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Banquettes and Kitchen Sofas: Why They’re a Must-Have for Stylish and Functional Dining Spaces

Could this be the best solution for you if you have a smaller space for meals at home? There are many benefits to choosing a freestanding kitchen sofa or a built-in banquette. A more intimate feel, space efficiency, and it can also be really practical.

Let’s dig deeper with some great examples. 

What's the difference between a banquette and a kitchen sofas?

Small dining area in a Scandinavian apartment in Stockholm Sweden with a built in banquette
Cute banquette in @doneriet home in Stockholm, Sweden.
Kitchen sofa in a Scandinavian home with italian chairs and neutral earthy colors on the textiles.
Long and space efficient kitchen sofa in @e.m.berggren home.

Both pieces of furniture serve the same purpose – to create seating at a dining table. However, they are different types of furniture. A banquette is often a built-in solution where the furniture is constructed as a bench/sofa and then styled with cushions and pillows. A kitchen sofa, on the other hand, is a freestanding piece that can be moved but is also, often, adorned with cushions and pillows for comfort.

Reasons to choose a kitchen sofa or build a custom banquette

There are many reasons why you should consider this type of furniture in the kitchen. In addition to the functional benefits listed below, I also believe that a kitchen sofa or banquette creates a very homey and cozy atmosphere. It offers an intimacy that is not as easy to achieve with individual chairs around a table. It feels both warm and inviting.

Scandinavian Folk interior design, breakfast corner with a built in kitchen sofa and antique furniture
Beautiful breakfast spot with a kitchen sofa in Studio Skogsö home.
Kitchen sofa in natural wood in Scandinavian warm home with blue rug and beige warm walls.
Kitchen sofa in @fridalehtinens warm home, the wood combinations here are stunning.

Pro’s with a kitchen sofa or banquette

  • Space-efficient – Since you can place it against the wall, it doesn’t require space for pulling out chairs or passing behind them.
  • Seats more people – With a continuous seating surface, more people can fit compared to individual chairs.
  • Multifunctional – Many sofas can double as storage if you build a box under the seating area or choose a kitchen sofa with built-in storage.
  • Cozy – This solution creates a warm and inviting atmosphere as it can easily be dressed with textiles like cushions and pillows.
  • Comfortable – Kitchen sofas and banquettes are often extra comfortable thanks to the spacious seating area.

How to style it?

Depending on the look you’re going for, a kitchen sofa or banquette can be customized endlessly to fit your home. Build in back cushions and seat pads for a more tailored look on your banquette, or go all-in on a simple, bohemian style with loose fabrics and cushions on a sofa. Mix in natural materials to add a rustic touch, like a sheepskin to sit on, or linen cushions to bring in a natural vibe.

If you choose a banquette, it can also be built into a corner to create even more space in a small area. You can really get creative here—build in storage, create a U-shape, or frame a corner. The possibilities, as always with custom-built furniture, are many!

DIY kitchen banquette in a colorful scandinavian home, built with IKEA Metod
DIY IKEA Metod sofa, beautifully styled in @igelbackeninterior home.

Things to consider

And why not take the kitchen sofa outside as well? A kitchen sofa or banquette doesn’t just belong indoors in the kitchen or dining room—this solution works perfectly outdoors too, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere in your outdoor spaces.

Kitchen sofas on the outside patio in @fridalehtinen's home

Or why not opt for an extra seating area in the kitchen or dining room? A more relaxed spot to land while cooking, before settling at the table. Here are a few lovely examples:

Kitchen sofa by the window in a Danish kitchen with natural wood and colorful details.
A beautiful seating by the window in @glimtvist home. Photographed by Jonas Lundberg
Seating area, banquette in a colorful home with striped walls and playful details.
A nice place to sit while waiting for dinner to be served in @victorexmatilda home

And a last tip:

When choosing textiles for your kitchen sofa or banquette, it’s important to be extra mindful of your material choices. Keep in mind that this area will involve food and drinks, so aim for durable materials that last over time, preferably ones that can be washed or easily wiped clean.

Do you have a kitchen sofa or built-in banquette?

Feel free to share to inspire others! Use the hashtag #mydanishdeco on social media or tag me in your photos so I can see them.

And comment if you have any questions!

2 Responses

  1. Just love the feeling that a sofa makes you feel. After dinner the kids and my husband often stretch out on the sofa and during long weekend breakfast its the best spot to sit.

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