Now more than ever, we expect our kitchens to function far beyond cooking. They need to serve as work stations, social hubs, and dining spaces, and there's one standout feature that is key to creating a multifunctional kitchen that feels stylish and inviting.
Banquette seating is the chicest way to add a dining space to your kitchen, blending space-saving design with cozy style. Whether your kitchen is open plan and spacious or small and intimate, almost any scheme has just the right amount of space to introduce a charming banquette seating space.
And while many beautiful examples have custom-built-in benches, that's not the only way to achieve the look, with many of our favorite interior stores making freestanding designs that can create a cute dining nook without the need to call in a builder.
Take a look at some of the most beloved designer spaces, like this blue and yellow kitchen by Studio Mac, and they all have one thing in common: a cozy banquette seating space. Some are designed to double as storage, while others are ultra plush, upholstered in a charming fabric.
But whichever approach you take, there's no denying the benefits of banquettes over more traditional seating styles. One of the reasons they have become such a coveted feature is that they take up less space compared to a traditional dining table and chairs, making them just as ideal for small kitchens.
'Banquettes maximise every inch of space, especially in awkward or tight corners, whilst creating a cozy, casual feel that invites people to linger,' says interior designer Rebecca Hughes. You can also integrate storage into the bench seating if you need it, making these humble furniture pieces work twice as hard.
'Banquettes work twice as hard when they combine comfort with cupboard-like storage. Build it with a flip-up seat and a hollow base, and you’ll have a bench that doubles as a storage ottoman,' adds Ed O’Donnell, co-founder and creative director of design firm Angel O’Donnell.
But designers recommend them because they aren't just functional, but beautiful, too. 'They’re a classic kitchen feature, but what's evolving is the styling – we’re seeing more custom upholstery with statement fabrics, integrated storage, and graceful curves that elevate the look without sacrificing warmth or comfort,' Rebecca explains.
And it's their ability to bring in warmth, texture, and personality that makes them all the more desirable. A pretty pattern adds character, while a skirted detail adds a touch of whimsy to a kitchen filled with hard lines – and their very nature makes them feel truly timeless.
'A timeless banquette design is a functional one. Whether your tastes are traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between, prioritise a deep seat and generous padding – because comfort never goes out of style,' Ed advises.
They don't need to be built-in, either. You can find so many beautiful banquettes from your favorite brands and retailers, whether you're looking for a rattan bench with storage or a cozy sofa-style seat with a pretty upholstery fabric. And these 15 chic buys will make adding a banquette to your kitchen easy.
This small-space saviour packs plenty of personality into one charming package. There are 12 different slip cover designs to choose from, ranging from pretty florals to classic stripes – it's no surprise our Style Editor rates it so highly.
This charming L-shaped banquet is giving serious coastal vibes, featuring a pretty blue and white stripe and a charming pleated skirt at the base. It's available in 80" or 100", as well as the choice of a left or right-facing orientation.
For a simpler take on banquette seating, this storage bench is a classic choice. With a hinged seat to access storage beneath, it's a great affordable option if you want to personalize with soft furnishings.
Stripes are a timeless print to bring into your kitchen, and this upholstered banquette fits the bill. This design is customizable too, with a range of fabrics in various prints and patterns to choose from.
For something with a bit of texture, you can't go wrong with this rattan-look bench, which features ample space, as well as a plush seat cushion for comfort. It's a charming piece if you want to create a soft kitchen.
West Elm's build your own banquette makes creating a dining nook tailored to your scheme so much easier. There are four different components to choose from, as well as a large range of fabrics and colors for a truly custom look.
Simple yet comfortable, this corner banquette from Pottery Barn favors simplicity and Scandi style, featuring light wooden legs and white upholstery. It might not feature storage below, but it's still perfect for a space-saving design.
If you love the more rustic, boho look, this rattan banquette is for you. Featuring a substantial woven frame and topped with a thick seat cushion for comfort, it's a stylish design to add warmth and texture to your kitchen.
If you prefer a banquette that feels more reminiscent of a couch, look no further. The neutral slip-covered design comes in three sizes – it forms the perfect base for a timeless yet relaxed kitchen seating area.
If you want to get your whole dining space finished quickly, this full banquette set, complete with a round table and two chairs, is a handy find. The banquette seating is reminiscent of church pews, easily accessorized with seat cushions.
Unlike many other build-your-own banquettes, this design from Anthropologie comes in single-seat sections, so you can add as many or as few as you need for your dining space. This smaller design makes it perfect for compact spaces.
Available in olive (as pictured) or coffee, this L-shaped banquette taps into one of this year's biggest kitchen color trends: warm, earthy palettes. The elegantly sloped arms are a chic feature – choose between left-facing and right-facing to suit your space.
The simplicity of this banquette really appeals. With the rich wood frame and soft white upholstery, its understated elegance says more than a bold pattern can. Perfect for neutral interiors filled with natural materials.
This wooden banquette is a timeless option for your scheme. Featuring a playful fluted profile and a comfy upholstered seat cushion, it slots seamlessly into kitchens of every size and style. Plus, the storage space doubles its functionality.
The smallest banquette bench in our edit, this might feel more similar to a storage bench you'd find in a hallway, but it works so well for kitchen seating, thanks to the plush seat cushion and pretty green colorway.
A kitchen banquette adds function and style to your space in abundance. Because these designs are all freestanding, they are just as perfect for rentals, creating a truly custom space.
