Breakfast nooks are the perfect place to start the day, whether you’re trying to get the kids fed and off to school or casually reading the newspaper while drinking your coffee. More intimate than a formal dining room table, eating nooks are often tucked into a corner or placed near a window overlooking the back yard. They might be small and cozy or large enough to seat your family of six, but the key is to design a space that fosters a sense of closeness among the friends and family who sit at the table.
50 Breakfast Nook Ideas to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Of course, you’ll have to think about your needs and the space that you have. Does the space call for a rectangular table to fit the angles of a corner or can it accommodate a circular table? Will you use that space for lunch and dinner as well, reserving the dining room for special occasions? Do you need the look to flow well with the design of the kitchen or can you create a true separate area?
Keep these thoughts in mind as you look through these 50 magnificent breakfast nook ideas.
1. A Splash of Color
The pastel blue and white of this kitchen nook is calm and relaxing, while the colors in the large painting and on the pillows add a bit of unexpected excitement. Note how the pillows have the same “dripping paint” motif, which ties the two style elements together. If you’re feeling artistic, you can create a similar painting yourself by melting crayons on a canvas. Best of all, the drawers underneath the benches act as a convenient storage space for small kitchen appliances you don’t use very often.
2. Stately Elegance
Placed in a corner with windows that allow a lot of natural light to filter through the thin curtains, this nook serves a variety of purposes while looking elegant. You might read a book sitting on the cushioned window benches or pull the comfortable chair up to the table to finish up some work you brought home. A drop leaf table like the one pictured can be opened up to accommodate a much larger number of guests or act as a serving table for your next cocktail party. In this nook, the framed artwork, decorative bowl and large chandelier really set the tone.
3. Small Space Solutions
When the room located off the kitchen isn’t quite big enough to create a formal dining room, consider this simple nook idea. The small table provides space for eating without dominating the entire space, and the bench along the wall provides seating without the additional space needed for chairs. The wire-framed chairs pictured here are both comfortable and compact. In small spaces like these, it’s wise to use white or other light colors to make the space feel larger. Artwork and accessories can add a few splashes of color to make things more appealing. Consider taking a favorite photograph and blowing it up to canvas size for unique art to hang on the walls.
4. Retro Pop
Go back to the ‘60s with a groovy retro-inspired look like this one. The bright orange on the walls, and on the curtain and funky chandelier are a bold and cheerful choice for your home decor, but you could get the same “wow” effect using any bright color that suits your style. The beautiful tiled floor creates a patio effect, which is perfect because the doors open right out to the actual patio. At night, you can close the curtains to keep your privacy. Shadow box frames like the ones used here are more interesting than traditional artwork, and you can easily change the figures to suit your mood.
5. Express Yourself
This great corner breakfast nook offers a comfortable place to enjoy your breakfast, but the room has enough empty space for it to instantly transform into a gathering place for your next party. Of course, the focal piece of the room is the accent wall, which has an intricate drawing and unique message. With chalkboard paint and your own artistic talent, you could recreate something like this with your own message. Not artistic? No problem. Simply purchase vinyl silhouettes or phrases to create the same look in just a few minutes.
6. Diner Love
The table in this photo would look just as good at an all-night diner as it does in the home. The curved teal vinyl bench and the custom-made neon sign complete the diner look. Whether you’re using the natural light from the windows nearby or the light from any of the lamps above the table, you’ll have a nice place to sit and chat. Enjoy some late-night coffee or a hearty pancake breakfast with the people you love the most.
7. Let the Sunshine In
Nothing says happiness like a touch of bright yellow. This beautiful table is sure to catch the eye of everyone who comes into your kitchen. That is, unless they’re more attracted to the unique stools with the twisted wire. What makes this little nook most unique is the use of an actual sofa rather than the built-in bench you typically find in most breakfast nooks. Cupboards on either side of the sofa make it feel like a built-in, and the “window” looking over the rest of the house keeps the energy flowing.
8. Rustic Inspirations
A rusting wooden table like this one could be easily made from reclaimed wood, and the fold-down leafs can save space when you need it. The back wall with its artful placement of distressed signs with the names of famous writers provides inspiration while working at the table. Not working on your next novel? No worries. Take the idea of a “puzzle” of inspiration and make it your own. Perhaps you’d prefer it to include house rules, your family tree or motivational quotes. Seeing these every morning will set the day off on the right foot.
9. All About the Wood
The all-wood design for this small kitchen nook makes it feel much bigger than it is. Placed next to a large picture window overlooking the natural environment outside, the floating table and benches are reminiscent of an old fashioned train car. The small step up into the nook gives the area a feeling of privacy, even though it’s open to the rest of the home. The built-in shelf with the recessed light is perfect for displaying artwork, as they’ve done here, or could be used for something like a fish tank of brightly colored fish, which could seem like moveable art.
10. Classic Lines
When your breakfast nook is located right in the kitchen, you know it’s going to get a lot of use. This sturdy breakfast nook table won’t wobble, and the color ties in nicely with the overhanging lamp and the iron design in the windows. The brown chairs are comfortable and it goes to show that you don’t necessarily need your table and chairs to be a matching set for it to look great. Complete this look with pillows that incorporate colors from the table and the centerpiece.
11. Perfectly Pink and Purple
Who said that breakfast nooks have to be small? This mirrored table is large enough to easily seat eight or more people, so it’s the ideal place to serve Sunday brunch or afternoon tea. With the gold accents, rich colors, and crystal chandeliers, it’s sure to appeal to anyone who has a dramatic – and girly – preference when it comes to home design. When you’re able to have a nook this large, an equally large piece of artwork on the walls can really set the tone for the space.
12. The Artful Prankster
A long bench and table is the right fit when you want breakfast nook furniture that will seat more people in a small space. This custom-made table by Francis D’Haene calls surfboards in mind, but the intricate chandelier reminds you that the home décor isn’t something that was just hobbled together by some beach bum. Framed black and white photographs will add a touch of class to any space, but the “Prankster” print is a unique twist on this. Consider this design if you have a long, thin space you’d like to use for your nook.
13. Indoor-Outdoor Nook
If you want to feel like you’re sitting on a beautiful outdoor patio, but don’t want to deal with the constant bugs buzzing around, consider this idea of creating your little nook inside. The brick floor and stone walls will definitely make it feel like you’re outside, especially when you open up the large windows to let the breeze flow through. Large plants placed around the “patio” add a touch of color while making you feel like you’re in a garden. Choose fragrant flowers to entice even more of your sentences. With a cute design like this, mismatched tables and chairs look perfectly placed.
14. Right at Home
With classic elements like the ones pictured in this corner nook here, you and your guests are sure to feel right at home. The pink sofa fits nicely in the corner, which means that you aren’t wasting any space, and the large round table has a sturdy base to keep it stable. The “E” and the “Eat” sign on a cutting board add a nice three-dimensional piece to the space, while the painting of flowers add some much-needed color. Using an indoor-outdoor carpet allows you to protect your hardwood floors without worrying too much about stains from spills. Make sure to purchase a carpet large enough to fill the space properly if you go this route.
15. Practical Transformations
When you look at this little dining nook, you can see how easy it is to transform an unused pantry or other “weird” space into a space that you’ll use every day. The light blue walls set the nook apart from the rest of the home, while the white table and benches give it a bright look. Circular mirrors on the wall make the space feel a lot bigger than it really is. The fabric of the cushions looks like tile mosaic, but is a lot more comfortable.
16. Tribal Style
You may not have a lot of space to work with, but that doesn’t mean you need to skimp on style, as you can see in this tiny corner nook. The benches provide seating for two or three people comfortably, while the storage baskets underneath provide the storage you need when you live in a small space. Simple design elements like the tribal patterns in the pillows and baskets create a uniform look and small dashes of yellow in various pieces tie everything together.
17. Stunning Seaside Décor
You’ll always feel like you’re at the beach when you have a cute breakfast nook like this. The white bench and large sand dollar wall art contrast nicely with the elegant dark walls, and the red stools add even more color. With a long table like the one pictured, you’ll have ample space for eating while not taking up a lot of space in the room. Your guests will love the unique hanging lamp, which will provide the light you need when your nook is in an area that doesn’t get a lot of natural light. Note the metal pole along the bottom of the tall benches, which will provide people with a place to rest their feet.
18. Color Without Paint
Breakfast nooks like this one can be the perfect space for developing closeness. The blue panels on the wall show that you can have an accent wall without breaking out your patience. This is smart for those who like the idea of a dark-colored wall, but aren’t sure they want to make the commitment. A large, ornate mirror opens the space, while the long curtain attached to the ceiling is an interesting way to separate the nook from the living area.
19. Vintage Space-Saver
This vintage-inspired kitchen breakfast nook shows you that you don’t need to have a large separate space to create a quiet little nook of your own. Shelving going up the walls provides space to store cookbooks, kitchen essentials and knick-knacks. With the low backs on the retro stools, you can easily stash them under the counter and use the counter for food prep when necessary. This means that the space can serve a dual purpose, which is a great solution for those in smaller homes.
20. Sticking with the Basics
Sometimes simple is best when it comes to kitchen nook ideas. Since this nook is merely an extension of the kitchen, it doesn’t require an elaborate look out of the latest home decor magazine. The comfortable corner bench attached to the other side of the kitchen counter, which saves space. The long wooden table has a classic rustic look, and it’s large enough to accommodate many people. A bowl of fruit as the centerpiece can be both beautiful and practical, especially when the colors of the fruit tie in with the colors of the seat cushions.
21. Private Bistro
This unique corner breakfast nook mimics the look of an upscale bistro, yet it could be right in your home. Placed next to a large window, you’ll get plenty of natural light, but the lamp shades on the chandelier will provide mood lighting if you’re enjoying the space at night. The heavy glass table looks elegant, but isn’t fragile. While this designer has chosen to write out the menu on the chalkboard to the side, you can easily use that as a space to write meaningful messages for more practical daily use. Set reminders or write love notes.
22. At One with Nature
The clean lines of this beautiful breakfast nook paired with the large picture windows on all sides is sure to make you feel like you’re sitting on the beach – without risking a sun burn. Note that the designer has chosen to have individual cushions on the benches rather than lining the entire bench. A nook like this would be perfect for candlelit meals during the sunset, but the large, unusual lamp overhead is sure to create the right ambiance no matter what the occasion.
23. Kitchy Tea for Two
Who wouldn’t love having tea and cakes at this adorable little breakfast nook table. Though the table might only seat two people, it certainly makes up for this with style. Show off your favorite kitchy goods in the built-in hutch. Using a café-style curtain across the open space of the hutch allows you to hide things you need to store but don’t necessarily want people to see. Throwing a tablecloth over the white table adds a quaint feel to the space, and the pink retro phone on the way is certainly eye-catching. This would be a great place to catch up with your favorite girlfriends.
24. Tall, Dark, and Modern
Most people use light colors in a small breakfast nook to make it look fresh and open, so the dark colors in this delightful nook are surprising. Even the artwork is a bit darker than you might expect. With plenty of light coming from the tall windows nearby, though, it works. Perhaps the best thing about this, though, is the triangular breakfast nook table. Many people use circular tables in their nooks, which can look nice and save space, but aren’t always practical when there are benches for seats. With the triangular shape, those on the bench will have just as much table space as the people sitting in chairs.
25. A Colorful Mishmash
If dark colors aren’t your thing, you’re sure to love these colorful kitchen nook ideas. While you can see that the kitchen itself is primarily white, once you get to the eating nook, there are many colors to appreciate. From the lime green chair to the mismatched pillows to the brightly colored tiles on the wall, there are plenty of things to keep the eye interested. When you’re making such bold choices with the walls and accessories, it’s smart to keep the breakfast nook furniture simple, as you’ll see with this basic wood table.
26. Dreams of Baby Blue
Baby blue is a popular color for those who wish to create a relaxing environment, and this tranquility shows when you take a look at this kitchen nook. The seating is comfortable and easy to clean, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning up after your sister’s kids. Mounting a cushioned back on the wall adds interest to the space while creating comfort, and the color-coordinated curtains can be pulled back in the daytime to allow for natural light and pulled closed at night for privacy.
27. Funky Fit
When you have an extremely small kitchen, it’s sometimes hard to imagine how you’ll fit a table inside, much less one that could easily seat four people. Yet that’s what happens in this kitchen breakfast nook. The glass-top table with the white bent iron legs is airy enough that it doesn’t seem to dominate the space. The bright red and yellow chairs provide a great burst of color in an otherwise white room, and the design of the chairs makes it easy to tuck them under the table when not in use. With the vase pushed to the back of the table, you’re able to appreciate its beauty while still being able to use the table while cooking or eating.
28. Unfinished Business
The design of this compact kitchen nook is reminiscent of breakfast nooks from the 1920s, yet has definite modern influence. The knotty pine wood with an unfinished look feels natural and would fit right in with any home that strives to incorporate “green” elements. If this is too plain for your tastes, you could liven it up by painting it a different color or by adding some colorful cushions and artwork. It’s always smart to take breakfast nook ideas from photos, but make them your own.
29. Space Finder
If you thought you didn’t have space for a breakfast nook, think again. This picture shows that you could fit a small breakfast nook in just about any space. In many homes, an awkward space like this might go unused, but a custom-made table and chairs could fit well. This table attaches to the wall, so there’s only one actual leg supporting it, a big way to save on space while providing support. Using two contrasting colors such as the black and lime green is always a smart home design choice, especially in the kitchen.
30. Not-So-Nautical
Using navy blue and white together often means a nautical theme, and this relaxing nook does have a bit of a beach feel with the white-and-navy Roman shades. However, the “wooden” wallpaper, opulent chandelier and funky pillows definitely set a different tone. The almost-hidden outlet in the bench makes this nook the perfect place to sit with the computer as well as enjoy a meal with your loved ones. A green plant on the table brings much-needed life into the room.
31. Family Fun Zone
If you always thought that proper home design has to wait until the kids move out, think again. This whimsical eating nook incorporates elements that everyone will come to love. The table is sturdy and the chairs are an unusual, yet fun light blue that goes well with the brown walls. A pink chandelier adds a lot of style, without being over-the-top. Of course, the focal point of the room is the large bulletin board. It’s here that you can really personalize the space. Use it to hang up the weekly calendar, chore charts, kids’ artwork or favorite family photos. A space like this is sure to become the heart of any home.
32. Boho Breakfast
Few things represent the Bohemian look like a large number of colorful and comfortable pillows for reclining. The orange-yellow color of the walls sets the tone for this little nook, and the built-in benches offer plenty of comfortable seating. The many pieces of artwork carefully arranged on the walls gives the room an elegant touch that’s sure to brighten your morning. It’s easy to take breakfast nook ideas like this one and change the colors or designs to make it your own.
33. Southwestern Simplicity
Many homes were built using wood paneling for the walls. While that may have been a popular home décor choice in the ‘60s and ‘70s, most homeowners today find that look to be a bit dark. Fortunately, you can easily paint over these panels, and the walls then have a great textured look, as you’ll see in this picture. The jute rug gives warmth to the room, and the wall decorations are what really gives the room a Southwestern feel. The cushions and pillows on the benches could be an easy DIY project, and the cubbies built into the benches provide a bit of extra storage. Use decorative baskets to keep things looking neat.
34. Vision in White
If you’re lucky enough to have a nook that’s got large windows that allow for a lot of extra light, like you see in this picture, consider using white to give the space a very open feeling. With white walls, white benches and a white base to the table, anyone sitting in this space is bound to feel relaxed. Having a glass table keeps the space even more open, while the wooden chairs break some of the monotony. Of course, you’ll probably want a touch of some color, which can be done in the window shades, the artwork on the walls, the pillows or a centerpiece.
35. Floating in the Sea
Surrounded by this blue, you’re sure to feel like you’re in a tropical underwater world. The high-backed sofa-bench is a great choice for someone who doesn’t want a built in wooden bench but doesn’t want to sink back in a sofa either. Blue cushions on the white-painted wooden chairs offer a bit more comfort while tying them in to the color theme of the home decor. The large wall mirror makes the space feel bigger, while the blue dragons on either side add a unique touch. Amid this sea of blue, the green plants in the corner and on the table add some life to the space to keep things interesting.
36. Growing a Breakfast Nook
This kitchen nook is easy and simple. The small table and set of chairs next to a window are all you really need when you want a relaxing place to enjoy your morning meal. Two things make this space stand out, though. The display bookshelves along the wall make it easy to grab an interesting book to browse while you’re having some coffee or tea. Place cookbooks or design books here for inspiration. Also, there are fresh herbs growing on the shelves and on the wall inside the kitchen. Why waste the sun that’s coming through the windows? Use it to grow something practical.
37. Elegant, Yet Fun
Fun and elegant aren’t two words that you usually put together, but you can certainly say that’s the case with this corner breakfast nook. The sleek white of the cushions and walls is accented by the black table, black chandelier and black piping in the cushions. You can also see black accents on the window paint, which is unusual and makes them stand out and match the cushions. However, the paintings of brightly colored flowers and the rooster perched in the window add a bit of whimsy that you wouldn’t necessarily expect.
38. Modern Swag
It’s easy to see why black and white is such a popular color combination when it comes to home decor. It can be done in so many different ways. In this nook, there’s a good balance of what and black so that you never feel like either is too overpowering. Small but ornate mirrors magnify the space, and the chalkboard message center is a practical addition. A swag lamp is the perfect choice when you’re shifting the space. If the original table and chandelier were in the center of the room and you want to move a corner, the chain on a swag light allows you to do so without calling in an electrician.
39. Floral Charm
Sometimes, the key to creating the perfect nook is filling up the space you already have, as you’ll see in this picture. Careful measurements and a custom-made breakfast nook furniture ensure a proper fit. Here, the table is big enough to host a large group, while providing just enough space for people to slip into the benches. You won’t find any wasted space here. Also note the collection of small framed flowers, which make a larger piece of wall art when arranged together.
40. Coral Calm
The coral-colored walls in this small breakfast nook are relaxing, while the white table and chairs are crisp and clean.It definitely has a beach house feel. Patterned seat cushions add both comfort and color. In this photo, the walls have been personalized by using shadowbox frames with vintage cameras inside. You can easily swap out those cameras for something that’s more meaningful for you. Maybe something with a little more color?
41. Artist’s Nook
Don’t think about your kitchen breakfast nook as only a place to eat your breakfast. That’s too impractical for many homes. Think of other ways that the nook might be used. In this example, it’s also the perfect place for the children to perfect their art techniques. Simple storage containers on the table hold crayons and colored pencils to be used whenever the creative urge strikes. Framing a child’s art makes the child feel special and reminds them that their work is worth looking at. While you may want to pay to have a special picture framed, you can also purchase cheap frames to be able to swap out your child’s art on a regular basis.
42. Silver Sensation
If you’re looking for something that looks classy, yet different, consider silver and light gray home décor. The gorgeous silver orb chandelier definitely draws the eye and will look great in the natural light of day and the glowing light of night. Gray seating and curtains make the space feel balanced. The shelving along the back wall is unique and would allow you to show off some items that are special to you. It’s a great alternative to a large painting or photograph.
43. Home Comfort
While the back bench in this nook would be inconvenient for everyday use, the large table is perfect for being able to occasionally entertain larger numbers of people. Many might consider the dark wood in the table and bench and darker colors in the design on the bench cushions to be too dark, but with plenty of light coming in from the windows nearby, it can be a great place to sit and enjoy breakfast. The shelf and small seat on the other side of the nook’s bench are a smart way to use that space while giving the sense that you’re entering into a separate area of the home.
44. Making Lemonade
Few people are willing to make such bold choices when it comes to color, but you can definitely see how it works in this charming nook. The primarily yellow wallpaper is busy, but since the table, chairs and cushions are so plain, it works. The table isn’t so overbearing that it would feel spacious if you were dining alone, but it’s large enough to invite a few friends over While this style might not be for everyone, it’s a good reminder that you have the freedom to let your personality show through in your decorating choices. You never need to limit yourself to a look that you find boring.
45. Opulent Curves
One of the challenges you often see with nooks is creating a seating and table design that fits the space and allows guests to comfortably use the table. With curved seating and a rectangular table, some guests could end up with the corner of the table, but if you have traditional benches and a round table, some guests end up sitting too far from the table. This elegant nook solves the problem by matching a curved seating area with a large round table. Gold accents give this nook an opulent feel, and the space really takes advantage of the natural light.
46. Filling Dead Space
The space behind a door is usually empty, but this is a smart way to make use of that space while giving yourself a place to eat. A simple table attaches to the wall, while the short stools can be easily tucked underneath the table so that the door opens freely. The coral color is bright in an otherwise neutral space, and setting place mats out clearly defines the eating areas. This just goes to show that you don’t need an elaborate home design to set up a highly functional space. You can put a nook in the craziest of places.
47. Sitting at the Round Table
Unlike other nooks that are squeezed into tight places, there’s plenty of space to spread out in this room. While there’s an attractive window bench, the owner doesn’t rely on that bench for nook seating. Instead, the simple white table has four chairs to accommodate guests, a choice that’s much more practical than trying to seat people at a bench with a round table. This white contrasts nicely with the dark wood floor. The pale blue beaded chandelier adds elegance and color to the space while providing the necessary light.
48. Modern Zen
The triangular table in this corner nook fits nicely and allows more seating at the table than other types of breakfast nook ideas. The large mandala hanging on the wall gives the nook a zen-like feel, and the red cushions are surprisingly calming in its presence. It’s the perfect place to share a cup of tea with friends. Perhaps, you’d even be interested in your own version of the Japanese tea ceremony.
49. Poolside Breakfast
The poolside patio location of this charming nook practically demands the airiness you get from decorating in white. Black and yellow accents make things lively. The chandelier is beautiful, yet sturdy. You won’t have to worry about it swaying too much if you decide to open the windows and doors to let the breeze flow. With its proximity to the pool, this nook is ideal for taking a break from the sun and water. Place food and drinks in here so that you guests don’t have to worry about bugs.
50. Natural Elegance
With the vaulted ceiling and large windows surrounding this eating nook, you’ll never have to worry about getting enough natural light during the daytime. Bamboo legs on glass table almost make it feel like you’re sitting outside, and the quatrefoil light fixture is very unique. This nook is large enough to be a place for everyday meals, and you’ll probably enjoy reading or working on projects in this area as well.
Breakfast Nook Designs to Inspire You
The best breakfast nooks are both beautiful and practical, so think about how you might use the space. Will you be entertaining guests? Will you be working on homework projects with the kids? Will you just be using it to relax with a cup of tea and a small snack? These things will undoubtedly influence the type of space you ultimately design.
When it comes to creating a breakfast nook in your home, you also have to think about the space you have to work with. As we’ve seen, some nooks are simple and functional, serving a variety of purposes. Others are opulent and can seat a large number of people. You might already have a nook area built into your home or you might need to seek out space to create one. With a keen eye, it won’t be hard to find the necessary space.
Fortunately, you don’t have to hire an interior designer to have an interesting space for eating and relaxing. There are plenty of home décor ideas to fit any space and any sense of style. By taking a look at a wide variety of breakfast nook ideas, you’ll be better able to design a nook that’s right for you.
