Over the Holidays, Specifically in time for the annual sale, I have requested a trip to the magical land of Restoration Hardware. For those of us who don’t live anywhere near one, this is a big deal, so don’t judge me. We are going so I can touch and feel a sideboard that I’m planning on using as a base for our breakfast nook/island with banquette seating. So, of course, in anticipation of my big purchase, I am trying to decide which type of banquette seating I really want to do that will serve the look and functionality I’m trying to achieve.
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*Update: soul-crushing disappointment: the sideboard is not on sale. We’ll still go at some point so I know if I like it, for when it DOES go on sale. I will take LOTS of pictures to share.
In case you haven’t figured it out, this is how I passive aggressively start projects. I buy the pieces I want to use, then leave them in the middle of the room until Rainman reluctantly asks what’s supposed to happen with them. The bench will need to run the length of the wall under the windows (backless so we don’t limit visibility to the pool and backyard) and have the ability to house small appliances that will be homeless when Rainman reclaims the pantry for an office closet.
Here are some ideas for banquette seating:
The banquette above is a very nicely done seat. I would definitely do cushions, but this is a solid concept. Unfortunately, I don’t think using premade cabinets will work for us as they open from the front and we’ll have an island in the way, making it more difficult to get things in and out. I love the stained finish, though.
The DIY one above is a very clean look and I love that it has the flip-up bench seats. I think we may want more detail than this one, however. It is fantastic for the nook it’s in and I love their heat register solution. We also have one to contend with in our future bench seat.
The blue roof cabin banquette is a super simple and attractive design. I really like it but I would want to have the squares centered vertically whereas here the base molding covers much of the bottom.
This is a neat idea also, but I want a solid flip top instead of the cushions mounted on wood.
With some caulk and paint this could be a very nice bench. If your plan is to have a painted piece, MDF really makes anything more affordable.
This is very nicely done, although aesthetically I think I prefer the base bumped out instead of recessed as it is here- especially since I have some small appliances that are wider at the base.
This is a very basic, clean design. Once again, I think these are pop off cushions, and I would really prefer a hinged lid.
Here’s that beautifully crafted hinged lid. I love that the cushions are separate for wash-ability.
I love the thickness on these cushions though I question their longevity on a kitchen banquette. If they are washable slip covers that would be awesome. I can’t imagine trying to cut the base molding on these angles. Ugh.
Like most things in Veranda magazine, the next one is impractical, but breathtaking. They should just rename it “shit-you’ll-never-have-because-you-have-kids magazine”. I’m telling myself, willing myself to walk away. (My sister asked me why this is impractical: the pretty little knobs will become footrests and get ripped out. The light-colored fabric will become immediately stained.)
Once again, Veranda, I admire you for your optimism. Breathtaking and unrealistic.
Any DIYer could be proud of this simple, little build. Add some quarter round and cushions, and voila, you have yourself a pro level bench.
I love this whole space, except the face of the bench. Just a few pieces of trim will make this space varsity level.
Once again, if you’re using stock cabinets and want drawers, these are very nice.
I think we’ll eventually settle for a basic board and batten style, with a hinged top, and removable, leather cushions (for easy cleanup).
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