Guest Picks: 20 Pieces for a Casual Breakfast Area
Skip the formalities and get right to gathering 'round an easygoing nook filled with pared-down furniture and accessories
While fewer homes these days have an official "breakfast room," the notion of a dining area for everyday use is more popular than ever. Some people are carving breakfast nooks out of their kitchen or family room. Others are ditching the formal dining room and instead making it a family-friendly space for casual meals, meetings and weekend activities. Often tiny in size, these spaces need to be big on function, making them a particularly demanding design challenge. To help with the process, I've assembled some of the essential items for a fresh, fun breakfast space that will appeal to everyone in the family. — Lucy from Four Walls and a Roof
Oak Park Dining Table
Wood tables are a cozy-looking option for a family breakfast area. I like this Mission-inspired design because the central pedestal makes it easier to cram extra seating, even highchairs, around it.
Bellini Chair, White
I'd contrast the wood table with clean white chairs. This one looks like it would withstand spills, booster chairs and the odd crayon while still retaining its dignity!
My Sugar Bowl, Green With Blue Lid
This creamer and sugar bowl set would add a splash of subtle color and is perfect for everyday use.
Turning Pendant, Wood/White
A turned-wood lamp fixture with a plain white shade looks easygoing but complements the table and chairs perfectly.
Galbraith & Paul Medium Drum Pendant Lamp, Mum, Green
One of the easiest ways to add color and pattern to a small area is with a fabric pendant shade. This floral design is fresh, contemporary and perfect for a sunny breakfast area.
Eames Molded Plastic Chair With Wire Base, Sparrow
I'd pair the shade with Eames Eiffel chairs, but pick an offbeat hue like this intriguingly named "sparrow" color.
Docksta Dining Table | IKEA
I'd finish off the look with the ultimate family breakfast table: the Docksta from Ikea. It's small, affordable and practically indestructible.
Too by Blu Dot Platten Round Dining Table, Dark Gray
Metal is another good option for practical dining. This diminutive table from Blu Dot's range for Target will suit most budgets. I like the dark gray version because it will give a small area some definition.
Jake Chair, Walnut
I'd warm up the look with these wood veneer chairs. They're easy to clean and stackable, just in case you want to stash a few in the basement for extra guests.
Montego Buffet, Antique White
Storage and extra surface area are essential in a family eating area. In my family, we avoid putting hot side dishes and pitchers (that can be knocked over) on the table while eating, preferring to put them to the side for safety's sake. This is one of the best value sideboards I've seen, and it would fit unobtrusively in most decor styles.
Slice Mint Wall-Mounted Storage Shelf
If space is really at a premium, wall-mounted storage is a good option. I like these small wall cabinets in a range of fun colors.
Woolly Pocket
Wall-mounted plants can be a great way to add texture and personality to a sunny room without taking up precious floor or surface space.
Contemporary Roller Shades
Roller shades are a practical option for rooms adjoining kitchens. I like this black and white pattern. It would be perfect with the dark gray table. Choose a continuous loop fixture for easy opening on a daily basis.
Bamboo Placemats
Chilewich placemats have to be the best invention! They're great for family dining, as they're super easy to clean, and they look sophisticated enough for the grown-ups too.
Felt Coasters, Naturals, Secret Pond by Feltplanet
I love these felt coasters that are shaped like pebbles. They're easy to use and don't turn into missiles when thrown! (Yes, every 2-year-old loves throwing coasters.)
Wall Storage Organizer Box Shelf Set by Another Cup
Breakfast areas often double as home administration stations — and that comes with all the accompanying odds and ends that somehow seem to multiply. A row of these little wall-mounted boxes would be great for storing paperclips, tape and other essential items that never find a home.
White File File
Another clever storage solution is this wall-mounted magazine rack. I could definitely use one of these to store mail, forms and homework in progress.
Tower of Rings
It looks like a baby's stacking toy, but this is actually a set of napkin rings. Whether you use them regularly or just enjoy them as a decorative object, they'd be great as a finishing touch in a family breakfast room.
Next: Breakfast Nooks, Sunny Side Up
Next: Breakfast Nooks, Sunny Side Up