Introduction
A breakfast nook is a cozy and inviting spot to enjoy your morning coffee and meal. With some clever design ideas, you can create a farmhouse-inspired nook that feels fresh and modern while still retaining that traditional charm.
Incorporating natural materials, light colors, and vintage accents results in a space that is both rustic and refined. Planning thoughtful layout and lighting transforms a simple corner into a Gathering Place for family and friends. Read on for tips to make your dream breakfast nook a reality.
Choose the Right Location
When deciding where to put your breakfast nook, consider which areas of your home get the most morning light. Corner spaces next to large windows or glass doors are ideal, as ample natural light creates brightness and opens up smaller spaces. If possible, face the nook east or southeast to capture the morning sun.
For more privacy, tuck the nook around a corner or on the interior wall of the kitchen. This spot can feel cozy yet remain connected to the action. Pay attention to adjacent rooms or traffic patterns to avoid making the space feel cramped or noisy.
If starting from scratch with new construction or a remodel, build out a bump-out nook with windows on multiple walls. This type of architectural feature adds space and becomes a true focal point.
Choose a Layout
The layout of your breakfast nook depends on the footprint of the space. Here are some common configurations:
- Banquette – A bench seat built into one or more walls makes for casual and space-efficient seating. Pair with loose chairs on the opposite side.
- Full Banquette – Bench seating on both sides is intimate and inviting. Select a round or square table to center the space.
- Alcove – Tuck into a shallow recessed nook with a small table and chairs or a two-person banquette.Great for small homes or apartments.
- Café – With two benches and a narrow table, this layout fits longer, galley-style kitchens. The seating faces each other.
- Bay Window – Take advantage of a bay window’s architecture by building in bench seating on either side. Place a pedestal table in the middle.
Consider traffic flow for the room as you arrange the table and seating. Allow for at least 32 inches of clearance from the table to walls or neighboring furniture.
Select a Table and Seating
The table and seating are at the heart of your breakfast nook. Choose pieces that reflect the casual and inviting nature of this space.
Table Considerations:
- A pedestal table is ideal if you need leg room. Choose a round or square top.
- Save space with a table that folds down when not in use.
- For built-in banquettes, a customized table top attaches securely to the base.
- Reclaimed wood, cast iron, or marble top tables add classic charm.
Seating Options:
- Wood benches offer warmth. Upholster the seat and backrest for comfort.
- Vintage wood chairs with woven rush seats have a timeworn appeal.
- Iron chairs or stools bring an industrial vibe along with durability.
- Comfy armchairs covered in washable fabric create a laid-back aesthetic.
Measure the area to ensure your seating configuration will work. Allow for about 24 inches per person.
Add Farmhouse Style
The beauty of a farmhouse aesthetic is that it mixes new and old elements for a relaxed yet polished feel. Keep these design ideas in mind:
Materials
Incorporate reclaimed wood, galvanized metal, wicker, and other natural materials. Weathered oak plank flooring or stone tile provide organic texture underfoot.
Colors
Stick to a light and neutral color palette. Off-whites, beiges, and pale blues or greens keep the space airy and bright. Distressed wood in white or gray washes blends traditional and modern.
Textures
Layer in materials like rattan seat cushions, cable knit throw blankets, and linen curtains. Wire baskets, ceramic tableware, and fresh flowers add visual depth.
Lighting
Wrought iron or wood pendant lights above the table provide ambient lighting. Position sconces for task lighting. Hang a vintage lantern overhead for a pop of color.
Styling
Display collected Mason jars, antique fruit crates turned sideways to corral napkins and silverware. Include a large chalkboard for specials of the day.
Make It Functional
Beyond the aesthetic design, ensure your breakfast nook is set up to be user-friendly and practical:
- Install electrical outlets to plug in small appliances like coffeemaker or toaster.
- For a banquette against the kitchen wall, incorporate plumbing and space for a slim buffet sink.
- Include conveniently located storage like wall-mounted utensil racks, under-bench cabinets or baskets below built-ins.
- Choose tabletop and seating materials that resist stains and wipes clean easily.
- Allow enough room between the table and banquette for easy access getting in and out.
- Add adjustable lighting like pendant lamps on a dimmer switch to accommodate different functions.
By taking care of the functional details, your breakfast nook will get daily use and enjoyment.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Creating your dream breakfast nook entails carpentry, wiring, plumbing, painting, and more. Determining if this is a DIY project depends on your skill level and budget.
Reasons to hire a professional:
- You need electrical or plumbing work that requires permits.
- The nook requires new hardwood flooring installation.
- Structural changes like moving walls or windows need an expert.
- You want custom built-in bench seating with expert carpentry.
- Choosing higher-end lighting fixtures or furniture you want professionally installed.
Reasons to DIY:
- You have intermediate carpentry skills and can build basic benches.
- Small cosmetic changes like paint, trim or updating light fixtures can be DIY.
- You can sew cushions and make simple curtains to save costs.
- Furniture like a pedestal table, chairs, and accessories can be sourced affordably.
Assess your time, budget, and abilities to determine if bringing in a contractor is worth the investment. Some pros have package deals specifically for breakfast nook additions.
Breakfast Nook Inspiration
Here are a few examples of wonderfully designed breakfast nooks to provide inspiration:
Rustic Industrial
Exposed brick walls, metal accents, and concrete floors are balanced by natural wood and a cozy banquette in this urban loft style nook. The varied textures result in an inviting space.
Classic Country
The quintessential farmhouse look with a shiplap backdrop, rough wood table, and mix-and-match seating. Neutral palette allows the views out the many windows to shine.
Cottage Chic
Romantic details like flowered wallpaper, an arched window, and vintage signs give this light-filled nook a charming cottage feel. The table doubles as a workspace.
Modern Boho
Macrame pendant lights, woven bench, and abstract art inject bohemian flair into this sleek white kitchen. The palette lets the giant foliage print pop for an organic accent.
No matter your personal style, there are endless possibilities to design a breakfast nook that becomes your home’s crowning jewel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size should a breakfast nook be?
Ideally a breakfast nook should be at least 25-30 square feet to allow for comfortable furniture arrangement and clearance. Banquette nooks can be smaller, around 20 square feet, due to the space-saving built-in seating.
How deep should a breakfast nook bench be?
Standard breakfast nook bench depth is around 18-24 inches deep. This allows enough room for seating comfort without taking up too much space. For a banquette that runs the length of the wall, plan for a depth of at least 15 inches.
What flooring works best in a breakfast nook?
Durable and easy-to-clean hardwood or stone/tile flooring are great options for high-traffic dining areas like a breakfast nook. Materials like distressed wood or slate add rustic farmhouse texture. Softer choices like woven rugs help define the space.
What lighting should you use in a breakfast nook?
The most common breakfast nook lighting includes pendant lamps or chandeliers over the dining table to provide ambient light. Wall sconces flanking a banquette offer ideal task lighting. Add in natural light with a skylight or plenty of windows.
What color should I paint my breakfast nook?
Light and airy paint colors like cloud white, pale blue, or light gray suit a farmhouse breakfast nook. For contrast, opt for darker neutrals like navy blue or charcoal on the baseboards or window frames. Soft sage green is another versatile farmhouse color.
Conclusion
Creating the breakfast nook of your dreams is an achievable project that adds beauty and purpose to your home. Smart layout, comfortable seating, farmhouse finishes and thoughtful details combine to make a space your family and friends will gather in morning after morning.
With some planning and design inspiration, your new farmhouse breakfast nook will become a favorite spot to savor a cup of coffee, have meaningful conversations, and create memories together.