How Much Room Is Needed for a Corner Banquette?

Depth

• The depth of a corner banquette provides enough room for an adult to sit without his feet dangling above the floor. Too narrow a seat will make the person sitting at the banquette feel that she is falling off the bench. Ideal depth for a banquette is at least 15 inches, but increase the depth if you will add thick pillows on the back of the banquette, or for those who require larger seats.

Height

• Adults should not feel like toddlers who cannot reach the table when they sit at a banquette. The height from the floor to the seat of the banquette should be 19 inche, to allow for an adult to comfortably sit at a 29-inch-high standard dining table. For high or lower tables, the seat of the banquette should be 10 inches below the top of the table.

Total Space

• A corner banquette can replace two of the chairs around a small dining table. To ensure you have enough space for the banquette, table and chairs, you will need at least 220 square feet. The sides should be 42 to 60 inches long to accommodate one person per side, with ample room to slide onto the bench. Without a table, you will require at least 25 square feet for a banquette measuring 5 feet per side.

Other Uses

• Corner banquettes are not just for breakfast nooks or kitchens. Place one in the corner of a small living room instead of a sofa to save space. Hinge the seats of a corner banquette placed in an entry hall to create a space to sit down and remove shoes, and a storage space for umbrellas or sports equipment.