25 Cozy Breakfast Nook Ideas That Pack Style Into a Small Space
Whether you love farmhouse or modern looks, sip your morning coffee from a cute and dreamy dining area.
Whether nestled in a corner, tucked under a window or squeezed into the kitchen, breakfasts nooks have a special way of feeling charming and comfortable. Often referred to as eat-in kitchens, they provide a laid-back spot to sip your morning coffee, enjoy casual meals or even, help your kids with art projects and homework. But since you probably don't have too much square footage to spare, we've rounded up inviting breakfast nook ideas, full of cute and clever designs to help you amp up whatever space — big or small — you do have.
Similar to crafting a dining room, you'll have to source a great dining room table and consider seating (hint: banquettes can fit more people than traditional dining chairs, especially if you're willing to squeeze a bit). Once you figure out how to work a nook into your small kitchen layout, take inspiration from these ideas to infuse the area with charm, whether you prefer a relaxed or bold aesthetic.
Settle on a Sunny Shade
This curved banquette fits up to eight people, and the golden rod fabric packs a stylistic punch. Take note from interior designer Bethany Adams and hang a round chandelier above for visual interest.
Photo by: J.L. Jordan Photography
Build a Tiny Brunch Nook
A simple shelf can turn an unused corner into a chic breakfast bar. Here, DIYer Jenni Yolo found sleek bar stools, then hung the live edge shelf at a functional height.
Maximize a Corner Space
This cozy dining area, designed by Amy Sklar, is tucked into a corner opposite the kitchen. Despite its small size, it provides plenty of seating with a upholstered banquette and three wicker dining chairs.
Photo by: Amy Bartlam
Create Contrast
Paint a built-in banquette a moody hue, like navy blue, then paint upper walls a bright white for contrast. To create the illusion of a backrest, Banner Day Interiors even paints the lower portion of the wall the same color as the bench.
Photo by: Colin Price
Layer in Farmhouse Design
Designer Emily Henderson builds a wood banquette in an empty corner, then paints it white and adds an upholstered cushion and backrest. Vintage chairs, a trestle table and mix of throw pillows give it a farmhouse feel.
Lean Into Nature-Inspired Hues
This inviting breakfast nook, designed by MV Architects, stands out for its subdued shades — think light blue and sage green. The calming colors pair beautifully with natural textures, like wood and rattan.
Photo by: Keyanna Bowen of East + Lane Photography
Decorate Like a Parisian
This small breakfast nook is outfitted with thrifted furniture (including a DIY bistro table and bamboo dining chairs from Facebook Marketplace). The Parisian space is decorated with vintage wall scones and gold-framed artwork.
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Make the Most of Natural Light
Bright white wainscoting, window trim and molding makes this nook feel sunnier — even on the gloomiest of days. Arterberry Cooke Architecture goes with a custom quartz-composite tabletop, perfect for a busy family.
Photo by: Jill Weller
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Weave in Playful Patterns
From the geometric tile floor to the floral fabric shades and textured banquette cushion, LH.Designs introduces subtle patterns into this otherwise neutral corner.
Photo by: Lauren Taylor
Rely on Natural Textures
Filled with wicker, warm wood and greenery, this charming breakfast nook has a boho-inspired style. The teal Windsor dining chairs bring in a nature-inspired pop of color.
Bring in Statement Lighting
Here, Daley Home takes this mid-century modern breakfast nook to the next level by hanging oversized, hammered gold pendants above. The eye is instantly drawn upwards, creating the illusion of a larger space.
Photo by: Madeline Harper Photography
Try a Black-and-White Color Scheme
Settle on a classic color combination: black and white, which is guaranteed to add contrast. Here, Meredith Owen Interiors even paints the window trim black.
Photo by: Molly Culver
Maximize Seating
Corner banquettes provide ample seating, especially when additional dining chairs are thrown into the mix. Go for one made out of a durable material, like tufted leather, to ensure that it can withstand inevitable spills and scratches.
Photo by: Laura Moss
Bring in Bistro Chairs
Add striped bistro chairs to a blue and white breakfast nook to mimic the feeling of alfresco dining, no matter the weather.
Photo by: Michael Mundy
Add Color to the Wall
Display a colorful collection on floating shelves to offset the neutral background. Keep the furniture light and bright to draw the eye up.
Photo by: Alyssa Rosenheck
RELATED: How to Build a Banquette
Play With Patterns and Color
Take the maximalist approach and bring a bevy of colors, patterns and textures into your space. Create some consistencies throughout — a bamboo shade matches the tone in the natural cane chairs, for example.
Photo by: David A. Land
Go Full-on Cozy
Let your home's natural elements inspire your breakfast nook's design. In a room with a stone wall, opt for a whitewashed table with a variety of cozy seating to invite all-day hangs.
Photo by: Audrey Hall
Take It From Day-to-Night
Breakfast may be in the name, but that doesn't mean you can't pull up a chair at all hours of the day. Hang a beaded pendant light overhead to cast a warm glow once the sun sets.
Photo by: Raquel Langworthy
Keep Comfort Top of Mind
Sinuous silhouettes create a sense of harmony and flow. Wrap a curved settee around a tulip table, then balance out the lines with wishbone-style chairs.
Photo by: Jenifer McNeil Baker
Squeeze in a Small Table
Place a square table between a U-shaped banquette to make the most of a narrow space. Pick a tabletop in the same material as your kitchen cabinets for a seamless look.
Photo by: Gridley+Graves
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Alyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries.
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