Designs for Living: 20 Inspiring Banquettes
Banquettes Bring Ultra-Flexible Seating to Dining Areas, Windows and More
With the entertaining season in full swing, I keep finding myself making a mad dash around the house, scooping up stray chairs from their regular surroundings to stand in as extra dining room seating for guests. What I could use is more accommodating furniture, like the versatile banquette. On a regular day it can seat one or two, but can just as easily hold many more when necessary—just try doing the same with a dining chair.
Use several different fabrics for the pillows, seat, and back cushions to make a visual impact even behind a table.
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| A deep banquette doubles as a comfortable lounge spot on lazy Sunday mornings. |
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| Here a banquette works as a window seat and dining area in one. |
Piles of pillows pick up colors from the prints above.
by Amoroso Design
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Beadboard delineates the space here, and takes the place of a standard seat back.
When there's limited space to move a chair in and out, a stationary seat is the better option. These banquettes fit snugly here, but don't appear cramped, as chairs most certainly would.
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| Leave the opposite side of the table open to take in a view, or for a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee a duex. |
Think outside the kitchen: Banquette seating provides extra play space (and storage) in a children's room too.
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| ... And is the perfect spot for contemplating the view when placed under a wide window. |
by Su Casa Designs
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Include a tailored, padded back for additional comfort.
A thin, long bolster pillow will do the trick too.
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| For smaller spaces, it beats out a bulky sofa. |
... And brings a spot to sit where you might not otherwise expect one.
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by Elliott Kaufman
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| Just as a banquette helps when squeezing guests around a table, it can accommodate extra folks when entertaining in the living room too. |
Arranging your furniture around a TV can cause problems when company calls. A banquette under the tube is unobtrusive when you're watching, but provides more spots to sit when needed.
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| This one looks just as comfortable as a sectional, but with a tailored finish that's more appropriate for eating. |
by Jane Ellison
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Curved seating mimics the shape of a round table, taking full advantage of every inch of dining space.
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by Birdseye Design
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| Is it still considered banquette seating if it's nowhere near the wall? I couldn't tell you, but don't let that stop you from giving it a try.
More: Consider the Banquette |
Ideabook updated on Jan. 19, 2011.
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