A guide to banquette seating
If you are considering banquette seating here is a guide which may help.
Banquette seating refers to a fixed seating base structure featuring a fully upholstered seat and back. Bases are normally in timber although steel and masonry can be used.
Banquette seating is a space saving seating options maximising space and creating cozy seating nooks most often in kitchen and dining areas. Banquettes can be very useful in both commercial and residential settings.
Although the focus of this article will be mainly the upholstery of banquette seating, consideration of base construction is critical. The #1 rule in banquette building is to always, always consult the upholsterer BEFORE the base construction starts. A banquette base constructed independently of the upholstery will most likely add unnecessary costs and delays.
There are 2 main construction methods for upholstered banquette seating. Fixed cushion and loose cushion. Fixed cushion consists of a timber panel that is upholstered with foam before being covered then fixed to the base. Loose cushion is a piece of foam that is covered and sits on the frame, like a sofa seat cushion. Each have pros and cons, listed below.
Loose cushion: This is the more economical method. Cushions can be removed easily if need, to access storage for example. Normally attached using Velcro or slip matting. If using slip matting the cushions are reversable and able to be turned over to reduce wear and tear.
The major drawback for loose cushions is they will move around thus needing constant adjustment. This is not at all ideal in commercial high trafiic areas. The covers of loose cushions can tend to roll forward on the seat and sag on the backs. Loose cushions often look unaligned and become misshaped easily. Low foam quality will accentuate these issues. Loose cushion should be avoided in commercial spaces.
Fixed cushions: Though slightly more costly than loose cushions the advantages far outweigh the drawbacks of loose cushions. Fixed cushions will stay in position. HD commercial foam is strongly recommended. This will ensure your seating maintains its shape and support for years to come. At The Upholstery Studio we only use commercial foams.
Listed below are some standard dimensions and ideas that may be considered when building banquette seating
450-470mm is the standard hight of seating for dining.
400-500mm is a comfortable seat dept
300mm plus above the seat top is a good hight for the back
100mm seat thickness is the standard for banquette seat thickness. 50mm should be the minimum as any below that will not give much support
The frame/wall of the back should be at 90 degrees to the base frame before upholstery. . Foam can be used to form the profile of the back. Rakes, flutes, half circles can all be formed using upholstery.
Fixed panels should be cut and mounted before being sent for upholstery. This allows the client to view and approve the layout before upholstery is added.
3mm clearance all around the panels should allow easy refitting after upholstery.
The most popular methods to mount back panels are. Velcrow, split baton or metal cleats/ French cleats.
If you have any questions or need advice on your plans for banquette seating please contact us at The Upholstery Studio.