Banquette Seating

Banquettes are really a hot item these days...especially in the world of interior design. 

ban-quette, noun
\baŋ-ˈket, ban-, 1b is also ˈbaŋ-kət\
a. a long upholstered bench
b. a sofa having one roll-over arm
c. a built-in usually upholstered bench along a wall 

Even the furniture manufacturers seem to have noticed this hot new craze and are coming up with more free-standing banquette styles and options. I simply love them! They can hug the wall area to save space and they also provide a different look to the room by not having all those chairs around the table. They are actually quite comfortable as well.  Take a look...

I love the use of a banquette here...under the stairs...which is sometimes an area that is just neglected since it's such an unusual spot and homeowners can't usually visualize what could work here.  Isn't this a really cozy spot now?

How about this bright and sunny dining corner...see the difference it makes to the room without having the other "chairs" around.  This one is a built-in with custom cushions and throw pillows.

Look at this one would you...a total transformation of this dining room no doubt. See what I mean about the many styles now available.  I love the soft curves of this one that seem to follow the curve in the table.

I love the elegance of this tufted banquette used in the dining area and paired with three white chairs.

Another tufted banquette that the designer worked into this elegant dining room for the purpose of additional seating (used behind the table and chairs). Very dramatic...don't you think?  Lovely!

What about this skirted free-standing banquette used here..."Simply Irresistible"...wouldn't you agree?

I must admit...I simply love any designs by Windsor Smith.  I can so relate to her design taste and style!  This banquette is one designed by her ... take a closer look...(and before you go, look how she even used a white upholstered bench on the other side of it!!)

I  think this one is simply stunning!  That's all I can say, oh, and stunning at the tune of  $9,250.00, which would, by the way, blow my budget to smithereens  !!! Oh well....maybe some day, right?

Remember us doing the post on the ghost chairs?  Well, look at this cozy little corner...a banquette used with these fun chairs.  Such a great idea for a small space...all with a huge punch of color!

This one takes us back to more of that southern traditional style...but I like it too.

More fun color in such a small space

In case you are interested in adding one of these to your space, here are a few of our top choices that we use.

A timeless classic from Swaim, Inc. also available in many fabrics.

Another one of our  Swaim classics...don't you love the back of this one?  It's not as formal as the tufted back, yet gives it a great classy look...along with the curves.

This one is from Hickory Chair and has a similar style back as the one above but with straight lines and no curve.


Banquettes are now so popular that one even made the front cover of May's issue of one of my "fave" magazines...pick up a copy today and I' m sure you'll find it makes for some pleasant reading....well, "looking" anyway!

So...what do you think? I do believe breakfast nook and dining room seating is evolving into something much different than before...what a great new look.  Ok, I must admit...I need a kitchen make-over NOW so I can add one of these beauties!!! Be sure to let us know what your thoughts are on these lovely, yet very functional 

B-A-N-Q-U-E-T-T-E-S.

Be sure to make it a "Simply Irresistible" Day!

Photo Credits:  House Beautiful, Elle Decor, Veranda, Southern Accents, My Ideal Home, Better Homes and Garden, Decor Pad, Amanda Nisbet, Swaim, Inc., Hickory Chair.

*I TRY TO CREDIT ALL IMAGES, IF THERE ARE ANY PHOTOS OR IMAGES HERE THAT ARE NOT CREDITED CORRECTLY OR YOU WISH THEM TO BE REMOVED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW AND I WILL GLADLY OBLIGE. THEY ARE BEING USED HERE FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING INTERIOR DESIGN. THANK YOU!