Banquettes are stronger than ever! Everyone likes to gather in the kitchen and with a banquette/breakfast nook, it is especially inviting. They are cozy, comfortable and make good use of space!
Banquettes: Everyone’s Favorite Place To Gather
If you are planning on installing one, this is an updated post that should give you some fresh ideas!
Note: If you are considering one, it is a good idea to have a trestle or pedestal table to make it easier to get in and out of (rather than a four-legged table).
Free Standing Banquette
My friend, Debbie had her banquette custom built by Lee Industries. Since it’s freestanding, it can be moved if she wants to use this area differently, or if she moves.
The nailhead detail has a tape that is made from the reverse of the fabric on the bench. So pretty.
Debbie had her carpenter round out the edges of her Restoration Hardware trestle table. (She is my design idol and one of my oldest friends–we met when we were 17 years old). The chairs are from Dovetail Furniture. She’s on the hunt for new throw pillows (aren’t we all 🙂 but I like these.
Here is another example of a freestanding dining bench to create a banquette by Olivia Bryan Design.
Straight Built-in Banquettes
I love how this is built in an alcove. The design is by Molly Britt Design. Look at the little sconces…must look great at night. Photo By House Beautiful. With the stripes and vintage gallery wall…this is probably my favorite ever! So good.
For a Florida client, we used a performance fabric by Perennials on the back and an easy to clean faux leather on the seat of the banquette. The chairs from Restoration Hardware are also in Perennials.
Corner Built-in Banquette with Loose Cushions
This is a really updated look by Haus Love Interiors.
Annie from Most Lovely Things also had a Saarinen table in her corner banquette with loose pillows.
This is another great corner banquette with loose pillows by Kelly Nutt Design. The colorful art takes the place of a window.
This used to be a blank wall in my client, Lisa’s small kitchen nook…
We used more performance fabric on the seat and back by Perennials…
I love the curve of the banquette and the Roman shades by Maddie Hughes Designs.
Corner Built-in Banquette with Upholstered Back
Here is a banquette in my client’s new, black and white kitchen. 
We used performance fabrics, Thibaut on the back and Perennials on the seat. The seat is reversible for longer wear. The table is from Wayfair. Construction by Brovelli Architecture and Construction.
Debbie’s banquette in her last house…I loved drinking tea with her here.
Take care!
Pillows are essential! A friend has an antique church pew, which is convenient for squeezing in extra people, but OMG it is SO uncomfortable. I’ve learned to wear a big sweater and take a pashmina, both of which I just happen to take off and use as cushions, especially for my lower back.
These are comfortable, especially the ones with soft backs and they have more padding than a lot of dining chairs!
These all look so fresh and comfortable. I’m saving to Pinterest!
Just the post I have been needing!
We live in Mission Viejo CA and have been searching for a contractor to build our banquette.
Any reccomendations? LOVE your blog!
Thank you!
Tamara, I used Thoemmes Cabinet Makers in Orange (714-939-0400) to build a new kitchen island for me three years ago. I think they’re a little expensive, but they do beautiful work. And recently, I had The Original Cabinet Experts in Santa Ana do a repair on one of my kitchen cabinets. I was so impressed with their work ethic and quality – I know they do new builds on kitchen and bath cabinetry so maybe they can help you with a banquette. Their number is 714-956-8500. Good luck!
Tamara: I have used Dwayne at Top Notch Cabinets and Moulding in Anaheim. He has done a huge amount of work in my house including media centers, tables, built in shelving, arched casements and moulding. He has paneled my entire library including coffered ceilings. He’s built a banquette for my brother too. He’s detailed but best of all he is really reasonable. He doesn’t do painting though.
(714) 630-3099
So many beautiful ideas! I love them all!
My breakfast nook and banquette are in desperate need of a redo. Thanks for all these ideas and will definitely want to use performance fabrics. Love them!
I love a banquette. You have done some really fun ones for clients. They are always great if you don’t have the space for a big table and chairs. Great post!
Mary Ann- I love a banquette! Thanks for including mine! And I love how you always provide useful information to those thinking about building one or hiring someone to build one…
I love a good cozy banquette. Thanks for all of these great ideas. Performance fabrics-brilliant!
Hi! Thanks for the info! I love the idea of a banquet but have a design question. I notice usually they are anchored by a wall , I want to have mine in a open space, is there any tips you have or pics that you suggest to make sure it doesn’t look out of place? Thanks
I usually use a wall for the base. Have you thought of a bench seat instead?
Hi! We are wanting to build a banquette, but we haven’t found any instructions on how to attach the foam/fabic to the back of the banquette. I’ve only been able to find instructions for the bench seat. How did you add it on the back of yours? Thanks!
With velcro!
I never would have thought to contact a company to make a custom banquette. I love a Debbie’s bench! Getting the corners rounded on her table was brilliant; making it easier to slide in or out. Does Debbie have a blog or Instagram account to follow?
Could you source the chairs in the 4th picture? Thank you.
I don’t know but I love them too! You could try contacting the designer listed.
I love this new updated post. I pinned nearly every image!
Thanks, Cindy!
Give us alternative ways to do the soft cushion part of these banquets as a diy.
I have heard you can use cabinets from Lowe’s on the bottom for storage and add foam for the seat part.
Any hints will be appreciated.
Would a love seat work?
I’m not so big on DIY but I will tell you that both my daughter and sister are using settees as banquettes (that I recommended)…they are a bit lower, so you can put cushions under the seats. Also, we just bought the Pottery Barn modular banquette for a client. I will show it when it comes in.
BEAUTIFUL………….
But back to KOBE!I am DEVASTATED TOO!Found out yesterday he was not piloting and it took off from OC.
SO he still lived in the old neighborhood!Did I tell you my mother named her female cat KOBE!I don’t think she ever saw him oooh maybe once at ROGERS GARDENS!I keep thinking about his poor wife………………I cannot IMAGINE how she is functioning!
Tomorrow AGELESS STYLE with CINDY…………….I think YOU might like what my VICTIM MAKES!!!!
Be sure to TUNE in at 7am!!!
XX
I so enjoy your posts Mary Ann! You do a lovely job with your blog as well as your design skills with clients.
Thanks so much, Kathy.
Mary Ann,
I’ve always loved banquettes. I’ve never had space for one but they are so inviting for dining, conversing after a meal and just a cozy spot for coffee and making a list or so. There are such pretty examples here, thank you.
Kaaren
Mary Ann, I love this post. I’ve been wanting to redo our kitchen eating area bay window benchmark chair cushions and pillows and all these gave me some great ideas. My big issue is finding fabrics, it’s almost impossible these days. And of course, Debbies house is a favorite of mine and I love everything she does, you too! Thanks for all the inspiration.
Benchmark? I meant bench cushion!
I love the ideas in your post. I am in the process of having a baguette built in my kitchen. My bench area measures 72inches long. What length table would you recommend?
About the same length or 6 inches shorter or longer (if there is room to get back to it).