Quck answer
Building a breakfast nook with storage is a practical and stylish way to maximize space in your kitchen. To create your own breakfast nook, follow these steps:
1. Measure the available space and determine the size and shape of your breakfast nook. Consider the number of people it should accommodate.
2. Choose the right materials for your project, such as wood or MDF, and gather the necessary tools, including a saw, drill, and screws.
3. Build the base of the breakfast nook, ensuring it is sturdy and level. Add storage compartments underneath, utilizing shelves or drawers.
4. Construct the seating area, using cushions or upholstered benches for added comfort. Attach the seating to the base securely.
5. Finish the breakfast nook with a coat of paint or stain to match your kitchen decor.
By following this guide, you can create a functional and attractive breakfast nook with built-in storage, providing a cozy space for meals and extra storage for your kitchen essentials.
Do you have a cozy corner in your kitchen that would be perfect for a breakfast nook? A breakfast nook is not only great for breakfast, but it can also be used for any meal, family game night, or homework. If you choose the right breakfast nook bench, you can even get some extra storage. Alternatively, you can build your custom benches to fit your table and space perfectly. Building your own bench does require woodworking skills, but it is worth it in the end.
Overview of a Breakfast Nook
To create a breakfast nook, build simple wooden bench seating along your kitchen walls. The bench frames should be made of 2×4 lumber and covered with 3/4-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for an attractive finish. This project includes a tilted backrest for added comfort and piano hinges to lift the bench seats for access to the storage area below. Building a breakfast nook should not take more than a weekend, and you will not need any specialty tools.
While a DIY breakfast nook is an accessible project, it is essential to plan it out to avoid any mistakes during the build. If you are not comfortable making a plan from scratch, there are many free DIY plans available online. Ensure that you measure your kitchen space to make sure the finished product fits perfectly.
Step 1: Measure Your Breakfast Nook
Measure your kitchen to determine the desired length of your benches. To determine the height and width of your benches, measure a comfortable dining table chair. The benches in your breakfast nook should have the same height and width as the seat of the chair. Alternatively, you can start with your favorite dining table. Leave 10 to 12 inches between the top of your seat and the underside of the table to determine the height of the benches in your nook. If you are building an L- or U-shaped breakfast nook, plan for this in your measurements.
Credit: Marisa Vitale
Step 2: Cut Your Wood
After planning your kitchen nook, make a cut list detailing the length of each piece of wood and the number of pieces of each length you need. Cut each of your 2x4s and MDF sheets to the desired lengths before you start building your benches. This will save you time and avoid the hassle of running back and forth to the saw. Although you can use a hand saw to cut your wood, a circular saw or a table saw will make the job go much quicker.
To cut the MDF for the bench’s front, back, and seat, it’s recommended to place it on scrap 2x4s to avoid the saw blade getting stuck on the edge. A straight cut can be achieved by using a straightedge instead of cutting freehand. After cutting, check the pieces for length and fit before assembling the 2×4 frame from the bottom up. Use wood glue and countersunk screws for added support. Join the frames and MDF panels inside the breakfast nook with wood screws and a finish nail gun. Install a narrow MDF piece for the piano hinge and add wedge-shaped 2x4s to support the angled back panels for a comfortable lean. Finally, cut the decorative ends using a curved template or by hand with a jig saw.
Step 7: Connect the Rear of the Bench
If you have not already done so, cut MDF pieces to the appropriate size to form the back of your benches. Attach the bench backs to the wedges you made earlier using wood glue and a nail gun. Once the back is in place, attach your end panels to the ends of your bench using the same glue-and-nail method.
If you want, you can add a piece of trim to the top of your bench back to conceal the 2x4s that support it. Just place the trim across the top of the bench, cut it to size, and then attach it with wood glue and nails. The trim should butt up against the curved bench ends you made and simply lay across the tops of the 2x4s behind the bench back.
Step 8: Mount the Bench Seat
Take your bench seats or cut them from MDF if required and install them. Begin by flipping the seat upside down and screwing a piano hinge to the back edge. Once the hinge is secure, open it and connect the other side of it to the narrow MDF strip at the back of the seat. Begin with two or three screws and then thoroughly check the fit of the seat before installing the remaining screws.
Step 9: The Final Details for Your Breakfast Nook
Slide your finished bench into the desired position in your breakfast nook and position your dining table in front of it. If desired, you can also add a lighting fixture over your table, spruce up any windows with fresh curtains or hang pictures in the nook. You can also add some throw pillows to make the space feel cozier. If you do, consider selecting pillows made for outdoor spaces like decks and patios. The fabric on outdoor pillows is easier to clean if someone spills food or drips onto them.
FAQ
1. What materials are needed to build a breakfast nook with storage?
To build a breakfast nook with storage, you will need the following materials:
– Plywood or MDF for the base and back of the seating area
– Lumber for the frame and legs
– Screws and nails
– Foam padding for the seat cushion
– Fabric or upholstery material
– Hinges and hardware for the storage compartments
– Paint or stain for finishing touches
Make sure to measure the dimensions of the space where you plan to build the breakfast nook to ensure that you purchase the correct amount of materials.
2. What are the steps involved in building a breakfast nook with storage?
Here are the steps to build a breakfast nook with storage:
1. Measure and plan the dimensions of the breakfast nook, taking into account the available space and seating capacity.
2. Cut the plywood or MDF to size for the base and back of the seating area.
3. Build the frame using lumber, making sure it is sturdy and level.
4. Attach the base and back to the frame using screws and nails.
5. Install hinges and hardware for the storage compartments, ensuring they are properly aligned and functional.
6. Cut the foam padding to fit the seating area and cover it with fabric or upholstery material.
7. Attach the cushion to the base using adhesive or upholstery staples.
8. Paint or stain the breakfast nook to match your desired aesthetic.
9. Install the breakfast nook in the designated space, making sure it is secure and level.
Remember to follow safety precautions and consult building codes or regulations if necessary.
3. How long does it typically take to build a breakfast nook with storage?
The time it takes to build a breakfast nook with storage can vary depending on factors such as your level of experience, the complexity of the design, and the availability of tools. On average, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks to complete the project. This includes planning, gathering materials, measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing. It is important to allocate enough time to ensure that each step is done correctly and to allow for any unexpected challenges that may arise. It is always a good idea to set aside additional time for any necessary adjustments or modifications to ensure the final product meets your expectations.