Kitchen corner: description, dimensions, materials, selection rules

Varieties of design

A kitchen corner is a set of furniture, the main elements of which are a compact corner sofa and a dining table.
It is complemented by several chairs, stools or poufs. Kitchen corners vary in size, but in most cases they are created taking into account the principles of ergonomics and space saving. Based on the type of construction, this type of furniture is divided into left-handed, right-handed and universal. The first two options are characterized by the fact that the sofas included in their package consist of one long and one extension section. The left-side sofa has the shape of the letter L, the right-side is turned in the opposite direction, and looks like the number 7. Universal models consist of two sections of equal length.

Left-handed

Right-handed

Universal

The table of the furniture set can be:

• square;
• rectangular;
• oval;
• round.

On sale you can find models without a dining area. However, corners with a table do not need to be additionally equipped, so they are very popular. The design may include storage space in the sofa tray, and the upholstered furniture itself can be folding, transformable into a sleeping place. The tables are also different. They can be equipped with shelves or drawers for storing cutlery. Sometimes the set includes wall shelves or cabinets for dishes and kitchen utensils.

Square table

Rectangular

Oval

Round

Without a table

Pros and cons of kitchen corners

Let's start with the advantages:

1. Multifunctionality. The sofa can act as an extra bed. Various cabinets with drawers included in the design will help you fit kitchen utensils. Lots of storage space in models with a cavity under the sofa seat.
2. All elements of the set are designed in the same style, so the kitchen corners look very harmonious (provided that they fit into the overall interior of the room). This way you save time on selecting individual components.
3. If you look hard enough, you can find very comfortable and roomy configurations.
4. This is a great way to arrange a room in the most useful and, at the same time, tasteful way. You can plan the design even after purchasing a corner structure, i.e., build on its color, style and texture when choosing a kitchen unit.
5. The kitchen corner can be used as a workplace or for free time.

This furniture also has disadvantages:

1. If you have already completed renovations and decoration, and all that remains is to buy a suitable kitchen corner, then difficulties may arise with this. It can be difficult to find the ideal option in all respects: material, shape, size, color, etc.
2. The kitchen corner is a rather conservative option, so it is not always relevant for everyone.
3. Takes up a lot of space (not all sets are able to provide the functionality of the entire occupied space. Cleaning and moving objects around the kitchen is difficult.

The most popular sofas for the kitchen

• Straight - traditional models, located along the wall and designed for two or three people.
• Corner ones are practical, save a lot of space and, thanks to the presence of spacious niches, solve the problem of placing kitchen utensils.
• Sofa-couches - their design does not provide a frame, so they are mounted on the wall, which saves usable space.
• Semicircular ones are the best option for a spacious kitchen. These models make the room more comfortable and are ideal for accommodating a large company.
• Bay windows are creative solutions for the interior of a non-standard kitchen. Such furniture is more intended to create comfort rather than provide additional functionality to the room.
• Sofa beds - this type of kitchen furniture provides a sleeping place. The models are more expensive than traditional ones, but they can solve the problem of receiving overnight guests.

What are kitchen corners?

A piece of furniture, as the name suggests, is installed in the corner of the kitchen. The ensemble can include all elements: sofas (straight and corner), table and chairs (stools). But most often the corner is purchased separately in the form of three modules: a long sofa, a smaller seat and a corner pouf . Table and chairs (if necessary) are purchased separately by the owners.

Kitchen Area

As a rule, the assembled configuration of the corner resembles the letter L, but U-shaped models are also available. The design can be solid or modular. In the first case, it is necessary to clarify the orientation of the furniture (right or left). Models are available that allow the use of a longer module as a linear element, while the second element can be installed at a distance. Models with poufs symmetrically located relative to the corner element, each of which can accommodate one person, also fit perfectly into small kitchens. The corner can even be installed in a bay window, only its shape will be semicircular, triangular or polygonal.

Bay window sofa in the kitchen

For housing in which there are not enough sleeping places, and situations when there is a need to accommodate a visiting guest for an overnight stay are not uncommon, a module with a full-fledged folding place to sleep will be a real salvation. A minibar can be placed at the end of the sofa or a folding shelf can be installed, which can be used as a bar counter.

Kitchenette with sleeping area

Bright kitchen corner

Size options

The variety of standard sizes of ready-made sets is one of the advantages of upholstered furniture for dining rooms. There are extremely compact options. In large rooms, corners with expanded functionality are sometimes used. But more often standard sized kits are installed.

Standard

The following parameters are common:

The drawings below show several models with parameters close to standard ones, with and without a sleeping place.

Kinds

Corner sofas with a berth can be divided into several main types. A soft folding sofa can be folded out in different ways.

Straight models

They are chosen if the kitchen is combined with the living room in order to visually divide the space. Most often, a straight sofa is made into a folding one to provide another full-fledged place for sleeping, storing things or kitchen utensils. Dimensions vary depending on the transformation mechanism and the available free space in the kitchen-living room.

The four most popular transformation mechanisms are:

1. Book. Ideal for sleeping, has a large sleeping area. This is one of the simplest and most durable mechanisms to use. Features of operation: it is necessary to move it away from the wall by 15-20 cm (for ease of unfolding). It is recommended to use if the installation niche has an overall length of 180 cm or more.
2. Eurobook. One of the most common mechanisms. Consists of two independent sleeping places, which when folded out form a double bed for a good night's sleep. Recommended for use if the sofa niche has an overall length of 180 cm or more.
3. Accordion. It consists of three parts connected to each other and folds forward according to the “accordion” principle. A high, wide and level sleeping area is perfect for sleeping and relaxing. Easily and quickly unfolds. The main advantage is its compactness; when folded, it takes up only 60 to 100 cm in depth, and when unfolded it is a full-fledged bed with a large sleeping area. It is recommended to use if space in the kitchen is limited and the size of the niche for installing upholstered furniture starts from 80 cm.
4. French folding bed. The mechanism is often used in the manufacture of various models of upholstered furniture, mainly due to its compactness and ease of assembly. It is recommended to use if space in the kitchen is limited and the dimensions of the niche for installation start from 80 cm.

Corner and modular

For small kitchens, if you need an alternative to chairs or an addition to them, corner or modular models are suitable. A corner sofa fits perfectly into a small room. Its design can provide an additional bed, drawers and shelves for storage, armrests with a minibar. The disadvantage of corner-type upholstered furniture is that rearranging the kitchen will be problematic due to its size and lack of suitable space.

The modular design allows for easy rearrangement. For example, a corner kitchen sofa can be turned into two benches and placed on either side of the table. Unlike monolithic furniture, a modular sofa is a combination of individual parts. They are universal: they can be used both as independent chairs or benches, and combined into a composition.

Classic corner sofa

A sofa in a classic style is just a godsend for small kitchens. This model can often be seen complete with a table and a pair of stools.

This model does not have armrests, which will make it difficult to pass between the table and the sofa, and is often easy to assemble independently.

Unlike chairs, it is much more comfortable. As a rule, to save space, seats are made narrow: the standard seat width is 60 cm, and if you need to choose a more compact option, you can find models with a seat width of 40 cm.

The most popular for modern kitchens are universal sofas that can fit into any interior style.

Modern furniture in the mid-price category, as a rule, has a neutral appearance, but you can emphasize the stylistic unity of the kitchen using the color and texture of the upholstery.

Corner sofa bed

In a small apartment, a common problem is accommodating overnight guests. A corner kitchen sofa with a sleeping place will help out.

It is the corner configuration that can provide a larger sleeping area. It is very important that in the kitchen it is possible to place a sofa bed, one of whose sides is 180-200 cm long.

As a rule, it is impossible to lie down and sleep on a classic sofa due to the small width of the seat.

For a sleeping place you need at least 70 cm, so these sofas are made as folding ones. In stores you can choose furniture with different types of transformation into a sleeping place.

For a compact sofa, the dolphin-kangaroo mechanism is most suitable. The sleeping place extends out from under the seat, while the short one remains static. The mechanism is reliable and takes up little space.

Sofas with a book or click-clack mechanism are also popular. Konrad or Verona mechanisms make it possible to make the sleeping area wider.

The French cot provides perhaps the largest sleeping area.

Corner sofa with additional drawers

The distance of the sofa from the floor to the seat is 40-45 cm. The thickness of the seat takes no more than 5-10 cm with a layer of filling. The remaining space can be used to store kitchen utensils.

In any kitchen there will always be things that you don’t know where to put. A very convenient place is a box under the seat.

The most common solution is a reclining seat. Lifting the seat gives access to a spacious storage compartment. You can put large pots, a bag of bags, and cookbooks in this drawer.

There are options for kitchen sofas that have drawers under the seats. However, you can certainly only store rarely used items there, since you can only access them by moving the table away.

Mechanisms of transformation

First of all, you should pay attention to folding sleeping corners in terms of their ability to transform. The most popular of them are the French clamshell and the dolphin.

Dolphin

Most often in construction stores you can find folding sofas with a “dolphin” mechanism. This sleeping place consists of two main parts. The first of them is the main seat, where you and your guests can sit at any time of the day. The second is a retractable seat, which, if necessary, either moves out or hides back. This sofa is designed to be as easy to use as possible.

In order to unfold such a sofa, you just need to pull its lower part towards you and slightly pull it up. This type of transformer is perfect for use in everyday life. This system is best implemented in corner sofas.

The advantages of such a folding system include the ease of unfolding the structure. Even when unfolded, such a sofa does not take up too much space. A corner sofa of this type is also complemented by a fairly spacious drawer in which you can store linen and all your belongings. This is very good for a small apartment. An additional bonus of such furniture is that such a sliding sofa can be easily repaired.

French folding bed

This is another popular option for kitchens with small options. But it is recommended to buy such furniture only for those who plan to use it for sleeping very rarely.

When this mini sofa is folded up, it does not attract much attention. It consists of three separate soft sections hidden in the frame. They overlap each other, so when viewed from the outside, no one will guess that your sofa has a full-fledged sleeping place hidden in it. To unfold the sofa, just pull its upper section towards you. This way, your sofa can easily unfold to form a soft and comfortable bed.

The main advantage of such a sofa is its compactness. When folded, this sofa takes up virtually no space. But it has more disadvantages than the previous version. Due to the fact that it consists of three separate blocks, the surface of your sleeping area is unlikely to be level.

When unfolding a transformer with a berth in a crossover, each time you will have to deal with the need to constantly remove the pillows or removable armrests.

Also, such a system is more often used not in corner sofas, but in classic rectangular designs.

Bay windows

Often in new buildings, special niches are made in the kitchen near the window. Bay window models are specifically designed to organize space in this zone. Since there are no standard sizes for bay windows, as a rule, furniture of this type is made to order according to the exact dimensions of the niche.

Note! Buying ready-made furniture in standard sizes is always cheaper and faster than making it to order. However, if the shape of the kitchen is non-standard or the dimensions do not allow installing a ready-made sofa, the optimal solution would be to order it from the manufacturer according to the required parameters.

Choosing a kitchen corner for a small kitchen

In small kitchen spaces, placing a kitchen corner is not always justified. Sometimes it's easier to decorate the dining area with a tabletop and a row of chairs or stools.

Remember. If you still decide to equip the room with this type of furniture, then you will have to forget about the kitchen sleeping area for a small kitchen - small systems, often made to order, are suitable for small rooms.

The dimensions of the kitchen corner, whether it will be purchased in a specialized store or ordered, must be determined in advance by making the necessary measurements. The place where the furniture will be installed should be away from the refrigerator, sink and stove.

Advice. Since temperature changes will often occur in a small room due to cooking, it is best to purchase furniture made of natural wood.

A kitchen corner made of wood fits harmoniously into the design of any style in which the interior of the room is decorated.

How to choose a filler?

There are various fillers. This:

• spring structures;
• cast;
• block;
• soft.

There are several fillings for the sofa. You can easily choose to suit your taste

Spring ones are not suitable for a sofa in the corner of the kitchen. Here they take cast, soft or block ones. The properties of each are different.

Spring ones are not suitable for a sofa in the corner of the kitchen. Here they take cast, soft or block ones.

Soft fillers include:

1. foam;
2. padding polyester;
3. holofiber;
4. comfort;
5. latex;
6. synthetic fluff;
7. polystyrene balls.

Corner sofa for the kitchen with soft filling

This also includes block and cast polyurethane foam. But the manufacturer distinguishes it into a separate group. From its name it is clear that cast ones are made from a single piece located over the entire surface of the seat, cushion or one section. Block ones are assembled from identical pieces. They are identical in characteristics.

Comfortable and stylish corner sofa for the kitchen

Of the above, latex and polyurethane foam are clearly superior to the rest in quality, service life and comfort. Foam rubber has the lowest wear resistance. And padding polyester, holofiber or padding polyester are not rigid.

In terms of quality, service life and comfort, latex and polyurethane foam are clearly superior to other materials.

The choice depends on the personal preferences of the buyer. You definitely need to try on the furniture and sit on it. It is important to understand whether guests will spend the night here, whether the sofa is purchased only for meals, or whether the residents intend to often sleep on it themselves. The choice of rigidity depends on this. The fact is that it is more pleasant to sit on soft upholstery, but constantly sleeping on it is harmful to the human body (spine). Take this into account.

When buying a sofa for the kitchen, immediately decide on its purpose. Based on this, choose the sofa filler

Frame

The lifespan of a sofa depends largely on the strength and reliability of the frame. The metal frame is heavier than wood, so it is not often used in the kitchen. The wooden frame is durable and reliable.

You can opt for plywood, which will also last a long time. The most budget option is laminated chipboard. However, keep in mind that it can quickly get wet from below from spilled liquid.

How to choose upholstery?

Let's figure out what kind of upholstery is available on the modern market. Here's what you'll find in the store:

• velours;
• jacquard;
• tapestry;
• mat;
• flock;
• boucle;
• arpatek;
• Genuine Leather;
• eco leather;
• leatherette;
• shinil.

Velor corner sofa in the kitchen interior

Each type has certain properties, abrasion resistance, service life, interaction with water, decorative and visual features. Resistance to moisture, ease of care, resistance to abrasion and dirt are important for the kitchen space. Based on this data, you should choose the upholstery fabric.

Leather corner sofa in the kitchen interior

Velor is a material familiar with its suede shade. It is soft, warm, gets dirty easily, but can be washed. Not very suitable for particularly wet rooms.

Velor corner sofa for kitchen

Jacquard is a dense, expensive fabric. Used to decorate sofas in hallways, halls, living rooms and some bedrooms. It is also suitable for use in the kitchen, as it can be washed with water and a non-acidic detergent.

Corner kitchen sofa made of fabric jacquard

Tapestry is a natural textile. It is easy to clean. The fabric is pleasant to the touch. Easily recognizable thanks to its inherent braiding. For the kitchen space - a good option.

Corner kitchen sofa made of tapestry fabric

Flock is a completely artificial material. It is easy to clean. If you decide to buy covers, buy flocked ones. They can be washed directly in the washing machine. It doesn't get dirty well. Another important nuance is that this fabric is not afraid of the claws of pets.

Corner sofa for the kitchen made of flock fabric

Genuine leather is known to everyone. This is one of the best, most reliable and durable materials. It doesn't require a long introduction. Let us only note its high cost.

Leather corner sofa in the kitchen interior, expensive

There are many leather substitutes now. This is a leatherette of the same name, ecological leather, as well as arpatek. The latter is the material closest in properties, appearance and other characteristics to genuine leather. The price here is appropriate. The cheapest of these three types is leatherette. But it quickly wears out, darkens and loses its beautiful appearance.

Corner sofa for the kitchen, made of Arpatek fabric

Shinil is similar to jacquard, but costs less. It can also be used in kitchens as furniture for eating, relaxing and sleeping.

Corner sofa for the kitchen made of chinil fabric

The color of each fabric is selected based on the overall design in the room. Furniture can serve as an accent item. But he can also be a “gray mouse” if necessary. Here the choice is up to the owner.

Install bright pillows on the kitchen sofa and it will sparkle with new colors

Size

Most standard sizes look like this:

• a standard sofa has a length of 110-140 cm, a sleeping sofa should have a length of 180-200 cm;
• the seat height is usually 40-50 cm, and the depth is 50-70 cm. With these dimensions you can sit quite comfortably;
• The back height is usually 80-95 cm, but can reach 100 cm in standard models.

Of course, the most convenient for a specific kitchen will be a sofa made to individual sizes.

Kitchen corner as a sleeping place

If you decide to use the kitchen corner not only as a place to sit at the table, but also as a sleeping space, you should remember several requirements:

• Installing such a corner should be along the wall or in a corner - for full use you will need additional space;
• the minimum dimensions of the sleeping place must be at least 80 cm in width and 170 cm in length;
• the material of the upholstery and filling of the corner must be hypoallergenic;
• the sofa should have a convenient folding system (at the moment the most popular are two varieties: “dolphin” and “Eurobook”);
• the corner should not interfere with the main purpose of the kitchen and movement around it.

Note. When purchasing a kitchen corner, you should find out whether it is intended for the left or right corner. Not all models can be transformed according to space requirements.

If a corner suitable in size and style is not found in the retail sales network, it can be ordered individually

Design combination

Corner furniture in the kitchen is combined with interior elements. These are walls, floor, ceiling, kitchen unit. The color and design are selected appropriately. For a wooden frame, with varnished facades, classic styles will suit you. This is old England, Provence, Scandinavian. The latter is a modern phenomenon in old age. Suitable for any type of room.

Corner sofa in the kitchen in Provence style

The upholstery is chosen in color similar to other textile elements of the room. If there are curtains, curtains, drapes or a separate lambrequin, the shade is similar. Floor carpets, rugs and other textiles also participate in this rule. Decor in the form of separately hanging colorful towels to match the sofa would be appropriate.

How to choose the right model

A suitable corner is selected taking into account the customer’s requirements and the size of the room. A small model will look ugly in a spacious kitchen. Before purchasing, you need to decide where the piece of furniture will be installed. It should not interfere with the opening of the refrigerator doors or block access to the stove, sink, or cabinets. It should not be placed at the exit from the kitchen.

The upholstery is fabric, it has a beautiful appearance and a wide range of colors. Synthetic fabrics are used for finishing, as they are easy to clean and do not absorb moisture. Sometimes genuine leather or its substitutes are used as upholstery. It is best to choose a material that can be cleaned without problems, since soot and grease splashes are difficult to get rid of.

When choosing a kitchen corner, you need to pay attention to the depth of the seats and the height of the backrest. The choice depends on where the corner will be located. If near a wall, you can choose a backrest that is not too high. If it is to be used as a divider between the working and dining areas, the backrest should be high for comfortable sitting at the table. The depth should not be more than half a meter, otherwise it will be awkward to reach for the table.

When choosing a model, you need to consider the location of the main part of the seat: left-hand or right-hand. Fasteners and hinges must be made of high quality and firmly fixed so that the furniture lasts a long time. The upholstery should not have cracks or creases - this is an indicator of high-quality furniture. A kitchen corner has many advantages:

• Thanks to such compact furniture, useful kitchen space is significantly saved. It takes up less space than a standard dining set;
• a complete image is created and there is no need to select individual elements;
• thanks to the spacious drawers under the corner, additional space is created for storing dishes, which is very important for the kitchen;
• comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the room.

However, there are also disadvantages:

• the corner is not suitable for large families and people who often invite guests, since the number of seats is limited;
• if the kitchen is long and narrow, then it is better to refuse such furniture.

A kitchen corner is an excellent furniture option even for a kitchen with niches. It is practical and functional, which is why many people purchase it to place it in their kitchen.

How to choose the size of the kitchen corner, types of furniture

A kitchen is a room in which all space must be properly organized. Not only an attractive interior is important, but also correct zoning, which ensures high functionality. A convenient kitchen corner, the dimensions of which are selected taking into account the dimensions of the room, will help solve the issue of space distribution. Today, such furniture is made in a wide variety of designs and has several types of configurations. Therefore, you can choose the ideal dining furniture option for any room.