A small breakfast nook is the perfect way to add extra seating and storage to a cozy kitchen. Nooks maximize unused spaces like corners or areas between cabinets to create a dedicated breakfast zone. With the right design, even the smallest kitchen can accommodate a comfortable and stylish nook. From built-in banquettes to freestanding tables and chairs, there are many creative ways to incorporate a small breakfast nook.
Choosing the Right Spot for Your Nook
Picking the optimal location is key for a successful small nook. Here are some of the best spots to consider:
Window Nooks
Placing your nook in front of a window allows natural light to flow in while you dine. Try positioning a table perpendicular to the window to allow for bench seating on both sides. Make sure to measure the space to size your nook appropriately.
Consider privacy as well – if your window faces the street you may want to use frosted glass or add curtains. However, if your view is pleasant and private, a window nook can connect you to the outdoors.
Corner Nooks
Tucked into a corner, a small nook can make use of angular wasted space. A corner banquette only needs seating on one or two sides to maximize comfort.
Ensure there is enough room for people to slide in and out easily from a corner nook. At least 36-42 inches of clearance is ideal.
Between Cabinet Nooks
The space between kitchen cabinets or appliances is often an overlooked spot for small nook. A bistro table and two stools can easily fit into many of these narrow areas.
Pay attention to appliance doors, drawers, and traffic areas so the nook does not become an obstacle when in use. But with proper planning, this unused space can accommodate a cozy pop-up nook.
Entryway Nooks
For open concept homes, consider turning a foyer, hallway, or entry space into a causal breakfast nook. Built-in or freestanding bench seating can line the walls, leaving the middle open.
The nook can act as a transition area from the front door into the open living space. Just be sure to measure the traffic flow to allow enough passage.
End of Cabinet Nooks
Many kitchens have awkward, empty areas at the end of cabinet runs or peninsulas. You can easily fill these spots with one or two stools and a small table.
Pay attention to proximity to appliances, sinks, and doorways. But an end of cabinet nook can maximize dead space. Just be sure to allow for sufficient clearance.
Building a Cozy Banquette Nook
Banquette seating is the quintessential breakfast nook style. Here are some tips for integrating a banquette:
Built-In Banquettes
Custom built-in bench seating makes efficient use of space. Construct the banquette framing right into the floor plan and add comfy cushions on top.
Built-ins allow you to tailor the shape and size precisely to your breakfast nook area. Just be sure to account for table clearance when determining the layout.
Freestanding Banquettes
Another option is using a freestanding bench secured to the wall. You can customize or purchase a bench in your ideal size and shape and simply fasten it securely.
Freestanding designs are easy to install and won’t require major construction. Just ensure the bench is sturdy enough for daily use.
Table Selection
Allow 24-30 inches per diner for banquette seating space. Then pick a table sized to fit perfectly in the remaining area left open.
Square and rectangular tables maximize seating efficiency. Round tables can soften corners but take up more space.
Cushions and Coverings
Maximize comfort with padded cushions at least 4-6 inches thick. Tufting adds elegance while tight backs feel more supportive.
Choose family-friendly, stain-resistant slipcover materials. Leather, vinyl and synthetic leather are durable and easy to clean.
Creative Uses for Banquette Nooks
Beyond mealtime seating, banquette nooks provide versatility. Here are some creative ways to utilize your breakfast nook space:
Homework Station
With cushions removed, the banquette makes an ideal homework spot for kids. Add a small table or lap desk for doing projects.
Keep supplies in baskets or bins stored below built-in bench seating. A nook can provide separation for study time.
Play Area
Let the kids take over the nook for arts, crafts, puzzles or board games. Use washable slipcovers or keep wipes handy for quick clean-ups.
The contained area lets you limit mess while keeping an eye on playtime. Establish ground rules to maintain order.
Home Office
Without cushions, a banquette bench can function as a computer desk or work station. You can even add filing cabinets or shelves underneath.
Take advantage of natural light from window nooks. Just be sure to conceal work supplies when not in use.
Extra Seating
For gatherings or parties, remove your nook table and add back all the bench cushions to create extra guest seating.
Group the benches around the room’s edges to allow open floor space. Throw down area rugs to designate seating areas.
Napping Spot
During hectic days at home, let family members take a quick snooze on the nook’s padded benches. Keep some pillows and blankets handy.
The tucked away spot reduces noise and light. Just set a timer to prevent excessive napping and nighttime sleep disruptions.
Maximizing Small Nook Storage
In compact spaces, every inch counts. Integrate storage to keep clutter contained:
Under-Bench Storage
Built-in drawers or cabinets underneath banquette seating offer ample hidden storage space. Use for kitchen supplies or games and books.
For safety, avoid large or heavy items that could make removing cushions hazardous. Add easy-open handles.
Corner Benches
Benches placed at 90 degree angles have space for narrow shelves or cabinets in the corner itself. Use for small accessories or food items.
Just be sure to allow room for legs and knees. Box-shaped corner shelves maximize triangle spaces.
Ottoman Storage
As an alternative to built-ins, use storage ottomans in place of bench seating. Lift the cushioned top for interior storage space.
Look for square ottomans that can double as extra seating or footrests. Stackable cube designs conserve space.
Baskets Under Tables
Woven baskets or fabric bins slide neatly under standard nook tables. Use for placemats, condiments or other tabletop items.
Choose baskets no taller than your table clearance to slide easily. Label baskets to organize contents.
Nook Wall Racks
Take advantage of vertical nook space by mounting racks or rails along the wall. Hang mugs, utensils or towels using S-hooks.
Keep items lightweight to avoid pulling rails loose. Consider finishing racks to match other wood tones.
Choosing the Right Nook Table
Your nook table anchors the space and impacts functionality. Keep these tips in mind:
Size
Measure the width of your banquette and leave at least 2 feet for diner clearance on either side. Pick a table length that fits this span.
For small spaces, round pedestal tables take up less room. Square tables maximize seating efficiency.
Design
Nooks sized for two do well with intimate bistro tables. For larger families, pick sturdy wood tables with clean lines.
Built-in tables can attach directly to the banquette for space savings. Or go portable with a folding design.
Folding/Stowing
If you need to stow your nook table frequently, choose a lightweight folding design. Some tables drop down or are split into halves.
For occasional stowing, folding legs or removable legs allow standard tables to collapse flat. Detachable tops work too.
Multi-Use
If you plan to use your nook table for crafts or homework too, opt for an easy-clean surface like finished wood, metal or plastic.
Portable rolling tables can move to different rooms as needed. Round kid-sized tables transition from meals to play.
Seating Capacity
Standard nooks have room for 4-6 place settings when filled by a banquette on one side. Expandable tables can add leaves to accommodate more guests.
Benchless nooks can fit 2-4 with chairs on all sides. Booth-style corners allow six or more diners when configured in an L-shape.
Freestanding Nook Options
You don’t need built-ins to create a nook. Freestanding pieces provide versatility:
Kitchen Island Nook
Use a kitchen island as a casual eating bar by adding high stools on one side. Look for narrow islands that leave leg room.
Island nooks are great for informal meals or snack times. Just avoid intruding on main kitchen work zones.
Bistro Table Nooks
Tiny bistro sets with two chairs fit nicely in unused small spaces. Top with a low vase or bowl for a charming nook.
Bistro sets are ideal for tight galley kitchens. Easily move them aside as needed.
Daybed Nooks
Stow a pop-up trundle daybed along the wall until mealtime, then pull up a table and chairs. Add thick cushions.
Look for space-saving daybeds on casters that tuck away completely. The nook converts to an extra bed for guests.
Booth-Style Nooks
Mimic a diner booth by placing two benches opposite each other, keeping the middle open. Add a table in between.
Booth nooks are great for contained family meals. Just allow room for table clearance.
Counter Height Nooks
Use counter height bar stools instead of chairs to tuck a nook next to an existing kitchen counter or island.
Low-profile stools maximize leg room. Perfect for casual teen hangout spaces.
Decorating Your Cozy Nook
Finish your nook with fun decorating touches:
Artwork
Pick cheerful art prints, photos or painted canvases to decorate your nook walls. Opt for easily cleanable laminated pieces.
In window nooks, hang sheer curtains on rod mounts above the window frame to soften and filter light.
Plants
Add life with low-maintenance greenery like succulents or snake plants. Hang dangling ivy in wall planters.
Avoid cacti or thorny plants at seated nooks. Water plants carefully to prevent dripping and stains.
Throw Pillows
Toss in extra comfort with plump floor pillows or cushioned back pillows propped against the wall. Store them when not in use.
Opt for kid and pet-friendly, washable pillow covers. Tie onto bench seats with decorative ribbons.
Tabletop Accessories
Adorn your nook table with cheerful tablecloths, placemats, table runners or a fruit bowl centerpiece. Use heat resistant coasters.
Keep extras like napkin holders, salt & pepper shakers and condiment trays stored in baskets underneath.
Lighting
Install a pendant light overhead to illuminate the nook. Sconces or track lights work for banquettes. Use dimmers for ambiance.
In window nooks, add privacy and filtering with sheer curtains. Layer with blackout shades.
Answering Common Nook Concerns
When planning your cozy nook zone, consider these key factors:
Is a breakfast nook worth it in a small kitchen?
Definitely – nooks maximize unused niche spaces to add seating. Even the tiniest kitchen can likely accommodate a bistro set. Nooks also contain mess and provide useful storage.
How much space do you need for a breakfast nook?
Allow about 15 sq ft for a two-person bistro set or 25 sq ft for a four person standard nook. Banquette nooks need 36-42 inches of clearance for entering and exiting.
What is the minimum width for a kitchen banquette?
For two persons, allow 48 inches; for three, 60 inches; and for four, 72 inches. Remember to factor in table size and clearance requirements too.
Should nook benches have backs?
Adding seatback cushions boosts comfort and support in nooks used for extended seating. But backless benches maximize capacity and clearance. Decide based on your needs.
Is a kitchen nook worth the cost?
Given high demand for cozy breakfast nooks in home listings, the added resale value generally offsets upfront building costs. Nooks also get daily use. So the return on investment is high.
Get Creative with Your Own Small Nook
Small breakfast nooks maximize every inch to deliver cozy kitchen character. With clever positioning, storage, and decor, you can carve out a custom nook even in the most compact kitchen. Use these ideas as inspiration for your own creative nook design. Let your unique style and needs guide you to a perfectly personalized small breakfast nook space.