The word banquette is a mystery to most folks, historically a banquette refers to a fortification, a small foot path or elevated step along the inside of a rampart, by which the musketeers get up to view the exterior wall of the ditch in a fortification, or to fire on the enemies in the moat. These are generally a foot and a half high, and almost three feet wide. Traditional banquettes hardly belong in modern kitchens.
To a kitchen designer, however a banquette is an opportunity to not only provide additional seating, but unique style as well. Most modern kitchens usually contain an eat in area often referred to as a breakfast nook, a banquette can provide the same function as a nook, while also providing ample hidden storage. Banquettes combine a dining table and a bench seat. Just like kitchens, banquettes come in many shapes and sizes.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/1323459/Orinda-Residence-traditional-kitchen-san-francisco]
Booth banquettes, like the one in the picture above is cozy, enough space for four to six people. This style is utilized when space is limited in your kitchen.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/2583996/Diamond-Avenue-traditional-dining-room-orange-county]
U-shaped banquettes can accommodate a large amount of diners, however getting up and out of the inside of the banquette can be daunting for everyday dining. Best used when a rectangular table fits the space best.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/1064249/Dining-Room-Renovation-modern-dining-room-boston]
Curved banquettes are a fantastic way to accommodate a lot of guests in a small space, however it can have the same limited accessibility concerns as the u-shaped banquette. Can really showcase a round table.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/502239/High-Rise-Condo-contemporary-dining-room-boston]
The straight banquette above is ideal for a long, narrow space. It is also a casual way to add more seating and highlight windows with a view.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/6941543/Charlestown-Beach-Cottage-beach-style-dining-room-providence]
Curved back banquettes allows diners to scoot around the bench and creates ample elbow room, so no one is stuck in a corner. Using the curved back banquette around a round table maximizes dining space.
Banquettes can be designed and constructed with a variety of mediums and materials. The bench seats can be covered with vinyl, fabric, or for a more utilitarian look with easy clean-up, sealed wood can be used for the seats. Incorporating chairs with a banquette can also creates visual interest.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/328957/Alvarado-Kitchen-2-transitional-kitchen-san-francisco]
Cabinet doors below banquette bench seats provide long term storage for seldom used items.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/2478483/Kitchen-Nook-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco]
Although more expensive than cabinet doors, drawers for storage under a banquette are easily and quickly accessible.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/1181125/Built-in-banquette-contemporary-dining-room-toronto]
Front hinged storage benches allow for the bench seat and back to be upholstered.
[houzz=http://www.houzz.com/photos/1909915/B–Kitchen-Remodel-traditional-dining-room-san-francisco]
If your banquette will have an enclosed base, it can also be used for storage. You should consider storage requirements when deciding whether to use a hinged top, doors or drawers. A basic box with a hinged top is probably the most economical design and can also accommodate large items.
There is a wide world of banquettes out there, with lots of styles and construction options, here at William Charles, Inc. we can audit your space and help design or collaborate on a banquette to fit your kitchen and lifestyle.