Breakfast nooks are an acquired taste. They were vastly popular in Craftsman homes of the 1920s and 1930s, and now, as with many design trends, they’re making a comeback. But is this one of those kitchen features that shouldn’t be revived? Breakfast nooks are quaint, but they’re hardly the definition of practicality.
We reached out to experts, including architects, builders, designers, and real estate agents, for honest opinions about breakfast nooks—and whether or not they’d advise homeowners to invest in building one.
Pro: It’s not just for breakfast
Photo by California Home + Design
You can do a lot more in a breakfast nook than just eat oatmeal and Pop-Tarts.
“Breakfast nooks have become a place for the kids to do their homework and art projects, and for the adults to answer emails on their laptops,” says Chelsea Allard, vice president of design at Case Design/Remodeling in Charlotte, NC.
And the proximity to the kitchen makes the nook a great place for kids to do their thing while Mom or Dad looks on with a watchful eye while prepping dinner.
“It’s advantageous for kids to do their homework close to their parents, in case they need help,” says Shawn Breyer of Breyer Home Buyers in Atlanta.
Con: It takes up valuable space
Unless you have a really big kitchen, a breakfast nook can be a waste of space. And even though you could build a nook with storage (say, inside a bench seat), are you really going to store canned goods or pots and pans there? The area might be better used as a pantry or a place to put more cabinets.
“In recent years, we’ve seen a lot of homeowners opting to remove their breakfast nooks,” says Jody Finglas, co-founder of NYC Fine Finishes. “And other homeowners, rather than adding nooks, are extending out their kitchen to include an island or another workstation, because they’re interested in more cabinet space.”
Pro: It’s great for kids
Bar stools at an island may be too tall for small kids to sit on, but a kitchen nook is the perfect height.
“Also, letting the kids use kitchen counter space when cooking can be a nightmare,” says Breyer. “But with a breakfast nook, the kids can be in the kitchen but not in your way.”
Con: It’s not designed for entertaining
Unless you’re entertaining kids, a breakfast nook might be counterproductive.
“Clients are moving away from breakfast nooks because they are leaning toward counter dining and more formal gathering dinner places,” says Valerie Burmester, a real estate broker with Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty in Redmond, WA. “Dining rooms are making an impact with big fireplaces and grandeur.”
For most people, that’s the type of place you want when hosting dinner parties and Thanksgiving.
Pro: It’s cozy
A banquette seating area feels more casual than a dining table.
“Breakfast nooks provide a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy a meal in a cozy, casual ambiance,” says Julie Fisher, principal architect and partner at fcSTUDIO in Chicago.
Con: It can be cramped
There’s a reason why breakfast nooks are great for kids—it’s because kids are small. Plus, they actually like the idea of sliding around or even under the table. Adults? Not so much.
“Breakfast nooks are difficult to maneuver as an adult,” says Burmester.
You also need to be realistic about whether or not you have enough space to actually accommodate this feature.
“A breakfast nook needs to be designed well,” says George Bevan, principal at the Bevan & Associates architecture firm in Sonoma, CA. “Often, people don’t allow enough space and jam it into a small corner.”
Pro: It’s a cool design feature
Photo by Delson or Sherman Architects pc
A breakfast nook can also be a place for you to make a design statement. Fisher encourages homeowners to add this type of feature if they want to show architectural variety across the floor plan.
It can be an extension of the decor in your kitchen or a simply unique area of the home. You can make it elegant, fun, or retro like an old-fashioned diner.
“It’s a great way to add a splash of color in a custom cushion,” says Bevan.
Con: It can make your kitchen look messy
The breakfast nook is often located in a great location, but this can make it the unofficial dumping ground for clutter.
“It may become the perfect place to drop keys, mail, magazines, and other things that find their way from your car to the house,” Bevan says.
So instead of making your kitchen look more organized, a breakfast nook could make it look junkier.
