Why Banquettes Should Be A Part Of Your New Kitchen Plan

Cozy, bench-like seating is a great way to elevate a kitchen space

In kitchen design, a banquette is a fixed, often cushioned, bench-style seating arrangement, usually placed against or along a wall. It provides a space-efficient and chic alternative to standard dining chairs, creating a cozy and comfortable seating area. Banquettes can be configured in various shapes and can be either built-in or freestanding. It’s a popular choice because it’s multifunctional and flexible, providing the central space for a family to socialize, work and prepare food side by side. They are particularly popular for breakfast nooks, small kitchens, and when more seating is needed.

And there’s a series of styles of them. We’re going to break them down, and make the case why they should be incorporated into a new kitchen design. Let’s start with the primary styles. Here goes…

L-shaped banquette

This is a freestanding seating arrangement designed in the shape of an “L,” typically placed against two adjacent walls or in a corner of a room. It’s commonly used in kitchens, dining areas, or restaurants to maximize space and create a cozy, efficient seating area. The seating forms a right angle, with one section along one wall and another along the perpendicular wall, resembling the letter “L.” It often includes cushioned benches or upholstered seats, sometimes with backrests, and can be paired with a table to create a dining nook.

Straight banquette

These are designed in a linear, straight-line configuration, typically placed along a single wall or in an open space. Unlike an L-shaped banquette, which forms a right angle to fit a corner, a straight banquette is a single, continuous bench. The seating is usually cushioned or upholstered, with or without a backrest. It’s positioned against one wall or as a standalone piece and is typically paired with a dining table and chairs on the opposite side.

U-shaped banquette

This style is designed in the shape of a “U,” typically placed along three walls or in a recessed alcove to create a cozy, enclosed dining or seating area. The seating forms a U shape, with three connected sections: one along a back wall and two parallel side sections, creating a semi-enclosed nook. It typically includes cushioned benches or upholstered seats, often with backrests, and is paired with a table inside the “U” to complete the dining setup.

Island banquette

This style integrates a bench or banquette-style seating directly into or around a kitchen island, creating a casual dining or social space within a kitchen. Unlike traditional banquettes (L-shaped, U-shaped, or straight), which are typically positioned against walls, an island banquette is centered around a freestanding kitchen island, often in open-plan homes or larger kitchens. The seating consists of one or more benches built into or placed around the sides of a kitchen island. The island itself serves dual purposes: a workspace (e.g., for food prep or storage) and a dining surface.

Window banquette

This is positioned against or beneath a window, typically in a dining area, kitchen, or living space. It’s designed to create a cozy, functional nook. It combines the comfort of a bench with the aesthetic and practical benefits of a window’s natural light and views. They’re often built into a window alcove, bay, or sill area. It may be straight (along one window) or configured to fit a bay window’s angles. The banquette is usually cushioned or upholstered, with or without backrests, and paired with a table for dining or a small surface for reading/relaxation.

Considerations

Now that we’ve established the styles, let’s get into the nitty gritty why we think they’re clever additions that should be employed in your new kicthen design plan.

A banquette needs just 27 inches per person and 20–24 inches of depth, while chairs demand a whopping 36 inches of wiggle room behind them. In a small kitchen (say, under 100 sq ft), that’s 30–40% less floor space hogged, keeping your kitchen open and easy to move around in—improving traffic flow by 20–30%!

Here’s another cool perk: banquettes pack in more pals. A 6-foot banquette can comfy-cozy seat 3–4 adults, while a same-sized table with chairs fits just 2–3. Got a casual party? Squeeze in a few more! A U-shaped banquette in a 6×6-foot nook can handle up to 7 people, beating out the 4–5 you’d get with chairs. Plus, many banquettes come with sneaky storage—think lift-up seats or drawers holding as much as 2–3 kitchen cabinets for your tableware or board games.

Lastly – besides the aforementioned, our opinion is that banquettes are more social, and if done correctly, can act as a distinguishing focal point in a kitchen. They foster relaxed chats and togetherness, blending a cozy, café-like charm ideal for morning coffee, kids’ homework, or laid-back meals. Seating capacity and good for human connection? Sounds like a plan to us!

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