A cozy breakfast nook is the perfect small space solution for creating an inviting spot to enjoy your morning coffee. Whether tucked into a kitchen corner or as a standalone dining space, a breakfast nook maximizes limited square footage. With clever design and space-saving furniture, even the tiniest kitchen or apartment can accommodate a charming nook for two or more.
From built-in banquettes to freestanding table sets, there are many Small Breakfast Nook Ideas Cozy & Small Kitchen Nooks that make the most of compact areas. When thoughtfully arranged with lighting, art, textiles and other accents a petite nook can feel downright luxurious. Here are some tips and inspiration for creating a cozy and chic breakfast nook in a small kitchen or dining area.
Choose Space-Saving Nook Furniture
One of the keys to finding the right breakfast nook is furniture that comfortably seats two or more without taking up too much space. Look for:
Built-In Banquettes
Tucked neatly into kitchen corners or under windows, built-in banquettes with storage maximize seating and provide hidden storage. Built-in nooks feel custom, provide a cozy and finished look and make use of every inch.
Freestanding Nook Sets
All-in-one nook sets come with a table and benches or chairs sized to fit the space. Sets in a compact footprint can stand alone in kitchens, alcoves or living spaces without looking undersized.
Folding & Nesting Tables
To create a temporary nook, choose a small folding or nesting table that can be stored away when not in use. Paired with folding or stowable chairs there’s a flexible small space dining option.
Bench Seating
Benches are space-saving seating for small nooks, allowing more people to dine comfortably. Corner banquettes are especially suited for tucking into kitchen nooks.
Consider Nook Dimensions
When planning a breakfast nook, consider not just the shape and footprint of the space, but also important measurements like:
- Ceiling height – to size banquettes or select appropriate table and chairs
- Entryways or openings – to fit nook furniture through
- Window placement – to coordinate table seating for views and natural light
Measure to make sure there’s enough room to sit, stand and walk through the space when furnishing a nook. Allow at least 36 inches for comfortable passage around a freestanding nook set.
Built-in nooks can make use of every inch, but make sure banquettes and seating allow enough leg room. Preferred banquette depth is 48 to 60 inches.
Arrangement Ideas for Small Breakfast Nooks
Playing with layout is key to creating a dining nook that feels open and airy, rather than closed off and cramped. Consider these small space arrangement tips:
Float Furniture Away From Walls
Avoid pushing nook seating directly against the walls, which can make a compact space feel rigid and boxed-in. Allow enough room for people to comfortably slide in and out from banquettes or chairs in a nook.
Use Light Colors
Paint nook walls and banquette cushions in soft, pale hues like whites, blues and greens to keep the space feeling light and bright. Warm metallics like gold and brass add cozy contrast.
Separate From Kitchen Workflow
If tucking a nook into an open kitchen, create a sense of separation from the work area with an area rug, distinct wall color or pendant over the table.
Incorporate Natural Lighting
Position nook seating near windows and glass doors to make the most of natural light. Where there’s limited ambient light, install extra lighting such as pendant lamps or sconces.
Allow Views to Outdoor Spaces
Take advantage of outdoor views by orienting banquette seating or table placement accordingly. Frame desirable views with a window over a banquette.
Creative Small Kitchen Nook Ideas
Even the smallest kitchens can be adapted to make room for compact dining nooks. Here are some creative small kitchen breakfast nook ideas:
Convert Dead Space
Narrow, awkward spaces like the area between counters and appliances are spots to consider converting into a mini banquette. A 20-30 inch deep bench can tuck nicely for a small nook.
Use Wall Cutouts
Step walls back or create recessed cutouts for constructing L-shaped or corner banquettes sized just right for small kitchens. Include bench seats with lift-top storage.
Add Fold-Down Table Seating
Make use of a slim space between cabinets or counters by installing a small fold-down table and foldable stools which disappear when not in use.
Build a Platform Nook
Construct a raised platform or stage that extends from the wall or countertop to function as a space for banquette seating below.
Suspend Over Work Areas
Install a small table on legs over an island or peninsula to create informal elevated nook seating without impacting kitchen work zones.
Create Multi-Function Spaces
In very tight kitchens, a cafe table and chairs can be worked in to serve multiple needs – as casual dining seating, extra prep space or drink station.
Small Dining Nook Decor Ideas
Dining nooks in any size space deserve special design attention – adding lighting, texture, color and accessories makes a nook warm and welcoming.
Incorporate Dramatic Lighting
Overhead pendant lamps inject style while also providing much-needed illumination for a nook tucked into a dim corner. Try bold vintage pendants or drum-shaped lampshades.
Showcase Meaningful Art
A strategically hung piece of art lends color and interest while creating visual impact in small nooks. Float framed art over a banquette or position it nicely at eye level while seated.
Add Mirrors
Well-placed mirrors visually expand tight nooks and reflect views of outdoors and natural light. Hang a mirror across from seating to make spaces feel more open.
Warm Up With Texture
Introduce layers with textured linens, throw pillows and window treatments. Cushions for bench seating should be at least 4-6 inches thick for comfort.
Define With Area Rugs
An area rug underneath a nook’s table anchors the furniture arrangement and also warms up smaller spaces.
Display Fresh Flowers & Plants
A little greenERY livens up cramped nooks and brings nature inside. Try placing plants on built-in bench tops or grouping blooms in the center of tables.
Small Breakfast Nook Floor Plans
To turn a small unused kitchen or dining space into a cozy nook, consider how different footprints and layouts make use of the unique dimensions of the area.
Corner Nooks
Tucked tightly into corners, L-shaped banquettes utilize angled walls for a perfect custom fit. Ideal for small square kitchens.
[Diagram of a corner breakfast nook]
Alcove Nooks
Shallow recessed openings like between countertops make ideal narrow nooks. A table fits neatly flanked by bench seating or chairs facing each other.
[Diagram of an alcove breakfast nook]
Peninsula Nooks
For galley kitchens, a counter area or peninsula makes a natural small dining spot. Add a ledge for seating or small table.
[Diagram of a galley kitchen breakfast nook]
Mid-Room Nooks
Modest nooks can stand alone in kitchens, halls or living rooms. Float a petite circular table between built-in or freestanding benches.
[Diagram of a mid-room breakfast nook]
Window Nooks
Built-in window seats flanked by storage or shelving maximize unused space. Top with a table that fits beneath the sill when not in use.
[Diagram of a window breakfast nook]
Make the Most of Tight Spaces
While they require some creativity, petite breakfast nooks can be designed to feel private, functional and fun. Use these tips for creating a cozy small kitchen nook:
- Optimize every inch with built-in banquette seating and storage in corners and under windows
- Select a table and chairs scaled to fit the footprint of the space
- Float furniture away from walls and incorporate lighting to keep the nook feeling open
- Add soft textures, artwork and accessories to personalize the small dining space
With smart space planning and furnishings, even tight corners and underutilized areas can be transformed into delightful Small Breakfast Nook Ideas Cozy & Small Kitchen Nooks spaces for taking time to linger over coffee and connection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Breakfast Nooks
What are some benefits of a breakfast nook?
Some top benefits of breakfast nooks include saving space, adding visual interest and creating an inviting spot for sharing casual meals and conversation. Nooks are great for small homes.
How much space do you need for a breakfast nook?
The amount of space needed depends on dimensions of furniture. Comfortably accommodate a table and seating for two in a 3 foot 6 inch deep by 5 foot wide area. Built-in nooks can be a bit smaller.
What small kitchens are best for nooks?
Galley, L-shaped and single wall kitchens are all candidates for corner nooks. Alcove spaces are also primed for compact built-in or freestanding nooks.
What are good breakfast nook seating options?
Benches, banquettes built-ins and corner seats maximize seating in a small footprint. Pairs of chairs or stools work for petite free-standing nooks.
What is a good size for a banquette?
Ideal banquette sizing is 48-66 inches wide and 24-30 inches deep. Make sure banquette seating allows at least 15 inches per person and has legroom under tables.
How can you make a breakfast nook feel bigger?
Using light colors, floating furniture away from walls, adding mirrors and lighting and incorporating views of outdoor spaces help create a spacious feel.
How do you decorate a small breakfast nook?
Add interest with lighting fixtures, art, area rugs and textiles. Fresh flowers, plants and accessories make nooks feel finished. Keep colors light to avoid looking cluttered.
What are good breakfast nook lighting options?
Pendant lights, sconces and natural light from windows create appealing illumination. Install dimmers to adjust nook lighting.
Conclusion
Creating a comfortable and chic breakfast nook is possible even in the smallest kitchens and dining areas. Corner banquettes, specialized nook furniture and multi-functional built-ins allow you to carve out usable space. With the right proportions and stylish finishes, compact nooks reward with coziness perfect for lingering over coffee and connecting with loved ones. Apply these savvy small space design ideas to transform your Small Breakfast Nook Ideas Cozy & Small Kitchen Nooks into a favorite spot to start the day.
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