A breakfast nook is a charming and practical space for the whole family to gather and start the day. It serves as an eat-in kitchen, providing a casual and approachable alternative to the dining room. It’s perfect for enjoying coffee and a magazine before the rest of the household wakes up.
Breakfast nooks can vary in size, from small to large, and typically include two or more chairs, often with benches, especially when situated in a room’s corner. They are designed to be cute, cozy, and welcoming, offering numerous design possibilities to create your own unique nook. Utilizing an awkward corner or space in or around your kitchen without cabinetry can be a great way to incorporate a breakfast nook, turning unused space into a functional area.
Curl up with your breakfast and coffee in a cozy nook adorned with colorful pillows. Neutral tones, as seen in Brophy Interiors’ design, create a warm atmosphere. Contrast light wood tones with white walls and black accents for a modern look. Wishbone chairs and ribbed dining benches are stylish seating choices.
In a living room breakfast nook by Interior Impressions, place a small round table for drinks or appetizers when entertaining. This setup is perfect for spaces where the kitchen and living room are connected.
Elevate your breakfast nook’s elegance with traditional art, as suggested by Lucas/Eilers Design Associates. Hang a series of favorite prints or photographs on open wall space to admire each morning.
Channel coastal calm in your breakfast nook with light wood tones and shades of blue and gray, as designed by Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway. For an oversized piece of art, consider hanging picture lights above it for a gallery-like look.
Achieve a sophisticated, warm look with a monochromatic color scheme in your breakfast nook, as Jack Gardner for Brad Ramsey Interiors demonstrates. Mixing materials in white or beige creates textural intrigue.
Go bold with color in your breakfast nook, as Alyssa Rosenheck for JL Design suggests. Display your children’s artwork to make them feel special.
Highlight architectural features in your breakfast nook, as Chad Mellon for Lindye Galloway advises. Fill your walls with art and hang an eye-catching chandelier or pendant for stylish flair.
Bring the outside in with plants in your contemporary breakfast nook, as Leslie Brown for Lindye Galloway recommends. Use real trees or gorgeous fake options to accessorize the space.
Experiment with bold wallpaper in a playful, colorful breakfast nook, as Read McKendree for Lilse McKenna shows. Choose a pattern that speaks to you, especially cheerful ones, for a welcoming space.
Embrace natural sunlight in your breakfast nook and keep decor simple and light, as suggested by Britt Design Studio. Natural tones look beautiful in an airy space.
For a country style breakfast nook, incorporate a leather chesterfield sofa and pair it with lamps, as Ashley Montgomery Design demonstrates, to replicate the look of a posh restaurant or club.
Cozy English Countryside Inspired Breakfast Room
This setup, reminiscent of a warm and inviting English countryside, features a neutral breakfast room designed by Ashley Montgomery. Hang a pendant light directly above your table to create a separate nook feel, even in the heart of your kitchen. This textured piece serves as both a functional light and a work of art! Eclectic Grandmillennial-Inspired Breakfast Nook Victor Harshbarger for Lilse McKenna suggests mixing classic prints in your breakfast nook to achieve a grandmillennial-inspired look. Update a bench with new fabric and complement it with timeless border drapery. These beautiful prints create a space that feels both refreshing and traditional. Bright Modern Breakfast Nook Read McKendree for Lilse McKenna recommends choosing round or oval-shaped tulip tables for your breakfast nook—they are timeless and perfect for small spaces. Pair these modern tables with traditional-looking furnishings for a balanced aesthetic. Hotel-Inspired Breakfast Nook Caitlin Kah advises selecting a curved bench with beautiful upholstery to evoke the feeling of a boutique hotel or restaurant. Look to hotels and restaurants for design inspiration, drawing from favorite dining spaces from past trips. Bohemian Breakfast Nook Caitlin Kah also recommends adding a bold print to your breakfast space for its free-spirited charm and practicality in camouflaging spills and stains. Choose fabrics that are easy to clean and not too delicate for a dining area. Minimalist Breakfast Nook Kelsey Ann Rose for Megan Hopp suggests opting for lucite furniture in small apartments. This clear furniture takes up less visual space and remains fashionable. A light, minimalist breakfast nook fits perfectly in a modern setting. Traditional Breakfast Nook @mariannesides on Instagram highlights making space for a breakfast nook even in the smallest city apartments. A small bistro table paired with two simple chairs can provide ample functionality, especially when space is limited. Utilize empty corners to maximize space. Welcoming Breakfast Nook Calimia Home suggests placing a slipcover over your dining bench to introduce a new look without reupholstery. This casual, welcoming approach ensures easy maintenance, as slipcovers can be easily washed. Oval Breakfast Nook Table Jessica Nelson Design recommends opting for an unconventional space to add more seating. A long, oval table shape is ideal for accommodating multiple people in your breakfast nook, ensuring everyone has room for their plate. Preppy Breakfast Nook Stephanie Perez encourages mixing textures, prints, and colors in a classic space. Art, scallops, weaves, and wallpaper—embrace the ‘more is more’ approach in this preppy breakfast nook, with wicker seating adding a coastal touch.Creating a classic breakfast nook requires careful consideration of color schemes. Stick to a general color scheme to ensure a cohesive and uncluttered look. Peaches, greens, blues, and whites complement each other, providing an elevated aesthetic.
What else can enhance the ambiance of your breakfast nook? Incorporate seating options such as benches, chairs, and tables for ideal comfort. Adding a few throw pillows can make the space cozier. If space allows, consider a small chandelier for a touch of elegance.
Do breakfast nooks contribute to home value? Absolutely. They help potential buyers envision their daily routines, adding livability and functionality to a home. A breakfast nook creates a welcoming space, which can increase the home’s value.
How deep should a breakfast nook be for optimal comfort? For bench seating, aim for a depth of 12.5″ to 20″. With chairs, ensure there is at least 36″ between the table and the wall to allow for comfortable movement.