For anyone who has decided to renovate their kitchen or just wants to freshen things up with a small renovation, this publication on kitchen corners may be useful. In city apartments, the kitchen often combines the functions of a dining room. If two people live in an apartment, then you can organize a dining area at the bar counter or a small kitchen island, depending on the size of the kitchen. But for family dinners you need a table, for which you still need to carve out precious square meters in small spaces. In this case, various modifications of kitchen corners come to the rescue, which are compactly placed in the corner of the kitchen, in the bay window space, or even between rooms in the hallway. Surprisingly, in a small piece of space you can create a full-fledged dining area, which will not only save your space, but also serve as a storage system.
Let's take a closer look at specific examples of kitchen interiors in which kitchen corners or their analogues are installed, how you can organize a dining area in rooms of different sizes, configurations and styles. Considering that you can order a kitchen corner of any shape, size and color, the range of models will be impressive.
Types of kitchen corners
Each person selects furniture that suits his requirements, tastes and financial capabilities. For some, functionality is important, while for others, only appearance is important. With this in mind, you can find a huge number of different types of kitchen corners.
L-shaped furniture is the most common option for organizing a dining area
Small kitchen corners
Suitable for use in small kitchens, they can easily accommodate 3-4 people. Equipped with seats with drawers, which adds spaciousness.
A full-fledged set for a small family can be placed even on 1.5 square meters
With sleeping places
At first glance, the idea of adding extra sleeping space in the kitchen seems silly. But it should be noted that this is a practical choice if guests often stay overnight. This model has a higher price, so it is not suitable for everyone. They are also divided into 2 types:
- Dolphin system. It is popular for use in small kitchens and living rooms. From the outside it looks like a very typical corner, but if you make an effort and unfold it, it turns into a real sofa.
Dolphin system kitchen sofa with hanging pillows - French folding bed. It costs much less, but is not convenient to use. The folded design does not take up much space. Three sections are located under the frame; as soon as you need to unfold it, you just pull the straps. Most often they are made straight.
The French folding bed requires more space to lay out the bed
For bay window
In a typical kitchen, it is not necessary to install a corner sofa; a regular table and chairs will do. As a result, the room will not be as cozy, but the harmony will not be disturbed. If the house has a bay window, then it is worth using the entire area and adding a corner. In most cases, bay window sofas are made to order, because there are no universal sizes for this element. When using this type, the dining room will turn out to be very elegant. This is not only a rational use of space, but also a convenient way out of the situation.
In a semicircular bay window it is logical to place a round table and a sofa with seats arranged in an arc
If desired, a semicircle can be made in a rectangular bay window by ordering oval seats with a wide upper tier, which will serve as a window sill
With extendable table
Almost every modern corner comes complete with an extendable table. Few people need a large countertop every day. If necessary, the table area can be increased; most often, the folding mechanism operates on the principle of a book. If the table is not sliding, then you should look for another model with some benefits.
The folding model takes up very little space when folded
Kitchen corner with storage drawers
Today, various corners have a large number of different additions, drawers being the most common of them. You always need to store services, household chemicals and other necessary things somewhere. Boxes inside the corners are the ideal solution.
A drawer under the kitchen corner seats is an excellent solution for increasing the number of storage systems in a small room
With bar
Often, in the interior of kitchens it is simply impossible to find a place for a minibar; a kitchen corner will be an excellent solution, because there will always be a place to store drinks there. It is located on the side of the sofa, and it looks like a small add-on shelf, open or closed, which is divided into lower and upper sections. It can also be located in the side section, but in a narrow compartment that extends forward. Inside there is a wire structure that can hold several bottles in a row. This bar is found in modern models in the minimalist or high-tech style. If the set includes a table, then the bar may be located inside it.
Red leather sofa with bar in the armrest
With shelf
A shelf in the kitchen is never superfluous, and near a soft corner, it not only looks beautiful, but also takes on additional meaning. Such shelves are divided into several types:
- Located in the center of the sofa, namely in the narrow corner section.
- Running along the perimeter of the upper part, located close to the wall.
- The shelf is located slightly higher than the level of the back.
The shelf will serve as an additional decoration, allow you to place memorable accessories or figurines, put newspapers or magazines.
Soft corner with shelf in the corner section
Additional Information! A kitchen corner with sleeping places includes not only a sleeping place, but also such additions as a shelf or a minibar.
Dining area for a round table
If your bay window has the shape of a semicircle or consists of several edges that you would like to smooth out and round, then the logical option would be to place a round table in the dining area with seats arranged in an arc.
The pentagonal bay window seamlessly accommodates the dining area with a round table and seats arranged in a semicircle. As you know, a round table can accommodate a larger number of household members or guests.
Another example of a semicircular dining area fit into a square room. A soft, cozy corner with plenty of country decor gives an incredibly homely impression. Warm wood tones combined with light tones create a pleasant and at the same time luxurious atmosphere in a small space.
This architectural feature of the kitchen literally requires a semicircular design of the dining area with spacious soft seats and a round table. The color palette and choice of materials for decorating the kitchen corner is luxurious, but at the same time incredibly practical.
A rectangular bay window can easily take the shape of a semicircle from the inside of the room. The custom oval seats have a fairly wide upper tier that will serve as a window sill. If this part is made lifting, then storage systems can be placed in the seat cavity.
Advantages of kitchen corners
Not every person can boast of a spacious kitchen; this is what allows you to place a full-fledged sofa, table and chairs. Taking this into account, the owners have to choose one thing; in most cases, preference is not given to the corner. Which is in vain, because it has its advantages.
- Purchasing a corner is more profitable than buying chairs. Not including the plastic ones, which are popular with people who picnic outdoors.
- Unusual look. It looks stylish and much more interesting than ordinary chairs. There are a lot of upholstery options, this will allow the model to fit into the interior.
- Additional storage space.
- Convenience. Many will agree that sofas are much cozier and more comfortable than chairs. This factor greatly affects the atmosphere of the room.
- Space saving.
Kitchen corners are significantly superior to chairs, because they provide high comfort. No stress during lunch or dinner. Inside the seats there is elastic polyurethane foam, which helps achieve optimal rigidity. Practicality is also an important aspect, because high-quality upholstery, made of leatherette or textiles impregnated with Teflon, will not require frequent maintenance.
If you want to hide utilities under the window, why not arrange comfortable soft seats in this place
The modern furniture market offers a large selection of sofas, including multifunctional models. In addition to standard functions, they provide:
- formation of a sleeping place, therefore, comfortable sleep;
- compact storage of things thanks to drawers.
Mini corner or dining area for small spaces
It often happens that within the kitchen space it is very difficult to allocate space for a dining group. But even 1.5 square meters can accommodate a full-fledged ensemble for lunch and dinner. We bring to your attention several design projects for kitchen and dining rooms with small furniture corners, which prove for the hundredth time that there are no small rooms; there can be irrational use of their potential.
A small kitchen corner can accommodate a maximum of three household members, but with side chairs in the dining area, five can be accommodated, which is quite good for such a modest space. The snow-white finish in this case certainly helps to visually expand the scope of not only the dining area, but the entire room.
Even in a small nook of your home you can set up a kitchen corner, if not for lunch, then certainly for breakfast. A light monochromatic finish that expands the space, shiny surfaces, a little bright decor and a minimalist soft corner is ready.
A small seat with leather upholstery, which together with a steel table and chairs, formed a dining group, organically fit into the contrasting interior of a small kitchen with retro-style elements.
A small seat is mounted to one of the free walls, a table and a couple of soft chairs are installed nearby and a dining area is ready for a small kitchen, where every square centimeter counts.
For small spaces, you can use a mobile version of the kitchen corner. The modestly sized chair for two and the light table can be moved if necessary. A dining table can turn into a stand for snacks, and an upholstered seat can simply become a resting place for guests.
Making the design of the kitchen corner from the same material as the ensemble of storage systems gives you a harmonious completeness of the interior, a balanced, attractive appearance of the kitchen. Bright textile elements and upholstery will add color variety to the kitchen design and refresh it.
Types of kitchen corners: size, material, upholstery and type of softness
Which corners are better, soft or hard? It is impossible to answer for sure, because it all depends on the taste of a particular person and the design of the room.
- Hard corners. Hard ones are distinguished by both lower price and durability. They are not so difficult to care for, because they are resistant to dirt, but the downside is that they do not look very cozy. For greater comfort, you can purchase additional pillows.
A hard corner will fit well in a kitchen in Provence or country style, and it is suitable for those who do not like to sit at the table - Soft corners. A sofa upholstered in soft and pleasant material will add comfort and convenience. When purchasing this model, you should pay attention to the upholstery, because it is an important aspect when choosing a purchase. The wear resistance of the sofa and its appearance depend on the material.
It is very convenient when the sofa has a rigid base, and the soft seats can be easily removed. These pillows are easy to clean and can be replaced if necessary.
Housing material
An important detail on which the final style depends is the body material.
- Wooden. Real wood is what will bring an atmosphere of warmth and comfort to your home. This material will be appropriate when making parts for any style. Starting with classics and ending with Japanese minimalism. If desired, you can create an interesting contrast between the skin and the body.
Wooden furniture will fit perfectly into the interior of a rustic kitchen - Chrome plated. A large number of people prefer modern style, in which wood is replaced by metal, and large sizes are replaced by the lightest structures. When designing in a high-tech style, you shouldn’t even think about the choice of material, because it is obvious. If the choice falls on chrome parts, then you won’t have to think about the combination, because the interior will look complete and harmonious.
When choosing a corner with a metal frame, you should pay attention to the quality of the product. Metal does not always mean reliability; sometimes the tubes used are very thin and fragile
Remember! Modern style = chrome corners.
To size
Typically, a large sofa ranges from 150 to 200 cm in length. Smaller ones, on average, are about 110 – 140 centimeters.
This dining area can comfortably seat four people, or even six if you add a couple of chairs to the table
Attention! The length of the folding sofa should not be less than 180 cm, if the height is less than 175.
The height of the seats should be 40-50 cm, the depth about 50-70, otherwise it will not be comfortable to sit at the table, and your legs will rest against the table. The total height of the corner, including the back, is somewhere around 80-95 cm. If the back is decorated with anything, the structure can exceed 100 centimeters.
The choice of corner size depends on the size of the kitchen, installation location and number of family members
Additional Information! 110-160 are standard numbers for accommodating three people. On such a sofa everyone will feel comfortable without touching each other when eating.
These are all approximate figures and it is not recommended to use them as a guide.
Upholstery
When choosing upholstery, it is worth considering many factors due to the upcoming use. We must not forget about the style of the kitchen. Upholstery comes in different materials:
- Eco leather. This is an analogue of real leather, the texture and appearance are very similar. High-quality eco-leather will not burst, will not stretch and will retain its beautiful appearance for many years. Cleaning from dirt is easy and quick.
- Jacquard. It looks like an expensive tapestry, but costs much less. The material is very dense and elastic. It usually uses large designs. This type of upholstery is not recommended if you have pets. Removal of dirt is carried out with a napkin or detergents.
- Matting. Suitable, like jacquard, if there are no pets in the house. Reminds me of burlap. The material is dense, does not wrinkle, and is also tear-resistant. The fabric, like jacquard, is well suited for upholstering sofas in the kitchen, provided there are no pets. The weave is reminiscent of burlap, but the texture is a little softer.
- Microvelour. This is an analogue of velor, superior in durability and ease of care. It feels and looks like suede. The fabric does not fade and can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner.
When choosing textile upholstery, make sure that the material is impregnated with water-repellent impregnation.
When choosing artificial or natural leather, remember that such upholstery will get warm in hot weather
Kitchen corner design
Many people are faced with the problem of choosing a design for a kitchen corner. This process should be approached responsibly, because appearance is very important. Everyone knows that interior design takes a lot of time and effort. Usually it all depends on the parameters of the site. A corner can stand out brightly from the rest of the furniture, or it can blend into the background and look simply terrible.
Soft cushions on a kitchen sofa are an excellent opportunity to connect different areas of the room into a harmonious interior.
Today the furniture market offers a large selection of corners, but most often they have folding seats, under which there are drawers for storing necessary items.
The note! There are special sites where you can create your own design. If in doubt, you can visit such a site and arrange everything as you see fit.
After analyzing the functionality and amenities, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the photos of kitchen corners. If you have a bay window, the task is simplified; you can put a corner there.
For a bay window of a typical apartment, you can easily select a ready-made model
If you are bored with the banality, you can look at everything from an original point of view, instead of a table, order a pair of cabinets that match the tone of the sofa. Not many people will like this option, but if there is no need for a dining room, then why not experiment.
A similar option is a corner sofa complete with poufs
If the daily movement of massive furniture creates discomfort, then you can purchase a light table that will not be difficult to rearrange.
A small table will be enough for 2-3 people
The kitchen is very small, but you really want to put a corner? French folding beds are a great way out of the situation. When folded, they look more like a chair, but when unfolded, they are a real bed.
Dining area “like in a cafe”
Another variation on the theme of arranging a dining group could be the arrangement of seating as in a cafe - on either side of the table for lunch and dinner. For some premises, this configuration is the most advantageous.
For a narrow and long kitchen, a café-style dining area was a wonderful option that not only provided the kitchen space with a place to eat, but also brought symmetry to the room. A table that has only one support and fastening to the wall saves space and is convenient for those sitting opposite each other, the soft removable seats are easy to clean, and in general the corner is comfortable and practical.
The interior design of the kitchen-dining room in French country style harmoniously adopted the original design of the kitchen corner. Provence, expressed in decoration, textiles and decorative items, was also reflected in the dining ensemble.
When the seats are located on both sides of the dining table, it is better to place storage systems at the end of the structure, otherwise they will be inconvenient to use due to the inability to move the table.
An interesting design solution would be to place a corner of a black board behind the soft seat, on which you can write recipes, shopping lists, notes, or just messages to each other.
