Built-in banquette - yes or no?

[wardrobeconundrum]

We live in a small Victorian flat where space is very much at a premium. Lately, I've been thinking about getting built-in banquette benches in one corner (L-shaped) and using this as the main dining area. We do not have a separate dining room and eating in the kitchen is also not an option, so it would be used for everything from breakfast to entertaining.

In terms of saving space, it's a no-brainier, especially as we'd be able to have storage underneath the benches. However, I have a few concerns:

1. I worry that the style is a bit too 'country' - as much as I love it, I've only really seen it done in chalets, cottages, etc. whereas we live in a city, so might look a bit misplaced;

2. I wonder if it would scream "we don't have enough space so we had to get this kooky breakfast nook type thing done instead of having a normal table and chairs like everyone else";

3. Although this is currently our home, we have plans to move within the next few years, so it would eventually become a rental or go up for sale. Would this put potential tenants/buyers off?

I know the answer to all of these questions is that it depends HOW it's done - and that it could go either way on all of them - but I would be keen to hear everyone's thoughts on whether you think it's a good idea, and if so, how to get it right! Thank you!

There's a programme called Your House Made Perfect on bbc2 where they've done this really well. Lots of the episodes are about small houses and the architects come up with some good ideas. Some not great ideas as well.

@PragmaticWench thank you, I wasn't aware of that!

I'm not keen.
You have to move the table to get in and out, and then move it back when it has the food on.

I don't see that it takes any less room than a table and chairs - the chairs tuck under the table when not in use, and are much more comfortable to sit on than a fixed bench.

I grew up with similar in our house, I think it was a really good solution for a family, and can look very smart.

it can work very well, but make sure you have a pedestal table, not one with legs at the corners.

you can buy metal pedestals online and then fit your own table-top onto them which works very well and means you can get any size/colour you like.

@parietal thank you, I have to admit I hadn't got as far as thinking about the table legs, so I'm glad you brought that up!

@Echobelly good to know! I guess for it's also easier for kids to slip in and out of the benches whereas adults can use the chairs, is that how your family did it?

@Kite22 yes very good point about awkwardness around getting in/out (especially for adults) and moving the table with food on it... Hmmmm... that said, with the setup we currently have, I'm fairly confident that having a dining unit up against the walls would open up the space up a bit. The room is small enough that every inch counts!

We have a free standing one in the kitchen of our city-centre flat which is fab and quite sophisticated:
AngelandBoho

Yes was always kids on bench!

This is from mommyshorts. She lives in NYC you can see her banquet which looks modern and has storage in it too