Getting the right table for a banquette can be a little difficult. A built-in bench requires a somewhat specific table to match it, to make the space useful, both at the table and around it. Finding the perfect table is really hard - building it is a little easier. Especially when you can build it to be any shape you need. Shape is actually one of the most important parts of getting the right table for a banquette or built in bench.
Getting In and Out
One of the key things with any table at a built-in bench is that you can move around it easily. The bench doesn’t move, so ideally the table doesn’t need to move either. This means that it’s really important to be able to slide into the table well. One thing that has a big impact on this going smoothly is the corner of the table. It’s almost always a good idea to round the corner of any rectangular or square tables. Going one step further, you can do a full racetrack oval shape which gives a big round on the corners, making it really easy to get in and out of your bench.
Traffic Flow
Another thing that’s important with these tables is being able to use the space around them well. Banquettes are almost always in high traffic areas without a lot of space. That’s usually why you do built-in seating instead of chairs. Racetrack ovals and other similar shapes are also great for this, because they make the corners really easy to move around. Basically: the less they stick out, the less you have to walk around.
Shape Matters
Unfortunately, racetrack ovals aren’t always the perfect shape. Often they do an excellent job, but sometimes they can leave the table a little far away from the bench. This makes a rectangle really nice because it gets you closer to the bench with the table. Unfortunately, a rectangle isn’t always the best option for walking around. This is where custom shapes can be excellent. They can offer room to move around on the side into the room, and a flat side along the flat bench.
Let's Find Your Solution
With a table that’s made to order you can actually make it any shape you want or need, so anything is possible, but often some combination of rectangle and oval makes for a great solution. If you’ve got a unique space, let’s chat and figure out what might work best for you!
Want to dive deeper? Check out our show episode about tables for banquettes.
