Style

When researching interior design trends for this fall — which you’ll see in our September issue — I came across a growing trend in dining room seating. A banquette, which I absolutely love, is a long upholstered bench that can stand alone or be built-in along a wall, and it seems to be a popular alternative to traditional chair seating. Simply change out a couple chairs for a cozier two-seater, which creates more flexibility and adds dimension to your regular dining set.

From Neiman Marcus, this tufted terra cotta banquette and chair set features eight-way, hand-tied springs and a handcrafted ash frame. The terra cotta brings color to the room while the banquette-style dining offers an alternative to a formal dining room.

Bench or banquette seating also makes for great breakfast nook areas, like in the one shown here by VanEch Studio. The designer creates pieces that are anchored in classical themes but represent the clients, bringing to life their personalities. Another perk to benches or banquettes is that there’s a storage option underneath the seat.

But if you’re not ready to take on a whole-room makeover, try adding just one piece to your dining set. Created by Michael Weiss (on left), this Newton Banquette is made of ash with an Oxford finish. He’s known for creating clean, sleek lines and classic geometric forms shown in dramatic modern designs. Or, take a look at Maitland Smith’s Dark Wellington Cottage Finished Bench in leather upholstery with a nail head trim. Either way, you can’t go wrong!