I've always been drawn to the conversational nature of banquette seating in restaurants and pubs. The kind that envelops you and encourages you to stick around, just a little bit longer. Design-wise, it's a useful way to zone and anchor a space — rather than seating that floats around.
The problem with translating this kind of seating in your home, though, is that it's usually a custom job. And for outdoor banquette seats, that typically means truckloads of concrete or expensive timber frames. But that doesn't have to be the case. I recently came across this Handmade Garden Lounge Sofa Hoop by House Doctor (available at Westwing), and I couldn't help but draw parallels with its banquette-like silhouette.
Yes, at £1,399, it's certainly not the cheapest outdoor sofa out there, but for an 'off the shelf' outdoor banquette, it's more approachable than a bespoke build (and the faff of hiring a builder). Plus, it's got none of the commitment of concrete — you can continuously move it around your garden, and even bring it inside if you like.
Dimensions: 210cm wide, 82cm high, 68cm deep
This outdoor lounge sofa provides the perfect solution for a banquette that doesn't need to be built-in. Its straight design can sit neatly against a wall or along your patio, with a beautiful handmade wicker finish.
Westwing's two-person delivery is a free service, and they'll carry it wherever you want; there's no need to haul it around yourself. They can even take away your old furniture, but bear in mind that delivery will take up to 2 weeks.
The sofa will need to be covered or taken inside to avoid winter frost, but as I said, bring it inside during winter!
Space is a luxury, I know, and this sofa is just over two meters long. So if you can't fit it in, don't worry — there is also a Handmade Garden Armchair Hoop that measures 70cm wide, 82cm high, and 68cm deep.
But there are other ways to fake an outdoor banquette seat. Look for structured sofas that wrap a corner, or, ideally, sit in a U-shape, to mimic that conversational layout. To help, I've found some other alternatives you can shop 'off the shelf', below.
Stylish Alternatives to Shop
The wicker style is to die for, held by a sturdy aluminium frame. It's the perfect piece to capture the design while optimizing your space and budget. Two of these facing each other with a coffee table between would bring a vibrant restaurant-feel to your doorstep.
This woven rattan sofa is another great option. As a five-seater, it requires some assembling, pairing the 3-seat and 2-seat together. This allows for the versatility of pulling them apart if necessary. Pair this with their Alora Woven Rattan Square Garden Coffee Table for a complete garden makeover.
Thanks to its to-ground base, this corner sofa has a definite banquette feel. Its click-together design makes for easy assembly, while the cushions — available in white and gray — are weather resistant.
John Lewis rarely misses with outdoor furniture. This four-seater comes with a square coffee table, side table, and pull-out table. Yes, you heard right, three tables. And a 5-year guarantee, I love it's wraparound comfort.
A classic rattan design that is destined for lazy Sundays. Its block-like shape gives it the feel of a banquette. It's a quiet and considered option with raving reviews online, and it's currently on sale at half price for just £312.
If you've got the space, this six-seater outdoor corner sofa will have the same impact as a banquette seat in your garden. Currently 50% off, it can be configured multiple ways, and I'd recommend a U-shape!
Interested in more garden space optimization? You have to see this 'shape-shifting' outdoor sofa set that moulds to whatever you need.
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