Formal dining room

10 years ago

I have just finished a renovation on an Edwardian condo in the city and, because I am exhausted from choosing design and finishing while working etc, I hired a decorator to find furnishings and decorate my formal living room and dining room. I have separate formal style living and dining rooms, which is why I liked this place in the first place. I do not want modern open spaces but elegant traditional formal spaces in both rooms. My designer is recommending that we put a build in seating bench along the wall and place dining room table off center rather than place the table in the center of the room with traditional chairs. I actually like the idea but am very concerned that this won't look formal and traditional, which is an absolute must. Thoughts? I searched photos on Houzz but everything with built-in seating looked like a casual dining space off kitchen, which I Really don't want for this space. Can this plan be traditional and formal looking????

Featured Answer

allanaspree

10 years ago

Is there a reason (eg size of room) why your designer is suggesting a bench & off centre placement? Are you able to post a photo of the room?

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Comments (12)

nlsf
Original Author
10 years ago
I will post photo tomorrow. The room is very large by San Francisco standards. It is in the middle of kitchen and living and can be used as pass thru. But I purposefully put in lighting smack in middle because I don't want it to be a pass thru (all rooms have multiple entrances.
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ckbost
10 years ago
Sarah Richardson (HGTV) did a gorgeous built in banquet w tufting above. Look her up. It was tufted.
ckbost
10 years ago
Sorry about the repeat! It was very formal.
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
10 years ago
IMO a banquette is not formal no matter how you upholster it and they are horrible for formal sitting where people might want to leave the table during the time spent there I would center the table under a fabulous chandalier
nlsf
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks for the thoughts. I looked up Sarah richardson's banquette. It is lovely. I can also see point about guests being stuck at table. Still torn. Photo to come.
Amyzing
10 years ago
Banquette seating is terrible for guests. No one wants to sit there.
raineycarole
10 years ago
Benches don't work well in a formal dining room. In fact, benches don't work well if you're over 8 years old. They are heavy to move, hard to get in out of, and look like a restaurant booth.
nlsf
Original Author
10 years ago
I should clarify that the designer is talking about a beautiful banquette. I said bench but banquette is accurate word. Not sure that it makes a difference to those who wisely point out that guest might hate it...
drdeb1234
10 years ago
Backless benches are (obviously) very uncomfortable. A banquette is much more comfortable, but still a bit more awkward for seating than individual chairs.
My bigger concern though, would be whether it will look dated when this rather trendy approach to dining rooms is over. Make sure this is a look that appeals to you for the long haul. It may make a nice addition to your designer's portfolio, but you'll be the one living with it.
Maureen
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Banquettes/settees don't have to be long and can be for two people, so there is no issue with movement, but it depends on how many you plan on seating. They can be very formal and when the time comes when this trend is over, it's easy and a great look to mix and match chairs. If your chandelier is centered, I think it may be best to center table as well, as long as you have enough room for traffic flow. A set against a wall can look really nice - depends on your room, but I understand where your decorator is coming from.
Amyzing
10 years ago
They are rather nice to look at, but again, no one wants to share one. Even if it is a two seater it can be problematic. Suppose one guest is petite and her seatmate is tall? Banquettes force intimacy and that may feel uncomfortable.

My aunt has a gorgeous custom banquette running the length of her kitchen table that seats 8. No one willingly chooses to sit there. We usually put the kids there and they complain (muttering) every time.