As home interiors have become more casual in recent years, banquet seating has become a popular alternative to dining room chairs for those who want to create a casual dining look. However, unlike dining chairs that come out of the box, banquet seating is still a made-to-order product, as it must be custom sized and fit into the available space.

So if you’re weighing your interior options, here’s a quick list of tips to consider when shopping for banquet seating:

1) Measurements

Starting with the basics, it is absolutely imperative to assess the dimensions of your interior space prior to purchase. For a simple stationary bench, you’ll want to consider the length, width, and height available and take precise measurements with a tape measure. Setting up the bay window is a bit more complex as you will need to understand how to follow the curvature of the supporting wall. If in doubt, be sure to check with your interior designer or furniture maker, as most of the time they will be happy to schedule an on-site visit to take your measurements.

2) Design

Once you’ve decided on your space, the next step is to consider the layout. Banquet seating can typically be set up as a single bench, an L-shaped set of two, or a U-shaped set of three. While each additional bench provides additional seating capacity, it is important to leave a Ample room for feet to recover to ensure your diners don’t feel cramped. Don’t be tempted to sacrifice comfort for extra capacity—your dinner guests won’t be impressed.

3) Storage

One of the big advantages to opting for banquet seating over dining room chairs is the ability to add storage space under the padded seats. It is an inherently practical solution that is likely to appeal to fans of the Scandinavian style. If you go this route, try to keep the details ultra-low-key, as otherwise you may end up with banquettes that look more like cushion-top cabinets than a dining bench, in the strict sense of the term.

4) Backup

Even if your banquet seating is supported by a supporting wall, you may want to consider adding a backrest for added comfort. This could be as simple as a wooden panel or something more striking like an upholstered backrest. With a wide range of fabric options available, this type of approach could make your banquet seating the showpiece in the room. If you prefer soft minimalism, why not just decorate with scattered cushions?

5) Materials

Perhaps the most important choice to make when purchasing banquet seating is to opt for leather or fabric upholstery. Generally speaking, leather tends to be the preferred choice for large families with busy households, as the material is durable and easy to maintain. For the classic look, consider neutral colors and deep buttons; For something more contemporary, opt for dyed leather with flutes, clean details, or stretched seams. Fabric upholstery is much more eye-catching, with literally thousands of options to choose from, but it demands great care in terms of upkeep.