Shopping for a Banquette
A banquette is an upholstered bench placed along the wall of a room. Banquette is derived from the French word for “little bench.” Usually, a banquette will be fixed to a wall or built-in to the structure. The banquette can wrap around several corners to create intimate seating around a table, or it can line a single wall. A banquette will maximize your space and can give your room a comfortable and intimate feel. Banquettes are usually custom made and come in a variety of styles and colors. When shopping for your banquette, take into consideration your space, your needs and tastes to purchase the perfect seating for your room.
Location
Before you go shopping for your banquette, determine where you would like your banquette to be placed in your room. If you have a table you would like the banquette to surround, then determine where you would like to place the table. Look at the walls surrounding your table and make sure there is enough space for your seating needs. You will want each guest to have at least three feet of seating space. Examine the walls. See if there are any obstacles, such as windows or columns, which may get in the way of your banquette. Thoroughly review your location and make sure it’s the best place for your banquette seating.
Size
Keep in mind that most banquettes are custom made. Even if you don’t order a custom banquette, you still need to know the size of banquette you will need for your room. Before going to the store, make sure you measure your space. Go to the location you have chosen for your banquette. With a tape measure, measure the wall or walls the banquette will rest against. Write down this number and take it to you to the store.
Color and Style
It’s also a good idea to decide on the color and style of banquette you will need before you go to the store. If your banquette will be in a place where people will be sitting for long periods of time, then you will need a banquette with 5-inches or more of cushioning. If your banquette will serve more as an architectural element, such as a window seat, then you might want less cushioning. Look at the colors and textures around your room. Determine the color and patterns that will best match your other furniture and the style of your table. You may even want to bring paint or fabric swatches to the store for matching.
Where to Buy
You can purchase a banquette at your local furniture store. If you want a custom banquette, then you will need to visit your local carpenter or furniture maker. If your built-in banquette is going to require major construction or remodeling, then you may need to hire a local contractor. When hiring anyone to do work in your home, be sure to check their references, ask friends and family for recommendations and ask to see previous examples of their work.
