In a recent home renovation we reconfigured our kitchen creating a keeping room with a banquette where we can gather as a family for meals, reading, homework, movies, etc. This area has quickly become my favorite room in the house not just because of the color palette but more so because of the banquette itself. Here are 10 reasons to love banquettes:
Cozy – As my daughter says, “It’s like a sofa.” A banquette creates a comfortable setting for everyone. Whether you choose a U-shape or L-shape your upholstered banquette will be a haven you will look forward to retreating to at the end of the day.
Clean Lines – Unlike chairs which have to be scooted, positioned, etc, a banquette provides a more organized fresh look.
Durable – Being a built in piece of furniture, a banquette will survive rambunctious kids. Children can crawl and climb without worry of breaking or scratching the leg of a chair or table.
Intimate – There is perhaps no more romantic piece of furniture than the ‘corner booth’. So if you’re looking for eye contact and closeness for a special dinner, a banquette provides the most intimate dining setting.
Hidden Storage – The benches of the banquette can lift up providing storage or you can even add drawers. Any opportunity to add more storage to your home equals the opportunity for a cleaner home.
Entertaining – If you love to entertain a banquette can provide maximum seating with maximum comfort.
Function To Small Spaces – Even without dedicated a room to a banquette, you can transform a closet, a corner, or hallway nook creating a whole new use of space that is attractive to the eye and functional.
Upholstery – If you love upholstery like I do this is an opportunity for your upholstery to be a star. Your fabric will transform your banquette from bench to beauty. Whether you choose a velvet like we did or a vibrant pattern, your upholstery will be a focal point of your home making your banquette pretty and cozy. This grayish, blue velvet fabric by Duralee paired perfectly with our Cole & Son Byron wallpaper.
Adding Mix and Match Chairs – If you choose an L-shape you may want to add chairs which will add another texture and element of style to your banquette. For instance Chinese Chippendale chairs (like these from Ballard Designs) will give your banquette a very up-to-date stylish look and the price difference in buying 2 as opposed to 8 or 12 for a traditional table is quite significant. You could also shop antique stores and thrift stores to find one of kind chairs at a great price.
Accent Wall – Adding a banquette also allows a design opportunity for an accent wall. Have a wallpaper you adore or a paint color you have been wanting to try but can’t quite pull the trigger? This is your chance to take that design risk and be bold. Covering a small area with a bold choice in wallpaper or paint makes a stylish statement without making the commitment to the whole room. We love our gilded peacock wallpaper from Cole & Son called the Byron.
Pendant light by Alabama based company Gabby Home, rug from Willowbrook Shoppe in Huntsville, and Chinese ink wash found at an estate sale.