Understanding Nook
The concept of the nook stems from the Old English "hnoc" meaning a corner or recess. Architecturally, nooks take advantage of irregular spaces, bump-outs, dormer windows, under-stair areas, and bay windows to create purposeful, intimate zones within larger rooms. The breakfast nook — a casual eating area with built-in bench seating (banquette) around a table in or near the kitchen — emerged in the early 20th century as kitchens became social spaces rather than utilitarian workrooms. Reading nooks gained popularity as a way to carve out personal retreat spaces within open floor plans. Window seat nooks, where a recessed bench is built into a bay window or deep window frame, combine natural light, storage (under the seat), and a cozy enclosure that appeals to people of all ages.
Nook in Interior Design
Nooks are beloved by designers because they add character, functionality, and charm to otherwise unused spaces. A breakfast nook with built-in banquette seating maximizes a kitchen corner, creating casual dining that seats more people than chairs in the same footprint — plus the benches often have storage underneath. Reading nooks are created in dormer windows, under stairs, in hallway ends, or in deep window bays, fitted with cushions, pillows, built-in bookshelves, and a reading light. The key design principles for nooks are enclosure (creating a sense of being slightly separate from the room), comfort (cushions, textiles, and warm lighting), and proportion (the space should feel snug, not cramped). Nooks work across all styles — shiplap and farmhouse, clean lines and minimalist, or ornate and traditional.
