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A coffee nook is a small area of the kitchen, or a corner of another room, set aside for making coffee. It brings the machine, beans, cups and a water supply together in one place, usually a base cupboard with a worktop and a dresser or wall cupboard above, so you are not hunting round the kitchen each morning.
Updated November 2026
Creating a coffee nook is all about designing a practical, convenient space where you can enjoy your morning brew. It brings everything—your machine, beans, and cups—together, simplifying your routine and making mornings more enjoyable. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or prefer a quiet start to the day, a well-thought-out nook can streamline your process. This guide shows you how to design one that fits your home.
What is a coffee nook?
Coffee nook meaning
“Nook” means a small, tucked-away space. A coffee nook is a dedicated spot for coffee: everything for your morning cup within arm’s reach, with doors to close on it when you are done.
Coffee nook, coffee station or coffee bar?
The terms overlap. A coffee station is often just a stretch of worktop with a machine on it. A coffee nook or coffee bar usually has its own furniture: cupboards, shelves and sometimes a fridge, a tap or a cup rinser.
Where to put a coffee nook
An alcove or the end of a run
Alcoves either side of a chimney breast, or the end of a run of units, are natural spots. A tall cupboard with doors keeps it tidy.
Near water and power
A plumbed-in machine, a boiling-water tap or a cup rinser needs a water feed and sometimes a drain, so plan the nook near existing plumbing if you can. Every machine needs a socket.
Out of the main cooking zone
Keeping coffee away from the hob and sink means someone can make a drink without getting in the cook’s way.
Choose Your Cabinet Style
The first step in creating your ideal coffee nook is selecting one of our cabinet styles that complements your home:
- Shaker: Ideal for those who appreciate clean lines and timeless design, the Shaker style is versatile and works beautifully in both modern and traditional settings.
- Fusion: For a blend of traditional charm and contemporary flair, the Fusion style offers a unique, standout look. It’s perfect for creating a stylish yet functional coffee station.
- Period English: If you’re drawn to elegance and intricate details, the Period English style adds a touch of classic English design, bringing history and sophistication to your space.
- Modern: For a contemporary feel, the Modern style is sleek and minimalist, focusing on functionality with a clean, simple look.
- English Heritage Collection: For those who value design steeped in history, the English Heritage Collection offers timeless elegance, warmth and grandeur.
Note: Only Shaker, Fusion, and Period English styles are available in our online shop. For the Modern or English Heritage Collection, please get in touch with our lovely team for help with your order.
Design Your Coffee Nook’s Layout
Once you’ve selected your style, the next step is to plan the cabinet units that will make up your coffee nook. The base units act as the foundation of the nook, supporting the top cupboard and offering storage or functional additions like a fridge. While one or two base units are commonly used, you’re not limited to this—just ensure the dimensions suit the space and that the top cupboard fits on the base units and worktop. Here’s an example to guide you:
Top Unit: We’re going to start with a Housekeepers Cupboard (1500mm wide, 1200mm high) to position on top of the base units. This cupboard is perfect for storing coffee beans, mugs, and other equipment. Its double bi-folding doors provide easy access, ensuring everything is within reach when you need it.
Base Units: Two 2-Door Base Cupboards (each 750mm wide and 580mm deep) to sit beneath the countertop. These cupboards offer ample storage for items you want to keep out of sight, maintaining a clean and organised look. You can opt for drawers or any of our other storage solutions.
Skirting/Kickboard: To finish off the base, install the skirting boards to cover the front (1500mm) and sides (580mm each) of the base units. The skirting not only adds a polished touch but can be adjusted to accommodate any uneven floors, ensuring a seamless fit.
Cornice: Top off your housekeeper’s cupboard with a cornice, available in Simple Shaker or Ogee styles. These add a decorative element to your design and can also be used to hide extractor ducting or other necessary fittings behind the cupboard.
Add Those Extra Touches
To elevate your coffee nook, consider adding some features:
Quooker Taps: These versatile taps provide instant boiling water for your coffee-making needs, as well as filtered and sparkling water, perfect for all your other drinks.
Custom Worktops: Tailored worktops with cutouts for plumbing, such as coffee machine water feeds, drainage pipes, and taps, to simplify installation and ensure a perfect fit.
Jug/Cup Rinser: A built-in high-pressure cleaner quickly rinses your cups and jugs, keeping everything spotless and ready for use.
Lighting: Adjustable LED lighting enhances the ambience and ensures you have the perfect light for brewing.
Get The Worktop Planned
Another important consideration when ordering from your worktop supplier is to customise your worktops to meet your specific needs. For instance, if you plan to install a coffee machine, make sure to include cutouts for water pipes and drainage. Similarly, if you’re incorporating a plumbed-in cup/jug rinser or any taps into the design, ensure these elements are accounted for in the worktop layout.
Personalise Your Space
Now for the fun part—adding your personal touch to the space. Start by choosing a paint colour that complements your style, whether you prefer it to match or contrast with your cabinets and worktops. We can paint your cabinetry in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colour, or if you enjoy a bit of DIY, we can prime it for you to hand-paint at home. The right colour will seamlessly tie everything together.
Don’t forget those finishing touches, such as custom handles, stylish lighting, and decorative items that make the space uniquely yours. Once all your components arrive, assemble your coffee nook and add those final details to create a space that’s inviting and truly your own.
Get Inspired
If you need ideas, explore our customer gallery. Seeing how others have created their nooks can inspire your own space, whether you’re considering kitchen coffee nook ideas or looking for coffee corner inspiration. Click here to view our project gallery…
The White Kitchen Company makes coffee nook cabinetry in solid wood with no MDF, hand-painted in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colour, made in 10–12 weeks and delivered fully assembled. Single units can be ordered online, and cabinetry starts from £1,180 per metre including painting and VAT.
Frequently asked questions
What is a coffee nook?
A coffee nook is a small area set aside for making coffee, with the machine, beans, cups and water supply together. It is usually a base cupboard with a worktop and a dresser or wall cupboard above.
What does coffee nook mean?
A nook is a small, tucked-away space, so a coffee nook is a dedicated corner for making coffee, often with doors that close on it.
How big does a coffee nook need to be?
A coffee nook can be as small as a single base cupboard, as long as the top cupboard fits on the base and worktop. The example in this guide uses a 1,500mm wide housekeeper’s cupboard on two 750mm base cupboards.
What do you need in a coffee nook?
A coffee nook needs a worktop for the machine, a socket, storage for beans, cups and kit, and, if you want them, a water feed for a plumbed machine, a boiling-water tap or a cup rinser.
Can a coffee nook match the rest of my kitchen?
Yes. The White Kitchen Company paints cabinetry in any Farrow & Ball or Little Greene colour, so a coffee nook can match your kitchen or be painted in a contrasting colour.
Ready to Create Your Coffee Nook?
Before placing your order, take a moment to review your design and make any last tweaks. Our checkout process is simple, and we’re here to help every step of the way.
To get an idea of costs before you order, see our kitchen prices and how our solid wood cabinets are made.
Planning a new kitchen?
Talk it through with one of our designers in our Northamptonshire showroom, at home or on a consultation call.