The Bulky Design Trend That's Making Your Kitchen Feel Even Smaller

Originating in the cozy bistros of France, banquettes offered plentiful seating in compact spaces. This comforting design choice eventually made its way to the United States and into our homes, becoming a trendy way to bring a bit of that French ambiance into interiors. While it may have fallen out of favor for a while, banquettes are making a return to our kitchens, becoming one kitchen design trend that's slowly replacing the traditional dining room. Banquette seating can invite a lot of coziness and functionality to the kitchen, providing additional built-in storage and potentially saving space, since the bench is often tucked against the wall. However, banquette seating may not be ideal for every kitchen, particularly in smaller setups where bulky seating takes up valuable square footage.

The greatest challenge with banquette seating is that these setups can be downright bulky, making an already small kitchen feel even smaller. Throw in the extra challenges of limited available space to install a bench seat or the fact that most banquette setups are permanent, and you might find yourself frustrated that you can't hop on the banquette seating trend this year. But don't fret. There are banquette seating alternatives that don't rely on clunky benches. Sure, you may have to sacrifice the look of booth-style seating or added storage, but banquette seating can still be achieved, even if you're working with a tiny kitchen. And, if you're aiming for more affordability, bench seat alternatives could be more affordable than a custom-built-in.

If you're wondering whether banquette seating is right for your kitchen, the big downside to consider is space, including visual square footage. If you have a small nook that could accommodate a bench seat but wish to better optimize your space, you might consider passing on bulky built-in seating for slimmer solutions. While banquette seating with underside cabinetry or storage can be great for some kitchens when creating a multipurpose setup, it takes up visual floor space and can make a small kitchen feel cramped.

Forgo using these bulky built-ins if you can and instead opt for raised seating, which gives the impression of more space. When you can see the floor, the room feels less boxed in and more expansive. Instead of built-in cabinets underneath the bench, consider using standard sofa or loveseat furniture with raised legs. They can look just as elegant, but far less daunting in a small kitchen. Some banquette seats and corner arrangements can be purchased in this style. Or, you can make your own setup with a piece of your choosing. If you prefer the built-in look, consider installing floating booths without furniture legs, rather than adding storage space beneath the seat. The floating seating will also keep the floor visual and keep the design flowing. Additionally, using an extending table with a table leaf can better save space when the banquette is not in use.