DIY Project- Breakfast Nook

Planning and Materials

• Planning is an important part of any project and a breakfast nook is no exception. Survey your kitchen to see what will work best for you--what would be the best space for your nook and what kind of design might work best. An alcove is a great place to put a wrap-around booth-styled breakfast nook, as is a corner or bay window setting.

  Remember when you are purchasing materials that this is essentially a piece of furniture and in the long run it will pay to purchase smooth finished furniture grade plywood to cover your bench. When choosing the two-by-two timbers to use inside the bench for framing, finish grade won't be quite as important.

Measuring and Building the Bench Frame

• Measure the seating surface and seating height of a chair that you are already comfortable sitting in. Using the measurements obtained from the chair, make a box frame with the two-by-two timbers you purchased. Make it the same height and seating surface as the chair. Build the box as long as you want it to be to accommodate your required seating arrangement. If you desire an "L" shaped nook, then make one box for each side of the "L" shape. At this time you could get creative and angle the front side of the box in slightly or out if you chose to. Join the boxes to create the "L" shape.

Closing in and Finishing the Seating

• Measure out a piece of your plywood that will cover the back of your box and extend upward to your desired height. Attach your plywood to the back of the box countersinking your screws for filling with putty later. Measure the remaining plywood for the front of your box. This piece should fit flush with the edges on the bottom sides and the top. The sides come down to preference when it comes to design; you can flare it out with some curves or have a more rigid design with straight lines. However the bottom and back sides need to be flush with the edges of the box. Attach the sides with screws and counter sink. Finally, the last remaining piece to cut is the seating surface it self. This piece is cut to lie against the back piece, slightly hanging over the front side, and with a slight gap on the side edges if you are making it a lid--flush if you are not. Attach the seat to the box with screws or use hinges to make a great storage area. The completed nook can be stained and sealed or painted to match the decor in your kitchen. Place a rectangular kitchen table positioned along the side of the bench, add a throw pillow or two and enjoy the morning's coffee in your new breakfast nook.