Where do you sit for your morning coffee, meals, and general socializing? Most likely, your kitchen or breakfast nook is the answer. So it is important to discuss the different types of seating arrangements available for your breakfast nook. Typically you have three basic types of seating choices: chairs, stools or benches. I have my preferences, but every room and every family is different. You can make your choice based on these pros and cons.
Chairs are, of course, the most traditional choice. The pros of this option would be that chairs give every occupant their personal space and have almost endless varieties of looks. You can make sure that your elbows don't touch and you don't have to be too close to anyone if you all have your own chair. Chairs are available in materials such as wood, painted wood, various metals, wicker, and plastic. You can purchase chairs in any price range and in a variety of styles. The con of choosing chairs for your breakfast nook is that you might not be able to seat as many people in the same space as you could with benches.
Ottoman Coffee Table
The second choice for seating in your breakfast nook is stools. I don't think this is a great choice, because most of the time the table you have in your breakfast nook area is of medium height. Stools look and work better with a high table or counter. Also, stools are uncomfortable for children who are very likely to fall off and for larger or heavier people. Someone of more substantial girth would feel more comfortable in a chair or on a bench. However, if you have a very limited space and only one or two people in your family then a small cafe like table with stools might look great and won't take up much room.
The third choice for your breakfast nook seating is my personal favorite: benches. Benches usually allow for the most people to fit at your table and have the added bonus of not taking up much room when no one is sitting on them. Also, benches can be equipped with storage under the seats which is great for storing your children's art supplies or small appliances that take up counter space in your kitchen but are not used very often like a slow cooker or bread maker. Another thing that is commonly stored under the breakfast nook bench is linens. The con of using benches is that you typically have less personal space while sitting. Benches require a certain amount of intimacy which might be fine when it is just you and your family, but could be uncomfortable for guests.