How to Convert a Breakfast Nook Into a Sitting Area
If the breakfast nook in your home is adjacent to a dining room or a counter with bar chairs, you may not need the nook as an additional eating space. You can convert it into a comfortable sitting area that is ideal for sipping a morning coffee and reading the newspaper. Add decorative shelving for books and racks for magazines, and the sitting area becomes a popular resting spot for every member of the family. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Two side chairs, one loveseat or two small recliners
- Ottoman with hidden storage area
- Tray
- Small side table
- Two floor lamps, one small table lamp or two wall lamps
- Area rug
- Artwork
- Television (optional)
- Magazine rack (optional)
- Small book case (optional)
- Shelving (optional)
Instructions
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Measure the dimensions of your breakfast nook. All furnishings going into the space must adhere to your dimensions to achieve the highest and best use of the area and to prevent overcrowding.
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Angle two small side chairs out from the longest wall and facing in to create a seating area and a feeling of togetherness. Place a loveseat against the longest wall if you are not using side chairs.
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Position an ottoman in front of the side chairs or loveseat to serve as a footstool and coffee table. Place a tray on top of the ottoman to hold cups and glasses. Choose an ottoman with storage space underneath so you can make the most efficient use of the piece of furniture.
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Install floor lamps on either side of the chairs or loveseat or place a lamp on a small table between the side chairs. Hang lamps on the wall as an alternative space-saving lighting idea.
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Center an area rug on the floor of the sitting area to connect the pieces and provide a base for the furnishings. Select a colorful design if the furnishings are plain or a simple design if you use busy fabrics on the chairs or loveseat.
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Hang artwork so you can see it from a sitting position. Hang a small flat screen television on the wall facing the sitting area.
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Tips & Warnings
Two small recliners are also space-saving suggestions and are comfortable additions to the sitting area. Recliners will not need an ottoman, leaving more open space in your sitting area.
Floor lamps do not take up a lot of space and provide reading light in the early morning or late evening. Overhead lights are too glaring in a sitting area.
Be sure the area rug fits as a centerpiece without occupying all the floor space.
References
- Photo Credit Digital Vision./Digital Vision/Getty Images
