Breakfast Nook Ideas That'll Make Your Morning a Little Better
Jump-start your day.
Whether you're having a quick bite before your day starts or you're serving up a big weekend brunch, a breakfast nook is a versatile dining space that feels equal parts cozy and casual. These compact dining spaces are usually tucked away in a corner or bay window and take advantage of natural morning light to get the day going. Best of all, they're easy to customize to fit your space, budget, and style. We've gathered a list of breakfast nook ideas to help you find the inspiration to create your own.
1. Go for L-Shaped Seating
Great for comfortable, casual meals, L-shaped benches give your dining nook that built-in feel. They add flexible seating so that you can make room for everyone, and many designs include hidden storage that's great for stashing seasonal serveware, spare table linens, or specialty appliances like your waffle maker or electric griddle.
A cozy area rug can help carve out a corner for a breakfast nook and define the space as separate from the kitchen. A rug adds softness underfoot that warms up the floor on cool mornings. We suggest choosing a stain-resistant option to stand up to any spills. The rug should be large enough that all chairs can fit comfortably on top of the rug, even when pulled out.
Breakfast nooks are a versatile addition to your home. From weeknight dinners to family game nights, these casual dining areas are a perfect catch-all for any occasion. Just make sure you outfit your breakfast nook with a few extra chairs to make space for everyone. Choose chairs that match the color of your dining bench, or go for a contrasting color for a playful accent.
Bring extra comfort to your breakfast nook with an upholstered dining bench. The soft upholstery and plush cushions are great for cozying up with a cup of coffee or sharing weeknight meals. Look for dining benches upholstered with stain-proof fabric so that your breakfast nook always looks fresh.
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Add an ottoman to your breakfast nook to incorporate space-savvy seating that can be neatly tucked beneath the table.
No breakfast nook is complete without tabletop essentials like casual dinnerware and machine-washable table linens. Choosing pieces that can be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine makes cleanup hassle-free and streamlines your mornings.
Whether you're seeking extra privacy or shade from the morning sun, hanging curtains in your breakfast nook can make the space feel more inviting. Opt for a sheer or semi-sheer curtain to let sunlight filter in and fill your dining space with a warm glow. The curtains will also come in handy if your breakfast nook doubles as a study spot or game night locale in the evening.
Bridge the space between your kitchen and breakfast nook with a well-placed sideboard. This helpful addition makes space for storing special serveware or table linens, while its surface becomes the perfect spot to serve up a buffet-style breakfast or set up a coffee bar.
If your breakfast nook is in close proximity to your kitchen, sticking to the same color palette can create a cohesive look. Pull colors from the cabinets, backsplash, or walls to determine the shades for your breakfast nook. In the photo above, the dining set is the same cream-colored shade as the cabinets.
Set the breakfast table for two with this breakfast nook idea. Great for limited spaces or small households, two-person dining sets are compact in size and fit neatly into nearly any corner. The petite table and matching chairs creates a coordinated space for sharing a quick bite to eat.
From early mornings to late nights, the right lighting can make your breakfast nook work for all times of the day. A chic pendant light or chandelier centered over the table adds a soft glow overhead and elevates the style of your breakfast nook.
Make the most of a compact corner by setting up a counter-height breakfast nook. The elevated height and slim silhouette suit small spaces well and provide ample leg room. For even more vertical storage, install a set of wall shelves to catch any cookbooks, houseplants, or stylish glassware.
Wall mirrors are a great tool for making your space look lighter and brighter, which can translate well for a morning pick-me-up. Hang a wall mirror beside your breakfast nook to fill your space with bright morning light. Opt for a design that complements the style of your dining area – the clean-lined curves of the wall mirror in the photo above pair well with the modern dining chairs and round table.
If you're short on space, create a welcoming breakfast nook with a compact countertop and a set of stools. The slim design contains enough space for the most important meal of the day and provides the perfect place to WFH or fit in a study session. Check out our guide How to Pick the Best Bar Stool Height to find the right height to outfit your breakfast nook.
Though setting up in a corner is the go-to breakfast nook idea, floating a small dining area off the kitchen can be an excellent way to maximize open space. A round table is space-efficient and can accommodate two to four chairs, making it easy to adapt to your household or entertaining needs.
Enjoy your breakfast with a side of fresh air by taking your breakfast nook outside. A small bistro set provides enough space for two and fits on even the smallest balconies or patios. Bonus points if your breakfast nook has a beautiful view.
The little details are what really make your breakfast nook feel complete. A bit of color and pattern can dress up the dining area and make it more personal. Add a pile of patterned throw pillows to the bench for extra comfort, or top your dining table with fresh florals in a playful vase.
