If you’ve followed our work for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed one thing: we love a banquette.
We don’t default to using them simply because we’re trying to make every kitchen look the same. It’s because we’ve found that when a home has room for one, it almost always becomes the most loved seat in the house.
Sure, they’re a fantastic space-saving solution. By anchoring the seating to a wall instead of floating chairs around all four sides of a table, they free up circulation and make a kitchen feel larger. But that’s actually not why we keep designing them.
We keep designing them because they’re magnets for family life.
Not because they’re trendy. Not because they’re cute (although they certainly can be). We design banquettes because they solve problems – and they almost always become the spot where life happens.
Whether we’re working with a sprawling family kitchen or trying to squeeze every inch out of a smaller footprint, a built-in banquette often gives us more seating, better circulation, and a space that simply feels more inviting than a traditional table and chairs.
This was the banquette in Jessica’s previous home. It was where ABCs were learned, Frozen the soundtrack was memorized and happened, birthday breakfasts were served, and ponytails were made. Long after we forgot what the room looked like on installation day, this is how we remember it.
They Save More Space Than You Think
A dining table surrounded by chairs needs room on all four sides for people to pull chairs out and walk around them. A banquette changes that equation.
By anchoring one side of the seating to the wall, you eliminate unnecessary circulation space while making the room feel larger and more open. Instead of a table floating in the middle of the room, the seating becomes part of the architecture.
The result? More room for cooking, entertaining, kids doing homework, dogs wandering through the kitchen – and everything else that happens in a busy home.
They Naturally Bring Everyone Together
There’s something about sliding into a banquette that makes people want to stay.
Unlike individual dining chairs, everyone sits a little closer. Kids pile in next to each other. Coffee turns into conversation. Dinner stretches a little longer.
It’s no coincidence that banquettes often become the unofficial headquarters of the house.
We’ve watched them become homework stations, game-night tables, work-from-home desks, birthday breakfast spots, and the place where everyone gathers while someone cooks dinner.
They Feel Cozy Without Feeling Casual
One of our favorite things about banquettes is that they soften a kitchen.
Kitchens are full of hard surfaces – stone countertops, cabinetry, appliances, tile. Upholstered seating introduces warmth, texture, and comfort in a way that dining chairs rarely can.
A beautiful fabric, a special detail, and suddenly the kitchen has a place that feels almost like a living room.
That’s exactly what we want from today’s kitchens. They’re no longer just places to cook – they’re where families spend most of their time.
They’re Perfect for Awkward Spaces
Corners. Bump-outs. Bay windows. Areas that feel too small for a full dining room but too important to ignore.
These are often our favorite places to design a custom banquette.
Because they’re built specifically for the space, they can transform an awkward corner into one of the hardest-working spots in the house.
And yes – they often include hidden storage, which is never a bad thing.
Every Banquette Doesn’t Have to Look the Same
Some of ours are wrapped in colorful performance fabric.
Some have wood backs.
Some feel traditional.
Others are clean and contemporary.
Some sit beneath windows.
Others anchor a large open kitchen.
The common thread isn’t the style – it’s the function. Every banquette is designed around how that particular family actually lives.
Banquettes aren’t only in the kitchen, and that they make good use of any corner space.
Our Rule? Design for the Way You Live
A banquette isn’t the right answer for every home.
But when the layout calls for one, it’s often the smartest design move we can make.
It creates more usable space.
It encourages people to gather.
It makes the kitchen feel warmer.
And more often than not, it becomes everyone’s favorite seat in the house.
Looking through our portfolio, you’ll notice one thing: we keep coming back to banquettes. That’s because good design isn’t about repeating a trend – it’s about repeating solutions that work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Banquettes
Are banquettes a good idea in a kitchen?
Absolutely – when the layout is right. A well-designed banquette creates a comfortable gathering place while making better use of square footage than a traditional table and chairs. We often find that it’s the seat everyone chooses first.
Do banquettes save space?
Yes. Because one side of the seating is built into the wall, you don’t need clearance for chairs on every side of the table. That allows for better traffic flow and can make even a modest-sized kitchen feel more spacious.
Are banquettes comfortable?
They can be incredibly comfortable when they’re designed correctly. Seat depth, back angle, cushion thickness, and upholstery all matter. We typically specify performance fabrics so they can stand up to everyday family life while still feeling soft and inviting.
Should a banquette have storage?
If the design allows for it, hidden storage is a wonderful bonus. Lift-up seats or deep drawers are perfect for storing table linens, games, seasonal décor, or the kitchen items you don’t need every day. That said, we never force storage if it compromises comfort or proportions.
Can a banquette work in a small kitchen?
In many cases, a banquette is actually a better solution for a small kitchen than individual dining chairs. By tucking the seating against the wall, you free up valuable floor space and create a dining area that feels intentional rather than cramped.
Where should a banquette go?
We love placing banquettes in corners, beneath windows, in breakfast nooks, or along a wall adjacent to the kitchen. The best location is one that feels connected to the kitchen without interrupting its workflow.
Are banquettes only for traditional homes?
Not at all. We’ve designed banquettes for traditional Tudors, historic Colonials, modern homes, lake houses, and everything in between. The style can change dramatically—the concept stays the same.
How do you choose fabric for a kitchen banquette?
We almost always recommend performance fabrics. Kitchens are hardworking spaces, and banquettes see everything from spaghetti sauce to homework markers. The good news is that today’s performance fabrics come in beautiful colors, textures, and patterns that don’t sacrifice style for durability.
Are banquettes still in style?
We don’t design banquettes because they’re trendy – we design them because they work. Like any built-in architectural feature, a thoughtfully designed banquette has staying power. If it’s designed to suit the home and the family who lives there, it won’t feel dated in five or ten years.
Why does Toledo Geller use banquettes so often?
Because we’ve seen what happens after the photos are taken. Banquettes become the place where kids do homework, friends linger over coffee, birthdays begin with pancakes, and weeknight dinners stretch into conversations. We don’t include them because they’re beautiful – we include them because they make a house feel more like home.
