Breakfast Nook Ideas

Forget the common misconception that breakfast nooks are outdated. Instead, embrace taking your interior design to the next level by incorporating a stylish breakfast nook design into your kitchen. Therefore, follow along for the best breakfast nook ideas so your early mornings can be even more enjoyable. 

What is a breakfast nook? 

Maybe you’ve heard in passing the idea of a breakfast nook, or maybe you’re completely unfamiliar with the term. Either way, let’s discuss what exactly a breakfast nook is. 

By definition from Merriam-Webster, a breakfast nook is: a noon often with built-in table and seats for light meals. 

I know, this is a pretty broad term. But, that’s the beauty of a dining nook – there is no “right way” to do a breakfast nook. 

For example, when I was younger, my grandparents had a small breakfast nook bench right up against a large bay window. It was my favorite place to sit in the early mornings; the natural light would spill into the house and I’d fondly watch my grandma sipping on her morning coffee.

However, some people like to do a corner kitchen nook with banquette seating while others enjoy a breakfast area more out in the open with a full dining set surrounding. 

Are breakfast nooks outdated? 

Originally, the breakfast nook became extremely popular in Craftsman style homes in the 1920s and 30s. Since then, many people think they’re outdated and shouldn’t make a comeback. However, as nook design ideas become more modern, many homeowners are starting to incorporate them into their remodels. 

So, all in all, breakfast nooks are a little outdated. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t create a modern breakfast nook with a new spin…they really are stylish and beneficial in some situations! 

What are the benefits of a breakfast nook? 

If you’re debating taking the plunge and putting in a breakfast nook but aren’t QUITE sure yet, let’s discuss some benefits! 

Firstly, you can do a lot more with a breakfast nook than just use it for eating breakfast. For instance, it’s functional for the whole family. Your kids can come home and do homework around the space, instead of making a mess on the dining room table. I’ve found that a nook can be especially great for keeping a close eye on your rambunctious kiddos while making dinner or prepping in the kitchen. 

Secondly, it’s super cozy. While I love drinking a cup of coffee in my living room, sometimes it just hits different sipping it in my cozy breakfast nook and looking out the large windows. 

Thirdly, it’s definitely a design statement. It can increase the real estate value of your home while also adding to your overall home decor. 

Lastly, a nook creates a very social area where your family can hang out all together. It isn’t as formal as gathering around the dining table, which can definitely be nice at times. 

Does a breakfast nook save space? 

It really depends how you’re going about it. If you have a small kitchen and a round table and dining chairs already in the kitchen, you may not have space for a breakfast nook. 

However, if you want to remodel the dining space in your kitchen into a breakfast nook, this could potentially save space. Or, if you have a large dining area with room for extra seating, then it may be in your best interest to put in a breakfast nook. Sometimes, with a lot of extra space, a breakfast nook helps the area from becoming too open and messy. 

What is a good breakfast nook design? 

There are so many different breakfast nook designs, which we’ll discuss below! Before you begin planning, make sure you have at least 5 x 5 feet of free space to start a nook. You don’t want your kitchen design to feel too crowded if it’s a small space. 

Then, it’s time to start thinking about the design of your nook. Do you want a small pedestal table and chairs? Or, maybe a bench nook by a window as I discussed earlier? Think about upholstery – what colors do you want to incorporate and how do you want your upholstery to match that? 

Seriously – there are so many design ideas to think about before starting your makeover! Therefore, we’ve got some pretty great inspiration for you below. 

So, on the best breakfast nook ideas…

And now, what you’ve all been waiting for…the best breakfast nook ideas! Let’s dive in.

Quaint Nook

Open, Airy Design

Eclectic Breakfast Nook Ideas

French Bistro Style

Place Nook Under Light Fixture

Corner Breakfast Nook

Funky Fresh Nook

Large Window Seating

Bay Window Banquette

Cozy Breakfast Booth

Chalkboard Wall Design

Breakfast Bench

Rustic Breakfast Nook Ideas

Large Breakfast Nook Ideas

Built-In Nook

Beachy Nook Area

Classy Breakfast Nook Ideas

Modern Breakfast Nook

Comfy Couch

For Super Small Spaces

In conclusion on the best breakfast nook ideas…

There are so many different breakfast nook decorating ideas that you can incorporate! Whether you want the nook to match your kitchen backsplash or go with your seamless white walls, the possibilities are endless!

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Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas

Best Coffee Station Ideas