skip to main content

U-Shaped Breakfast Nook

12 years ago

In the process of planning out an addition - part of the addition will be an extention to our kitchen. Current thinking is to add a U-shaped breakfast nook that would consist of a U-shaped bench and a rectangular/oval table. Ideally, we'd be able to fit 2-3 people on the long side and 1 person at each end - that would allow for a total of 4-5 people to sit on the U-shaped bench. We'll also have enough room to put a few chairs on the side that opens up into the kitchen.

We were thinking of a table 70-75" long and 36-40" wide. Think this is too narrow of a table? Assuming we go with that size table, I'm thinking the dimensions of the nook will be 116"-121" long and 59"-63" deep.

Any suggestions on table size and dimensions of the nook?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

andi_k
12 years ago
We are doing a bench/breakfast nook as well. Ours will be 11'4" X 6'. We had debated whether or not to do the U, L or just straight bench with chairs on either end. We elimated the U shape only bc if you are on the long bench side you get kind of 'stuck' if people are on either end. So, we are just now debating the L or straight bench. We plan for about a 72 - 78" long and 42" wide table...that also allowed for the outside chairs to not stick out too much into the walking area. And, it hopefully allows for people to get in/out easily if you are on the inside long bench.

We are just getting ready to start our build, so I dont have pics or any idea if this will work, but thought I'd let you know what we are going with!

Good luck!
dilly_ny
12 years ago
I have a nook, quite small, that is not a U. It has one bench along the wall and two chairs. It can be a pain for every day use, depending on the number of people and who is "trapped." It means that I am always the one (since I sit in a chair) to get up and get the ketchup of flatware that was forgotten. Nonetheless, having grown up with a nook, I will say it is inviting and cozy. I guess it just depends on your tolerance for the "trap" factor. Also note that it can be expensive to upholster the seating. For us, in NY, iy was alot more money than buying a table and chairs. Remember that when you do upholster, you want to do something thati s easy to slide on and that feature does not come in all the lovely patterns you tend to see in magazines. Good luck.
Related Discussions
Breakfast nook / morning room shape.
Q
Comments (11)
Mine nook will be U shaped because I wanted bay windows. Here is a quick sketch of that section of my floor-plan. . I don't recall exact dimensions except for the ones I've shown and I only remember these because I insisted that all aisle-ways to be plenty wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. I too wanted a 'country kitchen' and figured there was nothing more country than a built-in corner bench-seating under the windows in the nook. Besides DH and I always choose booth seating whenever we go out to eat so I figured we might as well have a 'booth' in the house. The linked picture is sort of what the bench will look like. Regular chairs on the other two sides will give people who don't like booth seating other options. Note that I decided on a peninsula for my kitchen instead of an island because, much as I enjoy chatting with guests while I cook, I would really rather NOT have them underfoot. Always afraid I'll burn someone moving a hot pot or something! I'm hoping the peninsula with the raised bar will tend to be a natural barrier so guests will gather in the fairly expansive nook area and stay OUT of the business end of the kitchen which I made fairly compact to minimize steps while working and also to discourage other people from standing around in that space. The two long sections of the raised bar are almost 5 ft each and the short section is about 30" long so that's plenty of space for 5 bar-stools for kibitzers to sit at. BTW, our Great Room will be large enough for a formal dining area but the jury is still out on whether we will actually buy a dining set to go there or just use the space in other ways. Between the nook and the bar seating we should have plenty of dining spaces and we're not exactly big on formal dinners either. Here is a link that might be useful:
...See More
Light Fixture for Kitchen Table in Breakfast Nook
Q
Comments (25)
Hi Newbie! I've wondered what happened to you! Haven't seen you over in Kitchens for a long time! First, congrats on expecting a baby! Exciting! You're on the right path trying to tie up all these loose ends before May. Have you thought about posting over in Kitchens also? So many there have heavily researched lights that someone may have seen the perfect fixture for you. Plus, I know everyone would like to see your progress. :) When I saw that first WE fixture, I thought of a Barbara Cosgrove pendant I like. It echoes the shape. I'll link it below. You might look around for other lights on that site, too. Some of them get into the $$$ range though. I don't care for the mod WE glass cluster you just posted. How far apart would the peninsula and banquette fixtures be? I'm thinking that you might want to scrap the peninsula pendant... Here is a link that might be useful: Savannah pendant in polished nickel
...See More
What shape dining table for a breakfast nook sized 11.5x13?
Q
Comments (2)
The table needs to have 36-42" of open circulation space all around it so chairs can be pulled out and sat in. Use painter's tape on the floor to tape out an imaginary table that allows for that. How many do you need to seat every day? https://www.houseplanshelper.com/dining-table-size.html
...See More
U shaped banquet in breakfast nook or just bench on one side?
Q
Comments (5)
I agree about not having a "U" for the banquette. I would hate having to sit in the middle! There's one restaurant that we visit that has a "U" like that -- and it really only works for 4 people. (P.F. Chang's, if you want to go see an example.) If one of the "inside" people needs to get up, the "outside" person has to get up as well. While this is only a minor inconvenience at a restaurant, it can become a major headache if you have to do it every single day at home! Is this your only table space? I hope not! Regarding the bench + chairs idea...you need to understand spacing needs for (1) seating and (2) aisles around the table Seating Each seat/chair needs at least 24" of linear space. You need 18" to 19" of unobstructed/clear space under the table for legs/knees -- without overlapping at the corners b/c two people cannot occupy the same space, including their knees/legs! Aisles around the table If there's not traffic behind the seat, you need at least 32". If there will be traffic (e.g., trying to get around to another seat or the bench), you need at least 36" to edge past a seated diner (note that it will be a tight squeeze) Note that this is your situation!
...See More
dilly_ny
12 years ago
Did you see Celineike's nook? I'll link to it and you'll need to scroll down to see it. She had some issues when it was being built, so read the comments.

Here is a link that might be useful: Window Nook
cfbif
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for the advice. Seems like we should do the straight bench with chairs on either end. Anyone have other examples and/or dimensions of similarly designed breakfast nooks where you can fit 3 people on the long side and enough room for a chair at each end? Thanks for the help.

Related Stories

KITCHEN LAYOUTS How to Plan the Perfect U-Shaped Kitchen

By LWK London Kitchens

Get the most out of this flexible layout, which works for many room shapes and sizes

KITCHEN DESIGN Renovation Detail: The Built-In Breakfast Nook

By Rachel Grace

On the menu: one order of cozy seating with plentiful sides of storage. For the kitchen or any other room, built-ins fit the bill

DINING ROOMS 12 Breakfast Nooks Cool Enough for a Dinner Party

By Susan Redman

The banquette where you sip your morning coffee can also make a cozy corner for an intimate supper or a game night

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Creating a Cozy Breakfast Nook

By Lauren Hufnagl

A modern table, banquette seating and a few colorful accessories make a spot you'll hate to leave on Sunday mornings

KITCHEN DESIGN Breakfast Nooks, Sunny Side Up

By Becky Harris

Banish early-morning darkness with a bright breakfast nook — even if a window is only in your dreams

KITCHEN DESIGN 19 Ways to Create a Cozy Breakfast Nook

By Becky Harris

No rude awakenings here. Start your day the gentle way, with a snuggly corner for noshing

VACATION HOMES Houzz Tour: Childhood Memories Shape a Lakeside Cottage

By Mitchell Parker

A Canadian man couldn’t salvage his grandfather’s cottage, but he keeps the family connection alive with a new structure in the same space

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 20 Pieces for a Casual Breakfast Area

By Lucy McLintic

Skip the formalities and get right to gathering 'round an easygoing nook filled with pared-down furniture and accessories

FURNITURE Which Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?

By Joanna Tovia

Rectangular, oval, round or square: Here are ways to choose your dining table shape (or make the most of the one you already have)

Indoor Gardener: Topiaries Help Rooms Shape Up

By Living Small: City & Small Space Consulting

Undeniably sculptural, topiaries in modern geometric to classic round shapes bring fresh artfulness to the home

Sponsored

Everingham Design

Columbus' Home Design Experts Specializing in Custom Cabinets

More Discussions

hello , what are your thoughts on two tone countertops?

5

kitchen countertops

2

Need help with kitchen remodel

1

contractor chooses kitchen

13

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

12