10 breakfast nook designs, from morning coffee to nightcap
Design: Time & Place Interiors
Those of us used to living in New York apartments know that dining space can be limited. Many folks in this city have just a small breakfast nook — to be used whether they’re catching a bite on their own or hosting friends for dinner. And in post-pandemic life, the little breakfast area has become another work-from-home spot. This mighty little space gets a lot of use.
Even if you have the tiniest dining area, there’s room for creativity in making it stylish. Think of the small space as an opportunity to make a big design statement. A well-designed breakfast nook will give you enjoyment throughout the day, from your morning coffee, all the way to winding down for an intimate after-dinner drink.
So, what makes for a perfect breakfast nook?
A beautiful pendant light centered above the dining area’s table is key. The lower it’s hung, the more it creates an intimate glow.
Interesting, shapely chairs — even if you can only fit just a couple around the table — are essential. They could be vintage cafe chairs or contemporary stools with a sculptural quality. Mismatched chairs work great too.
The decor ties it together. A small breakfast nook is the perfect place to be intentional with custom cushions and original artwork. Mirrors can make the space feel bigger.
I’ve rounded up 10 breakfast nook designs — most in New York City apartments — for inspiration. Grab a cup of coffee, take a seat, and savor these pretty small space designs.
A vintage chrome table and matching Gio Ponti chairs punch up the style factor in this Manhattan apartment’s small dining area. Design: Ryan Lawson / Photo: Ori Harpaz
A custom wool upholstered banquette upholstered becomes a pseudo "built-in" breakfast nook for a small studio apartment in the West Village. Vitsoe wall shelving takes advantage of vertical space. Design: Common Bond Design / Photo: Mark Weinberg
The eat-in kitchen portion of this Pre War Manhattan apartment has vintage furniture and oversized original art to make a big statement. Design: Timothy Brown / Photo: Richard Powers
When there’s no electrical connection above a table, the right swag light hanging from a chain can still look fantastic. Vintage French chairs, a custom lacquer table, and powerful art make this West Village dining area pack a punch. Design: Eric Wink / Photo: Nicole Franzen & Adrian Gaut
This Greewich Village breakfast nook does vintage all the way, from the furniture, to the lighting, and even the 20th Century original art. Design: Bachman-Brown / Photo: Eric Petschek
The chairs of a breakfast nook can serve as functional sculpture. Take a lesson from the Pierre Chapo beauties in this muted West Village dining space. Design: Sebastian Zuchowicki / Photo: William Jess Laird
Small can be sweet. In this mini dining spot, a 1950s marble table and Italian vintage chairs provide a unique take on cafe style. Design: Melissa Tingley / Photo: Tim Hirschmann
Conventional bistro tables aren’t the only options for breakfast nook. This one is crafted from recycled plastics, and is juxtaposed against vintage French designer chairs and an Italian vintage pendant. Design: Studio Muka / Photo: Austin Leis
There’s no space too small for antiques. Swedish Gustavian chairs reupholstered in Pierre Frey fabric add nuance to a modern New York breakfast nook. Design: Carlos David / Photo: Douglas Friedman
Ready to elevate your dining nook design?
Time & Place Interiors offers residential interior design services to young New Yorkers seeking a curated space. Through her signature mix of vintage + modern design, founder Ksenya Malina crafts rooms that are sophisticated, layered, and authentic. Use the link below to schedule a free 20-minute information call with Ksenya to discuss your design needs:
