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When I wake up each morning and grab my cup of coffee, my breakfast nook just beckons me. Sitting down, I feel the warm glow of the sun on my cheek and the plush pillows at my back. As someone who’s designed three breakfast nooks – between my own and ones I’ve helped my family with – I can honestly tell you this is how every morning should start.
Keep reading to discover six breakfast nook table ideas to consider when designing your own space.
I added a mint green accent wall to my breakfast nook in 2022, and it completely transformed the space. I loved my setup even before then, but the accent wall took it to the next level and really the space feel more special and comfortable.
I think I spent around $45 on a few gallons of paint to do mine, and I love how colorful it became. Using wallpaper would also be an easy way to create your accent wall or, if you want to get fancy, you can use tile as well. We used wallpaper for my mom’s breakfast nook redesign, and it also came out amazing. This feature should be a reflection of your style, so choose what you think would be best for you.
If an accent wall feels a bit too bold for your taste or if your nook is up against windows, consider an accent bench instead. I upholstered my friend’s bench with new cushions, and it had a very similar effect on her space as my accent wall did mine.
Pendant lights are the perfect feature to add over your dining nook table. I’ve installed them twice in two very different nook setups, and they looked great in both. It will make the space feel customized and unique, and can even act as a conversation starter if you have guests.
When I installed mine, I made sure the lighting was centered and raised 30-36 inches above the table surface: high enough where no one bumps their heads, but low enough to create intimate lighting. Choosing a light that matches your aesthetic is essential. I’m a big DIY fan and made my own pendant light from reclaimed mason jars and Edison bulbs for under $60, but you can always purchase one if it’d better suit your space.
Most breakfast nook ideas feature bench seating and fun chairs, but I’ve experimented with different configurations. For a family of four, I’d install a built-in L-shaped bench on two sides with two chairs of the remaining side. This seats six comfortably in a 5×6 foot space.
Judge how much seating you’ll need based on your household size. I recommend accounting for 24 inches of table width per person for comfortable dining. If you host often, consider flexible seating options as well.
After trying both, here’s my honest comparison:
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I chose bench seating with internal storage for my current nook. It holds all my table linens and saved me from buying a linen closet.
To make your breakfast nook idea feel cozy and inviting, emphasize natural light. I positioned my nook by a bay window, and the morning sun makes it the most-used spot in my house. In my previous home with limited windows, I installed a 2×4 foot skylight above the nook for $800 (including installation), and it brought light to the darkest corner of my kitchen.
Mirrors are another trick I’ve used. For my mother’s nook, I hung a 36×48 inch mirror on the wall opposite her window, and it reflects beautifully. A wall of mirrors can make your space feel larger, so you may not need to spend a bucket of money on additional construction.
Everyone loves hidden storage and secret compartments. I’ve built in hidden storage to nearly every nook I’ve designed. My current breakfast nook bench has a hinged seat that opens to reveal 8 cubic feet of storage, where I keep table linens, seasonal placemats, and art supplies.
I’ve also experimented with removable-top tables with space for puzzles underneath (great for keeping projects in progress), and extendable tops to accommodate 2 or 3 more people.
To figure out where your hidden storage would work best, look for dead space in your design. While transforming my nook, I added built-in shelving on both sides of the window for cookbooks and decor. It only cost me $80 in lumber and one weekend of work.
Throw cushions are multipurpose — they add comfort while also contributing to design. I learned pretty quickly after my first breakfast nook design to use pillows with removable, washable covers after spilling some orange juice on my first set of cushions.
I also swap out covers seasonally to inexpensively change my design throughout the year. I use linen in the summer and velvet in the winter, not to mention various holiday ones for their specific seasons!
Pro tip: I use 4-inch foam inserts for the bench cushions and 18×18 inch throw pillows for back support. This combination has held up for years and still feels super comfortable.
Based on my previous projects, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. The cost will largely depend on the space you have to work with and what you want in your nook. A built-in bench, new table, and pendant light could be around $1500. Adding a skylight, more custom built-ins, or designer lighting might make it closer to $3,000. DIYing as much as possible can help keep your costs low while still creating a comfortable, cozy space.
I’ve found that a 5×6 foot space (30 square feet) comfortably fits a small table and bench seating for 4 people. My current nook is a bit bigger – 6×7 feet – and comfortably seats 6. The minimum I’d recommend is 4×5 feet for a two-person nook. Remember to leave 36 inches of clearance around the table for people to sit and move.
After testing both, I prefer round tables for small nooks. They maximize seating and have no sharp corners, so they’re better for tight spaces and kids. Rectangular tables work better for larger nooks or what you need a bench on only one side. My rule: use a round table for under 35 square feet, rectangular when larger.
I use 3 tricks to make a small breakfast nook feel bigger: 1. maximize natural light with mirrors and windows, 2. use light colors and 3. choose a round pedestal table instead of one with four legs (it opens up floor space visually. Built-in benches also eliminate the visual bulk of chair legs.
Use these breakfast nook table ideas to design your dream space. My breakfast nook quickly became my go-to spot for casual meals and lazy mornings. My family eats there probably 5-6 times per week!
The nook does more than host breakfast. While prepping dinner, children can do their homework in the cozy nook where you can easily keep an eye on them. You can use it as your own workspace, have a coffee date with friends or your spouse, and even as a gift-wrapping station during the holidays.
I wholeheartedly recommend you build out your own cozy breakfast nook!
Note: This article was first published on August 11, 2021, and was revised on August 28, 2026 to reflect the most current information.
