Christmas Opening Hours
We are closed from Fri 20th Dec at 4pm until Thur 2nd Jan 2025 for the festive break.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Christmas Opening Hours
We are closed from Fri 20th Dec at 4pm until Thur 2nd Jan 2025 for the festive break.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Banquette and booth seating are an ideal choice for pubs, cafés, and restaurants. They offer a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing fixed seating solution. The configurations maximise space, encourage social interaction and create inviting and cosy seating around tables.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about banquette and booth seating, including fabric choice, perfect dimensions, bespoke options, and reupholstering old banquette and booth seating.
Banquette seating refers to long, upholstered seating areas that are typically fixed along a wall, with padded backs for comfort. It is ideal for busy venues, as it creates an air of opulence and can accommodate more guests in a smaller footprint compared to individual chairs.
So, if you don’t yet have this style of seating in your establishment, it is worth giving it some serious thought!
Booth seating is essentially banquette benches arranged in a horseshoe shape to create a private area around a table for diners or social groups. Booths also work well in nightclubs as VIP areas.
The ideal dimensions of banquette seating depend on the intended purpose and the size of your venue. The standard dimensions are:
Depth of the Seat:
Standard Depth: 450mm to 500mm (45–50cm). This provides ample comfort for a wide range of body types and is standard for dining.
Deep Seat: For a more lounge-style setting, a deeper seat depth of 600mm to 700mm (60–70cm) can be considered, providing additional comfort for relaxed seating.
Height of the Seat:
Standard Seat Height: The seat height from the floor to the top of the cushion should be around 450mm to 500mm (45–50cm), matching typical chair heights for a comfortable dining experience.
Back Height:
Low Back: 300mm to 450mm (30–45cm) is ideal for banquettes placed along the wall where guests can lean against the backrest comfortably.
High Back: If more back support is needed, especially for longer seating durations, a higher backrest (up to 800mm or more) can be used.
Length of the Banquette:
The length of the banquette should be determined by the space available. A single section should accommodate 2-3 people comfortably. To maintain versatility, aim for lengths of around 1200mm to 1600mm (120–160cm).
The simplest design which is the most cost effective. Very easy to clean and no areas that will trap crumbs.
Classic design with simple vertical stitching.
A more traditional style, that might have been used in a gentleman’s club.
These can be created with, 2, 3 or 4 horizontal panels for a contemporary style.
Mimics the traditional chesterfield style of seating. This works particularly well in leather.
Timeless design which suits plush fabrics.
The fabric used for banquette seating plays a crucial role in the comfort, durability, and aesthetic of the seating. Here are some important factors to consider when choosing fabric for hospitality settings:
In high-traffic areas like pubs and restaurants, choose durable fabrics that can withstand frequent use, spills, and cleaning. Commercial-Grade Fabrics, such as leather, vinyl, faux leather, and durable polyester blends are ideal for banquette seating in hospitality. These materials are easy to clean and maintain as they resist wear and tear.
For added comfort, consider using cushioned fabrics such as velvet, chenille, or soft linen blends. However, these may not be as durable or easy to clean, so they are better suited for low-traffic environments.
This is the fun bit! Consider the style and décor of your venue, think about what look and feel you are aiming for. But also bear in mind the practicalities involved. For example, white or cream in a busy restaurant might not be the best idea.
Darker tones like charcoal, navy, or forest green can hide stains and wear more effectively. Alternatively, bolder patterns and colours can make a statement and align with your venue’s branding.
Consider using colours that match the overall interior theme of the venue (rustic, modern, industrial, or vintage). You could opt for a dark coloured banquette seating area but bring it to life with bold coloured cushions to add a vibrant accent.
If you have existing banquette seating that is still structurally sound but looks worn or outdated, reupholstering is an excellent way to breathe new life into it without the need for a full replacement. Reusing and recycling is a much more environmentally friendly way to update your premises.
Contact us at Southwest Upholstery for all your banquette and booth seating advice and quotations.
