10 Modern Breakfast Nook Ideas

Built-In Breakfast Nook

A traditional breakfast nook incorporates built-in seating like a bench or banquette. The U-shaped bench in this breakfast nook built by @homesbybowen not only adds extra seating, it also helps create an enclosed cozy feeling.

Builder: @homesbybowen
Interior Design: @angelineguidodesign
Photographer: @mattigreshaminteriors

Coastal Casual Breakfast Nook

A breakfast nook doesn’t have to include a built-in banquette. Turn any cozy corner into a breakfast nook by adding a small table and chairs, like in this cheerful space by @hayesnashdesignco. Natural elements like the large beaded chandelier, woven window shades and bamboo chairs cohesively define the space, as well as bring in that light and airy coastal charm.

DIY Vintage Breakfast Nook

To create this vintage-inspired breakfast nook, Marie of @this.dear.casa worked with a cabinet company to design the storage benches. For the top, butcher block wood (like you would use for a kitchen island) was cut and stained to fit the cabinets. A small ornate pedestal table and coordinating blue pillows provide classic and sophisticated finishing touches.

Elegant Breakfast Nook

Your breakfast nook will make a big impact if you stick to one simple color palette. This nook by @cristinageorgia85 is elegant and refined thanks to all the shades of white and cream. The space is calm without being boring. If you’re sticking to one or two colors like this, be sure to add in a mixture of textures to keep the space from feeling flat.

Wallpapered Breakfast Nook

An easy way to make a breakfast nook feel like its own space is to use wallpaper. The bold blue wallpaper in this space by Kowalske Kitchen and Bath defines the nook and turns it into a little jewel box. The remaining finishes are more subdued, like the neutral textiles and wood-tone furniture. They keep everything grounded so you’re not overwhelmed by color and pattern.

Breakfast Nook With a View

If you’re lucky enough to have a waterfront view (or any gorgeous view) take full advantage by setting up a breakfast nook nearby. This nook by @emilymossdesigns highlights the large windows with a built-in corner bench. With the addition of dining chairs, there’s plenty of seating in a relatively small corner. Who wouldn’t want to eat breakfast here?

Contrasting Patterns Breakfast Nook

Because a breakfast nook is usually a small space, it’s the perfect chance to go bold with your décor. In this space by @kimscodrointeriors, the contrasting patterns in the window cornices and banquette are unexpected and give the space an extra pop of playfulness. The fun choices continue with the colorful artwork and oversized modern light fixture.

Breakfast Nook With Oversized Art

A piece of large scale artwork might just be the perfect addition to your breakfast nook decor. Although it seems counterintuitive, a large piece can make a small nook feel bigger and helps define the space. The large abstract canvas art pictured here, provides a dose of cheerful color in the mostly gray space by @julierootesinteriors.

Small-Space Breakfast Nook

If you’re working with a tiny space for your breakfast nook, all you need is a tulip table and two or three chairs, like this example from @sweet_domicile. Just a few well-chosen pieces of furniture tucked into a corner, and a beautiful breakfast nook is born. The creative combination of a freestanding storage bench and two dining chairs provide seating and smart storage without taking up too much space.

Breakfast Nook With Freestanding Banquette

Banquette seating is usually a permanent, custom piece built by a contractor or skilled DIY homeowner. But we love this idea from @noellewrightstyles. She created a breakfast nook with a freestanding corner banquette (here’s a similar piece) and dining chairs. This is a great idea for renters, or if you simply don’t want to commit to built-in seating.

Photographer: @lindsay_salazar_photography