Creating a comfortable and functional sitting area in your kitchen can add extra functional space to your space, making it a cozy corner where you can always gather and socialize with your friends and family while you cook. Whether you have a small kitchen or a spacious one, there are plenty of unique and creative kitchen sitting area ideas to choose from. Right from the design stage to installation and finishing, our professional kitchen designers here at Penn Construction + Design will help through every step of the way till the perfect picture is achieved.
From a cozy banquette and a window seat to a dining setup, the options are endless. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular kitchen sitting area ideas that can help you add more function and style to your kitchen. Here are some popular kitchen sitting area ideas:
Dining setup
Source: Pexels.com
Adding a small dining table to your kitchen provides a place for sharing meals, playing games, and family activities. Depending on the size of your kitchen and available floor space, there are different size options for you. If you have small floor space, you can go for a portable size that can be tucked into a corner or against a wall when not in use. You could also incorporate a drop leaf table. It can be expanded for larger gatherings or some portion of the table can as well be folded away, making it smaller. Another great space-saving dining table is a pedestal base table.
Kitchen Island Seating
Kitchen islands are very versatile. They remain one of the most popular options when incorporating sitting areas in kitchen spaces.
Kitchen islands can be matched with various seat options. If you already have a kitchen island, you are halfway there. Adding seats to your kitchen island provides a convenient and comfortable spot for meals, snack time, or just hanging out with family and friends. However, if you do not have a kitchen island already installed in your kitchen, we will be glad to help you get a suitable design with compatible seats.
The following are kitchen island seat options:
Bar stools
Source: Pexels.com
One of the most popular options for kitchen island seating is bar stools. Bar stools provide a casual and practical seating option that is great for food preparation, quick meals, snack time, or for use as a workspace. When selecting bar stools, it is important to consider the height of your kitchen island to ensure a comfortable fit. Bar stools come in a wide range of styles, including wooden stools, metal stools, and upholstered stools.
Built-in seat
Source: GoodHomeDesign
This type of seating is built into the island itself. A built-in seat is a great option for those who want to add more elements to their kitchen without taking up a lot of floor space. The seat can be upholstered in fabric and cushioned for comfort and can be paired with throw pillows and a cozy throw blanket for added warmth and style.
Fold-down seat
If you have a small kitchen, a fold-down seat may be a good option for your space. Fold-down seats are a space-saving and versatile option if you do not have the space for a permanent sitting area. When the seat is not in use, it can be easily folded down and out of sight, freeing up valuable floor space while also giving your kitchen a clean and uncluttered appearance.
Window Seat
Source: Decoist
Window seats are quite interesting, warm, and refreshing, allowing you to enjoy the view of the outdoors while still carrying out necessary tasks in the kitchen. For example, you can simply enjoy the view outside while waiting for your meal to simmer. This type of seating is usually built into a bay window and is often accompanied by built-in cushions and pillows. It offers you a great place to enjoy your morning coffee or catch up on some reading.
Breakfast Nook
Source: Next Luxury
Breakfast nooks are typically made up of a small table, benches, or upholstered seating, and often include built-in storage. The built-in storage will be in form of built-in benches with lift-up lids that provide storage for items such as table linens, dishes, and serving pieces. This type of storage can help to keep your kitchen organized and clutter-free.
Breakfast nooks can be designed to match the overall style of your kitchen, and can be decorated with items such as throw pillows, curtains, and artwork.
Bistro Set
Source: DecorPad
A bistro set is a small table and chairs set, typically used for simple dining or casual seating. They are typically compact in size, making them a great choice for those who do not have a lot of room for a full-size dining table and chairs. Additionally, bistro sets are often designed with a small table and two chairs, making them a perfect casual kitchen seating area for couples to share morning coffee and more intimacy.
Banquette seat
Source: Herringbone Kitchens
A banquette seat is a type of built-in bench that is built along a wall or in one corner of your kitchen with cushions or throw pillows. It can also be customized to fit your storage needs, with options for storage underneath and to improve your comfort with options for a backrest.
A banquette seat can be upholstered in a variety of fabrics to match your kitchen’s decor, making it a stylish kitchen seating solution.
Built-in booths
Source: houzz
Built-in booths are majorly designed with comfort in mind, with plush cushions or upholstery on the bench and backrest. They can be customized to fit your decor and style, with options for elaborate decorative materials, colors, and patterns.
This a kitchen sitting area that is ideal for big families, as it can be designed to fit multiple people, making it a great option for family meals or casual gatherings. It provides a comfortable and intimate seating area for everyone to gather. If you want to go big in terms of sophistication and style, built-in booths are a great choice for your kitchen.
Outdoor Seating
Source: One Kindesign
If your kitchen opens up to a patio or deck, adding outdoor seating is a great way to create a space for outdoor dining and entertaining. This type of seating can include a table and lounge chairs, a bistro set, or even a comfortable outdoor sofa.
It is also important to choose outdoor furniture that is durable and weather-resistant, while not sacrificing style and comfort. Wrought iron, teak, and aluminum are all popular materials for outdoor seats, each offering its own unique look and feel. Wrought iron is sturdy and durable, while teak is known for its natural beauty and resistance to weather elements and insects. Aluminum is lightweight, easy to maintain, and also weather-resistant. You may also want to consider accessories like outdoor-specific throw pillows to add comfort and color to your outdoor seating area. With the right furniture and accessories, you can create a space that is both functional and beautiful.
FAQs
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with built-in planters?
Yes, a kitchen sitting area can be designed with varieties of built-in planters to bring nature into your kitchen and create a relaxing and green environment.
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with a fire pit?
Yes, you can add a fire pit to your kitchen sitting area to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, especially during cold nights.
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with a bar area?
Yes, a bar area can provide storage space for your drinks, a surface to mix and pour drinks for your guests, and a sitting area to gather and socialize.
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with a water feature?
Yes. For example, you can add a small fountain or aesthetic fish pond in the kitchen sitting area to create a calming and soothing ambiance in the room.
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with a hanging chair?
Yes, a kitchen sitting area can be designed with a hanging chair. This will add a fun and playful element to your kitchen, while also providing a comfortable and relaxing spot.
Can a kitchen sitting area be designed with a swing or hammock?
Yes, you can design your kitchen sitting area with a swing or hammock to create a relaxing, whimsical space for entertaining. If you want a kitchen sitting area that your kids will find interesting, swing chairs or hammocks are great choices.
What is a floating bench and how can it be used in a kitchen?
A floating bench is a modern and minimalist way to create a sitting area in your kitchen. It is essentially a bench that is mounted directly to the wall, creating a “floating” effect, and can be used as a dining area, a casual seating area, or even as additional counter space.
To add a floating bench to your kitchen, you will need to have a solid wall to mount it to, and you may need to hire a professional contractor to ensure that it is properly installed.
What is the difference between a banquette seat and a built-in booth?
A Banquette seat is a long, low bench that is built into a wall or a corner of a room. It typically has a backrest and cushions or throw pillows for comfort, and is often used as a sitting area in a kitchen.
A built-in booth, on the other hand, is a semi-enclosed seating area within a kitchen. It typically consists of a built-in bench and table and can be designed to accommodate multiple people. Built-in booths are often used as a dining area and provide a comfortable and intimate sitting area for families and guests.
In summary, banquette seating is a low bench that is built into a wall or corner, while a built-in booth is a semi-enclosed seating area with a built-in bench and table. Both options provide a cozy and intimate sitting area for your kitchen, but a built-in booth is typically designed to accommodate more people and may also include built-in storage.
Conclusion
Creating a kitchen sitting area is a great way to add dimension, interest, and functionality to your space. The key factors to consider when designing your kitchen sitting area include the size of your kitchen, the style of your kitchen, the amount of space you have available, and the type of seating you want (e.g. formal dining, casual breakfast nook, etc.). In addition, to ensure the result meets your personal needs, consider your comfort, how you want to use the space, and your aesthetic preference. With the right professional assistance, you can create a comfortable and stylish space for dining, entertaining, and relaxing.
At Penn Construction + Design, we offer professional kitchen remodel services to help you bring your vision for your kitchen to life. Whether you are looking to add a seating area, update your kitchen island and cabinets, or completely transform your kitchen, we are a kitchen remodeling contractor you can trust here in Havertown, PA. We pride ourselves on our quality service. We will work with you to meet your timeline & budget needs while providing an unparalleled customer experience. Contact us today to learn more about our concluded kitchen sitting area projects and to schedule a consultation.
