A morning routine can set your day up for success, and having the perfect spot for all your morning tasks could make mornings more manageable and enjoyable. The breakfast nook is a cozy little spot in our homes where small meals like breakfast and lunch are had, or a simple cup of coffee is enjoyed. But do you need a breakfast nook in your kitchen? Do you not have one, and you’re wondering if you should add one? We’ll go over everything you need to know about breakfast nooks so you can make a decision about this kitchen feature.
What is a Breakfast Nook?
The breakfast nook is a section of the home that’s traditionally between the kitchen and the formal dining area. Often it has a small table with either built-in seating with a few chairs or all chairs around a table in the corner. It became popular in Craftsman-style homes in the 1920s and 1930s, and for a while, it hasn’t been something we’ve seen clients ask for. However, it’s making a comeback in recent years, and we’re here to talk about the good and the bad.
Benefits of a Breakfast Nook
There are a lot of benefits to adding a breakfast nook to your kitchen design.
- They are versatile in style and functionality. You can use them as they are intended, for breakfast, or you can use them as a craft corner, homework station, work from home area, game night, or a midnight snack and a book!
- Kids can use this space a lot, and we tend to see our client’s children really enjoying a breakfast nook. They can sit there and do homework, play games, or scroll on their phones while their parents cook dinner.
- And adults love it for those quiet mornings when it’s just you and a steamy (or icy) cup of coffee.
- The breakfast nook is another opportunity to let your style and personality shine. It offers more details where you can add color, texture, and aesthetic to your overall kitchen design.
Four Breakfast Nook Favorites
Convinced you need one in your home? Here are some of our favorite breakfast nooks that might spark some inspiration in you!
Farmhouse Breakfast Nook
There’s nothing quite like the cozy and homey feeling of farmhouse design, and this farmhouse breakfast nook is no different. We love the unique design with the nook in the middle of the room, but so close to the kitchen you can have family and friends hang out comfortably while you cook. Or keep a close eye on that homework your teenager promised they’d finish.
Transitional Breakfast Nook
A mix of traditional and modern creates this transitional breakfast nook. This is the classic design of a breakfast nook, where it’s tucked into a corner with built-in seating and a lovely view out the window. It’s the perfect size for a morning conversation with your partner over coffee or a place to type out a few emails before heading to work.
Modern Farmhouse Breakfast Nook
With warm tones and an excellent view, this modern farmhouse breakfast nook is perfection! The size of the table would accommodate a bigger family and might just become the perfect game night setup. With seat cushions and many pillows, there’s no shortage of cozy in this breakfast nook!
Traditional Breakfast Nook
This breakfast nook is simple and modern but not too cozy. You’ll still be able to pull yourself away to head to work while also being comfortable enough to transition from sleepy dreams to action-packed days. This breakfast nook is small, so it might not suit bigger families, but a couple could use this to sit together while they talk or read quietly.
Why You Don’t Need a Breakfast Nook
If you’re loving the inspiration but aren’t sure if a breakfast nook is right for you, here are a few reasons you might want to avoid this design feature.
- Breakfast nooks take up a lot of space in the kitchen. Even though they are often small and cozy, they still take up valuable space you might not have.
- If you host large parties often, you might find the breakfast nook a waste of space. They are awkward for parties and will get in the way.
- Larger families don’t tend to use breakfast nooks. With too many kids, plates, and books, the nook gets overwhelmed and won’t function like it’s meant to.
- The small table and its random use might mean the breakfast nook turns into a cluttered nook. The table sometimes becomes a dump-all space where your rid your hands of the odd bits and bobs you bring into the house.
A breakfast nook can be an excellent addition to a kitchen design. However, be sure that your lifestyle and family would use this space to its fullest potential, or you might risk wasting a lot of valuable space for something you won’t use.
