A cozy nook makes the perfect place to have breakfast and coffee. And window treatments are key to creating a comfortable, calming space.
Reclaim an old dressing table as a coffee station, like the bloggers from Within the Grove have done to create a stylish beverage station at home. Organize the shelves with your favorite mugs and a cute tray for your sugar bowl and milk.
The Perfect Window Treatments for Your Breakfast Nook
A breakfast nook is the perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee and catch up on the news before starting your day. You can also enjoy a delicious meal in this nook, whether you are feeding yourself or your family. Creating a cozy morning ritual is easy with the right window treatments for your nook.
The first step is to select a window treatment that will filter the harsh UV light that can cause squinting and sunburn. Woven wood shades, made from materials such as bamboo, grasses and reeds, will transform bright sunlight to a soft glow, making your mornings more relaxing. Woven woods are also durable and will last for a long time.
If you love the natural look of woven woods, consider installing plantation shutters in your kitchen or breakfast nook. They can be customized to fit your window shapes and can complement any color palette. Plus, they offer privacy and a classic aesthetic that will never go out of style.
Another window treatment option is cellular shades. These energy-efficient shades add an extra layer to your windows that will prevent the hot summer sun from heating your nook, and cold winter air seeping into your house. They also block out 99% of harmful UV rays, making them the perfect choice for your nook.
For a more casual look, consider a set of roller shades. They’re a great window covering choice for nooks, as they’re easy to clean and can fit tightly into your windows. Roller shades can be motorized to add convenience.
If your nook overlooks the street or a public area, you’ll want to ensure that passersby cannot see into your space. Installing top-down/bottom up shades in your breakfast area is a great way to achieve this. These window blinds are able to be opened either from the top or bottom, giving you total flexibility.
If you’re looking for a more formal window treatment, try sheer shades. They’re ideal for nooks because they let light in while still maintaining privacy. These shades are available in a wide range of colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches your nook’s decor and color scheme. Keep in mind, however, that they are not as effective as other options such as cellular shade or shutters at blocking heat and cold air.
The Perfect Lighting
Your nook should feel inviting and cozy, whether you prefer to drink your morning coffee at a table or on the move. Lighting is key to creating a cozy environment. Natural light is the best choice because it can energize and inspire your day. It also helps set the mood for a relaxing break from household chores and stressors. You’ll need to adjust the brightness, however, so that your eyes aren’t strained by too much sunlight. To do this, you can install a light filter or add a skylight to let in more natural light and reduce harmful UV rays.
Lighting in your nook must be both functional and stylish. You can experiment with color tones and brightness, contrast and fixtures, while keeping in mind the theme of your cafe and the type customers you want to attract. You can also use decorative or artful lighting to highlight wall decor and other details in your cafe.
Your coffee bar shouldn’t be hard to access, and it should have plenty of storage space for your mugs and other accessories. Consider a sideboard or a customized cabinet to house your appliances and utensils. If you’re looking for a quick and inexpensive solution, you can even repurpose an old dresser or use a rustic shelf. Just make sure to keep the surface clear of clutter and add some snazzy mugs and spoons.
If you’re building a permanent coffee bar, you can customize your cabinetry with sliding doors to hide the clutter when not in use. You can also add a bar sink to make it easier to clean and maintain your coffee station.
If you’re working with a small budget, you can still get the look of a luxury espresso bar at home. Installing a custom backsplash is a great idea to add style and functionality to your coffee bar. You can choose a unique pattern, or opt for a neutral hue that complements your furniture. Then, add a statement-making pendant or table lamp to complete the look.
The Perfect Temperature
A coffee nook is about creating a cozy ritual to elevate your morning cup. The space should be a relaxing retreat from the rest of your home, whether you drink it in bed, on a loveseat or at the kitchen table. You can use it to collect your thoughts and refocus before returning to work in the afternoon.
Ideal is to create your coffee bar close to your favorite seat. This will make it more convenient and enjoyable. It could be on a counter, sideboard or freestanding shelf. It should be easy to reach and set up, with plenty of storage to accommodate all your necessary supplies.
You can also customize your coffee nook with window blinds that match the color and design style of your kitchen. You can choose window blinds online with a neutral or colorful palette to create a cleaner look. Or, you can add color with matching mugs and accessories.
Organizing your coffee station is also important, especially if you have limited storage. If you do not have enough space for a full cabinet, add shelves and incorporate jars with wooden lids. You can also display your mugs on a rack for a sleek, minimalist aesthetic or opt for a decorative serving tray to enhance the coffee-bar concept.
For a more rustic feel, you can even reclaim an old dresser to create a dedicated coffee nook like blogger and designer Amanda Greaves of Within the Grove did. She repurposed this piece of furniture to hold her coffee station, providing ample surface space for the grinder and kettle, plus extra storage in the drawers. If you don’t have any additional cabinets or shelving, consider using a simple sideboard or a sturdy 2×4 wood board to improvise a simple coffee bar. Add mug hooks to the top of the board for easy hanging, and some accent pieces such as an old spoon or a cute sign to complete the setup.
The Perfect Ambience
A coffee nook is a dedicated space that corrals all the tools and utensils you need to brew a great cup of Joe. You can place a coffee nook in any room of your house. However, it is important to find a place that is easy to clean and will not get cluttered with mail or other tasks. It is best to have a nook that can be closed off when not in use. This effect can be achieved with a built-in cabinet or opaque blinds.
A dedicated coffee station is not only a great way to make your morning a little cozier, but it can also be the perfect spot to ponder the day ahead. Your cozy nook, whether you enjoy your morning coffee on a loveseat or a window seat, will help set the mood for a productive and enjoyable day.
These cute coffee nook designs will give you some inspiration if you’re not sure how to design the perfect coffee nook. They can range from a simple breakfast bar to a shelf adorned with mugs. You could even turn an old dresser into a coffee bar like Amanda Greaves, a blogger.