The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home—a space where meals are prepared, conversations are shared, and memories are made. While most kitchens are designed primarily for cooking, incorporating a kitchen sitting area can add comfort, charm, and practicality to your space.
Since our family primarily uses our casual dining room for meals, I decided to repurpose a space in our kitchen, which was originally meant for a traditional table and chairs, into a cozy sitting area that has become one of the most inviting spots in our home. This little nook has added so much functionality, making it perfect for morning coffee, happy hour, casual chats, and everything in between.
Transforming the Kitchen Nook into a Sitting Area
To create this seating area, I borrowed a pair of chairs from our dining table, and they turned out to be the perfect fit. Their size, design, and comfort make them ideal for lounging while still being practical in a high-traffic space like the kitchen.
A Kitchen Sitting Area That Draws Everyone In
One of the best parts about this setup is how much our family and guests naturally gravitate toward it. It has become a go-to spot for quick conversations, enjoying a drink, or simply taking a break while someone is cooking. Instead of standing around the kitchen island or lingering in the way, our guests now have a designated, comfortable space to relax while still being a part of the action.
U-Shaped White Kitchen Remodel & Additional Seating
When we renovated our U-shaped white kitchen in the spring of 2019, we added seating at the counter, which gave us even more flexibility. Now, with the counter seating and the kitchen sitting area combined, we can comfortably accommodate six people—a game-changer for entertaining. Whether we’re hosting a casual get-together or just having family over for dinner, this additional seating has made a huge difference.
Another unexpected benefit? This setup keeps my workspace clear while cooking! Having a separate seating area ensures that guests and family members aren’t hovering right where I need to prep food, making it easier to cook and serve meals without feeling cramped.
Kitchen Sitting Area Sources
I’ve received a lot of questions about where I found the pieces for our kitchen sitting area, so here’s a breakdown of the exact items (or similar options in case some are no longer available):
- White Chairs – Discontinued IKEA Hendriksdal Armchair (similar options: option 1 • option 2)
- Small Table Between Chairs – Marshalls
- Blue and White Striped Pillows – HomeGoods
- White Linen Curtains – (I bleach them slightly to brighten the white tone)
- Rug – (Similar option: option)
- Frames & 8-Ply Mats – (for a clean, polished gallery wall look)
- Bentwood and Rattan Counter Stools – Stylish and comfortable seating at the counter
- Pendant Lights – (for a warm and cozy ambiance)
Incorporating a Coffee Table: A Stylish and Functional Addition
Before our renovation, we even had enough room for a small coffee table in the sitting area. I often get asked about the wicker trunk that once served as our coffee table—it was a fantastic addition that provided both surface space and hidden storage.
Unfortunately, this particular wicker trunk was from IKEA and has since been discontinued. However, I’ve found a few similar options that offer the same natural, textured look:
- Happimess Caden 46 in. Natural Wicker Storage Trunk – Home Depot
- Happimess HPM9001C Natural Caden 29-Inch Wide Collapsible Storage Trunk
- Happimess HPM9002B Natural Elijah 30-Inch Wide Collapsible Storage Trunk
Click on the links above to explore these options if you’re looking for something similar!
Adding a Personal Touch with DIY Artwork
I love incorporating personal touches into my home decor, and the large canvas art above the kitchen sitting area is one of my favorite DIY projects. Believe it or not, it started as a simple photo I took with my phone! I transformed it into a canvas print, and now it serves as a statement piece in this cozy space. If you’re interested in trying something similar, check out my DIY tutorial here [link to tutorial].
Why a Kitchen Sitting Area is a Must-Have
If you’re considering making space for a kitchen sitting area, I highly recommend it! Here’s why it’s been such a fantastic addition to our home:
- Encourages Conversation – Whether it’s morning coffee or evening wine, this space naturally draws people in.
- Adds Comfort and Functionality – A small seating area makes the kitchen feel more inviting and less like just a workspace.
- Keeps Guests Out of the Cooking Zone – Instead of crowding around the stove or island, friends and family have a cozy spot to sit and chat without being in the way.
- Perfect for Multi-Purpose Use – It’s ideal for everything from checking emails to flipping through a cookbook or simply unwinding.
- Enhances the Look of the Kitchen – Well-chosen furniture and decor can elevate the entire aesthetic of your kitchen.
Explore More From Our Kitchen Remodel
If you loved this transformation and want to see more details about our full kitchen renovation, check out these posts:
- Find all the sources from our kitchen renovation here [link]
- See the reveal of our 80s kitchen remodel with all the details here [link]
Creating a kitchen sitting area has truly been one of the best decisions we made during our kitchen remodel. Whether you have a large space or just a small nook to work with, adding a comfortable and stylish seating area can completely transform the way you experience your kitchen. If you’re thinking of creating your own cozy spot, I hope this inspires you to get started!
