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Make the Most of Corner Space with a Kitchen Nook

Tucked away in the corner of a kitchen, a cleverly designed nook can transform wasted space into a functional area for dining, storage or display. Kitchen corner nooks maximize every inch and also provide cozy spots for casual meals.

With some creative planning, you can add banquette seating, corner benches, specialized storage solutions and decorative details to your kitchen nook. Read on for ideas to make the most of corner real estate with a kitchen breakfast nook.

Banquette Corner Seating

One of the most popular options for kitchen nooks, banquette seating offers a space-saving and inviting dining experience. Built-in banquettes fit neatly into corners, while free-standing designs can be pushed flush against walls.

Upholstered banquettes provide padding for comfort, and are easy to wipe clean after meals. Tufted bench cushions offer a classic and tailored look. For a more casual feel, use cotton or linen fabric in a fun, bright pattern. Include plush pillows for extra coziness.

corner nooks for kitchen

Consider an L-shaped banquette design that follows the lines of the corner space. A U-shaped banquette with a table in the center is family-friendly and conversational. For small nooks, a straight bench on one wall could suffice.

Corner Bench Seating

Along with maximizing unused space, corner bench seating offers flexibility within a kitchen nook. Freestanding corner benches can act as both extra seating and mobile serving stations or tables.

Benches are great for nooks because they take up minimal floor space. Look for compact benches with clean lines to suit small spaces. For a cozy dining nook, search for a corner bench with a backrest and side arms.

Wood or metal legs add an airy, modern feel, while upholstered benches bring warmth and texture. Storage benches with lift-up seats double as secret hiding spots for serveware and table linens.

Creative Tables for Corner Nooks

From rounded cafe tables to banquette-lining tops, the table plays an integral role in finishing off your kitchen nook’s look and function.

A table with a curved profile complements an angled corner nook, opening up walking space. For banquettes or benches, look for tables specially designed to follow their shape.

Glass top tables keep things light and airy, while reclaimed wood tops add natural personality. Folding tables offer extra surfaces when needed, tucking away neatly when not in use.

Make sure to measure the nook dimensions, accounting for bench and seating depths. Allow at least two feet for entering and exiting the nook once the table is in place.

Storage Solutions for Nooks

Kitchen nooks present clever opportunities for adding storage. Built-in shelving, cabinetry and drawers maximize every bit of available space.

Consider wall-mounted shelving or upper cabinets to house dinnerware, serving platters and extra glassware. For a nook with banquette seating, add drawers underneath benches for storing table linens and silverware.

Repurposed furniture also brings storage to corner nooks. An old sideboard or dresser tucked into the space provides both surfaces and closed storage. Always measure carefully to ensure enough leg room when seated.

The right decorative accents will elevate your kitchen corner from basic to beautiful. Include lighting, greenery, artwork and textiles to make the space feel complete.

Painting the nook walls in a deep, inviting color helps the small space feel intimate yet cozy. Hang curtains or cafe-style valances to frame banquette windows.

Incorporate relevant yet unique art pieces, like herb or fruit prints, a chalkboard menu board or framed vintage kitchenware. Finish off with a soft area rug, fresh flowers and ambient lighting.

With clever seating, storage and decorating decisions, you can create a kitchen nook that both maximizes space and makes time spent dining, relaxing or prepping meals in the corner something to savor.