13 brilliant banquette seating ideas that prove this space-saving solution is a must for kitchen spaces and more

Perfect for cosy breakfasts, intimate family dinners or just a quiet moment with a cup of tea, our favourite banquette seating ideas strike the perfect balance between form and function.

Whether it’s a bespoke breakfast nook that hugs a kitchen corner or a stylish freestanding bench that anchors your dining area, this versatile seating can add warmth and character to any kitchen design. It’s also a clever solution for adding both storage and style, especially in smaller rooms.

To suit your décor, you can dress up banquette seating with plush cushions and soft upholstery, or keep it simple with rustic wooden finishes. Whatever your style, these design features offer a practical and stylish way to create a seating area that feels uniquely yours.

Transform an empty corner with these stylish banquette seating ideas

"Banquette is the term used to describe any upholstered seat, usually with a backrest," explains Gaël Blake, furniture designer and co-founder of Nook Home."It is customary for banquettes to be slotted into specific spaces such as with the back against an existing wall, and they are often used in conjunction with a dining table, but can also be freestanding, acting as an effective room divider.

"They’re a great solution for a wide range of different kitchen ideas, either with or without a dining table to finish off the configuration."

Whether you're looking for a space-saving solution or simply want to change up your seating options, these banquette seating ideas will fit the bill.

Gaël Blake

Gaël Blake, co-founder of Nook, blends 15+ years of design expertise with a passion for functional, family-focused interiors inspired by real homes.

1. Use banquette seating to create a breakfast nook

“With banquette seating it's possible to create a breakfast nook in a corner of your kitchen or dining area to maximise space and create a cosy atmosphere,” says Milly McEwan, furniture designer at RJ Living.

The right banquette seating can transform an empty corner into a laid-back breakfast nook that works beautifully for busy mornings and quiet moments alike. In this bespoke kitchen by Higham Furniture, the built-in bench hugs the walls, making the most of every inch without crowding the room. Soft cushions and natural tones bring a relaxed, lived-in feel that’s perfect for kitchen diners where comfort and practicality go hand in hand.

To recreate this idea, focus on achieving balance. Pair your banquette with a slim table that allows for easy movement around the space, and choose lightweight chairs that can be tucked away when not in use. Add character with textured cushions or upholstery that complement your kitchen’s colour scheme and material palette.

Pay attention to the details too: consider installing electrical outlets nearby or within the seating so the nook can double as a spot for working or charging phones and laptops. Finally, a statement kitchen light or a well-placed window view can transform your nook into the perfect place to enjoy leisurely mornings.

Milly McEwan

Milly, Product & Design Manager at RJ Living, creates stylish, sustainable furniture designed to last. She champions local craftsmanship and practical, timeless designs.

2. Make banquette seating an integral part of your kitchen design

Well-designed banquette seating should feel like a natural extension of your kitchen. In this wooden kitchen, designed by Simon Taylor Furniture, the bench extends out from the cabinetry, echoing the same wood tones and finishes for a cohesive kitchen layout idea.

For a polished look, consider using the same type of wood for both your cabinetry and seating. Alternatively, introduce a contrasting material, like natural stone, marble, or a metal base, to add a little depth and texture to your design without disrupting the overall sense of harmony.

To make your banquette seating as functional as it is stylish, pairing it with the right dining table is a must. A table height of 75-77cm works best for standard banquette seating, ensuring comfortable access for sitting and dining. Opt for a table with a pedestal base to allow for easier movement around the bench, or choose a rectangular shape to match the linear flow of your seating.

3. Combine your seating with built-in storage

“Banquettes are a great solution for optimising seating while adding practical storage,” says Gaël Blake from Nook Home. “They’re ideal for turning awkward corners into inviting, functional spaces.”

In the classic Shaker kitchen pictured above, an L-shaped wooden bench transforms an otherwise unused corner into a cosy spot to sit, with plenty of hidden storage underneath. It's the perfect solution for keeping tableware, linens, or even children’s toys neatly tucked away, ensuring your dining area stays clutter-free.

4. Create a seamless connection between cooking and dining zones

Banquette seating is a clever way to bridge the gap between cooking and dining areas, creating a natural 'flow' in open-plan kitchens. Here, an upholstered bench is positioned to the back of a kitchen island for a streamlined look. This thoughtful placement allows the dining area to feel connected to the kitchen without encroaching on valuable floor space, which is ideal for smaller or multi-functional rooms.

To recreate this space in your own home, upholster your choice of bench in a warm mustard tone. This will introduce a pop of colour and create a cosy contrast to sleek modern kitchen cabinetry. Choose durable, wipe-clean fabrics to keep the space both stylish and practical, and pair with a statement dining table and pendant light overhead.

5. Build bespoke banquette seating into a kitchen island

Why stop at modular banquette seating when your chosen kitchen island shape can offer built-in seating too? In this gorgeous contemporary kitchen by Brayer Design the curved banquette flows seamlessly from a custom kitchen island, creating a dining area that is perfectly connected to the rest of the space. It’s a smart way to recreate a broken-plan layout without crowding the room with additional furniture.

To bring this idea to life, opt for textured, durable fabrics that are easy to clean, like woven blends or subtle chenille for a touch of softness. Pair your seating with a round table to keep the space flowing, and add decorative elements like statement kitchen island lighting to tie everything together.

6. Opt for a curved, wraparound design

Curved banquette seating is a simple way of softening the edges of a space to create a cosy, intimate feel. In this design by Searle Taylor Kitchens, the bench wraps gently around the table, encouraging conversation and making the most of a corner area.

The curved lines offer a relaxed, organic look, which works especially well in small dining spaces or breakfast nooks where sharp angles can feel cramped. A curved design also gives the seating a built-in, tailored feel, elevating the overall feel of the room.

To recreate this design, choose a rounded bench with upholstered seat pads for comfort, pair it with a circular table to prevent overcrowding, and use nearby walls for shelving to display crockery, plants, or decorative pieces.

7. Extend your kitchen space with a small dining nook

In small kitchens, carving out space for a dining area can feel like a challenge – but a compact banquette offers the perfect solution. This design by Nook Home tucks a banquette bench neatly into a corner, pairing it with a round table to keep the space feeling open and accessible. This setup is ideal for narrow galley kitchens, where space is at a premium.

"From my experience, when choosing upholstery for banquette seating, durability is key," explains Milly McEwan from RJ Living. "Performance fabrics like polyester blends or Crypton are excellent for their stain resistance and easy maintenance, especially in dining areas.

"For a luxurious touch, consider velvet with stain-repellent treatments, which offers elegance without sacrificing practicality. If you want a natural look, leather or faux leather is ideal due to its wipeable surface and timeless appeal. Combine these with a foam core cushion wrapped in down for comfort and longevity."

8. Embrace custom prints and bold colour choices

If you want your banquette seating to make a statement, look no further than bold colours, custom prints and playful styling. This vibrant design by Colours Of Arley proves how layering patterns and stripes can transform a simple corner into a joyful, personality-packed reading nook. From the striped upholstery to the mix of ruffled cushions, every detail feels fun and intentional.

“Custom details will make banquette seating feel like an integral part of the home,” says Milly McEwan. “Add tailored upholstery with contrasting piping for a high-end, polished look, and layer plush cushions and throw pillows in varying textures and patterns to make the seating both inviting and personalised.”

Take inspiration from this playful seating by starting with bold, graphic prints on your upholstery – stripes, checks, or even florals can work beautifully – and don’t shy away from vibrant colours. Pair your banquette with playful accessories like patterned cushions in different shapes and sizes to create visual interest and consider extending the colour scheme to the walls with matching or complementary paint, wallpaper or wall panelling.

9. Go luxe with sumptuous velvet seating

“For a touch of luxury, we always recommend velvet upholstery,” says Gaël Blake from Nook Home. “Soft, short-pile velvet adds luxury and elegance to upholstered kitchen booths, perfect for those seeking a more statement look.”

Opt for velvet seating in rich, earthy tones like forest green, deep navy, or rust for a cosy yet sophisticated vibe. Pair this with a simple wooden table to keep the space balanced and avoid overwhelming the room with too many textures.

To increase the cosy factor, we love the effect of the above scheme where the kitchen wall colour blends in with the seating to help enclose the space.

10. Add comfort with a tailored padded cushion

Padded cushions are exactly what you need to add warmth and an extra layer of comfort to wooden banquette seating ideas. In this dining space, designed by Colours Of Arley, the striped fabric lends the space a playful pop of colour, while the tailored fit makes the seat feel polished and inviting.

Try to select fabrics that complement your existing décor, like slubby linens and soft neutrals for a pared-back look or bold geometric prints for statement homes. For extra charm, accessorise your seat with cushions in contrasting textures and patterns.

11. Build a multifunctional window seat to relax and unwind

A bespoke window seat is the perfect way to combine style, comfort and practicality in one simple design. In this custom kitchen diner by Wood Works Brighton a built-in bench runs along the length of the window, making the most of the natural light and creating a cosy spot to relax and unwind with a view. Subtle green cushions add a layer of comfort, while the clean wooden finish keeps this kitchen window idea looking contemporary and streamlined.

Window sill seating is also an excellent opportunity to introduce built-in storage ideas, offering hidden compartments beneath the seat to stow away everything from books and blankets to kitchen essentials.

12. Make a statement with stylish hallway seating

Built-in banquette seating in a hallway can double as a handy spot to sit while putting on shoes or unloading shopping bags. In this design by Higham Furniture, a tailored bench is seamlessly incorporated into bespoke cabinetry, painted in a rich teal hue for a cohesive look. The seat itself features a custom patterned cushion that adds character and warmth to the room, while the space beneath provides ample opportunity for hallway storage, keeping clutter neatly out of sight.

To elevate this design further, consider adding built-in shelving or cabinetry and finish the look with decorative touches like a picture wall light and carefully curated accessories on display shelves.

13. Take your banquette seating outdoors for a spot of alfresco entertaining

Banquette seating works beautifully in outdoor kitchens and entertaining spaces too. In this playful design by Colours Of Arley, built-in wooden benches wrap around a small patio space to maximise opportunities for seating and encourage conversation.

When designing outdoor banquette seating, it’s important to choose materials that are both stylish and weather-resistant. Opt for cushions with foam cores wrapped in quick-drying materials to offer your guests comfort while remaining practical for an open-air setting.

To recreate the look above, build a sturdy wooden frame for the seating using weather-treated timber, ensuring it is anchored securely to the patio or ground. Use slatted panels for ventilation and drainage, and top with cushions designed to withstand the element. Consider built-in garden planters or raised beds nearby to tie the seating into the surrounding landscape. Finish with soft lighting, like solar lanterns or outdoor string lights.

FAQs

What are the best materials for banquette seating?

When it comes to choosing fabrics for banquette seating, durability and style should be your key considerations. “Woven fabric offers a stylish and durable finish, making it ideal for busy households,” says Gaël Blake, furniture designer and co-founder of Nook Home. “Our flecked woven fabric is strong, textured, and available in a range of subtle colours – perfect for country homes or anyone looking for a timeless, classic style.”

For a cosier, more luxurious feel, chenille is a popular choice. “Chenille’s textured finish and versatile colour options make it ideal for adding warmth and a touch of elegance to banquette seating,” explains Gaël.

If practicality is a priority, faux leather is hard to beat. “Faux leather is a low-maintenance, durable option, with a soft texture and beautiful grain that works brilliantly in busy family homes,” she adds. It’s wipeable, easy to clean, and ideal for dining spaces that see frequent use.

How can banquette seating be used outside kitchens and dining rooms?

Banquette and booth seating is highly versatile and can be used throughout the home, not just in kitchens or dining areas. Gaël Blake shares some of her favourite ideas for using this type of seating elsewhere in the home:

• Home cinemas: "It's easy to maximise space in a home cinema room with modular units designed to fit your space configurations. Relax on a stylish banquette to enjoy the latest blockbuster or stream your preferred series at family gatherings."
  
• Garden rooms: "Seating is often at a premium in garden rooms, where space may be restricted and you want to make the most of the view over your outside space. Banquettes and booths provide the perfect solution for a relaxed, casual, and comfortable leisure space," says Gaël. "Choose the right configuration to match your garden room, from curved spaces to individual seats and L-shaped banquette corner arrangements.
  
• Music or hobby room: If you’re feeling more creative, why not consider a banquette or booth for your music or hobby room? Comfort is an important part of enjoying leisure activities, and banquette seating can integrate beautifully with existing furnishings to provide additional wow factor or practical seating for your occasional audience."

If you're short on space in your home, you may want to consider one of the latest kitchen extension ideas to make room for a larger dining and entertaining area in your home. Even a small kitchen extension can transform a cramped layout into a functional space that's as practical as it is stylish.