built for me. He created a seat that lifts which provides extra storage for kitchen items I don’t use throughout the year!
Love all of these looks. I’ve actually been thinking about how we could put a banquette in our kitchen but really don’t think we have room. We had one in our previous home and I do agree they can be hard to get in and out of, but so functional.
I love the look. Sometimes they can be hard to get in and out of. Maybe there is a suggestion to make that aspect easier b
We remodeled our kitchen about six years ago and I had a banquette put in the bay window area as it just seemed to fit the best in the space. I have not regretted it for a minute. It’s very cozy and seems to attract people every time I have a party or during the holidays. Ironically, the children of the original owners happened by one day and told me that that area was originally a banquette and they remembered sitting there listening to the radio when Pearl Harbor had been bombed. Obviously, we live in a very old home and this area has seen many different uses such as a built-in desk when we purchased our home.
Great minds think alike? I have recently begun contemplating a banquette for our dining room at our beach house . The oval table is set in a deep bay window with a beautiful view. The 2 chairs lined up on the window side of the table always bother me. In fact, if not needed, I tend to put them in the garage. A banquette along the bay window would really give a different look and be much prettier, not to mention more practical. Thanks so much for your homework on this – it got my wheels turning this morning. Can’t wait to see what you do!