A breakfast nook seems to be holding strong, even when dining rooms are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Maybe it is because they are so much cozier for two people or because they are more convenient placed directly in the kitchen. The casualness of the breakfast nook welcomes family members to do art projects and read with coffee, something that a grand dining room just doesn’t offer. If you wish you had a breakfast nook in your home, or used that space better, read on!

Choose the Right Corner
Though the placement of your breakfast nook should be straightforward (inside or near the kitchen!), home layouts vary and it can be tricky to figure out the best spot. Whenever possible, choose a corner with at least one window—but two is better, Opting for a corner near a window can make the breakfast nook space feel open while using the overall kitchen space efficiently,. Views and natural light are always welcome for starting a busy day.

 

What if you don’t have an open area to create a breakfast nook near a window? No worries. Instead, take advantage of the walls and opt for extra-tall, comfortable bench backs. You can also use the walls above the seating as an opportunity to create a design moment in the room with decorative elements like artwork or wallpaper.

Breakfast nooks are a smart way to transform small, seemingly useless spaces. Previously an awkward corner, this space is now a cozy and convenient dining area. Not just a place to sit down and grab a bite; it also boosts storage with open shelves above and hidden drawers below.

Turning a window seat into a breakfast nook is easy—add a table! While the chairs are optional, they come in handy when guests arrive. Plush pillows along the window seat turn this into a quaint alcove. The pendant above adds definition to the space. Speaking of tables….

Be Picky About the Table

Or consider adding more than one. Though many homeowners choose a longer banquette table for their dining room, when creating a breakfast nook, it’s better to use two or even three tables. Having smaller tables allows for a gap between each, which affords the guests on the banquette side of the room easier access to leave and join. No one likes to feel trapped and the more people you can cuddle around the breakfast nook area, the better! The best way to do that is to make every seat desireable. 

 

 

For more petite spaces, a small round or square table works well for a cozy nook. A rectangular table may be a better choice for a larger space. Consider your kitchen’s aesthetic, too. For a rustic or farmhouse-style look, consider a wooden table with a natural finish. For a more modern look, consider a table with a glass or metal top. Another aspect to consider are the legs of the table. If you have four legs, it gets tight quick and evereyone is losing leg room. Try for a pedastel or trestle table to eliminate that issue in your breakfast nook if space is in high demand. 

 

 

 

Creating a space for gathering

A wall of windows makes this the perfect spot to grab a quick meal or lounge with a cup of coffee. A trestle table allows for additional chairs when the whole family eats together. A built-in banquette adds hidden storage. Who wouldn’t want to spend time in this gorgeous space? 

 

 

 

Storage

Consider borrowing square footage from spaces adjacent to your kitchen to create a breakfast nook. A separate eating area gives diners a place to sit out of the cook’s way. This banquette is the perfect placeto add extra storage to the kitchen, whether through hidden compartments or open shelves above. I don’t know about you but I am always happy to have convenient storage for that trip to costco or large items such as platters and serving bowls that are infrequently used.

Bonus: If you can pull it off, you can also may this an area where little ones can store there stuff for easy access – think plastic cups and plates or art supplies. Make sure to use soft close drawers/doors for small fingers. 

 

 

 

Also, think about what your mornings typically look like and make decisions that make your life easier. Consider adding storage underneath the nook’s bench or table. Drawers or baskets can be used to store placemats, napkins, and other breakfast essentials. You can also hang wall shelves to store dishes, glasses, and other kitchen items. Just make sure they don’t cause head bumps or make every feel like they have to duck! 

 

 

Function meets Stylish

A modern table-and-chair set, glam lighting, and statment making wall decor put a stylish spin on a traditional breakfast nook. Keeping the walls white in this space and the kitchen creates a cohesive look and ties the rooms together. In addition, the round table makes it easy to pull up extra chairs as needed in this breakfast nook. If you are eliminating your dining room, the ability to add a seat or two on occassion might be needed. 

 

 

How will your family use the space beyond breakfast? 

This niche takes advantage of windows that provide natural light and great views. Low benches keep it casual and comfortable. The upholstered benches and pillows make it an inviting spot to sit for a while and start the day. I love a breakfast nook with lots and lots of pillows. My kiddos love to curl up and read (or play on their phones- lets keep it real! ) while I am in the kitchen and they sink right into those pillows. I do not have custom pillows here because this is a space that I expect to be used a lot. I want my kids friends to sit and laugh at it. We have pancakes and ice cream sundays. I’m not going to worry about a spill. Worst case scenario? I get to buy a new pillow at home goods. 

Choose Comfortable, Space-Savvy Seating

When choosing seating for your breakfast nook, first consider the size of your space and then the style of the surrounding décor. After all, a breakfast nook is a multi-purpose, practical space, so it should feel cohesive with the rest of the room. My first instinct is the benches to the wall. We love that booth feeling. But, if you have the space, let’s keep going! 

Oversized chairs can add comfort and provide more support for your back (a must if you plan on using this space beyond your morning meal). Think about who will sit in that chair. Do you have a guest that has special needs for seating? Sliding into a booth or a backless bench can be hard and will not make their visit enjoyable for them. If that is the case, maybe consider a moderately profiled chair with a back (no arms) that you can slide under the table when not in use. 

Ultimately, your choice will come down to the space you have to spare. Backless benches are a great option for a small space because they can be pushed under the table when not in use, saving valuable floor space. If you do not need a traditional chair, you can consider something like a wooden bench with a cushioned seat for extra seating combined with space.  If you prefer chairs, choose a similar style and finish to your table or go way different so it looks intended, say a black table with wicker chairs and then tie it together with sisal pillows fed into the bench areas.  And , if you do have room, there is no rule that says you have to have a bench or a banquette. Go with chairs, all the pretty chairs and everyone gets their own! 

Make It Practical
With that last point in mind, I am going to pushg a few other thoughts on the selections. While shopping for the right table, seating, and lights, keep functionality in mind. Though you might love that minimalist chair, if no one wants to sit in it, you won’t truly have created a breakfast nook—you’ll just have set up a vignette with furniture.

This also goes for silk, fur and usually white (unless it is a good performance fabric and I still have my moments of doubt. But, technology has made miraculous leaps in fabrics that clean well and follow manufacturers label for care and let us know!) You can create a space with pinache and not worry about every crumb that falls.  Check out these chairs from Pure Salt Interiors: 

 

 

Prioritize Lighting
When you think of your breakfast nook, you likely imagine sun pouring in around it. What you don’t see? Heavy fluorescent lighting that’s overbearing and harsh. When you design this space, remember that lighting is a priority. Sometimes a chandelier is not the right option for whatever reas9n and so we like to mix wall sconces to create a comfortable and inviting space. If your wall sconces are task lights, they can perform double duty if the space is also used for homework and arts and crafts.

 

Transitions

Another important element? Ease of getting in and out, so your kids can catch the bus. We recommend looking for a table that is easy to slide around. While your table is not required to have rounded edges or be oval or circular,  avoiding sharp corners is definitely a good plan. Tactile surfaces like smooth wood or stone work nicely here. Personally, I am not a fan of glass tables for a few reasons: glass always makes me edgy. I worry it can get broken if a heavy dish is dropped. Monopoly gets pretty animated around here, as well. Also, you see every finger print on glass. I always wash up after food but if my kid is writing in a notebook, I shouldn’t have to scrub the table afterward. 

 

Choose Complementary Accents
Since your breakfast nook is near your kitchen,  incorporating coordinating colors, patterns, and textures so the spaces are complementing the heart of your home. If your kitchen has blue cabinets, consider incorporating blue accents into your breakfast nook. If your space has neutral colors, consider adding pops of color with throw pillows or a rug.

 

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to get your family around the table again. It just might not be the table you thought it would be. And, if that doesn’t bring them in for after school snacks and a chat, you can always have a quiet latte and a book in your nook. See what I did there? Thanks, Dr. Suess. 

 

As always, thanks for reading. 

 

Creatively Yours, 

 

Andrea and Kimberly