Designers Turn Awkward Kitchen Corners Into 30 Breakfast Nooks
An awkward kitchen corner that is too small for cabinetry or prep work can become a breakfast nook, according to a design roundup of 30 examples published by a home design outlet. The collection, credited to multiple interior designers and photographers, shows nooks built from built-in benches, bistro tables, cane chairs, and pendant lighting in spaces ranging from tiny city apartments to traditional kitchens with high ceilings.
The source defines a breakfast nook as an eat-in kitchen area or a casual alternative to the dining room, typically containing two or more chairs and often benches, especially when placed in a corner. It describes nooks as a way to use space that is just slightly too far from the kitchen to serve as prep space.
Small Spaces and Built-In Seating
Several examples focus on limited square footage. One nook fits between kitchen cabinets, showing that no kitchen is too small for a dining spot. Another uses a small bistro table paired with two simple chairs in a city apartment. A third relies on a round or oval tulip table, which the source says works well in small spaces and never goes out of style. Lucite furniture is suggested for small apartments because it takes up less visual space.
Built-in benches appear throughout the roundup. A lengthy built-in bench can seat more people, and the source suggests choosing one with storage underneath for seasonal linens and entertaining supplies. A slipcover over a dining bench can change the look without reupholstering and is easy to wash.
Practical Measurements and Home Value
The source's FAQ section offers specific guidance. For bench seating, the recommended depth is 12.5 inches to 20 inches. With chairs, there should be at least 36 inches of total space between the table and the wall.
On resale, the source states that adding a breakfast nook helps potential buyers envision morning coffee or a lunch break while working from home. It says this adds value by giving the home livability, carving out additional functional space, and creating a welcoming area. The claim is presented without citing an appraiser, real estate agent, or market study.
Other design directions in the roundup include painting the nook walls a different color, piling on throw pillows, hanging a pendant light directly above the table, and using bold wallpaper. One designer notes that a bold print can camouflage spills and stains better than a solid color, and advises choosing easy-to-clean fabric for a dining area.
The source does not provide cost estimates, installation instructions, or dimensions beyond the bench depth and chair clearance figures. It also does not name a single author for the roundup, attributing designs and photography to individual designers and photographers.
Designers Turn Awkward Kitchen Corners Into 30 Breakfast Nooks
A roundup of 30 breakfast nook designs shows how awkward kitchen corners can become functional dining spots using benches, small tables, and lighting. The source also outlines practical measurements for bench depth and chair clearance, and claims nooks can add livability for potential homebuyers.
Editorial Notes