How to Create Banquette Seating Using IKEA Cabinets
A practical guide to building banquette seating using IKEA Metod cabinets — with hidden drawer storage and a built-in finish to suit any space.
What Is Banquette Seating
Banquette seating is a fixed bench-style seating arrangement built along a wall or tucked into a corner. It's a practical, space-saving solution that can incorporate hidden storage while creating an inviting and cosy dining or seating area.
How to Create Banquette Seating Using IKEA Components
IKEA's top and wall Metod cabinets can be adapted with Maximera drawers to create practical banquette seating with additional storage. We recommend wall-mounting the cabinets and incorporating either legs or a supporting frame for additional strength and stability.
You can use IKEA's standard plastic Metod plinth legs, although their Capita metal legs are a stronger alternative and better suited to seating. Alternatively, you may prefer to ask your fitter to build a supporting frame beneath the cabinets.
The cabinets are available in heights of 40cm and 60cm (excluding the plinth below), widths of 40cm, 60cm and 80cm, and depths of 40cm and 60cm.
How High Should Banquette Seating Be
For a dining setup, it’s important to consider the finished seat height, including any cushioning, in relation to your dining chairs. This ensures a comfortable fit around the table.
IKEA’s Metod plastic legs are adjustable up to 10.5cm, allowing some flexibility in achieving the right height. If you choose not to use these, we recommend asking your fitter to construct a bespoke support frame, as IKEA’s Capita metal legs are not adjustable.
We can produce a custom-height plinth to conceal the legs or frame, matched to the drawer fronts for a seamless, built-in finish.
Why Choose Banquette Seating
- Design-Led Seating: It brings a contemporary, bespoke feel to elevate your space.
- Multipurpose: With IKEA Maximera drawers added, it doubles as clever storage.
- Space Efficient: As the seating is positioned directly against the wall, there's no need to allow extra room for chairs to be pulled out, making it an excellent option for maximising floor space.
Book An Appointment
If you’re planning an IKEA kitchen upgrade or plywood kitchen, we’d love to meet you.
We’re now open for Saturday appointments too — perfect for visitors from out of town. Make a day of it, book a visit, and explore our materials, handles, and worktops, and say hello to the team.
