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Kitchen breakfast bar ideas designs


Beautiful Kitchen Breakfast Bars to Copycat

By

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

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Updated on 05/13/22

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Your breakfast bar is often the centerpiece of the kitchen. Not only is it the focal point of the entire room, but it's where you entertain and share meals with your loved ones. The idea of the "social kitchen" is incredibly popular, so if you have space to add a breakfast bar, there's a good chance you will. Even if you have a small kitchen, you can probably add a breakfast bar for two.

Here we've rounded up some of the best breakfast bar ideas for every style of kitchen.

11 breakfast bar ideas for any style of kitchen

A breakfast bar turns your kitchen into more than just a room for cooking. It can be used for dining, catching up with friends over a cuppa, chopping ingredients, keeping an eye on the children or even working from home.

You don’t necessarily need a huge kitchen to have a breakfast bar either, as you can find many slimline and compact designs that fit snugly into small spaces.

Check out our round-up of 11 of the best kitchen breakfast bar ideas on offer right now. From minimalist, space-saving designs to all singing and dancing styles with everything from sinks to wine fridges included!

Planning a renovation? Here are 10 tips to keep your kitchen renovation stress free.

Marble breakfast bar

GoodHome Alpinia kitchen in Green, from £1,138; GoodHome 38mm Kala Matt White stone-effect worktop, £147, both B&Q

Get the luxurious marble look for less with stone-effect surfaces; laminate is hard-wearing and looks great teamed with on-trend green-painted cabinets. Love the green kitchen look? Check out more green kitchen ideas here!

Breakfast bar with hob

Nova kitchen in Cashmere, from £2,222, Magnet

Get it while it’s hot! Incorporate a hob and extractor hood into a breakfast bar to cook, plate up and enjoy home-cooked meals from the same spot in your kitchen. This is also a great way to open up your kitchen space if you have an open-plan kitchen, dining and living room. With the hob facing outwards, you can keep an eye on other activities and remain social.

Island with sink

Marlborough kitchen in Hunter Green, from £12,000, Masterclass Kitchens

Install a large butler sink in a kitchen island/breakfast bar for plenty of space for washing pots, pans and baking trays and pair it with a classic swan neck tap for a traditional style kitchen, perfect for cottagcore aesthetics and period style homes such as Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian.

Freestanding breakfast bar

Churchgate kitchen island in Ivory, £549; Loxwood bar stool, £69; Churchgate larder cabinet, £999, all Dunelm

Create a dining spot in an open-plan room with a free-standing island, which you can position to make the most of a window view. This would also make a lovely addition to a kitchen-diner scheme.

Breakfast bar hack

Schmidt Arcos Edition kitchen in Silvercross, from £10,000, houzz

Place a second material onto a kitchen island or countertop for a dedicated dining area that adds contrast to the scheme, too. This wooden material pairs brilliantly with the slick metallic textures in the rest of the cabinetry, ideal for industrial-style interiors.

Top tip

‘Create a breakfast bar in a smaller kitchen by adding an overhanging worktop to existing units. This will mimic the look of an island without wasting space’ Lizzie Beesley, Head of Design at Magnet

Small breakfast bar

Schon New England Light Grey kitchen, from £1,190.95, Victoria Plum

Even small spaces can fit an island. Ideally, you need at least 80cm around it so that you can open doors and drawers, with the minimum recommended size for the island 100 x 100cm. Tight for space? Check out helpful kitchen storage ideas here too.

Monochrome breakfast bar

White and Natural Walnut slab kitchen, from £5,000, Trend Interiors

Contrasting cabinets add interest; match the wall units with the worktops to tie it all together. Modernise the look with black accents, such as bar stools, radiators and appliances.

Kitchen island with wine fridge

Gala Shaker kitchen in Grey Slate, from £5,000, Lifestyle Kitchens

Create more space in your kitchen and personalise the storage to your specific needs, from spacious shelving for a stylish stand mixer to a built-in wine cabinet!

Navy breakfast bar

Ashbourne kitchen by Jonas and James, from £2,138, The Range

Extend one length of cabinets in a U-shape layout to create a handy spot for dining or working from home. Add drama with dark units and warm wooden surfaces.

Top tip

‘Smaller kitchens can still play host to an island. If space permits, consider extending the countertop to create an informal breakfast bar with the added benefit of additional storage and an extra prep zone’ Sophie Devonald, Designer, Lifestyle Kitchens

Kitchen island with storage

Brompton Light Grey and Graphite kitchen, from £5,800, LochAnna Kitchens

A mix of closed storage and open storage, such as open shelving, allows for easy access to items as well as hiding clutter from view. Islands and breakfast bars can divide a large kitchen, keeping the cooking appliances tucked away from young children.

Kitchen island with butcher's block

Hunton kitchen in Porcelain and Hartforth Blue, from £12,000, Second Nature

Mix materials for a practical work surface; combine a wooden butcher’s block with marble if you love cooking, or laminate for a dual-use zone.

tips, ideas, 30+ photos of modern interiors

A high bar counter can play the role of an additional table, work surface or storage space in the kitchen. The compact tabletop is the perfect place for breakfast, a quick snack or evening gatherings with friends. In addition, this element of the kitchen set will help to zone the space: to separate the working area and the rest area from each other. Let's talk about how to correctly think over the design of a kitchen with a breakfast bar, as well as how to choose the right counter, taking into account the type, color and material.

Types of bar counters

Bar counters differ in shape, design and location. There are at least 7 options for such furniture that are suitable for rooms of different sizes.

Built-in

Built-in bar counters are originally part of the kitchen set, so they look like an extension of the work surface. The tabletop is in harmony with the rest of the furniture in color and height, it does not need to be selected separately - this is an easy to implement and beautiful option.

The downside is that the built-in bar is usually not too high - like a standard work area. In addition, experimenting with the design in this case will not work, because the stand is immediately developed along with the headset.

L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen with a breakfast bar

A convenient option is a corner kitchen with a breakfast bar. In this case, the rack is located at right angles to the main tabletop, and should be 10-20 centimeters higher than it. The set itself can be with one corner (L-shaped) or with two corners (U-shaped kitchen).

Free-standing design

The bar counter does not have to be adjacent to the kitchen set - it can be located separately in any place convenient for you.

There are two types of single uprights:

NB! If the interior is designed in a loft style, you can cover the monolithic base of the rack with decorative concrete-like plaster or leave real brickwork in sight.

Bar table

If the classic counter is not wide enough for you, you can install a bar table with a full table top. He has high legs, so it will be comfortable to sit or stand at the table - depending on the situation. You can serve it for several people when you receive guests.

This option is easiest to implement in a private house, where the kitchen is usually larger than in a city apartment. After all, a wide tabletop requires enough free space.

Bar counter combined with window sill

If the house has a small kitchen, you can install a bar counter by the window. At the same time, the tabletop should be slightly wider than a regular window sill, so that it is convenient to have breakfast or drink coffee behind it. Be sure to provide a slight overhang and legroom.

Also, a countertop can be installed instead of a window sill after redevelopment in the apartment, when the kitchen is combined with a loggia, dismantling the window and balcony door.

Island or peninsula

In a spacious kitchen, an island can be installed separately from the kitchen unit. The bar counter differs from the traditional island in height and purpose: usually they do not take out the hob or sink on it, but leave it free, placing high chairs around the perimeter.

Multilevel

It is possible to create a bar in the kitchen with a multi-level ladder rack. This option will be especially convenient in an apartment with a combined European layout or a studio, where you need to separate the living space from the cooking area. The lower level of the bar in this case coincides with the usual table top and serves as an additional work surface, and the upper step, in combination with high chairs, functions as a home bar.

How to choose the color of the rack

When choosing a color scheme, you can follow one of two principles:

Read on the topic: How to choose the color of the kitchen worktop

How to choose the material of the worktop

The appearance, characteristics and service life of the bar kitchen furniture will depend on the chosen material. Modern durable racks are made from 4 types of materials. When choosing, be guided by the rest of the furniture in the room: it is better if all the countertops are the same in texture.

Artificial stone

Artificial stone countertops are durable, stylish and look like natural texture. They are more affordable than natural stone, but much easier to maintain. The surface of the countertop is resistant to moisture and household chemicals.

Natural stone

Natural stone countertops made of marble, granite, onyx look luxurious. This is a premium product with a unique natural pattern, veins and color transitions, which is worth the investment. Natural stone is durable, but requires regular maintenance.

Wood cut

Solid wood top is another premium option. It will look great in an eco-style or Scandinavian-style interior, especially in combination with the same wooden facades. So that natural wood does not suffer from moisture, choose high-quality impregnated material, and then regularly repeat the treatment with special products.

Read on the topic: Eco-minimalist kitchen interior

Glass

A spectacular bar-style kitchen can be obtained by choosing a model made of durable tempered glass. This is a multi-layer material designed for a large load - do not be confused by its visual lightness. The tabletop can be used as usual: lean on it, serve, put small kitchen appliances on the glass surface.

Recommended height and width

The dimensions of the built-in bar are determined in advance by the kitchen furniture designers, but for a free-standing bar, you can calculate the height and width yourself.

In terms of height, there are two options available:

NB! If you want a high bar, and the family is large, it is better to place a small dining table with ordinary chairs in addition to the counter. Then each of the household members will find a convenient place for breakfast or a snack.

In terms of width, the following rule applies: the wider the top, the more spacious and functional it is. Therefore, it is better to choose the maximum available width, depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and the dimensions of the kitchen set.

A 30 cm wide tabletop will fit glasses of drinks or several coffee cups, while a full bar table with a width of more than 50 cm will be convenient for serving guests or family dinners. In addition, on a wide worktop, you can comfortably cook if you need an additional work surface.

Bar-style kitchen design

A home bar is often used as a visual division of space. This is true if you have a combined kitchen-living room. In this case, arrange the rack so that on one side there is a working area, and on the other - a place to relax with a TV and a sofa. Even if the countertop is low and narrow, it is still perceived as a full-fledged partition between the two parts of the room.

To get a harmonious kitchen design with a home bar, consider a few recommendations:

So, to create an interior with a bar counter, you can choose any type of construction: built-in, corner, free-standing, combined with a window sill or another option of your choice. The four best materials for countertops are natural or artificial stone, cut wood, and durable tempered glass. The height of the bar can coincide with the main working area or be 15-20 cm higher. Use an additional countertop to zone the space and increase the number of dining places in the house.

80 photo, kitchen design with breakfast bar

It's not for nothing that bar counters for the kitchen are gaining more and more popularity in interior design: they are comfortable, roomy, look stylish, and also help save space. Only in order to correctly fit the design into the ensemble of the room, it is necessary to have an idea about the configuration, model range and other features of this type of furniture. More details in our article!

What are they and why are they needed

A bar counter is a high tabletop on supports, which is often a continuation of the working area. She usually comes with bar stools, and the whole ensemble creates a relaxing stylish atmosphere.

But in addition to external aesthetics, bar counters also have a number of advantages that distinguish them from other types of furniture. Unlike conventional tables, they often include extra space for crockery and other kitchen utensils. You can even fit large appliances into the rack, like a dishwasher or an electric oven. Owners of a small area will appreciate this property.

In addition, a complete kitchen bar counter is considered a multifunctional item that saves space. It can include not only dining, but also working areas, not to mention storage spaces. A kitchen with such furniture looks modern, fits many styles, but more on that later.

However, don't run to the store right away: despite the significant advantages, this solution is not suitable for every kitchen. Firstly, the racks are rarely able to accommodate more than three people, and large models look out of place even in a spacious room, resembling the interior of a bar.

Secondly, due to the monolithic design, the rack is not mobile, like, for example, a dining table, which, if necessary, can be moved to another location.

Types of bar counters for the kitchen

To enjoy the advantages of bar counters, owners of apartments with different layouts could enjoy, today there are a large variety of their types. They differ in shape, location options and equipment.

Island bar counter

The interior of the kitchen is built around this item, which can be combined with the work area. Suitable for large rooms or combined with the living room. Such bar counters differ in shape: semicircular, U- or L-shaped. They are a separate part of the kitchen set, made in the same style, which creates the effect of integrity.

Bar counter built into furniture

The bar counter is part of a countertop or other element, while continuing in any direction. There are many placement options: as part of a kitchen island, work area, and sometimes even a window sill.

The last look is perfect for small kitchens as it makes use of the normally inactive area next to the window. Besides, who doesn't enjoy looking at the scenery while having breakfast?

Bar counter-partition

A popular solution for open-plan studio apartments that require logical zoning of premises. In this case, the bar counter can separate the kitchen from the living room, while offering a comfortable place to eat. Often it is a continuation of the wall and is located parallel to the main furniture.

Level bar counter

This is a narrow platform that is installed above the workplace from the opposite side, without taking up extra space. The only recommendation is to purchase higher chairs.

Mini bar counter

When choosing a bar counter for a small kitchen, it is better to pay attention to small models with laconic equipment. Often these are a kind of bar "wings" no more than a meter long, which can accommodate no more than two people. But for many small-sized owners who live alone, this will be enough.

Bar counter materials

Not only the appearance of the bar for the kitchen depends on the choice of the necessary material, but also the characteristics, the method of care and, of course, the cost. Consider the most common options.

Laminated chipboard

One of the most affordable types at a relatively low price. At the same time, laminated chipboard offers a wide variety of design solutions, imitations of stone, wood or unusual prints. It has high resistance to external influence of moisture, high temperatures, which is important for the kitchen. But due to low strength and non-environmental friendliness, such a model will not last a long time.

Acrylic

The advantage of this material is its flexibility and suppleness - it can be used to create furniture of various shapes, with curves, bulges, even curly elements. It will fit perfectly into the interior in a modern style, where interesting design ideas are appropriate. A futuristic kitchen is definitely not complete without the glossy, flowing surface characteristic of acrylic.

Natural stone

Has a luxurious, rich texture that can be used as a decorative component in itself. Bar counters for the kitchen made of natural stone are usually ordered complete with other kitchen furniture, since the “consonance” of materials in space plays an important role. But keep in mind that this is an expensive species that requires special care.

Glass

Of course, not the most practical solution, which even after special processing remains fragile when compared with other materials. In addition, the glass is quite cold and "unfriendly" to the touch. But the unique appearance of the products eliminates all the shortcomings if aesthetics plays a key role in the interior. The transparent texture, as well as the variability of colors, will make such a bar counter a key element in the kitchen. Works well with other materials.

How to fit into the interior

Bar counters are a modern type of furniture, but this does not mean that they cannot fit into different interior styles. At the same time, they often come with a kitchen set, which simplifies the creation of a holistic image of the interior.

Classic style kitchen bar

Classic puts forward universal criteria for each element, adjusting to which, you can harmoniously fit even a bar counter. It is best to use natural materials, preferably wood, with carved inserts, patterns and laconic equipment.

The rack in this style should have a standard, rectangular shape. It is recommended to give preference to the island model, only there should be a lot of space in the kitchen for such a solution. However, the classics always love large areas, so this point must be taken into account in advance.

Modern kitchen bar counter

Things are different with the modern kitchen, the substantive content of which is primarily functional. The main requirement is that the bar counter should take into account the features of the space, becoming its logical continuation.

The decor is not shaped details, but the material, the combination of matt and gloss, the shape, which can be presented in all possible options, as well as the color scheme.

Provence style kitchen bar

Style has common features with the classic, but has a completely different image. Provence is lightness, naturalness and simplicity. The bar counter for such a kitchen should be made of natural wood, and then painted white. However, any tone from the pastel range will look organic here.

It is recommended to give preference to antique items, with noticeable layers of time and history. But for this effect, you can artificially age the furniture - such a solution will help create the right atmosphere.

Minimalist kitchen bar counter

Everything is simple with minimalism - laconic colors, shapes, lines, lack of decorative elements. Geometry plays a huge role in such an interior, so even the bar counter resembles rather a rectangular piece of material, the beauty of which is revealed in an ensemble with other elements.

Bar counter for kitchen in loft style

The bar counter will look most natural in such a kitchen. The loft is characterized by a combination of details of industrial or public spaces, the composition of which surprisingly acquires a cozy character in a private room. Wooden as well as concrete surfaces look very stylish and appropriate here. It is better if the texture has a slightly raw look.

Bar counters for a small kitchen

Not everyone is a happy owner of spacious apartments, where you can easily fit a bar counter of any model. But there are optimal options, using which your kitchen will acquire a unique and stylish look.

Let's note right away that you will have to refuse a full-fledged bar counter! In a small kitchen, it will be possible to accommodate a countertop up to 90 cm, which is part of a wall or other items.

Learn more