An eat-in kitchen can be a dynamic space in any home, offering an alternative dining option to a formal dining room.
If you’ve heard of eat-in kitchens, that is no surprise, but what exactly is an eat-in kitchen? An eat-in kitchen is a kitchen that has been designed to accommodate diners. An eat-in kitchen can be called “eat-in” if it offers a way to seat diners in it. Eat-in kitchens don’t have to have a certain kind of seating. In fact, barstools at a counter, a small table with chairs, and banquette seating are all popular choices. Usually most homes have enough space to seat at least four people in the eat-in part of the kitchen, although there is no specific requirement.
If you want to learn more about eat-in kitchens, the different types, and the reasons why we love them, keep reading!
Eat-in Kitchen vs Open Plan Kitchen
An eat-in kitchen is defined by the presence of a place to sit down and eat in the same room where food is prepared. Nowadays, many homes now offer an open concept floor plan, which is the opposite of an eat-in kitchen. An open floor plan is when the dining room, living room, and kitchen are all in one large room, but in defined areas for their specific uses.
Types of Eat-In Kitchens
Island with Stools
The most casual form of an eat-in kitchen is that of bar stools at a counter. This is most commonly found in smaller kitchens, although larger kitchen counters are becoming more and more popular, with added seating around the area.
This type of eat-in kitchen serves as a space for people to socialize with the cook without feeling distanced. In these situations, people can sit at the counter for casual meals, or move to the dining area for more formal ones.
Breakfast Nook
Additionally, another popular type of eat-in kitchen is one that has been designed with a breakfast nook. A breakfast nook typically is off to the side of the kitchen appliances or in the center of the kitchen, with ample space for a table and chairs (or benches).
Many people find this type of kitchen to be a convenience. With the eating and cooking areas combined, people do not need to bring large dishes to the table, risking spills and cold food.
Benefits of Eat-In Kitchens
Added Informal Space
Having an eat-in kitchen adds an informal space in your home. Many families like to chat with the cook while meals are being prepared, socializing together, and also utilizing the area for a place to have casual meals.
Perfect for Breakfast and Lunch
Eat-in kitchens are mostly used for breakfast and lunch, but more and more families are using their kitchens rather than their formal dining rooms these days. Additionally, many families choose to use this area as a place to help with school projects or homework, since the kitchen is usually the main gathering place in homes.
Easy Cleanup
With breakfast nooks, the table can also be used as a kitchen prep space when people aren’t eating, which will make cleanup easier and contained.
Key Takeaways
We absolutely love eat-in kitchens! For more kitchen design tips, check out our blog!
At Cabinet Refacing and More, we offer free estimates for kitchen refacing and some remodeling projects. Contact us today!