How to Create a Functional & a Stylish Eat-In Kitchen
Set up a sit-down meal area in the kitchen using these tips for layout, furniture and style
A kitchen eat-in area offers an inviting place to sit down for a casual meal that’s less formal than a dining room but more formal than a kitchen island. For the purposes of this article, an eat-in table means that when you’re having a meal, you’re facing your family or guests and your feet can touch the floor. There are endless options for creating this special dining zone, but here are some of the key designs details to consider.
Another built-in solution for a one-wall setup is to extend your kitchen cabinetry into a custom bench for a seamless look, as was done here.
Always be mindful of the traffic path. You don’t want the table or chairs in your eat-in area to create an obstruction. Passageways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide for comfortable flow through the kitchen.
Always be mindful of the traffic path. You don’t want the table or chairs in your eat-in area to create an obstruction. Passageways should be a minimum of 36 inches wide for comfortable flow through the kitchen.
If your layout is square, an L-shaped built-in seating arrangement in a corner tends to work best. You might be surprised to learn that 10 or more people can sometimes be seated in a corner with ease. And a nook-style built-in design creates a feeling of intimacy and privacy that standalone dining furniture doesn’t always offer.
A gorgeous oval table like this midcentury Tulip style with pedestal base will allow comfortable movement into and out of the seating area. Note how the windows stop above the built-in, creating a wall surface against which the custom cushions can rest.
Also be sure to consider storage features for any built-ins. Here, drawers offer the homeowners handy spots for storing napkins or art supplies for the kids.
A gorgeous oval table like this midcentury Tulip style with pedestal base will allow comfortable movement into and out of the seating area. Note how the windows stop above the built-in, creating a wall surface against which the custom cushions can rest.
Also be sure to consider storage features for any built-ins. Here, drawers offer the homeowners handy spots for storing napkins or art supplies for the kids.
Note how the bottoms of the windows in this corner are closer to the top of the banquette seat. In this case, bringing in beautiful throw pillows helps make the space cosy and stylish.
If your eat-in kitchen table is the standard 30-inch height, your custom built-in seating should be about 20 inches high. Having at least 10 inches of room for your legs between the built-in and table is ideal. You’ll want at least 15 to 16 inches of seat depth, and I always recommend that your foam cushion be at least 6 inches thick for maximum comfort.
You’ll notice here how the built-in corner arrangement works really well with windows on two walls, which creates symmetry and frames the view nicely.
You’ll notice here how the built-in corner arrangement works really well with windows on two walls, which creates symmetry and frames the view nicely.
2. Try standalone sofa seating
If you’re not prepared to commit to a built-in, you can create an eat-in experience that’s just as stylish and functional with a freestanding sofa arrangement.
You should position the sofa with its back to a wall. This keeps sight lines uninterrupted, creating an inviting feel as you walk toward the table.
Sofa seats are typically a bit lower than a dining chair, so make sure your table is the right height for you to sit comfortably. With that in mind, think about going custom with the sofa so you can determine a suitable height that will work well with most tables.
If you’re not prepared to commit to a built-in, you can create an eat-in experience that’s just as stylish and functional with a freestanding sofa arrangement.
You should position the sofa with its back to a wall. This keeps sight lines uninterrupted, creating an inviting feel as you walk toward the table.
Sofa seats are typically a bit lower than a dining chair, so make sure your table is the right height for you to sit comfortably. With that in mind, think about going custom with the sofa so you can determine a suitable height that will work well with most tables.
When it comes to seating fabric, consider using durable performance fabric or spraying a fabric protector onto the upholstery for a spill-resistant surface.
Faux leather is another good option to consider if you’ve got little ones.
Faux leather is another good option to consider if you’ve got little ones.
3. Design an island extension
For a modern, streamlined look, an island extension may be a good choice if you have the space for it.
The eating surface can be the same as what you choose for your kitchen countertops, or it can be something different or made to match your cabinet finish, as was done here.
For a modern, streamlined look, an island extension may be a good choice if you have the space for it.
The eating surface can be the same as what you choose for your kitchen countertops, or it can be something different or made to match your cabinet finish, as was done here.
As mentioned earlier, you’ll want at least 36 inches of clearance around your table to maintain a comfortable path and so you can pull a chair in and out without feeling cramped. Allow 24 inches between side-by-side chairs (chair centre to chair centre) to leave plenty of elbow room for you and your guests.
Here we see a table on casters that can be used as an island extension or moved to another area for convenience and functionality.
Here we see a table on casters that can be used as an island extension or moved to another area for convenience and functionality.
The back of your island (rather than an end) might be a better option for creating an eat-in extension.
Standard countertop height is 36 inches, so if you create a seat that’s 20 inches high, that leaves you with 16 inches for a seat back against the island. Just make sure your countertop overhang is nominal so it doesn’t poke into anyone’s back when they’re seated.
Standard countertop height is 36 inches, so if you create a seat that’s 20 inches high, that leaves you with 16 inches for a seat back against the island. Just make sure your countertop overhang is nominal so it doesn’t poke into anyone’s back when they’re seated.
4. Opt for a table and chairs
If your kitchen is open, a standard table-and-chairs setup in the middle of the space works really well. Round or oval tables are my go-to because they counterbalance the linear feel that cabinetry creates and present an element of softness. Plus, they’re just easier to manoeuvre around.
Hang a one-of-a-kind light fixture here for a snazzy way to anchor the space.
If your kitchen is open, a standard table-and-chairs setup in the middle of the space works really well. Round or oval tables are my go-to because they counterbalance the linear feel that cabinetry creates and present an element of softness. Plus, they’re just easier to manoeuvre around.
Hang a one-of-a-kind light fixture here for a snazzy way to anchor the space.
An endearing bistro-style arrangement is sometimes the only route when you’re limited on space, especially in a galley kitchen.
Consider visually open pieces like a pedestal-base table and slim-frame chairs to avoid too much visual weight. Add some personality by incorporating a pop of bold color, like the vibrant blue velvet seat fabric in the kitchen I designed here.
Consider visually open pieces like a pedestal-base table and slim-frame chairs to avoid too much visual weight. Add some personality by incorporating a pop of bold color, like the vibrant blue velvet seat fabric in the kitchen I designed here.
Here’s a more unexpected alternative. Comfortable lounge seating can serve as a perfect spot to relax and eat. This concept is generally better suited to people without children in the house and who are looking for a more casual vibe.
Positioned in front of a fireplace and perhaps anchored by an area rug, this style offers a cool aesthetic with flexibility.
Positioned in front of a fireplace and perhaps anchored by an area rug, this style offers a cool aesthetic with flexibility.
If you’ve got the floor space and don’t prefer an island, consider incorporating a standard rectangle or square dining table that can accommodate plenty of guests.
This family-style concept creates a warm and inviting environment. It puts the cook close to the social activity and makes serving and cleanup easy. It’s perfect for those who like a lively kitchen atmosphere.
As always, leave at least 36 inches around the table for comfortable movement.
This family-style concept creates a warm and inviting environment. It puts the cook close to the social activity and makes serving and cleanup easy. It’s perfect for those who like a lively kitchen atmosphere.
As always, leave at least 36 inches around the table for comfortable movement.
For contrast, your table material can differ completely from the rest of the kitchen. Note how a glass surface was used here for added elegance. The oversize chandelier can be dimmed to set the mood for a perfectly glowing sit-down meal right where the food is made.
Read more:
14 Chandelier, Dining Table & Chairs Combos That Stole Our Heart
Tell us:
What do you think about combining the dining and the kitchen space?
Read more:
14 Chandelier, Dining Table & Chairs Combos That Stole Our Heart
Tell us:
What do you think about combining the dining and the kitchen space?
A custom built-in lets you design the right size and scale of your eat-in area to fit your space and lifestyle. You can match a built-in structure to your kitchen cabinetry for a coordinated, tailored look or specify a portion in a different material to set it apart, as was done here with the light wood built-in bench.
If the shape of your kitchen is long and rectangular, consider creating a built-in area along one wall at the end of the room. You’ll want a minimum area of about 60 inches to accommodate a rectangular table that seats four to six people.
Lighting is always a consideration for these areas but there’s no rule that says you need to hang a fixture. Consider keeping it simple and open with wall sconces instead. They’ll create a swanky, soft mood at night and turn the eating area into a late-night hangout.
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