Home » Misc » How wide is a breakfast bar

How wide is a breakfast bar


Breakfast Bar Dimensions (Size Guide)

Here’s our breakfast bar dimensions guide including small and counter height breakfast table sizes and countertop overhang measurements.

Adding a breakfast bar to your home is a laid-back update, especially if space in your kitchen is a problem. Breakfast bars are also versatile enough that you could use them for working and entertaining just as long as you have enough space.

Table of Contents

Standard Breakfast Bar Height

The breakfast bar differs from a kitchen island and a peninsula in that you can incorporate a breakfast bar in both.

You can add a breakfast bar to a kitchen island on the other side of a stovetop or even the sink, and you can also incorporate a breakfast with a peninsula characterized by one side affixed to a wall. By choice, there are also free-standing breakfast bars you can purchase ready-made. 

There are many kitchen island sizes to fit everyone’s needs when it comes to breakfast bar height, but the standard is 42 inches or 107 centimeters. This breakfast bar height will give you an array of chairing to choose from high chairs to many options of bar stools in different materials and finishes. 

Breakfast Bar Height Dimensions

Although there is a standard 42 inches breakfast bar height, you can always opt for the alternative 36 inches or 91 centimeters bar height.

This height will still give you the option to allow for bar tools seating, and an adjustable bar stool is usually the key to perfect seating. Go to bar stool height guide here.

There are also 30 inches or 76 centimeters high breakfast bars. Since they are shorter than the other, simply using standard table chairs is possible. If younger children will be using the chairs for breakfast in the morning, then this height is the best choice. 

If you are constructing a home and would like it incorporated into your kitchen island or peninsula, choosing a breakfast bar the same height as your island is the way.   

How Wide is a Breakfast Bar?

Determining how wide your future breakfast bar is will depend on how many people will be utilizing the space in a given time. Additionally, measure from one left end to the other right end to assess how wide a breakfast bar is or how much workspace will the entire breakfast bar cover. 

There is standard 47 inches or 119 centimeters breakfast bar that is perfect whether you will be seating just a couple or adding another set of bar stools to sit another two. 

16 inches or 41 centimeters are available for breakfast bars for couples with minimum kitchen space. This amount of width allows the couple to be seated facing each other, and they could easily tuck the stools right below the table to save space when not in use. 

There are also longer 60 inches or 152 centimeters breakfast bars that could easily seat three people side to side and add three more seats on the other, and it would be perfect for bigger families. Just like what we see at hip coffee shops and bars.  

How Deep is a Breakfast Bar?

The rule to deciding the depth of your breakfast bar is 24 inches or 61 centimeters, it is the optimum length to reach across the bar.

Anything over that, especially for smaller kitchen layouts, would take space you might need for other purposes. Although if you have a big kitchen, you can go as wide as you want, just know that accessibility might be a challenge. 

Breakfast Bar Overhang Dimensions

To be able to sit comfortably on the breakfast bar without your knees bumping the table, an overhang allowance should be provided. An overhang is a space allotted to anyone using the breakfast bar so they can tuck their legs in without discomfort. 

Aside from that, the overhand is also the space where you push the breakfast stools or chairs in when not in use. 

To know how much overhang space your breakfast bar will require, two factors come into play. First is the height of your breakfast bar, and second is what chair you will be pairing it with. 

For a smaller 30 inches high breakfast table, regular table chairs will usually be the chair of choice and an overhang size of 18 inches or 46 centimeters will be enough. 

In contrast, counter-height breakfast bars have 42 inches or 107 centimeters height, longer bar stools or higher chairs will be utilized. Therefore, less overhang space will be required, especially for hollow ones. 12 to 15 inches or 30 to 38 centimeters of overhang should be more than enough. 

What is The Minimum Overhang For a Breakfast Bar? 

For you and your family and friends to sit comfortably on a breakfast bar, a space of 12 inches or 30 centimeters is the minimum allowable overhang size possible.

Anything under one foot will make sitting uncomfortable and awkward. It could also cause the bar stools or chairs to topple if one leaned too much on the breakfast bar. 

How Much Knee Space is Required Under the Island? 

Unlike other factors like bar height and bar depth, there is less flexibility when it comes to deciding how much knee space you will need for your island slash breakfast counter.  

The National Kitchen + Bath Association or the NKBA recommends that the knee space or depth depend on how high your countertop is. The shorter the countertop is, the more knee space you will be needing. Here are some standard dimensions. 

An island that is 30 inches or 76 centimeters high will need 18 inches or 46 centimeters of leg space.

For 36 inches or 91 centimeters islands, a leg space of 15 inches or 38 centimeters is required.

At the same time, the longer 42 inches or 107 centimeters island will need at least 12 inches or 30 centimeters of knee space.

Deciding breakfast bar dimensions will depend on what you need, and as long as you have that covered, the exciting part of choosing the design is what comes after.

Many different breakfast bar and breakfast nook layouts are available, and knowing what you need initially will help you avoid unnecessary and costly changes later on. Happy shopping, and we hope you are enjoying your perfect breakfast bar soon!

Visit standard height for counter, bar and table guide for more related content.

Typical Breakfast Bar Dimensions (Height, Width & Depth)

Incorporating a breakfast bar into your kitchen will create an ideal place to grab a snack and chit-chat with your family and friends. Before installing this welcoming hub, you first need to take the breakfast bar dimensions into consideration.

The standard heights for breakfast bars are 30”, 36”, and 42”, with the last one being the most common. The depth should be 24”. For every seat, there needs to be a 28” width of bar space and at least a 30” clearance behind the stool.

There are still many nuances you need to keep an eye on. Read on to learn more about the dimensions of your breakfast counter.

Table of Contents

Recommended Kitchen Breakfast Bar Dimensions

Breakfast bars can be installed almost anywhere in the kitchen, from peninsulas to kitchen islands. You can also adjoin the hub to your countertop or opt for a freestanding option.

But before implementing your breakfast bar ideas, check out the kitchen bar dimensions to see where you can put it.

1. Standard Height

How tall your breakfast bars are can affect their placements. Whereas breakfast bars with the same height as kitchen counters create a seamless flow, a disparity in height will mark the two areas as separate.

In terms of height for breakfast bar, 30 inches would be shorter than most kitchen counters. You should place a bar with this measurement across from the counter to create a clear distinction between the eating and meal prep space.

I would recommend this height of breakfast bar for households with the elderly and small children, as they will have no trouble getting in the lower stools. Wheelchair users will find this height most accommodating as well.

As it shares the same height as most kitchen counters, a 36-inch bar is typically called counter-height. Because this dimension cannot separate prepping and eating space, most would make it an overlapping breakfast bar for a more seamless flow.

While this breakfast bar counter height can make a room seem more spacious, it also leaves messes on the kitchen counter in plain sight. This means you’ll need to clean the counter regularly unless you want the clutters to be a thorn in your side as you eat.

This is the most common breakfast bar height as it has the most visual appeal. Taller than kitchen counters, it’s normally positioned to face them. The disparity in height keeps the mess on the working counter out of sight when you’re having your meal.

Also known as bar height, this standard option is ideal for people who want to be able to eat while standing. Therefore, if you want the breakfast bar to double-act as a serving counter for appetizers and snacks during parties, 42 inches will be the best choice.

One notable downside to this setup is that it’s too tall for those in a wheelchair. In addition, as seats for a 42-inch bar need to be at least 29-30-inch tall, small children might have difficulties climbing onto the chairs.

2. Standard Width

To determine the ideal breakfast bar width, think of how many seats you intend to place there.

An alternative for small kitchens without space is breakfast bars that let two people sit face-to-face. This option requires a mere 16 inches (41 cm) of minimum width. However, it’d be hard to expect a 16-inch bar to feel comfortable.

3. Standard Depth

Excluding the overhang, a standard bar should have a 24-inch (61-cm) depth to let you easily reach across the table. While 24 inches are the bare minimum for comfort, you can reduce the depth to as little as 18 inches (46 cm) to fit into tight places.

With the knee space taken into account, you need an overhang depth of at least 12-18 inches (30.5-46 cm). While this measurement can go lower, do not decrease it to any less than the bare minimum of 8 inches (20 cm).

As a rule of thumb, the shorter your breakfast bar is, the larger the bar overhang dimensions should be. The minimum overhang depths for table height, counter height, and bar height are 18”, 15”, and 12” (46, 38, and 30.5 cm) respectively.

Don’t neglect your family members’ height either, as taller people will require more legroom, which equals a bigger counter seating overhang.

Walking clearance refers to the space between the bar and the wall (or cabinet) behind it. If you don’t have enough space for optimal walking clearance, a 30-inch distance might suffice. However, aim for the optimal range, which is 36-42 inches (91-107 cm).

For wheelchair users, it’s best to go even higher, around 60 inches.

4. Breakfast Bar Stools

All your hard work will go to waste should you select incompatible stools for your breakfast bar. In order to pick the right seating, you have to think about the breakfast bar measurements.

Most stools are designed to go with a 42-inch bar top. The heights of these seats range from 29 to 32 inches (74 to 81 cm). Averaging around 23-28 inches (58-71 cm), seats for counter-height bars can be slightly harder to find.

In households with a significant gap in family members’ heights, adjustable seats might be a better option. Just keep in mind that the standard gap between the bar underside and the seat can’t be less than 10” (25.4 cm) and more than 12” (30.5 cm).

Read more: Bar height for counter 48 inch.

FAQs

What is the standard overhang for a breakfast bar?

The ideal overhang size can depend on your bar top height, the space available in the kitchen, and the overhang material (a heavy top without support might collapse).

The most ideal size for an overhang ranges between 12-18 inches (30.5-46 cm). You can go for smaller overhangs to save space, but it cannot be less than 8 inches deep.

How much knee space is required under the island?

The standard knee space will vary based on how tall the island is, as the higher the bar, the more you can stretch your knees instead of bending them.

Overall, for a 30-inch table-height breakfast bar, the required knee space is 18 inches. A 36-inch counter-height top needs 15 inches of knee space, whereas a 42-inch bar-height island only calls for 12 inches.

How far can a supportless breakfast bar countertop overhang?

This mostly depends on how heavy the material is, but most overhangs need to have at least 70% of their total area supported. Generally, the lighter the overhang, the farther it can go without support.

Are breakfast bars out of style?

Unfortunately, some would say that breakfast bars are indeed out of style as most people nowadays prefer open space. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that kitchen bars have outlived their usefulness.

All things considered, breakfast bars offer many merits, such as more prepping space or a place for kids to do their homework while you cook. And as mentioned, breakfast bars are a fantastic spot to grab a quick meal or share a snack with your loved ones.

So in short, do not let the fact that breakfast bars are no longer trendy put you off installing one in your kitchen.

Conclusion

To determine the breakfast bar dimensions, you need to think about factors such as the available space, desired aesthetics, number of seats, and your family members’ height. Once you get that down, you’ll only need to follow the standard requirements.

Now that you’ve learned the ideal breakfast bar measurements, I hope you can achieve your dream kitchen soon. Let me know if you still have any unanswered questions.

Height, width and length of the bar counter for the kitchen: comfortable dimensions

The bar counter is a stylish and practical interior element that can complement almost any kitchen. It can both add vital space for work in small kitchens, and help in zoning in really spacious rooms. Unlike a full-fledged dining table, the bar counter takes up little space, but it may well serve as both dining and zoning functions, and supplemented with special fittings, it also has storage space. nine0003 Wide built-in bar counter with storage space

Types of bar counters, design options

Modern interiors can offer many options for bar counters. They differ in both shape and design. In addition to the classic straight options, you can find rounded racks that are convenient for zoning space, or zigzag racks that can accommodate more seats.

By design, several popular types are most often distinguished: nine0003

Combined bar counter
Island bar counter
Wall bar counter

There are many other designs of bar counters used depending on the layout of the kitchen, the shape of the headset and the wishes of the owner. You can learn more about them in a separate article. nine0003

How to choose the size of the bar: height, width, length

The choice of the dimensions of the bar counter depends on many factors - the size and layout of the room, the shape and design of the headset, the physical data of the owner, as well as the requirements for this piece of furniture. The bar counter should not only be functional, fulfilling the functions assigned to it, but also correspond to the style of the room in which it is mounted, without getting out of the general design of the rest of the furniture.

Low bar

What to consider when choosing the size of the bar

The main factor determining the dimensions of the future bar counter is the size of the room and the availability of free space. No matter how much you want to install a wide long rack with a dozen seats, a kitchen in Khrushchev 6-9 square meters will not allow you to do this.

Bar counter in the spacious kitchen

The second key factor is the purpose of the rack. If it becomes, first of all, an interior item necessary for zoning, sometimes used as an additional work surface, it is better to make it comparable in height to the kitchen worktop or slightly higher. If you plan to replace a full-fledged dining table with a counter, it is important to take into account the number of seats - for each person you will have to allocate at least 60 cm in length. If landing is planned on both sides, you will have to take into account the width that is comfortable for eating. There are also special requirements for the height of such racks. If several people will dine at the counter, their height must also be taken into account: when there are children in the house, a high tabletop will be inconvenient for them. For families with older people, racks with high chairs are also not suitable - it will be uncomfortable to climb on them. nine0003 Bar counter for three seats

Another important factor in calculating the size of the bar counter is the layout of the kitchen. This element of the interior is great for zoning space, but it is also important to remember about the aisles - their width should be sufficient to comfortably pass into the work area, for example, with trays.

Bar counter in the corner of a spacious kitchen

Standard bar counter height and width

The standard dimensions of the bar counter can be called very conditionally: they can vary significantly depending on the model of the kitchen set. Most often there are free-standing racks with a tabletop height of 115 cm - they can be called classic. In this case, there are both higher and lower options. If the rack is combined with a headset, it can become a continuation of its countertop or be located a little higher. The standard height of such racks is 85-90 cm

Standard height built-in bar
Standard height wall bar

There are no standards for the width of bar counters - it varies from narrow options, starting from 30 cm or even less, to wide ones, 70 centimeters or more.

Bar counter height selection

The height of the bar counter can vary significantly depending on several factors.

Mid height bar counter
Dining bar counter
Low built-in bar counter

The main criterion for choosing the height of the bar counter is the convenience of its operation, so it is important to determine in advance who and how will use it. After determining these factors, you can move on to the aesthetic component of the issue. nine0003 Small wall bar counter

Selection of the width and length of the bar counter

Like the height, the length and width of the bar counter depends on two factors: functional and aesthetic. The length depends primarily on the area and layout of the room, as well as on how many people will be placed behind the counter. It is important to consider that for convenient use of the countertop, one seat should be at least 60 cm long. The maximum size of the rack depends only on the layout of the kitchen - it is enough to leave about 100 cm free for passage to the workplace. nine0003 Short bar counter

The width of the rack also depends primarily on its purpose. Narrow racks from 30 cm wide are suitable as partitions and additional work surfaces for the kitchen. Variants from 40 to 60 cm can be used as a dining table with seating on one side. If the rack is used as a full-fledged eating area with seating opposite each other, its width should reach at least 70-80 cm.

Bar counter recommendations for a small kitchen (up to 10 m2)

A small kitchen imposes its own restrictions on the dimensions of the bar counter: it will not be possible to place long wide options on it that can accommodate 6 or more people. However, even in a small kitchen it is quite possible to place a stylish and functional rack.

In most cases, the rack in a small kitchen is combined with a headset. In such conditions, it should be as functional as possible, adding invaluable centimeters of working space. Therefore, the height of the rack in a small kitchen is most often small: about 85-90 cm, so that it can be used both as a cooking surface and as a place for snacking. If possible, it is better to make a countertop about 40 cm wide - for this it will be convenient to dine while sitting on one side. If necessary, this width is reduced to 35 or even 30 cm, but in this case it will be extremely problematic to replace the dining area with it.

The minimum length of a miniature bar counter is 60 cm. That is how much space is needed to accommodate one person behind it. If you need to create seats for two, you will need at least 120 cm. nine0003

Dimensions of the bar in the studio or kitchen-living room

In combined layouts, the key task of the bar counter is to act as a partition when zoning space. Moreover, its dimensions depend on the size of the room. In order to effectively and clearly separate the workplace for cooking from the living part of the room, it is enough to leave a meter-long passage, occupying the rest of the space between the two zones with a long rack. To look like a full-fledged partition, even in small rooms, the length of the countertop should be at least 100 cm. nine0003 Bar counter in the kitchen-living room
Zoning of the kitchen-studio with a bar counter

The width and height of the bar in the kitchen-living room are not of decisive importance. If it primarily carries the functions of an interior element, its dimensions should be correlated with the dimensions of the room. A spacious kitchen-living room is perfect for a wide counter with a height of 120-130 cm, and a small studio - a narrow countertop on the same level as the headset.

Built-in rack in the kitchen-living room

Large kitchen bar dimensions

To maintain a single style, the furniture must match the dimensions of the kitchen. For this reason, bar counters in large rooms often differ in significant dimensions. A height of 120-130 cm and a width of 80 cm are common occurrences in spacious kitchens, for example, in a loft style. In most cases, in such rooms there is a place for both sufficient dimensions of the cooking zones, and for a full-fledged dining area, which is why the bar counter for them does not need to be made low. nine0003 Loft bar counter

At the same time, the owner of the kitchen may decide to make the counter narrow and neat: if the countertop does not initially carry the functions of the dining area, its appearance is determined solely by the general style of the room. Therefore, if the interior of the kitchen is replete with graceful thin lines, the rack can easily be made in the appropriate shape. The length of the countertop is not limited by anything other than the layout of the room and the wishes of its owner.

Wide bar counter in a large kitchen
Bar counter in the kitchen with a dining area
Island bar counter in the spacious kitchen

How to choose the height of bar stools: height, type

Classic bar stools are characterized by an increased height, which allows you to sit comfortably at a high table top. However, different stands require chairs of different sizes in the set: taller options need seats with long legs, and low models designed for eating are in harmony with standard-height stools. The ratio of the dimensions of such furniture sets can be traced using the table. nine0003
Bar stools
Bar stools
Loft bar stools

When the bar counter is used as a dining table, special chairs are not required for it - the height of standard dining chairs and stools is enough. Chairs with adjustable height are an ideal solution for any rack - such furniture is easy to fit into almost every interior.

Low bar stools
Bar stool bar
Adjustable bar stools

Conclusion

The choice of bar counter parameters depends primarily on its functional purpose, as well as on the general style of the interior, growth and wishes of the owners. Depending on the conditions of the room, it can be equipped with either a standard high counter, about 115 cm high, or a lower built-in version that acts as a cutting area or a dining table.

Freestanding bar counter

Bar counter dimensions according to standards: height from the floor, width, depth

Everything you need to know about choosing a rack:

Benefits and features

Views

How to choose the size?

How to choose chairs

Materials

The high table is an original solution not only for small rooms. It will be appropriate in a spacious room. The difference is only in the dimensions of the furniture. We figure out how to calculate the height of the bar counter from floor to countertop in a kitchen of different sizes. nine0003

Pros

  1. This is a replacement for the dining group, it looks more interesting and lighter. The latter is especially important if the room is small.
  2. The studio apartment has a zoning element: it separates the cooking area, the dining room and the living room.
  3. Connected to the headset, it is an additional work surface. If there is a built-in wardrobe below, then there is also a place for storage.

Cons

Firstly, such products are rarely mobile, you can't just move them. Of course, there are sliding, folding models. But this solution is non-standard, such furniture will have to be ordered. nine0003

Secondly, a bar counter for the kitchen, the size of which can accommodate a company of five people is a rarity. At least when it comes to small rooms. Usually comfortable seating involves three to four people maximum. Obviously not an option for fans of big noisy parties.

Finally, thirdly, not everyone is comfortable sitting on a high stool. This applies to the elderly and young children under the age of 12. Will have to find an alternative. nine0003

Studio Cozy apartment

Instagram @leyla_interiors

Studio Cozy apartment

Instagram @homeinteriors_design

Instagram @leyla_interiors

There are four types based on location.

Instagram @balcon.studio

Design studio by Ira Akmenkova

Instagram @meretti_mebel

Instagram @jeevaa_design

Instagram @kuhni_elegrum_official

There are no strict rules, the main thing is that you feel comfortable. Therefore, you should first focus on the habits and characteristics of family members. A tall person will be comfortable at a table 130 cm high, while a person of average or small height will fit models 110-120 cm.

Also consider what you will be doing: will you be cooking? How convenient is it to stand behind the bar in this case? nine0003

Height

The standard height of the bar in the kitchen is 105 cm - for free-standing models; 90 cm - for those that are a continuation of the headset. However, these are conditional values, they depend on the manufacturer and functional features.

For example, the size of a rack combined with a headset is from 86 cm to 90 cm. If you plan to make it to order, consider the distance from the floor to the cabinet top.

If the set is L-shaped, you can make the tabletop multi-level with a small add-on. On the one hand there will be a working area (86 cm), on the other - a bar with a height of 110 cm to 115 cm.

Free standing and high tables adjacent to the wall are rarely below 100 cm. The most common values ​​are 120 cm and 130 cm. They are the easiest to buy chairs for.

Instagram @homeinteriors_design

Instagram @balcon.studio

Width

Also dependent on features. If the bar replaces the dining table, the minimum value is 55 cm. In this case, it will not be possible to sit opposite each other, the serving will be parallel. nine0003

The depth of the tabletop per person is 40 cm, including space for common serving items, such as salad bowls, napkins, condiments. If you want a bar for 4 people, its width will be 70-80 cm.

The width of the bar in the kitchen in a small apartment can be 30 cm - we are talking about models built into the set. This is an additional work surface, it cannot replace a dining place.

nine0002 Instagram @lupina_design

Instagram @yanadruz

Length

There is no standard here, sizes depend on preferences. The main rule: for a comfortable location, a person needs at least 60 cm. But they also take into account the complexion of family members. Fat people need more space; the same applies to those who like to spread their elbows wide.

When choosing the length, do not forget about the seating arrangement and the maximum number of people. The side can also be used if the width of the product allows. If the room is small, imagine how the bar will be located, will it interfere with movement around the room? nine0003

Instagram @darya_korol_designer

Instagram @homeinteriors_design

We focus on the parameters of the kitchen

Area up to 10 m
2

, window sills and small tables. nine0003

For two, you can choose a rectangular or square table. In the first case, the minimum size will be: 100 cm x 55 cm (length and width), in the second - 75 cm x 75 cm - this is the most convenient option.

The minimum width of the tabletop along the wall is 40 cm, it does not make sense to make it yet. If there is no space at all, the idea of ​​​​a stationary surface will have to be abandoned, take a closer look at the folding tables. Moreover, it can be either a classic version with a wall mount, which many stores offer, or a niche in a kitchen set. But such a product is made to order along with a headset. To make it easier to pick up chairs, make a table at a height of 86 cm to 120 cm.

Instagram @mm_kaudal_

Instagram @lupina_design

Instagram @diane_proremont

Instagram @bestkuhnispb

Europlanning

It can be a continuation of the wall or a separate element. In both cases, its length is at least 100 cm. So it will be able to visually separate the zones.

Instagram @leyla_interiors

Instagram @styleville.mebel

Instagram @accent.architector

Instagram @balcon.studio

Instagram @homeinteriors_design

Large area

Furniture in a large kitchen should match its parameters. Small narrow racks are simply lost here. They are rarely placed separately, often the bar becomes a continuation of the suite or part of the kitchen island. Since there is usually a dedicated dining area, the bar is a place for a quick meal. The island module can be designed for two people, and for four, its length is from 120 cm and above, width - from 80 cm. If, on the other hand, a working area is assumed, then at least 100 cm.

Instagram @kitchen.buro

Instagram @interer_architects

The easiest solution is to purchase a model with adjustable base height. All guests will appreciate it: both high and not so high.

Comfortable difference between the table and chairs is no more than 30 cm. Models with a distance from the floor to the seat of 75 cm and 85 cm are common.

Chairs Table
58 - 71 cm 84 - 94 cm
74 - 81 cm 104 - 109 cm
84 - 92 cm 112 - 119 cm

Chipboard

One of the most popular materials. Of the advantages: a large selection of colors, relatively low price, resistance to moisture, high temperature. With proper care, it can last up to ten years.

When choosing furniture made of laminated chipboard, pay attention to the environmental class: E1, E0.

Learn more