Key Points:
- A DIY banquette adds cozy, built-in seating with storage, perfect for maximizing small dining or kitchen spaces.
- Building your own banquette saves money, fits your space exactly, and offers a satisfying hands-on home project experience.
- With simple tools and a weekend, you can create a custom bench that’s stylish, functional, and totally affordable.
Have you ever flipped through a decor magazine or gotten lost on Pinterest and admired one of those cozy little breakfast corners? You know, the ones with a comfy bench built right into the wall, usually drenched in sunlight, looking like the perfect spot for morning coffee or an afternoon chat. That’s a banquette. And here’s the cool part: you don’t need a huge budget or a crew of professionals to bring one into your home.
You can build one yourself. Yep, even if you’re not super handy. All it takes is a good weekend, basic tools, and a clear plan. The DIY project not only gives your space a big style upgrade but also adds intelligent function, more seating, bonus storage, and a cozy vibe that’s hard to beat.
So, What Is a Banquette Exactly?
A banquette is a built-in bench, usually set against a wall or tucked into a corner. Think of it like the booths you find at your favorite diner but customized for your kitchen or dining room. It instantly makes the area feel more inviting as if it were designed for lingering over pancakes or playing board games on a rainy evening.
What makes them especially great for small spaces is how efficient they are. Instead of needing space to pull chairs in and out, you get this snug seating that easily hugs the wall and fits more people. And if you add storage underneath? Even better. You’ve got a hidden spot for stashing extra stuff like table linens, puzzles, or whatever else tends to clutter your dining area.
Why DIY a Banquette Instead of Buying One?
There are plenty of reasons to take the DIY route. First off: money. Custom furniture is expensive. Even a simple built-in bench made by a contractor could set you back over a thousand dollars. But if you’re willing to roll up your sleeves, you can build your own for under $300—including paint, wood, and even some comfy cushions if you want them.
Second, it fits your space exactly. Ever try to wedge store-bought furniture into a tricky corner? It never quite fits. When you build your own banquette, you get to decide the exact height, width, and layout. Want it to wrap around a corner? Go for it. Prefer a straight bench along a sunny window? It’s totally doable.
And finally, you’ll feel proud of it. There’s something different about sitting down on something you made with your own two hands. It becomes more than just a bench—it’s a part of your home’s story.
Step One: Pick Your Spot and Plan It Out
Every good DIY project starts with a bit of thinking ahead. Walk around your space and figure out the best spot for your banquette. It could be along that blank kitchen wall that never gets used, or you could have a nook begging for a table and built-in seating.
Measure everything—and then measure again. A standard bench seat is about 18 inches high and 18 inches deep. If you plan to add cushions on top, you might shave a bit off the height so everything feels just right once it’s finished.
Decide on the shape, too. A straight bench or an L-shaped corner design? And think about whether you want storage under the seat. Hinged tops or front-facing cubbies are popular options, and neither is that hard to build.
Sketch it out on paper. Even a rough drawing helps. Jot down the dimensions, list out your materials, and give yourself a clear vision before heading to the hardware store.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list to get you started. Depending on your final design, you might adjust things, but this will cover the essentials.
Tools:
- Measuring tape
- Power drill
- Circular saw (or miter saw)
- Stud finder
- Level
- Sandpaper
- Paintbrush or roller
Materials:
- 2×4 boards (for the frame)
- Plywood (for seat and front panels)
- Screws
- Wood glue
- Hinges (if doing lift-up storage)
- Paint or stain
- Optional: foam + fabric for cushions, decorative trim or molding
If you don’t own a saw, don’t worry—most hardware stores will cut wood to your measurements. Just show them your plan and dimensions.
Building Your DIY Banquette – Step by Step
- Build the Frame
Start by assembling the frame. Using 2x4s, create a rectangular base. This is the skeleton of your bench, so make sure it’s square and sturdy. Add vertical supports every couple of feet to keep it strong enough to handle daily use.
If you’re building into a corner, construct both bench frames separately and screw them together at the angle.
- Secure It to the Wall
Locate the wall studs using a stud finder and attach your frame directly to them using long wood screws. This step is important—it keeps your banquette from shifting or wobbling when someone falls down.
- Add the Seat and Front Panels
Cut plywood to size for the top of the bench. If you want storage, cut the seat into sections and attach them with hinges. For a simpler build, skip the hinges and just lift off a removable lid or keep it fixed with no storage.
Attach another piece of plywood to the front of the bench to cover the frame and give it a clean look.
- Sand, Paint, and Finish
Now, it’s time to smooth everything out. Sand any rough edges and fill in screw holes with wood filler if needed. Then prime and paint the entire thing in a color that matches your space. Semi-gloss paint works well and is easy to wipe clean.
Let everything dry overnight.
- Make It Cozy
Cushions and pillows really transform a banquette from basic to beautiful. You can buy a long bench cushion or make one yourself. Just cut a piece of foam to size, wrap it in fabric, and staple it to a piece of thin plywood underneath.
Toss in a few throw pillows, and you have a spot where everyone wants to hang out.
How Much Will This Cost?
Here’s a rough cost estimate for a basic DIY banquette:
- Wood and plywood: $80–$140
- Screws and hardware: $15–$25
- Paint or stain: $25–$40
- Cushion materials: $40–$70
- Trim (optional): $10–$20
That brings you to around $170–$300 total, depending on what you already have on hand and how detailed you go. You’re saving hundreds rather than hiring someone or buying a custom bench.
Conclusion
A DIY banquette is more than a weekend project—it’s a way to make your space work better. Whether squeezing more seating into a small kitchen, adding charm to a dull wall, or simply creating a place for family dinners and morning coffee, this little bench can do much.
And the best part? Every time someone compliments it, you’ll get to say, “Thanks—I built it myself.”
So don’t overthink it. Grab your tools, block out a weekend, and try it. You might be surprised just how capable (and creative) you are.
