WHY KITCHEN BANQUETTES ARE SUCH A MAINSTAY
Sometimes you need a convenient space-saving solution for your kitchen dining needs. This is where integrated kitchen seating comes in handy in the shape of the built-in banquette. A time-honoured space-saver for restaurants and bars, this ingenious concept first became popular in homes during the 1930s and 1940s, bypassing the customary table and chairs arrangement that can clutter a domestic kitchen. Instead, banquette-style seating offered an understated practical feature that added some depth of character too.
Perhaps this would explain its contemporary resurgence. In recent years, this alternative to formal dining has been recognised for its versatile design convenience, with people increasingly incorporating them into their kitchen framework.
A mainstay in American, European and UK kitchens for decades, let’s explore some of the unique qualities of kitchen banquettes and why they are so enthusiastically embraced.
A PRACTICAL DINING SOLUTION FOR KITCHENS OF ALL SIZES
It goes without saying that kitchen banquettes are compatible for rooms of all sizes. Often the purpose of one is to save the clearance space that a traditional table and chairs would take up. Providing a snug seating space that can be conveniently tucked into a corner, it offers that efficient dining area that may otherwise be unthinkable.
However, banquettes also look great in larger, more open plan kitchens too. It’s a stylish way to divide the space that can be easily dedicated to laid-back family dining. Whether functioning as a handy built-on addition to the kitchen island or simply a more relaxed solution to your traditional dining area, the banquette is beautifully versatile.
CREATES AN INTRIGUING FOCAL POINT
The visual appeal of the kitchen banquette is certainly appealing. It can elevate a modest kitchen space, enlivening it with a quirky feature that adds impressive character.
There’s definitely something about banquettes that evoke that cozy, old-world charm too. The throwback, retro appeal can certainly serve to heighten a space. You may even like to play on the diner-like qualities of the traditional corner booth banquette for a nostalgic effect.
GREAT FOR REPURPOSING NEGLECTED NOOKS AND CRANNIES
Kitchen banquettes can also serve to utilise those often unfairly neglected corners, unusual alcoves or out-of-the-way spaces that can become a gaping void.
A built-in banquette bench that overlooks a bay window and offers a garden view can provide an intriguing focal point. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons we have continually embraced them.
What’s more, banquettes can be easily adapted to function for other purposes too. Whether it’s to cater as a breakfast nook or intimate snack spot, a suitable working-from-home hotspot or even as a convenient study area, the repurposing potentials are endless.
AN IDEAL SOLUTION FOR STORAGE
While not its primary feature, there’s no reason why a seating banquette can’t double as a convenient built-in storage unit. In apartment kitchens in particular, where storage can be limited, often the seating easily flips up to reveal a handy concealed storage area within the bench. This space can also be used for storing serving utensils for easy accessibility, while the outside design can easily accommodate shelving.
CAN BE ADAPTED FOR OTHER ROOMS OF THE HOUSE
It’s not just kitchens that can benefit from a banquette. Other rooms of the home can too. Adapting the blend of banquette style seating for smaller spaces can be an alluring option for many homes. Providing an eye-opening distinction to the corner of a living room, banquettes can create an inspirational hub in an office or break up a bedroom with a comfy seating area. With a little imagination and some inspiration, there’s no end to the versatility of a bench banquette.
Whatever your reasons for installing a kitchen banquette, it’s certain to elevate your kitchen space. Check out some other ways you can enhance your kitchen space with our accessories here.
