Cozy Up Your Kitchen With Clever Corner Bench Seating

Small kitchens can often feel cramped and cluttered. Finding space for necessary items like appliances, countertops, and cabinets leaves little room for additional seating. This is where clever corner bench seating comes in! Tucked neatly into an unused corner, bench seating instantly creates extra places to perch without dominating the limited square footage. Not only do corner benches maximize your kitchen real estate, they also provide handy storage solutions to stash those often-used cooking tools right within arm's reach. With the right design choices you can cozy up your small kitchen with multifunctional corner bench seating suited to your unique style.

Types of Kitchen Corner Benches

Built-In Corner Breakfast Nooks

For a customized look, consider installing a built-in corner breakfast nook. These benches are physically attached to the walls and floor of your kitchen corner. The seating is literally framed into the room for a seamless appearance. Built-in nooks come in a variety of materials like wood or marble. They can also be upholstered for a softer look. While luxurious in appearance, the custom work does come at a cost. However, for long term use it's a sound investment that won't budge or tip over time.

Pros:

• Customized size and shape specific to your kitchen
• Choice of integrated storage and table space
• Permanent sturdy construction

Cons:

• More expensive due to installation fees
• Not portable if you move
• Permanent so harder to update later

Freestanding Storage Benches

Freestanding kitchen benches provide versatile standalone seating you can move around as needed. They come in standard dimensions or as compact corner units sized to wedge right into your available space. Without built-in cabinetry, these benches maximize seating capacity over storage. However, many designs include lift-up bench tops that double as clever hidden storage bins. Others feature built-in drawers or shelves underneath. Freestanding benches are also more budget friendly since installation isn't required.

Pros:

• Budget friendly pre-made construction
• Portable to rearrange or take if you move
• Easy to swap out for an updated bench later

Cons:

• Less customized sizing/design options
• Not as stable and may slide over time
• Seating prioritized over storage capacity

When selecting a freestanding bench focus on stability. Sturdy wooden legs or firmly attached side tables help keep benches rooted in place. If possible, anchor to the wall for added peace of mind.

DIY Corner Bench Ideas

For the budget conscious or those loving a new challenge, DIY corner benches are a great option. Simple constructions of basic boards and legs can perch multiple people. Include hinges and lifts for bonus storage spaces too. Customize to any specifications for a perfect fit. A quick Google or Pinterest search reveals numerous easy DIY tutorials even first-time builders can tackle. DIY projects allow you to source cost effective building supplies and unique touches like vintage legs or carved details.

Pros:

• Very budget friendly using scrap building supplies
• Totally customizable sizing and design
• Personalized touches to match your style

Cons:

• Trial and error to get it right if new to building
• Not as polished looking as pre-made options
• Stability reliant on construction skills

When attempting DIY benches skimping on joining supplies like screws, bolts and wood glue can lead to stability issues long term. Invest in sturdy legs and attachments even if hidden underneath. Sand and seal wood against daily use wear and tear.

Maximizing Your Kitchen Layout With Corner Benches

Saving Floor Space

Even the largest mansion kitchens require efficient use of space for necessary appliances and prep zones. Parking a clunky round dining set smack in the center of a small kitchen monopolizes valuable real estate better used for food storage/cleaning necessities tucked around the less obtrusive perimeter. Here corner bench dining offers a slim footprint that maximizes every inch without narrowing walking paths. Bench shape and size can be tailored to fit the exact corner dimensions leaving walking space along facing countertops or walls. Without bulky table legs or surplus chairs pulled away from tables, cleaning underneath is easier too.

Added Storage Solutions

From spatulas to spice jars kitchens accumulate an abundance of tools and dry goods. Leaving these items loose on countertops or crammed on shelves contributes to clutter visually and functionally when cooking. Integrate storage directly into your corner bench to neatly stow these items out of sight but still in arm's reach. Basic bench seats can lift open to reveal generous hollow cavities perfect for larger gear like mixing bowls or baking sheets. For slimmer items add built-in drawers or open shelving underneath bench seats. Enclose stored items fully with hinged tops or doors to prevent dust build up when not in use.

Extra Seating Capacity

While bistro sets cram two place settings into a tiny table, corner benches utilize the full length of walls for expanded seating. Multiple diners can perch side-by-side without infringing on eating space or walkways. Gain bonus seating real estate with wider curves expanding away from corners or benches flanking walls on both sides. For particularly narrow galley kitchens choose a rounded design allowing traffic to pass behind those seated. With good proportions, a properly positioned corner bench can seat more diners than a traditional table and chairs occupying the same floorspace.

Choosing Your Corner Bench Design

Size/Shape Considerations

Selecting the right proportions for your new corner bench ensures both optimal seating capacity and seamless kitchen flow. Consider not just bench width but depth for plentiful perching space. Too narrow and diners shoulders bump side walls, too deep leaves little passing room. Measure the floor area carefully to visualize different footprints before committing. Standard lengths commonly range between 48-60 inches. For standard depth allow 16-18 inches from wall to bench front. Round off hard corners or soften edges so clothing doesn't snag when walking past. If multiple household members will use the seating frequently, size up for generous capacity.

Ideal Height/Depth

Proper bench height keeps seating comfortable for extended lingering without strained knees or slouching postures. Standard chair seat height falls around 18 inches. A too tall barstool perch encourages quick eat and runs rather than relaxed conversations. Consider table pairing when choosing bench height for comfortable elbow positioning without aggressive leaning or stretching. Allow at least 15 inches depth from edge to wall for ample support. Restful backs tilt slightly away from vertical. Angle the entire bench away from 90 degree corners for ergonomic comfort shifting weight away from rigid joints.

Material/Cushion Choices

Corner bench frameworks must support sustained daily use and wear without splintering or dents. Oak and maple wood stands up to spills and scrapes with handsome timeless grain. Eco friendly bamboo offers sustainability without sacrificing hardness. Waterproof finishes add extra protection for wood frames. While metal options like wrought iron and aluminum resist moisture damage they can feel cold on exposed skin. Softer cushioned benches should be upholstered in durable, easy to clean fabrics resistant to grime buildup - leather wipes up in seconds. Thicker foam with concave shaping cradles sitters. Include a removable cover to toss in the wash regularly.

Styling Your Cozy Kitchen Corner Bench

Decorating Tips

Avoid boring blank backdrops by introducing color, texture and accessories to your corner bench seating. Paint or upholster bench seating in a shade that pops against neutral walls for an instant focal point. Eclectic patterns and materials like woven rattan or azimuth tile build contrast. Designate the dining nook with area rugs overlapping bench legs. Outfit the seating with plentiful pillows in complimentary hues. Drape the corner backs with tapestries or macrame wall hangings. When benches back up to walls, mount floating shelves above to display cherished tableware collections. A profusion ofperly positioned plants and sconces amplify the cozy appeal.

Incorporating Other Furniture

While corner benches maximize capacity they still function best paired with small auxiliary tables for serving dishes or propping elbows. Nestle narrow bistro tables nearby for setting down drinks without crowding knees. Round metal options take up minimal floorspace while also lightening modern aesthetics. Multi level side tables accommodate both seated and standing guests. Set an upholstered bench beside two classic wooden chairs for eclectic harmonizing. If additional storage is still needed after installing a bench, roll extra shelving carts into the corner vicinity to hold overflow without overstuffing built-ins.

Kitchen corner bench seating presents homeowners an opportunity to address multiple needs like added seating and storage with a single furnishing. Clever construction customized to available space limits dollars spent while maximizing functionality. Beyond purely practical aspects, benches invite lingering social exchanges during cooking prep or casual dining. Design choices including cushions and styling integrate benches seamlessly into your current decor for a pulled together kitchen setup. Revitalize tired empty corners and discover what a difference corner bench seating can make!