Design a Spacious 8 Person Breakfast Nook That Wows

Breakfast nooks are a charming addition to any home, offering a cozy and intimate space to gather for morning coffee, share family meals, or host casual dinners with friends. While most standard nooks accommodate four to six people, designing a breakfast nook with seating for eight takes a bit more planning. But with the right layout and furniture selections, you can create a spacious, stylish nook that wows.

From choosing the optimal furniture configuration to adding stylish finishing touches, you'll find everything you need to craft your dream dining nook.

Determine Your Space Requirements

When starting to design an 8-person breakfast nook, the first step is determining how much space you'll need. Standard nooks designed for two to four people generally require a space of 25-35 square feet. But fitting eight people comfortably takes more room.

Here are some general space requirements to keep in mind:

• Allow at least 24 inches of seating space per person on the benches or in the booths.
• Plan for a table at least 60-72 inches long and 36-42 inches wide.
• Leave 36 inches or more of clearance between the edges of the table and the walls or booths.
• In total, you'll need a space of at least 80-100 square feet for an 8-person nook.

Before choosing any furniture or layouts, carefully measure the space you have available for your nook. This will determine what configurations are possible. An L-shaped or U-shaped corner unit can help maximize seating in a smaller footprint. But if you have ample square footage, a wraparound banquette is also an option.

Choose the Right Layout

With space measurements in hand, now you can explore layouts. Here are some of the most popular configurations for fitting eight people into a breakfast nook:

L-Shaped Nook

This versatile layout places bench seating along two adjoining walls, with the table filling in the space where they meet. An L-shaped nook fits perfectly into a corner, making the most of available space. You can use two identical benches, or mix a longer banquette on one side with a shorter bench or chairs on the other for flexibility. An L-shaped nook is one of the easiest ways to accommodate a group of eight.

U-Shaped Nook

As the name implies, a U-shaped nook has bench seating extending along three walls, with a table in the center. This creates a cozy, enclosed feel perfect for large groups. But it does require ample square footage. Make sure you have the space needed before choosing this shape.

Banquette Seating

Another option is to install a spacious banquette on one wall, with individual chairs on the opposite side of the table. For eight people, look for a banquette that seats at least six, then add two chairs. The combination of booths and chairs allows you to host large gatherings, but also provides flexibility for smaller meals.

Freestanding Booths

For a modern, industrial vibe, consider using freestanding booths that don't attach to walls. These can be arranged in a U-shape, L-shape, or even as two parallel rows with a table in the center. Freestanding booths can be placed nearly anywhere and reconfigured as needed.

When deciding on a nook layout, first consider the shape and footprint of your space. But also keep in mind how you plan to use the nook. An L-shape or banquette is great for fitting a crowd into a smaller area. But a U-shape offers a more intimate feel for lingering family meals.

Selecting Nook Furniture

Once you've settled on a layout, now comes the fun part--choosing your nook furniture! Here are some key considerations when selecting pieces:

Bench Materials

Nook benches come in a range of materials, each with their own pros and cons. Wood and engineered wood offer a classic, warm look that fits well with many kitchen designs. Upholstered benches provide added comfort but may require more maintenance. Leather makes a luxurious statement but may cost more. Opt for water-resistant synthetic leather if you'll have kids using the space often.

Table Size and Shape

Look for a table approximately 72 inches long and 42 inches wide to comfortably accommodate eight place settings. A round, oval or rectangular table can all work well. The shape you choose may depend on your layout. Just make sure to allow ample leg room, with at least 36 inches between the edge of the table and bench seats.

Matching Your Style

Today's nook furniture comes in a wide array of materials and finishes. Choose pieces that match (or provide an interesting contrast) to your kitchen cabinets and countertops. For a cohesive look, select benches and tables in coordinating finishes and upholstery. Or make a statement by mixing modern seating with a farmhouse-style wood table. The options are endless!

Before purchasing, carefully measure your space and map out seating dimensions. Add up the width of individual seats plus the table to ensure everything will fit comfortably.

Design for Comfort and Functionality

With so many guests to accommodate, ensuring comfort is key in an 8-person nook. Here are some useful tips:

Allow Leg Room

Even a few inches make a difference. Position the table at least 36 inches from banquettes or booth seating to allow ample leg room. Chairs can be tucked in tighter since they're movable.

Add Cushions

Bench cushions and sturdy seat back pillows transform hard benches into comfortable spaces to linger. Select cushions in a slip-resistant material that are easy to maintain and clean.

Light It Up

Proper lighting prevents your nook from feeling too dark or cramped. Overhead pendant lights work well, as do LED spotlight rails installed on the ceiling or walls. For a cozier ambiance, use table lamps or install sconce lighting alongside banquettes.

Power Up

Conveniently located power outlets let you plug in a full teapot or laptop without running extension cords across your nook. Outlets can be discreetly installed between bench seats or at the junction where booth seating meets the wall.

Add Storage

Large nooks mean lots of diners--and often lots of "stuff" left behind. Add storage areas for handy access to books, games, craft supplies, or extra napkins and silverware. Built-in drawers under benches or cubbies on a nearby wall work beautifully.

Keep these functional considerations in mind during your design process. Small details like lighting and power accessibility make a big difference in daily enjoyment of your nook.

Adding Stylish Decor Touches

Once your layout is complete and furnished, it's time to accessorize! Decorative touches take your breakfast nook from basic to beautiful.

Backsplashes and Wall Treatments

The walls behind and surrounding your nook are the perfect spot to add visual interest. Try materials like tile, shiplap wood, or textured wallpaper. Paint an accent wall in a bold, complementary color. Or install a backsplash that ties in with your kitchen design.

Window Treatments

Dress up windows overlooking your nook with curtains, valances, or roman shades. Choose patterns and textures that enhance your style, like breezy linen curtains for a farmhouse vibe or sleek wood blinds for modern spaces.

Rugs

An area rug underneath the nook's table helps define the space within an open floor plan. Opt for low-pile rugs that are durable and easy to clean. Try sizing your rug to extend at least 18 inches beyond the table on all sides.

Plants and Greenery

Bring life to your space with potted plants, vines, or fresh floral centerpieces. Greenery infuses your nook with freshness and warmth. Opt for low-maintenance plants if natural light is limited.

Artwork and Mirrors

Personalize your nook with pieces of art that reflect your tastes. Paintings, prints, and photographs all make great additions. For small spaces, hang mirrors to "open up" the area and make it feel more spacious.

The decor touches you choose will elevate your breakfast nook from purely functional to a stylish, inviting space for family and guests alike.

DIY vs Hiring a Contractor

Installing a custom built-in breakfast nook is a significant project. As you design your space, assess your skill level and budget to decide if it's best to do it yourself or hire a professional.

DIY Considerations

With the right tools, skills and time, installing your own built-in nook is doable. But there are a few factors to weigh:

• Experience with complex carpentry work.
• Knowledge of load-bearing walls and electrical systems.
• Access to necessary tools for construction.
• Willingness to invest significant time and physical effort.
• Preparation for potential mistakes and changes mid-project.

If this excites rather than overwhelms you, a DIY nook could make for a rewarding project. Be sure to educate yourself on proper techniques beforehand.

For those less inclined to take on the work themselves, hiring a contractor is smart. There are many advantages to getting professional help:

• Knowledge of building codes and regulations.
• Ability to perfectly customize the nook to your space.
• Access to high-end materials and resources.
• Precision workmanship.
• Coordination of all installation logistics.
• Warranties and guarantees for work completed.

Be sure to get quotes from multiple retailers or contractors before selecting one. Look for experienced companies with glowing customer reviews and who can work within your timeline and budget.