Unused Corner? DIY It Into Breakfast Nook Bench Seating
That wasted space where two walls meet in your kitchen or dining room presents the perfect opportunity for a cozy, built-in bench. By converting an unused corner into a DIY breakfast nook, you can gain extra seating, storage, and style without claiming more square footage.
Crafting an L-shaped bench to fill the void takes basic woodworking skills and a weekend's time. The end result? A farmhouse chic seating area tucked right into the heart of your home.
Prep the Corner Area
Before building begins, you'll want to ready the corner space. Take precise measurements from floor to ceiling and wall-to-wall to determine bench dimensions. Account for baseboards and any unevenness to ensure a proper fit.
Paint the adjoining walls and trim a neutral tone for a clean backdrop. Crisp white or soft greige allows the natural wood bench to really pop while contributing to the cozy aesthetic. Install electrical outlets nearby if needed.
Needed Tools & Materials
An unfinished plywood sheet and some trim boards form this simple DIY bench shape. Arm yourself with basic woodworking tools like a miter saw, jigsaw, drill, nails, screws, and wood glue to bring the project to life.
Expect to spend $50-150 on materials depending on wood choice and any accessories like cushions or baskets. Skill level is beginner-friendly, though novice DIYers may need a full weekend to complete it.
Build the Base Frame
Construct a sturdy base from 2x4 lumber to support the bench. Cut boards to the measurements of your corner space using a miter saw. Arrange them in a box frame shape, joining pieces at corners with wood glue and brad nails from a nail gun.
Use scrap plywood to add supports across the middle of the frame if spanning a long distance. Let assemblies dry completely before moving on in the building process.
Hidden Storage Compartment
Customize your corner bench with a hidden storage area for tucking away spare foldable seats, tableware, or board games when not in use. Measure out a section of the frame and use a jigsaw to cut a piece of plywood to size.
Attach with finishing nails and add hinges plus supports on one side to create a lift-up lid for easy access to the secret compartment. Smooth any rough edges with sandpaper.
Create the Plywood Top
With the structural base ready, it's time to construct the benchtop surface itself. Purchase a large unfinished plywood sheet based on the total square footage needed to cover the entire top.
Use a circular saw carefully to rip the 4'x8' sheet down to the correct dimensions for your custom corner bench. You may need multiple pieces to span the area. Arrange into position atop the assembled frame leaving even overhangs on all sides.
Glue pieces of the plywood top together, sealing the seams. Then attach securely through the bottom framework using 2" wood screws spaced at regular intervals. Allow adequate drying time before installing trim or placing anything on the surface.
Ergonomic Comfort
An L-shaped breakfast nook bench serves as a casual dining spot for family and friends. Ensure ample elbow room and leg space so guests can relax comfortably. Standard counter height, 36 inches tall, enables easy conversation.
Add back cushions and toss pillows to the corner bench for lumbar support. Top with machine-washable slipcovers and inserts for quick refreshing after meal spills or heavy use traffic.
Attach Trim and Paint
Cut 1x4 and 1x2 trim boards with 45-degree mitered corners using a miter saw. Nail these around the outer exposed edges of the plywood bench top and base for a decorative detail. This built-on framing helps conceal imperfections or splits in the plywood sheets.
Sand any rough patches in the wood, then prime and paint the entire corner breakfast nook bench in your choice of finish. A light whitewash or tobacco brown plays up the rustic farmhouse notes.
Leave some areas of grain peeking through. Add nicks or dots on edges and corners with a small nail for intentional distressing if desired. Polyurethane seals the paint for durability and prevents staining.
Additional Touches
Throw in a few pillows and baskets once construction finishes up to style the customized corner bench.
Hang pendant lamps or sconces above for mealtime ambiance. Under cabinet lights also help illuminate the space. Fill it with decorative details - framed art, potted succulents, woven placemats - making this built-in nook both functional and Instagram-worthy.
With all components complete, an empty corner transforms into a cozy breakfast nook bench full of storage surprises and seating. Tuck into your transformed tiny corner to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or use it to host intimate family dinners.
If any components come loose over time, simply tighten screws or replace worn hardware. Change up throw pillows and bench cushions to freshen up the look each season too. This customize bench also works wonderfully as built-in library seating, recipe station, or craft area as your needs shift.
By taking advantage of unused space to construct your own built-in bench, you can gain multi-purpose square footage without expanding the home's footprint. This budget-friendly DIY solution proves savvy problem-solving for modern living. Let the project inspire creativity in converting other inefficient voids around your home too!