A Guide to Creating the Perfect Breakfast Nook

Of all the current trends in kitchen design and renovation, the breakfast nook is one of the most popular. These cozy areas provide a wonderful place for your family and friends to spend time together and eat meals. Nooks can also do double duty and serve as a space for doing homework and crafts.

Breakfast nook styles range from simple and rustic to highly detailed and ornate, and there are no hard and fast rules for what elements should be included. You can literally tuck a nook just about anywhere that you have room in your kitchen. The versatility of breakfast nooks is part of the reason why they’re popping up everywhere and are so well suited for any decorating style.

Breakfast Nook Styles

Decorating style aside, there are three main types of breakfast nooks: those with permanent or built-in seating, free form areas with no permanent seating or tables, and defined booths. Built in breakfast nooks often feature at least one bench or dinette that’s attached to a wall. Though this option limits seating flexibility, it has a very classic feel and can work well if you have a narrow rectangular area in your kitchen that you’re not using.

Free form breakfast nooks have no permanent seating or tables, and are often placed near windows to take advantage of the natural lighting. Round and oval tables are common in breakfast nooks that aren’t built in, and they’re also the best option for renters and people who tend to switch up their decor style as the seasons change. Small kitchens and apartments benefit from this style of breakfast nook because it’s much more flexible and you can more easily change the seating arrangements — whether you want to have a comfortable eating place for one or plenty of seating for a large family, a free form nook is best if you prefer versatility.

Booth type breakfast nooks are similar to built-in ones, but these are highly defined and often use custom millwork to separate the space from the rest of the kitchen. Instead of millwork, some booth nooks are separated from the rest of the kitchen area with a wall partition or have a three-sided seating arrangement. Open shelves, built-in benches, and bookcases are commonly seen in this type of breakfast nook. It’s best to add a window to booth style breakfast nooks or include plenty of ambient lighting so it doesn’t get too dark or feel too cramped and crowded.

Creating Your Own Cozy Nook

No matter what design and decorating styles you prefer, a breakfast nook should always be comfortable, inviting, and functional. Don’t be fooled by the name: it’s totally acceptable to use your breakfast nook as your main eating area, especially if you have a smaller home or kitchen without a formal dining space. Breakfast nooks typically occupy a corner space or one that’s clearly set aside from the rest of your kitchen. If you have space near a window that’s a bonus, as natural light adds a beautiful element to breakfast nooks — picture being able to watch the sunrise or see outside as you enjoy your morning coffee.

Once you’ve decided where to place your nook, choose furniture that’s appropriately sized for the space. Round tables work well for breakfast nooks that are set against walls or located in small kitchens, as well as those that are in more open areas or near bay windows. Breakfast nooks that are tucked into corners benefit from having a round table because it keeps the space from feeling too boxed in. If you have plenty of room to accommodate your breakfast nook and prefer the look of clean lines, opt for a rectangular or square table. Whether you go for a rounded or square look, choosing a table with a pedestal base will provide more seating arrangement options and make it easier for guests to pull up a chair.

Seating in a breakfast nook is often mixed and matched, so feel free to use two or three different styles of chairs and benches. A good guideline for choosing seating in a breakfast area is to include at least one bench and two or more comfortable chairs. The bench will help define the space, and choosing chairs in a complementary pattern will pull the area’s look together. If you need extra storage space in your kitchen — as most of us do! — opt for a bench that also serves as a storage area. Inside, put spare kitchen linens and towels, platters, and seasonal accessories. Hinged banquettes and benches add to the aesthetics of a breakfast nook while providing efficiency.

One key accessory that separates breakfast nooks from other types of eating areas is cushions. The plush look and comfortable feel of pillows and cushions really amp up the welcoming factor and create a nook that your family and guests will enjoy. Prop two or more cushions on your nook’s bench or banquette, or place thinner pillows on the back of each chair. The rest of the furniture and accessories that go into your breakfast nook should help make the area look more cohesive.

Be careful not to overcrowd the space with too many decorative accents or furniture pieces that are too large. For instance, a large hutch would overwhelm a smaller breakfast nook, but placing a compact cart or table with drawers beside the seating area would work much better. Nooks that are set against walls provide the perfect opportunity to create a gallery using photos, special objects, or decorative plates. For smaller spaces, less is usually more. One medium sized art print or a simple vase of flowers can be all you need to complete the look of a modestly sized breakfast nook.

If you want a breakfast nook but are absolutely tapped out on space because of your kitchen island, use the island itself to make a nook area. Dedicate one end exclusively for your nook and add a high banquette and stools. Placing a small vignette — a collection of decorative objects — between the work area of your kitchen island and the designated breakfast nook will help visually separate the two spaces.

Need some decorating inspiration? Check out these well-designed breakfast nooks.