What do you do with a long, narrow dining room? Ours is 13.5 feet by 7.5 feet. First I found the perfect table. This gorgeous 10 foot by 30 inch, solid slab of exotic hardwood was just what this room needed. It warmed up the space, fit the length, and added character without taking up width.
Next seating. This dining area screamed to me “BANQUETTE!” I’ve always admired them and I’m a true bargain hunter, refusing to ever spend a fortune for style.
So, I got to thinking, Michael is quite handy with wood (mostly boxes and chests. Hey! That sounds like a banquette base to me). So, one weekend I recruited him to build the base of our banquette.
I drew out the banquette dimensions, 10 feet by 6 feet long, 2 feet wide and 18 inches tall. Remember to leave room to add your cushions. A comfortable distance from the bottom side of your table to your cushion is 6 to 8 inches (depending on the thighs of your family and friends). I made the seat cushions out of dense foam and sewed removable, washable fabric covers to fit. Then used ready made body and throw pillows for the backs.
Our new banquette has proved that couples can accomplish almost anything in a weekend (with the enthusiasm of a determined spouse). It’s become our new lounging area and my favorite morning comfort in a mug spot.
For our upcoming Thanksgiving feast. Well, our banquette has provided us with a seriously comfortable place to kick back and enjoy the inevitable, after turkey naps, without ever leaving the table.
{ tip }
When determining the style of your banquette, look around adjoining rooms. If there is an architectural feature, (mine was the white wainscoting that runs throughout our living room) match it.
It will make your banquette look and feel as though it was a custom built-in, that has always been a part of your home.
The ‘L-shaped’ banquette was the perfect comfort solution to our long and narrow dining room. The whole project cost around $250 and a weekend of building and bonding with my hubby.
If you have a room dilemma that you solved, I’d love to hear about it.
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