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Definition of a Breakfast Nook

by Ann Hudson

Overview

A breakfast nook is a small area in the home that is dedicated to informal dining. It is usually located within or adjacent to the kitchen. As the word "nook" implies, this area is generally small and compact. In older homes, the breakfast nook often has a secluded and private quality and can be the perfect place for a child to do homework or for mom to grab a quiet cup of coffee. In newer homes, a contemporary breakfast nook could involve a space that is a little more open and connected to the kitchen than the traditional carved-out corner or separate, if small, dining space.
Characteristics

A breakfast nook often will be located in an area that offers the best opportunity for enjoying a morning meal. This may be near a window or series of windows, allowing diners the opportunity to enjoy a view of morning nature. The idea is that this small area can serve as a place to enjoy breakfast, while more formal family meals will take place in the dining room. While the area should reflect the same design aesthetic as the rest of the home, it also should have elements that set it apart from the nearby kitchen, such as a complementary wallpaper, distinctive lighting or a separate area rug.

Furniture

Obviously, a table and some kind of seating will be the primary furniture in the breakfast nook. For small spaces, benches and built-in banquette seating may be the most practical. It also is possible to purchase ready-made L-shaped bench seating and a coordinating table. Often, these table-and-bench combinations will have the appearance of a cozy restaurant booth, allowing for maximum seating in a small space.
Custom nooks

Some breakfast nooks feature custom-made furniture that is designed to fit perfectly within the dimensions of an individual corner, room or dining area. In many cases, seating units may be built into the room itself and are considered part of the house. Such amenities can add a lot of charm to a home and are considered major selling features. Homeowners who wish to convert a particular area into a breakfast nook may hire professional designers who will come up with a plan for converting unused space into a cozy, built-in nook.
Styles

Breakfast nooks come in a variety of styles. An informal nook may feature a basic farmhouse table made of pine wood with both built-in and stand-alone benches. A more contemporary design can incorporate elements such as chrome and glass tables and sleekly upholstered storage benches that serve as seating. A more traditional style generally will feature simple, unadorned lines and deep woods such as cherry or mahogany.
Cushions

A breakfast nook will often incorporate accessories such as pillows and bench cushions. Key colors within the decorating scheme are often echoed in these items. The overall design theme also may be informed by the fabric that is used. Formal nooks often will incorporate linens or leathers, while informal, family-oriented nooks might utilize boldly patterned fabrics known for their durability such as denim or broadcloth. Since this is an eating area, the material that is selected usually will be stain resistant and easy to maintain.