Now that the kitchen table and chair set has found its way back into the kitchen as an extension of home dining options, the question becomes in many households, “how can we best integrate a table and chair set into the kitchen?” space-smart kitchen chairs to have available?”

Part of the problem, of course, is that many modern homes, and even some older homes, weren’t actually designed with this furniture combination in mind. Savvy designers are increasingly turning to the idea of ​​a kitchen corner set, one that makes the most of little-used space to offer the most seating and the most table space.

A traditional kitchen table and chairs set requires a lot of space, largely due to the chairs. Most professionals recommend a minimum of 30″ between the edge of the table and the wall; more is desirable because there isn’t much room to maneuver at just 2 ½ feet, especially today.

Corner units solve this problem. Because the bench seats can lean against the wall, there is no need to accommodate the extra space needed for a chair to be pulled out. This is a great space saver.

A corner kitchen table and chairs set can be added in two ways. The first is the most traditional, using benches instead of chairs in a corner. Depending on the space, you can put a single bench against one wall or if you have a square table, a two-sided bench in an “L” shape. You can then use another bench or chairs on the other two sides or even another bench for additional seating.

The second strategy is to go with a unit that is already designed with the “L” shape in mind. These give you extra seating around the corner of the table and you can get a kitchen table and chairs like this with a bench back or no back. If your eating area is backed by windows, you’ll probably want to opt for a lower back so light and views aren’t blocked.

Designers have created many beautiful designs for this style of kitchen dining and it’s not hard to find table sets with bench seats, whether it’s individual benches or the ‘L’ shaped corner unit.

When shopping for a corner kitchen table and chairs set, measurements are everything. In many cases, homeowners prefer to have units custom built to maximize every square inch or their nook or cranny, but you’ll be surprised how easy it is to find a well-functioning kit that’s “out of the box.”

Before you measure, think about how you would like to arrange your kitchen table and chairs. Do you want it to have corner seating or is it okay if the two benches are pushed together to create an open space in the corner? A lot of this has to do with how many guests you plan to seat at any given time. Some people like to make use of the corner, others prefer to leave it open and rely on extra chairs on the other side, accommodating one for the rare occasions when guests are visiting.

One of the best things about having a nook in the kitchen is that everyone can enjoy each other’s company while the meal is being prepared. Kids can do their homework or play a game while someone cooks, providing more family time, which seems to be a rare commodity in homes these days. And when dinner is ready, if you have storage in your pews, games can be stored right there, allowing your table to do double duty in your home.