5 Smart Ways to Squeeze an Eat-In Kitchen into Your Space

Jessica Isaac
Jessica Isaac
Jess is an interior and architectural photographer based in Los Angeles. While she has the honor of peeking inside designer homes on a regular basis, she loves real homes designed by real people most of all.
updated Jul 17, 2020
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(Image credit: The Kitchn)

Do you have dreams of waking up and sipping coffee in a space like this one from Small Space Design Ideas (via Stadshem)? Yeah, we all do. The good news: It’s probably possible to create an eat-in kitchen in your own space. Even if it’s tiny! These cozy kitchens are proof.

Here are five suggestions on where to try squeezing in a table.

(Image credit: The Kitchn)

1. Right in the middle of things

Round tables are the least awkward shape when it comes to using a space and keeping all surrounding areas accessible. Albeit small, this 1850s kitchen from Country Living feels light and airy — just like those croissants you’ll soon be enjoying in your very own breakfast nook.

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

2. Off to the side

This kitchen belongs to food stylist and blogger Kim Mahair and it’s part of her charming petite West Hollywood studio. Here, she proves that a tiny table for one or two — like this thrifted drop-leaf bistro — can easily fit into most kitchen spaces.

(Image credit: Jessica Isaac)

3. In front of some windows or doors

This eating space was carved out in an artist’s bold black and white Hollywood studio loft. As you can see, window space is prime real estate for a good eat-in kitchen table, making tight quarters feel larger and more open. Homeowner Kristy uses the adjacent balcony as an extension to the small kitchen space.

(Image credit: The Kitchn)

4. In front of a bench

The kitchen in this Stockholm apartment from Fantastic Frank demonstrates the space-saving brilliance of a built-in bench. Using a bench against an open wall as one side of your dining nook eliminates the need for additional space to push chairs in and out. Bonus: Additional storage can be added underneath the seat to optimize your multi-purpose driven life.

(Image credit: Leela Cyd)

5. Against a wall

This charming Parisian kitchen takes advantage of an awkward blank wall and a drop-leaf table to create the perfect little dining spot. Drop-leaf tables are great for small kitchen nooks, as they can be pushed up against a wall to save space, or pulled out and opened up to accommodate a few more diners.

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: 6 Eat-In Kitchens that Won’t Make you Miss Your Formal Dining Room

Do you have an eat-in kitchen? Got any tips for someone who wants to try to squeeze one into their space?

Filed in:
Dining Room
Inspiring Kitchens
Interior Design