19+ Kitchen Nook Ideas & Looks We Love

A kitchen nook is a small dining area in a kitchen. It is typically located in a corner of the kitchen, away from the main cooking and food prep areas.

Kitchen nooks are usually smaller than traditional dining rooms, and they may or may not have a table and chairs. 

Some kitchen nooks are simply a window seat with cushions, while others are more elaborate and have built-in benches or banquettes- also check out these stylish kitchen sink ideas!

When it comes to kitchen nook ideas, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it the placement of the dinette set or the entire decorating scheme as a whole?

Whether this highlight in the kitchen area is big or small (check out our small kitchen design ideas), there are so many different design ideas one can work with.

Whether the decor idea is meant to be a long-term fixture or seasonal, the choice is yours according to whatever style you see fit.

Kitchen Nook Ideas

1. Benched

In this corner, we have a great U-shaped bench it wraps around the table. If one is fortunate enough to have window views, what a great kitchen nook idea. Add a couple of chairs for that full-family feel and it’s like taking a step into a big family farmhouse. Pay attention to your kitchen color schemes to get the design right!

2. Cornered

In this corner, we have an L-shaped bench that offers window seating in a kitchen nook that takes a step away from the norm. Should one be so lucky to have big windows with great views, what a way to enjoy good conversation and great food while taking in the splendid scenery. If you like the L shaped storage bench- check out some of our favorite L-shaped kitchen island design ideas!

3. Cozy Corner

This is a great idea for a two-story home that has a section in the kitchen area that could serve as a handy nook. The sectional-style bench seating could be as cozy as what’s seen in the pic or something simpler.

This little corner acts like a hideaway of sorts without the crowded feeling.

4. Dining Booth Hideout

Some restaurants have the privacy feel of dining booths in their establishment which often make it a favorite choice among romantics. Why not have the same thing in your own home?

This kitchen nook idea is beautifully tucked away as if it’s in its own room, which really makes this an appealing option. Perhaps this used to be an old pantry area that’s big enough to pass as a walk-in closet or an old back porch that has since been upgraded to serve as a cool dining area, neatly tucked away as a hideout in your own home.

5. Keep it Simple

If there isn’t much kitchen space to work with and you really want a corner set aside to serve as a nook, this simple design of an L-shaped bench makes it easy enough to do so.

The contrast of black and white in this design is a classic favorite for a reason but if you’d rather go with a different color scheme, there is nothing in the rulebook that says you can’t do so.

6. Office Nook

Perhaps all you need for a nook in the kitchen is a corner where you can sip your coffee and catch up on some work in an undisturbed environment.

For folks living on their own that have no need for a kitchen nook that can accommodate more than one person, this is a great idea to make this particular space in the home work for you.

7. Relax

Sometimes, all you need for a great kitchen nook idea isn’t some big table with chairs around it. Maybe, just maybe, you’d rather have a little corner in the kitchen that lets you just sit and take a breather as you wait for the meal you’ve planned to finish cooking.

A pair of cozy chairs, plus a little table that offers enough room to park your coffee cup and maybe a pie plate, might be all that you really need. Today’s trends tend to have families constantly on the go which can sometimes make the kitchen nook area feel obsolete.

The appeal behind this kitchen nook idea is the allowance to take a moment to just sit and relax as a means to break away from the hectic schedule of everyday living.

8. Roundabout

The roundabout cushy benched seating as it wraps around the kitchen table gives this nook a wonderfully luxurious feel. This may become the favorite spot in the house as you enjoy a family meal together, regardless if there’s a separate dining room to go to or not.

9. Rulebreaker

Who says a kitchen nook can’t have a couch or loveseat? Some coffee bars have been known to house a nice little sofa next to a bistro table so why not do the same in your own home?

Maybe instead of just sitting on a chair at the table, you’d rather stretch out your legs right after enjoying that morning cup of coffee.

10. Wicker World

The wicker chairs in this kitchen nook idea are every bit as much of a scene-stealer as the impressive round table.

Regardless if there is much of a window view or not, the layout of this corner of the room beautifully points out just because it’s a nook doesn’t mean it has to be cold and uncomfortable.

11. Window Bistro

This is especially awesome if you have a great window view. The mix and match of contemporary bistro-style chairs partially wrapping around a table that could pass as a country classic allow this section of the kitchen to bask in the luxury of both worlds.

The bench along the window can either be designed for additional seating if needed or used an opportunity to show off your interior design talent.

More Kitchen Nook Design, Decor Inspiration

There are endless possibilities for what you can do with a kitchen nook. First and foremost, it’s a great spot for dining. But it can also be used as a reading nook, coffee nook, or even a breakfast bar.

If you have a small kitchen, chances are you don’t have a lot of extra space for a dining area. But that doesn’t mean you have to forego having a place to eat in your home. A kitchen nook is the perfect solution for creating an intimate dining area in even the most space-challenged kitchens.

For a cozy and intimate dining experience, consider creating a built-in nook. This can be as simple as adding a bench seat along one wall with shelving or cabinets above for storing dishes and glassware. Or, for a more luxurious look, you can build a custom banquette with upholstered seating and plenty of pillows for added comfort.

If you’re short on space, a small table and chairs may be all you need to create a functional kitchen nook. Look for a table that can be folded away or tucked into a corner when not in use. And don’t forget about bar stools! They’re perfect for tucking under a counter or island when not in use.

Not all kitchen nooks have to be about dining. If you’re looking for a place to relax with a cup of coffee or tea, consider creating a cozy reading nook. A comfortable chair or daybed, along with a small table and lamp, will make the perfect spot for curling up with your favorite book.

What accessories are necessary?

Just like any other room in your home, you’ll want to accessorize your kitchen nook to make it feel like your own.

Throw pillows, cozy blankets, and greenery are all great ways to add a personal touch. And don’t forget about the lighting! A chandelier or pendant light will help create a warm and inviting ambiance.

A storage bench is also a great addition to any kitchen nook. It can be used for extra seating when needed and provides a place to store pillows, blankets, and other items when not in use.

Some more styling ideas

• A traditional built-in bench and cabinet nook
• A modern floating bench and open shelving nook
• An eclectic mix of furniture for a casual breakfast bar nook
• A plush banquette with a luxe fabric for a formal dining nook
• A small table and chairs for a compact eating area
• A cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair and side table
• A minimalist coffee nook with a sleek sofa or armchair

How to build a kitchen nook

If you’re looking to add a kitchen nook to your home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to decide on the size and layout of your nook. If you have a small kitchen, you may want to consider a breakfast bar or an L-shaped banquette. For a larger kitchen, you may be able to include a table and chairs or even a built-in bench.

Next, you’ll need to choose the right location for your nook. The best spot is usually in a corner of the kitchen that’s away from the main cooking and food prep areas. This will help create a more intimate dining experience.

Finally, you’ll need to select furniture and decor for your nook. If you’re tight on space, look for a table that can be folded away or tucked into a corner when not in use. And don’t forget about bar stools!

They’re perfect for tucking under a counter or island when not in use. For a more cozy and intimate feel, consider adding cushions or pillows to your nook. More ideas include:

1. Add built-in shelving to store dishes and glassware.
2. Install a window seat for enjoying the view while you eat.
3. Use an existing bay window as the foundation for your nook.
4. Create a breakfast bar by adding stools to one side of your counter or island.
5. Give your nook some privacy with a screen or divider.
6. Dress up your nook with some fun and funky wallpaper.

How to decorate a kitchen nook

When decorating your kitchen nook, start by selecting a theme. Are you going for a rustic vibe, or maybe something more modern? Once you have a theme in mind, start shopping for furniture and decor that fits the look.

If you’re working with a small space, it’s important to be selective with your furniture choices.

Look for pieces that are functional and take up minimal space. A table and chairs, for example, can be folded away or tucked under a counter when not in use. And don’t forget about storage! Add shelves or cabinets above your nook to store dishes and glassware.

To add some personality to your nook, consider using stylish or funky wallpaper or colorful accent pillows. And don’t be afraid to get creative!

Can you place a nook in the corner?

Yes, it is possible to place a nook in the corner. In fact, this may be the ideal location for your nook, as it can help create a more intimate dining experience. When choosing furniture for your nook, be sure to select pieces that are functional and take up minimal space.

A table and chairs, for example, can be folded away or tucked under a counter when not in use. And don’t forget about storage! Add shelves or cabinets above your nook to store dishes and glassware.