Banquette Dimension Guidelines: Design Tips for Cafes and Restaurants

Rebecca
Jan 8, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jun 19

Custom banquette seating is one of the most effective ways to bring comfort, character, and clever space planning into a hospitality interior. Whether you're designing for a café, wine bar, or boutique restaurant, banquettes can soften acoustics, create intimacy, and help maximise floor area.

At Shaping Interiors, we carefully consider each venue’s needs to tailor seating that enhances the dining experience. Below is a comprehensive guide to the dimensions and details to consider when designing your banquette seating and layout.

Banquette Shapes

The shape of your banquette affects how people gather, flow through the space, and experience your venue:

Straight – Sleek and versatile, ideal along walls.
L-Shaped – Cosy corners or booths.
U-Shaped – Encourages group dining and social interaction.
Circular – A focal point, ideal for a statement dining zone.
Straight with Angles – Wraps around corners with flexibility.
Curved – Elegant and enveloping for high-end venues.

Key Banquette Dimensions

Seat Height (floor to top of cushion)

450mm–480mm is standard for comfortable dining.
Ensure this works with the table height — aim for 300mm clearance between seat and underside of the table.

Seat Cushion Depth

450mm – Standard depth for average patrons.
500mm – Best for taller guests (6'+) or lounges with a reclined back.

Seat Space Per Patron

500mm–600mm per person allows comfortable spacing.

Backrest Height (Overall Height)

800–900mm – Arms can rest on the back; shoulders and heads visible.
1000mm – Shoulder height; creates subtle enclosure.
1200mm – Half head-height; adds privacy.
1400mm – Head fully enclosed; may reduce shoulder comfort.
1600mm+ – Bold, cocoon-like feel; consider fabric wall panelling beyond this height.

Recline & Backrest Angle

A reclined backrest improves comfort for longer stays.
A 90° upright back suits fast-paced venues with quick turnover.
More recline = greater overall depth.

Backrest Width (Thickness)

50–70mm depending on recline and padding.

Overall Depth

Total depth of the banquette from front of seat to back wall or structure.

Common examples:

560mm = 450mm seat + 50mm back
600mm = 450mm seat + 70mm back
650mm = deeper recline
700mm+ = luxurious and lounge-like

Table Overhang

50–100mm overhang past the front edge of the seat improves comfort and legroom.

Dining Table Height

720–760mm standard
Ensure seat height works with table height for ergonomic comfort.

Toe Kick / Recess Depth

80–100mm high x 80–100mm deep
Allows space for feet and reduces the visual bulk of the base.

Clearance in Front of Banquette

600–800mm minimum to the next table, chair, or wall.
800–1000mm+ preferred for high-traffic or commercial venues.

Armrest Height (optional)

600–700mm from the floor adds comfort and a polished finish.

Minimum Widths

Single-sided banquette: 600mm min overall
Double-sided/shared backrest: 1100–1200mm min overall

Designing for Comfort, Turnover, and Style

When planning a hospitality space, banquettes are an opportunity to define the vibe: casual or elegant, fast-paced or laid-back. Think beyond just the look — how long do you want people to stay? How much flexibility does the layout need?

Shaping Interiors brings a considered approach to custom joinery design—tailoring each element to reflect the mood, purpose, and natural rhythm of the space. From spatial planning to upholstery selection, every detail is curated to create interiors that not only look beautiful but feel effortless to inhabit.

Banquette at Park Pantry, designed by Shaping Interiors

Photo courtesy of Park Pantry. Photographer Kate Pascoe.

Learn more about hospitality interior design for cafes, restaurants, and bars by visiting the Cafes & Bars Design Services page. Discover how thoughtful spatial planning and custom joinery can elevate your venue’s experience.