Banquette Seating.

Popular since the French aristocracy put benches in their dining rooms and covered them with tapestry cushions, banquette seating is cozy, adds storage and makes good use of space. 

Everyone loves sitting in a booth at a restaurant....  Why not have one at home?

A colorful Colonial banquette rescues a formerly dull corner and welcomes guests in this hall.

Whether used for dining or gazing out the window, this banquette is intimate and casual.  I love the mix of seating styles surrounding the pedestal table.

This photo (via Patricia Gray) features another banquette mixed with a variety of seating styles surrounding a pedestal table.  I love the choice of a pedestal table which limits the number of visible legs therefore simplifying the look.

The pair of upholstered benches, or banquettes, are placed up against the wall and beautifully enclosed with traditional classic white molding detailing.  Crisp white beadboard wainscoting wraps around the intimate seating area and covers the benches.  A central window brings the outside in and warms the neutral space.

Pillows add comfort and softness to a banquette.  An iron and crystal chandelier sparkles above the ebony pedestal table.  Although the panorama outside is just out of sight, the windows open up the space and allow light to flood in.

This dramatic energetic corner booth is warm, cozy and stylish.  I love the Philippe Stark ghost chairs that are stylish and modern, yet barely visible and don't grab attention from the other design elements.

The black and white color scheme is brightened up with shots of chartreuse green.

A classic blue and white scheme seems a natural choice for this banquette and kitchen.  Fresh yellow tulips enliven the space.

A banquette can fit almost anywhere.  Pull up a table, a rug and a couple chairs and you have a stylish cozy seating area.

This corner banquette is my favorite!  There's something about the tufting that takes the look to a whole new level.  It's classic and traditional, yet fresh and modern.  The eye-catching pillows and contemporary art heighten the luxe factor.

A highback banquette is definitely the luxe version of banquette seating.  Wicker chairs and an iron lantern add textural interest.  It doesn't hurt that the room has such elegant architectural detailing and molding. 

What could be more alluring than a tufted chocolate leather banquette paired with a rustic antique table?  The colorful ikat pillows add another layer of interest.

This banquette is not only beautifully detailed with tufting and trim, but the curved shape gives it a soft elegant chic stature.  I love the rustic brick backsplash and detailed ceiling.  

This simple serene banquette is understated and modern.

Interior Designer Elsie de Wolfe popularized the banquette by building them in libraries, parlors and ballrooms.  Surprisingly, she didn't use them in kitchens.  If you have an unused corner or alcove, consider building a banquette.