Benefits of Banquette Seating in Restaurant Interior Design

Rebecca
Jan 8, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Jun 19

Banquette seating introduces a new layer of experience into a café or restaurant. It’s not just about aesthetics — it’s about how people feel, interact, and enjoy their time in your space. This type of seating is ideal for nook areas, under a window, along a back wall, or for dividing zones in your dining layout. If you're currently planning your venue, our Banquette Dimensions Guide covers key measurements and ideas to help get started.

At Shaping Interiors, we design custom banquette and booth seating to complement your venue’s mood, menu, and branding — enhancing both comfort and character.

Why Mix Seating Styles?

Having a mix of banquette seating and chairs can visually communicate the tone of your dining experience. A combination of seat styles suggests a relaxed, casual venue, while using identical seating throughout signals a more formal, curated environment.

The beauty of booth and banquette seating is that it can suit either — it simply depends on your design intent. Upholstery, profile, material finish, and layout all play a part. We guide clients through these choices in our Café and Bar Design Services, ensuring the final result reflects your brand and functions beautifully.

The Emotional and Functional Benefits of Banquette Seating

1. Boosts Positive Feelings

Research has shown that banquette can make people feel safer, calmer, and more welcome compared to traditional chairs. At Shaping Interiors, we’re interested in how interior spaces affect mood — and seating plays a surprisingly powerful role in that.

2. Offers a Sense of Privacy

Banquette often feel more private, offering a physical and emotional sense of separation from other tables. This matters — especially in busy cafés or bars — where patrons value intimate conversations and a bit of personal space.

3. Enhances Relationships

The calming and private nature of banquette seating may even help foster closer social connections. Studies have found that booths can positively impact friendships and group interactions — ideal for group dining, families, or couples.

4. Improves Acoustics

Banquette and booth seating helps reduce overall noise levels by absorbing sound. This can make conversations easier and the atmosphere more relaxed. To dive deeper into how sound shapes dining experiences, check out our post on How Sound Affects Dining Patrons.

5. Helps Define Identity

Custom booth seating is a powerful storytelling tool. Height, stitching style, texture, colour, and detailing can all reinforce your venue’s aesthetic and brand. A beautifully designed booth can even become a signature element that guests remember.

If you’re unsure where to start, our Banquette Dimensions Guide covers ideal depths, heights, and angles to help balance comfort with style.

Does Booth Seating Increase Sales?

Interestingly, studies suggest that booth seating doesn’t necessarily lead to higher sales compared to standard tables. But that’s not the full picture. If your patrons feel better, linger longer, or leave with a more positive impression, that can absolutely support repeat visits, word-of-mouth marketing, and a stronger brand reputation.

Every Venue is Unique

While the benefits outlined above are supported by research and design experience, every café or restaurant will have its own unique outcomes. Layouts, target demographics, and branding all play a role. Still, if you’ve ever found yourself drawn to a booth, you’ll know — there’s something inherently special about it.

If you're exploring options for your dining space and want to create something memorable and meaningful, I'd love to support your vision.

📩 Get in touch here or visit the Café and Bar Design Services page to learn more.