Booth & Nothing but the Booth
An inside look at the craftsmanship behind custom seating solutions
At Montes Signature Sourcing, we take pride in sourcing thoughtfully designed, detail-rich banquettes and booths that blend comfort, durability, and elevated aesthetics. Here's a breakdown of the essential parts that make up these versatile seating elements — whether you're outfitting a boutique hotel lounge, a high-volume restaurant, or a cozy corner nook.
🔹 Recessed Base (Plinth Base / Toe Kick)
This is the foundational element of the banquette. A recessed base provides solid support and keeps the seating securely grounded. It also makes cleaning a breeze by preventing dust and debris from gathering underneath. The recessed design gives room for feet and heels, enhancing comfort without compromising stability.
🔹 Apron
The apron sits just below the seat and above the base or legs. It can be structural—supporting a removable seat—or purely decorative. It may be left as exposed wood for a modern look or upholstered for a seamless finish. While not always necessary, aprons add a layer of visual interest and design versatility.
🔹 Seat
Where comfort meets utility. Banquette seats can be fully upholstered for a plush feel or built from solid wood for a sleeker, bench-style look. Upholstered versions typically include high-resilience polyurethane foam, sometimes layered over steel springs or a solid base.
🔹 Inside Back
This is where guests lean back and settle in. The angle between the seat and inside back significantly affects comfort. A typical dining pitch is around 98°, while lounge-style banquettes can go up to 105° for a more relaxed feel. This is often the most visible part of the seating and a great place for tufting, channeling, or bold fabrics.
🔹 Upholstered Pads
Custom upholstered pads are perfect for banquettes with wood frames or niche installations. These thinner seat and back cushions add comfort while maintaining a clean silhouette. They’re also ideal for window seating and wall-mounted pads.
🔹 Finished vs. Unfinished Ends
Finished Ends: Visible sides, fully upholstered and padded for a polished look.
Unfinished Ends: Designed to fit flush against a wall or alcove. These may be upholstered but are not padded, offering a snug, built-in appearance.
🔹 Arms & Wings
Arms: Extend from the seat and back, offering a comfortable place to rest and a more enclosed feel.
Wings: Extend from the top of the backrest, adding height and visual drama — perfect for curved or architectural banquette styles.
🔹 Head Roll
A horizontal upholstered channel at the top of the seat back. This feature adds both comfort and a distinct design accent, breaking up large back panels with stylish contrast.
🔹 Wood Cap
A wooden detail that “caps” the top of the backrest. This decorative element can tie in with surrounding millwork or add a beautiful material contrast to the upholstered body.
🔹 Outside Back
Often hidden against a wall or other furniture, the outside back doesn’t always need to be finished. When visible, it can be fully upholstered to match or elevated with wood paneling for added durability and refinement—ideal for commercial settings.
Need help sourcing the right banquette for your next project?
We collaborate with makers who understand the nuance behind every seam and structure. Whether you're after modern minimalism or tailored tradition, we’ll help you craft the perfect seating solution.
📩 Let’s talk specs, materials, and timelines.
Reach out to us at frank@montessignature.com to get started.
