
Have you ever heard of banquette seating? Frequently used in bars and restaurants, this layout features a sofa or fixed bench positioned directly against the wall next to the dining table. This saves space by eliminating the need for circulation behind those seated. Once used primarily in commercial settings, this design feature is now being widely embraced in residential projects, especially those with limited square footage.
This approach can be explored through a variety of configurations, ranging from continuous linear millwork with built-in drawers and storage underneath and upholstery on top, to custom cabinets featuring a central seating niche. For those who prefer not to invest in custom, built-in millwork, a simple linear wooden bench placed against the wall can work just as well. With this in mind, we have compiled a selection of projects previously published on ArchDaily that utilize this clever design solution.

