What does banquette seating mean?
Banquette seating refers to upholstered seating unites which are usually built in and are particularly popular in restaurants and Cafés. They are typically, but not always, built against a wall. Alternative names include bench seating, booth seating and fixed seating.
What's the difference between banquette, booth and bench seating? Banquette, booth & bench are all custom-built seating solutions that can be designed in a multitude of ways, so it's easy to get confused over which is which. Sometimes the names are used interchangeably.
Banquette seating refers to upholstered seating unites which are usually built in and are particularly popular in restaurants and Cafés. They are typically, but not always, built against a wall. Alternative names include bench seating, booth seating and fixed seating.
What's the difference between banquette, booth and bench seating? Banquette, booth & bench are all custom-built seating solutions that can be designed in a multitude of ways, so it's easy to get confused over which is which. Sometimes the names are used interchangeably.
- Banquette - A long run of upholstered seating, usually against a wall.
- Booth - Seating which provides an intimate area, usually consisting of two or three seating runs facing each other with a table in the middle.
- Bench - A run of seating which can look more like a long sofa; can be straight or curved.
What are the benefits of banquette seating?
Banquettes are an excellent solution for tight niches, they can often help maximise seating capacity in a hospitality space. They can be used strategically as dividing features allowing creation of semi-independent zones. Banquette seating provides opportunity to add character or quirkiness to the interior design though introduction of soft upholstered textures. This also contributes to the softening of acoustics in the room making the space cosier overall. Custom built nature of banquettes brings with it a wide selection of materials, allowing the interior designer to play off other features in the space. Sitting on a generous banquette seat can also be more comfortable than sitting on a chair and is often preferred by customers.
Disadvantages of banquette seating
Banquette seats are inevitably upholstered, creating a wide expanse that is vulnerable to food and drink spills; with this in mind, many designers opt for upholstery which can be wiped-clean or choose patterned upholstery designs with good stain-hiding properties. Because of the generous curves inherent in most banquettes, the fabric used for upholstery should have some stretch in it, to avoid unsightly wrinkles.
In most circumstances, banquette seating needs a pre-installation survey and needs to be installed by a professional installer – invariably there are details like skirting boards or pipes that need adjusting for.
Banquettes are an excellent solution for tight niches, they can often help maximise seating capacity in a hospitality space. They can be used strategically as dividing features allowing creation of semi-independent zones. Banquette seating provides opportunity to add character or quirkiness to the interior design though introduction of soft upholstered textures. This also contributes to the softening of acoustics in the room making the space cosier overall. Custom built nature of banquettes brings with it a wide selection of materials, allowing the interior designer to play off other features in the space. Sitting on a generous banquette seat can also be more comfortable than sitting on a chair and is often preferred by customers.
Disadvantages of banquette seating
Banquette seats are inevitably upholstered, creating a wide expanse that is vulnerable to food and drink spills; with this in mind, many designers opt for upholstery which can be wiped-clean or choose patterned upholstery designs with good stain-hiding properties. Because of the generous curves inherent in most banquettes, the fabric used for upholstery should have some stretch in it, to avoid unsightly wrinkles.
In most circumstances, banquette seating needs a pre-installation survey and needs to be installed by a professional installer – invariably there are details like skirting boards or pipes that need adjusting for.
Banquette seating dimensions
Banquette seating is usually built to order, from scratch, so most dimensions are dictated by the floorplan, but there are some key measurements guides to be aware of and they change depending on the type of space.
Banquette seating is usually built to order, from scratch, so most dimensions are dictated by the floorplan, but there are some key measurements guides to be aware of and they change depending on the type of space.
Dining Areas
Poseur height banquettes are also a popular option in nightclubs, particularly near bar areas, where customers tend to be on their feet as well as sitting.
- Seat Height: 460mm - matching the dining chairs
- Seat Depth: 470mm
- Back Height: 9000 to 1100mm
- Seat Height: 460mm - can be lower as well
- Seat Depth: 500mm to 520mm for enhanced comfort
- Back Height: 900mm
Poseur height banquettes are also a popular option in nightclubs, particularly near bar areas, where customers tend to be on their feet as well as sitting.
- Seat Height: 800mm matching the barstools
- Seat Depth: 470mm
- Back Height: 1100mm to 1200mm
Banquette styles
Plain Back
As it sounds, plain back is a simple, cost-effective option, giving clean, simple lines. Plain backs can be enlivened with a patterned fabric, provide detail without additional upholstery cost.
Plain back is easier to maintain as there are fewer creases for crumbs to get stuck in, or buttons to catch on clothing.
As it sounds, plain back is a simple, cost-effective option, giving clean, simple lines. Plain backs can be enlivened with a patterned fabric, provide detail without additional upholstery cost.
Plain back is easier to maintain as there are fewer creases for crumbs to get stuck in, or buttons to catch on clothing.
Buttoned Back
Buttoned back is a simple way of adding more texture and breaking up the straight surfaces of a plain back banquette. Picking a contrasting colour of the buttons is another way of adding interest to the backrest.
Buttoned back is a simple way of adding more texture and breaking up the straight surfaces of a plain back banquette. Picking a contrasting colour of the buttons is another way of adding interest to the backrest.
Fluted Back
Fluted back is an elegant effect that adds and interest to the banquette. We offer two different flute variations, the Lux fluting, pictured here and standard fluting.
Fluted back is an elegant effect that adds and interest to the banquette. We offer two different flute variations, the Lux fluting, pictured here and standard fluting.
Rolled Back
Roll back style features a horizontal tube, usually at the top of the backrest.
The rolled backrest can be further enhanced by adding extra horizontal roles or being combined with vertical flutes.
Roll back style features a horizontal tube, usually at the top of the backrest.
The rolled backrest can be further enhanced by adding extra horizontal roles or being combined with vertical flutes.
Deep Buttoned
Deep buttoned upholstery is a traditional technique that involves creating deep tufts by pulling fabric or leather through layers of padding or foam. This method of upholstery adds a classic and luxurious look to the space.
Deep Buttoned
Deep buttoned upholstery is a traditional technique that involves creating deep tufts by pulling fabric or leather through layers of padding or foam. This method of upholstery adds a classic and luxurious look to the space.
Chesterfield Back
This style of upholstery originated in the 18th century and was named after the Earl of Chesterfield, who commissioned a sofa with these features.
Chesterfield sofas are typically upholstered in leather, although other materials such as velvet may also be used. The deep button tufting not only adds an elegant and luxurious look, but also creates a comfortable and supportive seating experience.
The rolled backrest, which is usually lower then other banquettes, up-to 900mm high, provides a traditional and refined appearance.
This style of upholstery originated in the 18th century and was named after the Earl of Chesterfield, who commissioned a sofa with these features.
Chesterfield sofas are typically upholstered in leather, although other materials such as velvet may also be used. The deep button tufting not only adds an elegant and luxurious look, but also creates a comfortable and supportive seating experience.
The rolled backrest, which is usually lower then other banquettes, up-to 900mm high, provides a traditional and refined appearance.
Banquette seating base types
Banquette seating is rarely upholstered down to the floor. Therefore avoiding the lower section being damaged, primarily by footwear and cleaning equipment.
There are two primary types:
Banquette seating is rarely upholstered down to the floor. Therefore avoiding the lower section being damaged, primarily by footwear and cleaning equipment.
There are two primary types:
- Plinth - a horizontal run of wood - is the most popular and budget friendly solution for the lowest six inches or so. They look tidy and avoid dust accumulating. Plinth also allows for a convenient power outlet integration.
- Legs - on the other hand, are increasing in popularity, giving a lighter, more open feel to the fixed seating; although they do create an area difficult to clean. Leg styles include turned, square and tapering, in a plethora of finishes.
Stitching styles for banquette seating
There are three main types of stitching used on banquettes:
There are three main types of stitching used on banquettes:
- Top Stitch - A simple line of thread which can be colour matched to material or fabric.
- Saddle Stitch - Used to create subtle extra detail.
- Blind Seam - A clean look unlikely to divert the eye from other design features.
Bespoke stitching is also available, as shown below in the diamond pattern on this banquette in Clubrooms, Gatwick Airport, illustrating the limitless possibilities that banquette seating can provide.
What determines the comfort of banquette seating?
Like an upholstered chair, banquette seating can be constructed with springs (and foam) or foam on board. Sprung seating is generally a more comfortable and more expensive option. Foam on board upholstery, called ‘platform’ seating, is the cheaper choice. You can find a handy diagram here: Foam vs Sprung Seats
Banquette seating with storage is another practical adaptation of this versatile piece of furniture. They can be produced with removable seats, which would allow not only to store things, also can be easily replaceable should the seat get stained or damaged.
How much does banquette seating cost?
Due to the made to order nature of banquette seating the pricing varies depending on exact requirements. Despite this, we have put together a selection most commonly used upholstery styles and unit shapes and made them available with standard pricing on our website.
Like an upholstered chair, banquette seating can be constructed with springs (and foam) or foam on board. Sprung seating is generally a more comfortable and more expensive option. Foam on board upholstery, called ‘platform’ seating, is the cheaper choice. You can find a handy diagram here: Foam vs Sprung Seats
Banquette seating with storage is another practical adaptation of this versatile piece of furniture. They can be produced with removable seats, which would allow not only to store things, also can be easily replaceable should the seat get stained or damaged.
How much does banquette seating cost?
Due to the made to order nature of banquette seating the pricing varies depending on exact requirements. Despite this, we have put together a selection most commonly used upholstery styles and unit shapes and made them available with standard pricing on our website.