A breakfast nook is a cozy space perfect for having a nice morning meal. Building your own DIY breakfast nook can be an easy and affordable way to add extra seating and character to your kitchen or dining area. With some basic construction skills and the right materials, you can create a custom breakfast nook tailored to your unique space and style.
Getting Started with Your DIY Breakfast Nook
Before you start building, there are a few key factors to consider:
Choose a Location
Look for an empty corner or unused area of your kitchen, dining room, or other living space that can accommodate a breakfast nook. Ideally, situate it next to or near windows to allow in natural light.
Measure the Space
Take precise measurements of the nook area so you know what size to make the seating and how much room you’ll have. Standard nooks are often around 5 feet wide and 30-36 inches deep.
Pick a Design
Decide if you want an open design with a freestanding table or a more closed-in look with a built-in banquette. Banquettes take a bit more work but maximize seating space.
Select Materials
Solid plywood, 2x4s, and other lumber make sturdy bases for DIY nooks. Upcycle old furniture or choose cushions and upholstery that match your decor. Stick to easy-to-clean surfaces like wood or vinyl.
Building a Freestanding Breakfast Nook
A simple freestanding nook with a table and chairs is one of the easiest options to DIY. Follow these steps:
Build the Base
Cut and attach plywood sheets to create a platform that fits your nook space. A standard 36″ x 36″ works well. You can leave the base unfinished or paint/stain it to match.
Add Support
Use 2x4s cut to the height of your nook base. Secure them underneath for strong support using wood screws. Add an extra 2×4 vertically on each corner for stability.
Insert Table
Place your table of choice on top of the base. A square or round table 30-36” wide works best. The tabletop should sit flush with the edges of the base.
Bring in Seating
Choose chairs that fit neatly within the footprint of your nook base. Ideal seat width is around 18”. Upholstered chairs provide comfort.
Finish Decor Touches
Add decorative Details like trim along the base edges, acrylic barware racks for the underside of the table, and a nice area rug underneath to tie it all together.
Constructing a Built-In Banquette Nook
Building a banquette nook is more labor-intensive but makes efficient use of small areas. Follow these general steps:
Frame the Banquette
Using 2×4 lumber, frame out the base of the banquette according to your measurements. Attach the frame securely to the floor and walls.
Box In the Bench
Cut plywood sheets to size and screw them into the frame opening to create the bench surface. Make sure the top is level.
Add Corner Blocks
For maximum strength, cut triangle corner blocks from 2x4s. Install them at each inside corner of the banquette frame.
Build a Table
Follow similar steps to create a base and tabletop to place in front of the banquette. Size it so it fits perfectly within the nook.
Cushion and Upholster
Make or purchase bench cushions padded with high-density foam. Staple and glue on your upholstery fabric of choice over the plywood bench and seat cushions.
Insert Table and Chairs
Bring in your table and chairs, arranging them neatly to align with the banquette for a streamlined look.
Nook Size Considerations
When planning your DIY breakfast nook dimensions, here are some standard sizes to follow:
- Depth: 30-36 inches deep allows comfortable seating
- Width: 48-60 inches wide accommodates most tables
- Banquette Height: Standard seat height is 18-20 inches
- Banquette Length: 60-84 inches, depending on space available
- Table Size: Usually 30-36 inches square or round
- Chair Width: Around 18 inches fits well without crowding
Always double check your measurements and adjust to fit your unique nook space when building.
Ideal Banquette Length and Shape
The length of your banquette depends on the layout of your space, but some guidelines for ideal proportions include:
- Corner nook banquette: 60-72 inches on each side
- Straight or U-shaped: Up to 96 inches on one side
- L-shaped: 72 inches on long side and 48 inches on short side
Make sure to account for knees and thighs when deciding on bench depth and shape. Curves and angles can maximize seating space in a smaller area.
Best Materials for DIY Nook Construction
Building your own breakfast nook requires materials that are sturdy, durable, and mold/rot resistant:
- Lumber: 2x4s and plywood for framing. Avoid warp-prone wood like pine.
- Tabletop: Plywood, MDF or butcher block work well. Go for 3/4″ thickness minimum.
- Upholstery: Durable vinyl or leather alternative wears better than fabric.
- Foam: High-density polyurethane foam for cushions. 4-5″ thickness provides comfort.
- Hardware: Exterior wood screws, L-brackets and table legs for support.
Choose finished like laminate or wood stain if you want a polished look vs. a natural finish.
Ideal Flooring Options Under a Breakfast Nook
To make your DIY breakfast nook extra cozy underfoot, consider these flooring ideas:
- Vinyl plank flooring: Affordable, easy to install and extremely durable. Provides a wood look.
- Ceramic tile: Hard-wearing and comes in many colors/patterns. Use a slip-resistant variety.
- Linoleum: Made from natural materials yet very resistant to water. Comes in sheet or tile.
- Cork tiles: Provide warmth and softness underfoot. Choose a quality commercial grade.
- Area rugs: Offer flexibility to layer over existing floors. Use a tightly woven, stain resistant rug.
Install flooring before building your nook for seamless integration. Waterproof vinyl works well for kitchen installs.
DIY Breakfast Nook Lighting Ideas
Proper lighting helps make your DIY nook space bright and inviting. Lighting ideas include:
- Pendant lights over the table to provide direct task lighting. Go for bulbs 60W or higher.
- Recessed ceiling lights give general ambient lighting. Space 4-6 feet apart for even light.
- Sconces mounted on adjacent walls add stylish accent lighting. Use dimmable, adjustable fixtures.
- Natural light from a skylight or window helps make the nook feel open and airy.
- Light strips installed under banquette benches or tables provide dramatic mood lighting.
Install all electrical properly using junction boxes. For small nooks, 2-3 light sources should suffice.
saving money on a diy breakfast nook
Building your own breakfast nook is an inherently budget-friendly idea, but here are some extra ways to save money on your project:
- Check thrift stores, garage sales, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace for inexpensive secondhand furniture pieces or building materials. With some DIY refinishing, these can look like new!
- Use plywood instead of more expensive hardwoods. You can paint or stain plywood to match any decor.
- Opt for bench seating instead of chairs. A built-in bench minimizes space taken up by multiple chairs.
- Buy foam cushions rather than pricey boxed seat cushions. Then make your own covers.
- Use your existing kitchen table and chairs if you have some on hand already.
- Take advantage of sales on lumber and hardware at home improvement stores. Sign up for emails to get coupons.
- Work with smaller dimensions if you have a tiny nook area. This requires less material.
With smart planning and resourcefulness, you can create a stylish breakfast nook on a budget!
Common Problems When Building a Breakfast Nook
While building your own DIY breakfast nook can be very rewarding, here are some common issues to watch out for:
Problem: Uneven banquette frame
Solution: Check corners for squareness and use a level frequently to avoid an uneven surface. Shim to adjust if needed.
Problem: Banquette lacks support
Solution: Ensure weight-bearing sides are anchored into wall studs and use corner blocks for stability.
Problem: Table wobbles or rocks
Solution: Install table legs/base securely. Use wood glue and coarse-threaded screws.
Problem: Gaps in wood surfaces
Solution: Allow for wood expansion and fill gaps with wood filler, not extra screws. Apply painter’s caulk between wall and wood.
Problem: Cushions lack support
Solution: Use high-density foam cut precisely to size rather than soft fiberfill. Create fitted covers.
Watching for these issues as you build will help you end up with a solid, long-lasting DIY breakfast nook.
Breakfast Nook Decor Ideas
Now for the fun part – decorating your DIY breakfast nook! Some stylish ideas include:
- Complementary throw pillows and an area rug that tie into your color scheme
- Patterned fabric skirting around the nook base for an extra decorative touch
- Floating shelves on the walls to display vases, plants, photos or breakfast-themed items
- cafe-style curtains in a bright, cheerful fabric hung over the window
- A chalkboard for writing daily menus or inspirational quotes
- Vintage-style signs or wall art with food-related prints and imagery
- Flowers like mini calla lilies in a bud vase for a pop of color
Infuse the space with your personality for a one-of-a-kind DIY nook you’ll enjoy having breakfast in each morning!
FAQ About Making a DIY Breakfast Nook
Some frequently asked questions about building your own breakfast nook:
What are the benefits of a breakfast nook compared to a regular dining table?
Breakfast nooks provide a more intimate, compact space to eat in than a formal dining room. Nooks maximize seating in unused areas and give a kitchen or dining area a cozier feel.
What’s the difference between a banquette vs a booth?
Banquettes are bench seating built into the wall of a nook. Booths are standalone units with bench seating on two or three sides and no attached table. Banquettes save more room.
How much seating should my DIY breakfast nook accommodate?
This depends on your household size, but standard nooks seat 3-4 people comfortably. Corner nooks can sometimes fit 6. Make sure to leave enough walkway space.
What size should my breakfast nook table be?
The table should be 36-42 inches wide and 24-30 inches deep for a standard 3-4 person square or round nook table. Extra seating may require a bigger table.
Can I build a breakfast nook bench with storage underneath?
Yes, you can include hinged lids or large drawers under your banquette for extra storage. Just allow for the added depth when planning your nook dimensions.
Conclusion
Creating your own DIY breakfast nook is a fun, rewarding DIY project. With some simple carpentry skills and these tips, you can personalize a space for enjoying cozy morning meals. Building your own nook allows you to customize the size, shape, seating, materials and decor. Take your time measuring and planning to end up with a breakfast nook your whole family can enjoy for years to come. The work will pay off when you have a lovely dedicated spot for quaint breakfast gatherings.