How do I add a place to sit in a small kitchen?
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I have a very small kitchen, 12x12. I have 3 door ways into the kitchen one on every wall and the wall that doesn't have a door way has a big window. I am trying to figure out how to add a place to sit for others while cooking in the kitchen. We have 6 people in our family and I hate not having a place to sit that won't be in the way!
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Hi Sharon the only thing I can think of is one of those costco step stools/sitting stools. I have a REALLY old one that my grandma gave me, I love it because I use it often to reach stuff in my upper cabinets and its also a great spot to sit.
Depending on how low that window is, what about a bench or some sort of settee under the window?
Without some type of description on where your cabinets are located it is difficult to give you advice. However, assuming all your cabinets are on the walls, you should have a empty space in the middle of your kitchen. Make or purchase a bar height table, no wider than 18" x 4'- 5' and put wood bar height stools beneath. This is for sitting while someone is cooking. Not for family dining.
Sharon, could you please post a picture of your kitchen? That way we could see exactly how the space is presently configured, and then would be able to offer some suggestions that may work for you in your individual situation. Without seeing what you have now, it is hard to say how it might be improved.
If you post some pictures of your kitchen, we might be able to help you. Also, is it possible to close off one of the doorways?
How wide is the wall between the window and the doorway to the back porch area? You might be able to put something in that area. Attach it to the wall and come out from the wall making a walkway into the kitchen. It can be a little under the window as long as you can open the fridge the whole way.
Hi Sharon, thanks for posting the pictures.
Yes, I can clearly see now the problem with all those doorways. They do indeed cut into your floor space, rendering about half of it as not workable kitchen space, but more like 'hallways' for traffic going from one room to another. If you are wanting some form of seating then it has to be accommodated somewhere that is not in one of these 'passing through' areas.
-As it is now, you have only one proper corner (two walls attached to countertop). The fridge is presently taking up what could be another functioning corner. The space above the fridge is wasted.
-How much do you really use the small closet in the hallway on the other side of the glass fronted cabinet? Is it more of a catch-all for stuff? If this closet is not critical, and having some provision for eating in the kitchen is important to you, then I would 'borrow' from the closet space.
-Take off the glass front cabinet and reinstall later it it up on the presently unused wall space above the fridge. Remove the little metal leg table completely. It is inefficient and is taking up valuable floor and wall space that could be put to better use.
-Now cut into the wall, removing some of the sheetrock making an opening to push the fridge as far back into the former closet space so that it does not impede on the traffic flow going through the archway on the right. (Counter-depth fridges are shallower, but you may not want to spend the money on one at this point in time.) It looks as though you likely will have to move some wires for the electrical switch over, but this can be done. You will also need to plug the fridge in. I do not see an outlet on this wall. Is there one on an adjoining wall that perhaps could be 'turned around' the direction of the fridge?
-Once the fridge is in its new position, now you will have a proper corner on the right side of your sink, where you can install an additional base drawers or cabinet. Laminate countertop can be easily cut to fit to the wall. I do not see a dishwasher. If having one is on your wishlist, one could possibly be installed here instead of the base cabinet.
-Install a separate piece of laminate countertop under the window along the wall as far as you think you can go towards the next doorway opening, at either a counterheight or barstool height. Stools come in both heights. These would provide places to sit down when eating, and could be pushed under the counter when not in use.
Oh, I am sorry. As it looks to me like there are upper stairs around the other side of the wall where the little oven is, I did think this door was a closet.
Re: the iron table: To be made into a rolling cart, it will need casters. Due to the curved design of the legs, it will be very difficult to attach casters so that the cart is sturdy enough to withstand weight, and to function as a moving piece of furniture.
You could try some form of hinged counter space in this area instead and see how it works for you as a little eating area. Here are some floor-space saving ideas.
You are most welcome.