4 Dreamy Dining Nook Essentials

One feature I was adamant I wanted included in our cottage kitchen was a dining nook. A dining nook is a cosy and intimate space to gather in. It can make a large kitchen feel intimate. My major source of inspiration in creating our nook was Pinterest. There are more dining nook ideas there than I know what to do with. So, I’ve chosen some of my favourites and collated them to inspire your dining nook creativity, too. You have the freedom to design and decorate a dining/breakfast nook according to your budget and taste. But there are a few items that I consider essential for your nook. Of course, these are personal taste too and how you style your area is up to you.

A Circular Table

There’s something about a round table I’m drawn to. When we lived at the farm, we had two outdoor tables, one round and one rectangular. The round one was the one we used most. A circular table encourages conversation between everyone at the table, not just the people opposite or next to you. It’s easier to set food in the middle where everyone can reach it too. It’s a good option for softening awkward corners of a room.

Comfy Seating

Seating, of all dining nook elements, can be the one that ruins the space.

A dining nook traditionally has bench seating, so if you want guests to relax and enjoy their meal, the bench must be comfortable. There are two ways to achieve this. You can build an angled back into the bench, giving your guests a lounge experience. Or if you choose to only have the seat, you must have tons of supportive cushions. A padded seat cushion is essential for long lunches.

Statement Lighting

A low hung pendant over a dining table creates a sense of intimacy. If you pop a dimmer on it, you can use to make the entire space feel more cosy, like you’re in a restaurant for two. A pendant creates the mood and can become vertical decor for your space.

Wall Art

It doesn’t matter what kind of art you love or how you display it, but a nook needs something on the walls to enhance to cosy feel. I love the look of this gallery wall set on vertical panelling. It adds depth and texture to the little space. It makes it feel complete. Having some kind of art creates visual interest, especially if there is no view. A view out the window of your nook is the ultimate art.