Yeah, I could see that would be a pain. It would have to be so comfortable that people would want to stay and it a while.

Here is a sketch I did with the ikea planner of a corner banquette. The black benches would be the built in banquette.

Yes, it would depend on how many there are of you. I also dislike banquettes due to the logistics problems of getting in and out. But it could work if there are only two kids. And they can be attractive.

Not a fan of banquettes. Is the part against the wall going to have a back or will the wall be the back? If wall is back, not that comfortable and will be much wear on that part of wall. The part without a back will just be uncomfortable for anyone who has to sit there.

We would either buy an upholstered in from Ballard with a back or build one with a back

The plus of a banquette is you can seat many more people when you don't have moving chairs. The negative is people get stuck and cute fabric like the one pictured is impossible to slide on..wood or vinyl work best. If you have kids they are great. We corralled two kids between us and there was plenty of room for the high chair. No way would we have been able to eat five in that kitchen without the two benches.

If this is the only dining area you have how will you accommodate guests, and wouldn't the banquette idea be too informal or Thanksgiving, Christmas and other occasions when it's more than just family? I would choose an oval table or round table that has leaves and make this area as nice as possible with a large enough rug, drapes, art on the walls etc. It doesn't have to be formal but I would want it to be warm and livable, and also pretty.

Yeah, I feel like we could fit more people with a banquette. I have 3 kids and they pretty much stay put during meals, so they can sit on the benches and my hubby and I can sit on chairs. The fabric above is laminated which makes it like vinyl and easy to clean.

Good point Ingrid, I considered that but then I have friends with only eat in kitchen/dining spaces that can only accommodate seating for 6. People usually eat in the living room or at her peninsula and it works fine for those rare occasions/holidays.

I think you have a lot of space at 147" in depth and 130+ in width so I would use a table. It's most flexible in all situations and can expand more readily when your kids start having guests at dinner.

I have a banquette in a space with the same width but have less depth. (In fact, did the same thing, took down the wall between the kitchen and DR). We have corner windows and used the modular segments from Ballard Designs, which work really well. The bonus is that they have storage in the base, which is nice.

Gooster- I agree a table may be more flexible later on. We can always use a table and then do a banquette down the road. Thanks!