These days, it’s tricky to stay up to date with interior design trends, let alone separate the internet fads from the concepts with true staying power. One trend in the latter camp is the cosy kitchen nook. A helpful space-saver at one turn and a versatile way to curate a charming dining area with oodles of visual intrigue at another, it’s a great option for the discerning homeowner. Kitchen nook seating ideas are the backbone of the look; they bring structure, flair and functionality that the niche can’t do without. But where to start?

Right here! In this brief guide, we’ll be sharing 8 workable suggestions that’ll give the average kitchen a run for its money, whilst redefining the flow of your culinary space. Now, let’s get on with it – there’s an unused kitchen corner calling your name…

Prior Considerations

Before we get down to business, allow us to zoom out and impart a handful of canny considerations. With these in tow, you’ll have a much better idea of which kitchen nook seating options will most naturally complement your kitchen, architectural quirks and all.

Size – This is an obvious one, but you’d be surprised at how easy it is to get wrong. Make sure to properly measure your kitchen nook seating before purchase, and factor in clearance around the seats, to avoid any tight squeezes.
Scale – On a related note, the scale of your kitchen nook matters. Envision the space. Dainty bistro chairs might be dwarfed in an expansive open plan kitchen, while a chunky bench might be too bulky for a tiny interior. Really, it’s about finding the right balance.
Formal vs informal – This question will help establish the look and feel of your kitchen nook; traditional seating can look structured and help define the zone, but it can feel impersonal if dressed insufficiently. Informal, low-profile alternatives, on the other hand, are much more laid back.
Storage – Is storage at the top of your priorities? Then, it’s a good idea to consider seating with in-built compartments, like banquettes or storage benches.
Comfort – The age-old question, what makes a comfy seat? Pinpoint your must-haves on this front, from material, back support and cushioning, and you can’t go wrong.
Access – Consider who will be using the space & their needs. Barstools are great, but if you expect people to be sitting there for prolonged periods, or if users have limited mobility, they might not be the right choice in terms of practicality.

Discerning Kitchen Nook Seating Ideas for the House Proud

1. Curate a Parisian Vibe with Bistro Seating

Maybe it’s Emily In Paris, maybe it’s the enduring power of the French capital in our collective cultural consciousness, but there’s never been a more popular time to cultivate the Parisian spirit in your home. Switch out the traditional dining set with a bistro collection, mount some chat noir prints on the wall and don’t forget to complement the look with a brassy corner lamp.

2. Let Natural Light Flood a Banquette Nook

Banquettes are staples of many a kitchen nook seating idea; after all, they’re multipurpose, stylish and help carve out the space visually. Pop one near a window or glass door, as in this example from Emily Henderson and – there you go – a kitchen nook that is swoon-worthy.

3. Win Back the Inches with a Storage Bench

Bench seating is a classic for kitchen nooks; the idea is that they bring informality, storage and additional space for bums. One of their strongest draws is the sheer versatility. You might think that a bench is cold and uncomfortable, but with the introduction of upholstery and/or seat cushions, they become quite cosy. Plus, it’s another opportunity to layer up the textiles to create a sense of lived-in warmth.

4. Purposefully Mismatch

Contrary to popular belief, matching your seating isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be; especially when it can create a cookie-cutter, catalogue feel. Swing in the complete other direction, and homeowners can welcome in visual intrigue, texture, dimension and narrative – just make sure that there’s a through line, so the seating doesn’t appear too random. The aim is curated and thoughtful.

5. Curvy for Days

Curves are cool, contemporary and organic, and in the home, they introduce a certain artistry that interior stylists crave. In the context of a kitchen dining nook, there’s so much to play with: a round table, some swivelling egg stools, and an adjacent, curvy bench with a pendant light topping things off is a recipe for dynamism. Do it in some super-pigmented colours and you’ll create something truly you.

6. Embrace Tradition (or Give it a Little Twist)

The traditional kitchen nook looks something like this: a solid wooden table framed with matching farmhouse dining chairs. It’s timeless, understated and affable, but there are ways you can enhance these characteristics further. By adding a little twist, like a maximalist (albeit country-inspired) gallery wall or painting panelling in an undeniably modern shade, you’re bringing the classics up to date and creating a scheme with the exact type of staying power we mentioned up top.

7. Amp Up the Sophistication with an Upholstered Dining Bench

Dining benches are much more than your average bench. A step away from a sofa, they have back support, fine detailing such as tapered legs and buttoning, and are typically upholstered in statement materials designed to wow. Harris tweed, Italian leather, plush velvet, you name it – there’s a style to match practically all kitchen nook ideas.

8. Add Structure & Class with Armchairs

Remember what we said about formality and structure, well, armchairs are the perfect in between. For instance, a traditional upholstered tub chair in real leather or tweed brings the refinement without compromising on comfort. Here, the chair isn’t just a chair; it’s an idea, an ambience and a lifestyle.

Which of these Kitchen Corner Seating Ideas Takes Your Fancy?

Ah, we’ve reached the end of the list. But that doesn’t mean your design journey is over – in fact, it’s only just starting. The process might take some trial and error; however, it’s teasing out those almost imperceptible details that introduce light, shade and personality to your culinary space that will bring the most joy. With the right balance of ambition and intent, you can turn your own kitchen nook seating ideas into a beautiful reality.

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