Kitchen design with bar counter
23 Kitchen Bar and Eat-In Counter Design Ideas
Pure Salt Interiors
If you’re looking to expand your seating set-up or give yourself a more obvious place to entertain, a kitchen bar can be a great way to do it. And since no bar is complete without a couple of chic bar stools, a kitchen bar gives you the opportunity to bring a pop of color, texture, or visual flair into your space, too.
Of course, there are many different ways to bring a kitchen bar into your space. You could add a kitchen island, reimagine some of the countertops you already have, or spring for a full-blown renovation. But remember, as long as you have a couple places to sit—and room to eat or drink—you should have everything you need to make a kitchen bar happen.
Take a look at some of the prettiest kitchen bars we've ever seen and consider some design ideas you could bring into your own space. You’ll be glad you put in the work the next time you’re chowing down at your eat-in kitchen—or hosting a wine night at your new bar.
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LeClair Decor
Kitchen bars provide an opportunity to have fun with your décor. They’re typically made up of three pieces—your bar, your bar stools, and the lighting above your bar—so you have several different elements to play with.
You can paint your bar a bold color and choose bar stools that complement it. Or, you can use lighting fixtures to introduce a pop of color to your space. Options are abound, so feel free to take a risk or two.
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Erin Williamson Design
Kitchen bars tend to be pretty short, and the first thing anyone will see when looking at your kitchen is the sink and the backsplash behind it. To set the tone for the rest of your space, invest in a backsplash and sink combination that feels right for both your kitchen and your bar.
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Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Vanessa Lentine
Many kitchens come without built-in bars—meaning if you want the extra seating, you’ll have to create your own. Thankfully, there are tons of sleek kitchen islands to invest in that serve this purpose exactly.
Snag one that suits your space and paint it to match your cabinets, or leave it as is and take advantage of the aesthetic contrast it offers.
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Proem Studio
If your kitchen is lined with exposed shelves, remember that every item you place on those shelves will effectively double as décor. Use this built-in storage to set the mood in your space.
If you want your kitchen bar to really feel like a bar, line your shelves with martini glasses, pretty bottles of booze, or whatever else you want your bar to serve. Your stocked bar not only will look gorgeous, but is at the ready for your next cocktail party.
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Tyler Karu Design
Most rectangular bars are lined with stools that span one side of the bar. This helps free up space in the kitchen and makes the room feel a little more defined. But, there’s no reason you have to put your stools there.
Depending on how your kitchen is laid out, it could make just as much sense to place three stools at the end of your bar facing each other. Find the best layout for your space and go with it.
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Blue Copper Design
Kitchen bars are a great place to have a little fun. One popular move is to paint your bar a vibrant color, but you could take a slightly less expected approach and line it with bold tile instead. You could match the tile to your backsplash or pick a complementary set. Either way, you’re in for a statement-maker.
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Julian Porcino
If you’re decorating an open-concept space, you may want to create some visual separation between your bar and your dining room. One great way to do this is to match your bar to the rest of your kitchen and let your dining room look a little different.
You can use pillars and other structures to establish your bar area without actually closing off your space. Take a good, long look at the space you’re working with, and let it inspire your design choices.
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House Nine Interiors
It’s common practice to paint your bar to match your kitchen cabinets. But, if you wanted to shake things up a little, you could paint them slightly different shades of the same color. Paint your bar navy and your kitchen cabinets light blue, or opt for a different monochromatic palette.
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Reena Sotropa
No bar is complete without a handful of bar stools—and there’s no reason you can’t have fun with them. Bar stools can be a great way to add a pop of color or texture to a space, and the right set can help you bring your entire space together.
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Ashley Montgomery Design
Some bars come with built-in overhangs—the countertop extends beyond the bar, giving you a natural place to store a few seats. This can be a space-efficient solution if you’ve opted for backless stools, and it can also make eating at your bar much more comfortable. It’ll also cut down on spills—and that's always a bonus.
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Reena Sotropa
If your bar leads into a dining room or living room, consider the entirety of your space. You’ll likely want your rooms to feel different but still cohesive. Maintaining consistent colors and visual motifs can be a great way to do that.
Choose bar stools and dining room chairs that look similar but not too matchy-matchy, and consider echoing your palette throughout your entire space.
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Maite Granda
Many kitchen bars are rectangular—but that doesn’t mean yours has to be. Take a look at the space you’re working with, and choose the layout that would suit it best. Maybe your kitchen would look great with a diagonal bar. If so, embrace it, and design the rest of your space with that choice in mind.
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Cathie Hong
Odds are, the first things someone will see when looking at your kitchen are your backsplash and your bar. So it makes sense to invest effort in both of them—and to make sure they look great together. Choose colors that match, complement, or contrast, and make sure the tonal couple you’ve chosen is one you love looking at.
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Julian Porcino
Exposed structural columns can be a buzzkill. But, they can also be a great way to orient your space. Instead of trying to hide them or distract from them, consider whether you can use them to your advantage.
Maybe the column can run along the end of your bar, creating a suggested boundary in your space—one that makes your kitchen look even better.
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Pure Salt Interiors
If you’re decorating a small space, it pays to get creative and look for spots that can multitask. Could your wraparound kitchen counter be transformed into a small bar? If so, you can give yourself a cozy dining nook—without sacrificing much space at all.
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Katie Martinez
Pendant lights and kitchen bars tend to pair really well together. In addition to serving the practical purpose of helping you see your food, pendant lights can be a great way to dress up your space. They add a touch of contrast or cohesion, which will help your space feel more harmonious.
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Katie Hodges
If your kitchen is totally shelf-less, it may make sense to bring in a few shelves of your own. You can adorn these shelves with items that set the mood for your bar—and for your kitchen at large.
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LeClair Decor
If you don’t have space for a full-blown bar, that doesn’t mean you have to go totally bar-less. A two-seat bar can be incredibly useful—especially if there are only two people living in your space. Look for countertop corners that offer enough room to eat comfortably, and consider tucking a couple bar stools under there.
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White Sands
Many people decorate their kitchen bars and cabinets using complementary colors. But, playing with texture can be just as gratifying. Cover your kitchen counters in one material and line your bar in another. This method works particularly well if your kitchen cabinets wrap around your bar, making it clear that both are part of the same space.
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Pure Salt Interiors
Statement-making accents can establish the mood of your space, and you should spring for one that sets the tone you’re trying to cultivate. If you want your bar to feel like a hangout space, consider mounting a TV on your wall—seriously.
This move won’t be right for everyone—and it probably only works in a kitchenette or wet bar—but if it suits your space, take the risk.
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Tyler Karu Design
Creating contrast with your kitchen cabinets and your bar can be a lot of fun. But ultimately, you still want your space to feel cohesive. Look for ways to bring the two together by stocking up on kitchen items that match your bar stools and displaying those on your kitchen shelves.
A great way to do this is also to echo the color of your kitchen backsplash in the pendant lights above your bar. There are several different ways to accomplish cohesion—just make sure to keep it in mind as you finish decorating your space.
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Design: Michelle Boudreau, Photo: Lance Gerber
If you want your bar to feel next-level luxurious, look for ways to make it feel like a ritzy restaurant. Invest in pendant lights that look like the kind of thing you’d find in a hotel, or line your shelves with matching glass bottles.
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Design: Mindy Gayer, Photo: Lindsay Stetson Thompson
Your bar may be your statement-maker, but everything around it is important, too. Don’t quit working the moment you find a bar you love. Look for bar stools that complement your space and search for lighting fixtures that bring your whole kitchen together.
These elements will play a key role in how you’ll experience your space both literally and aesthetically, and so they’re worth the extra effort.
21 Gorgeous Open Concept Kitchens That'll Make You Want to Tear Down Some Walls
25 Elegant Kitchen Bar Designs & Ideas
Whether you want to add more seating to your dining space or create an area to entertain your guests, a kitchen bar can be the perfect solution. And just like any addition to your home, a bar allows you to add your personal touch and style with texture, color, and decorative details. Explore some of our favorite kitchen bar ideas and discover which ones fit your unique style and space.
Striking Contrast Between the Bar Faucet and Backsplash
Featured Product: Quincy™ Bar FaucetBrighten up your kitchen bar countertop with a vibrant backsplash that sets the tone for your entire design. Whether monochrome, black and white, or a pattern with pops of color, the right backsplash can add warmth and charm to any kitchen.
This black and white mosaic tile provides a stark backdrop to the stunning faucet, finished in an artisan-inspired golden hue. In timeless Unlacquered Brass, the Quincy bar faucet serves as a striking statement piece.
KALLISTA kitchen bar faucets are designed for peak performance and durability and are offered in a fine array of striking finishes.
Statement-Making Kitchen Bar Light Fixtures
Credit: @degiuliodesignFeatured Product: Juxtapose™ Bar Faucet
Kitchen bar designs are more than just the countertop space. Make a bold statement with stunning light fixtures to match your style preferences. From sleek modern lights to intricate chandeliers, there are a variety of options to choose from in order to create the perfect ambiance.
Circular lights hang from the ceiling in this high-end bar, illuminating the Nero Marquina marble counter and light-color wood cabinetry in warm elegance. The Juxtapose by Mick De Giulio bar faucet serves as the perfect finishing touch, with a sleek powder-coated black finish.
Modern Black and White Kitchen Bar Idea
Credit: @degiuliodesignFeatured Product: Juxtapose™ Collection
For a modern kitchen bar design, consider black and white for a two-tone approach. This simple style provides a clean look to any kitchen space regardless of size. White countertops and black cabinets on this kitchen island bar make for a visual contrast that creates a sharp, state-of-the-art look.
Featured Product: Juxtapose™ Semi-Professional FaucetThis modern black and white kitchen design is well-appointed with the KALLISTA Juxtapose Collection. Designer Mick De Giulio blends sophistication and utility with stylish faucet designs, combined with the latest in spray technology for performance and reliability.
Backyard Kitchen Bar Idea for Outdoor Entertainment
Featured Product: Bacifore® Bar SinkYour kitchen bar design doesn’t have to be limited to the interior of the home. Create a fun outdoor space for entertaining and relaxing by adding a backyard bar to your patio. Functional and stylish, a backyard bar allows for extra seating and prep space. You can even add a sink to keep everything clean as you enjoy meals and parties outside.
This outdoor bar features a reflective faucet, shimmering sink, and black marble countertop. With white patio chairs placed nearby an outdoor pool, the bar completes this backyard space with a purposeful design.
Custom Kitchen Bar Counter Idea With Nero Marquina Marble
Credit: @degiuliodesignFeatured Product: Juxtapose™ Bar Faucet
For an added sense of luxury, consider using marble for your kitchen bar countertop. Marble is a classic design choice that is easy to match with almost any kitchen bar décor. This bar uses black marble with lightning-like white streaks, equipped with a durable stainless steel bar sink and matte black designer faucet by Mick De Giulio.
Embrace Modern Minimalism for Your Kitchen Bar Design
Featured Product: Bacifore® Bar SinkClean lines, neutral colors, and a flawless partnership of form and function are core tenets of minimalist design. The kitchen is the ideal place for a modern look, and the simple style allows you to showcase personal tastes as you decorate the kitchen bar counter.
This bar features a black and white marble countertop supported by a beveled base. Open shelves are lined with martini glasses for a distinguished display. A polished stainless steel bar sink finishes the design with reflective and durable elegance.
Create a Stylish and Unique Space for Hosting Guests
Credit: @mirandafryeofficialFeatured Product: One™ Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
If monochromatic minimalism isn’t your thing, why not go all out with your kitchen bar idea? Upscale choices like gold fixtures and stylish detailing can add an extra touch of luxury. Install a curved gooseneck faucet and a marble countertop for easy clean-up and additional room to prepare delicious meals and appetizers for entertaining.
Kitchen Bar Ideas for Compact Spaces
Credit: @nielsenbuildersFeatured Product: One™ Single Control Sink Faucet
Even if your space is limited, your design doesn’t need to be. Small kitchen bar counter ideas require you to think efficiently to utilize the space as storage and seating while maintaining a cohesive design that flows well with your home. Whether your kitchen bar is your only dining area or an expansion of a larger space, there are plenty of ways to put your design stamp on even the smallest kitchen bar counter.
This black marble bar is tucked away into a cove, providing contrast to the white walls and bright pendant light. In this design, a wine refrigerator is placed next to the bar to make maximum use of the space available. If you prefer cocktails over wine, you could make the bar wider and forego the refrigerator.
The single-control faucet is space-saving and functional, with dual application allowing it to be used as a sink faucet or bar faucet.
Overhang Kitchen Bar Design Idea
Credit: @relativelightingFeatured Product: One™ Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
A simple way to create extra seating and prep space is with an overhang kitchen bar counter. An overhang design creates additional room beneath the bar to allow for seating, and the sleek look can match any kitchen style. Add a few bar stools or chairs of the right height, and you can host several guests at once and keep the conversation flowing.
This kitchen bar features designer bar stools with tan cushions and black legs, complementing the warm and dark contrast of the entire room. The One pull-down faucet in matte black combines exceptional performance with a sleek design that completes the bar in style.
Choose Durable Stainless Steel for Your Kitchen Bar Sink
Featured Product: Bacifore® Bar SinkAdd another level of practicality to your kitchen bar counter with a stainless steel sink. Perfect for extra prep and washing space, luxury kitchen bar sinks offer both style and utility. When paired with solid brass faucets, you can ensure your entire bar sink will remain gorgeous for years to come.
This durable and polished stainless steel sink is paired with a gooseneck bar faucet, with a gorgeous marble countertop and warm backsplash completing the design in luxury.
Keep It Luxe With a Wood-Topped Kitchen Bar
Credit: @cpoppworkshopFor a timeless, exquisite look, a wood-topped bar is easy to match with other surfaces and creates a smooth, stylish area for eating and entertaining. Add a pair of wooden stools for seating and use a contrasting color for cabinetry, such as this cool grey.
Kitchen Bar Idea With Extra Seating and Storage
Credit: @mikeshivelyarchitectureIf you have plenty of room in your kitchen, a large bar counter could be just the thing to add both seating and storage. A modern island with drawers can provide additional space for storing small appliances, pots, and pans. The overhang bar design can be the perfect place to tuck in a few chic stools for welcoming and entertaining guests.
Expand Your Kitchen Bar Design With White Surfaces
Featured Product: One™ Pull-Down Kitchen FaucetBrighten up your kitchen with a white kitchen bar and cabinets. The light hue can make smaller rooms seem bigger and make large spaces feel sweeping. This white kitchen setup adds a pop of color with golden light fixtures, while clear chairs maintain the stark purity of the overall design approach.
Pair a Round Bar Sink With a Gooseneck Faucet
Featured Product: Monte Carlo Bar SinkWith a graceful arc, this gooseneck faucet complements the fluidity of the round bar sink for a sleek and elegant result. The reflective finish on the faucet coordinates wonderfully with the polished stainless steel sink in a pleasing presentation of shimmering reflection.
Experiment With Colors in Your Kitchen Bar Design
Credit: @chelsea_design_constructionFeatured Product: For Town Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray
While neutrals like white, grey, and black are common choices, choosing a brighter color can add a striking look to your kitchen bar. Opt for an accent wall or add pops of color into your kitchen bar décor ideas, such as with stools or chairs. This bright farmhouse kitchen uses contrasting sets of green and grey chairs in separate dining areas.
A little color in the details can easily be switched out depending on the time of year or changes in your style preferences, allowing your bar design to remain active.
Kitchen Island Bar Idea With Traditional Wood Design
Credit: @bradleystephensdesignFeatured Product: One™ Deck-Mount Bridge Kitchen Faucet
Creating a kitchen bar space can be as simple as adding a kitchen island and a few stools or bar-height chairs. Choose a design that matches your cabinetry and countertops to establish a cohesive look throughout the room.
This kitchen utilizes wood cabinets, stools, and light fixtures to ensure a natural flow in the design. Darker wooden tones are reserved for the bar stools and light fixtures, while lighter wood is used on the cabinetry for a subtle yet delightful contrast.
Install a Range and Hood Above Your Kitchen Island Bar
Product: Radius by Barbara Barry Wedge Field in Custom Colors by ANN SACKSDesigner: Gathered Group Photography: Andrew Sherman
Expand your counter space throughout your kitchen by installing an island with a cooktop or range and hood. By reserving the cooking area to the center of the room, this kitchen and bar design allows for more uninterrupted prep space along the walls.
Use a Kitchen Bar as a Second Dining Table
Product: Nottingham Diamond Tundra Tile by ANN SACKSIf you have an abundance of space, your kitchen bar can serve as an entire second dining table, complete with stylish upholstered chairs and place settings. In especially spacious kitchens, a bar can be installed in addition to a traditional kitchen island, offering ample space for both food prep and entertaining guests.
Make a Bold Statement With a Dark Kitchen Bar Design
Credit: ANN SACKSWho says that your kitchen and bar must have multiple colors? Consider choosing one eye-catching shade for your kitchen to create an engaging and enveloping theme.
This black bar and kitchen setup exudes luxury appeal, while the white ceiling, pale shelving, and brass hardware provide subtle contrasts.
Multifunctional Kitchen Bar Idea
Credit: @wilsonhowardteamFeatured Product: One™ Deck-Mount Bridge Kitchen Faucet
Even small spaces can make use of a kitchen bar counter, especially when it doubles as a dining table. If the stovetop takes up most of your counter space like this kitchen, an island can be used for prep, entertaining, and extra seating with the addition of a few modern bar stools that can easily slide underneath the bar when not in use.
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Bar Design
Credit: @krywicki_interiordesignFeatured Product: One™ Deck-Mount Bridge Kitchen Faucet
The farmhouse style is a popular kitchen bar décor idea and can even be updated for more modern preferences. A kitchen bar with a rustic wood base paired with a granite or marble countertop creates a stylish and unique look that elevates the kitchen to a more vibrant place. With metal and wooden stools, this kitchen bar design is at once quaint and chic.
Illuminate Your Kitchen Bar Design With Pendant Fixtures
Credit: @foundbymajaFeatured Product: One™ Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet
Add elegance and style to your kitchen bar with pendant lighting. From bowl-shaped fixtures to rustic lanterns to artisan globe designs, the options are nearly endless. Color-match your pendant lights to your faucets, cabinet handles, or other fixtures, or choose artistic lighting that stands out and makes a statement all on its own.
In this design, multiple lightbulbs are encased in bowl-shaped fixtures to illuminate a white modern kitchen island, complete with clear designer stools.
Establish the Kitchen Island Bar as the Main Event
Credit: @deleofletcherdesignFeatured Product: For Town Kitchen Faucet with Sidespray
This kitchen design lets the island bar be the focal point by centering it in the room with a stunning window as a backdrop. Chic hanging lighting fixtures and stylish bar chairs add an extra level of elegance and make an artistic statement in the room.
Blue Kitchen Bar Design Idea for Your Island
Credit: @ahdandcoA blue shade for the base of the kitchen bar can help it stand out, especially in a light-toned kitchen. In a monochromatic, modern style room, a colored surface can make a bold, elegant statement, allowing you to have a little fun with your design.
Match the Backsplash and the Bar
Product: Craze 8"x12" Field in White by ANN SACKSDesign: Kelle Contine Interior Design Photography: Jake Holt
For a cohesive design throughout your kitchen, consider matching the kitchen bar to your backsplash. Matching tile can improve the flow of the space and solidify your artistic vision for your culinary haven.
FAQs About Kitchen Bar Ideas
What purpose does a kitchen bar serve?
A kitchen bar can provide expanded cooking and prep space, as well as additional seating and room for entertaining. In open-concept homes, a bar or island can also be used to create separation between the kitchen or dining area and the living room.
What are the best measurements for bar height seating?
Bar countertops tend to be between 40 and 42 inches tall, so the best measurements for bar height seating are 28 to 30 inches tall. Always make sure to measure your kitchen bar height before purchasing chairs or stools.
How deep should my kitchen bar be?
While the dimensions of your kitchen bar will depend on the available space, a standard maximum depth is 24 inches to enable you to reach across the countertop. Keep in mind that you may need to add an overhang for seating space.
What do I need for my kitchen bar?
If you plan to add a kitchen bar, you may want to consult a professional to design and install it. While you can DIY this project, doing so will require careful measurements, multiple tools and materials, and a clear knowledge of how to put the entire bar together properly.
How do I design a luxury bar at home?
If you already have a kitchen island, you may be able to convert it into a kitchen bar counter. Just by adding a few stools or chairs, you can enjoy extra seating and entertainment space. For more extensive changes and installations, you may wish to enlist the services of a professional designer and contractor.
118 photos (real) + 7 Types + nuances
Let's look at 7 types of bar counters and their place in kitchen design (on real photos), as many types of countertops for them, and how to fit all this into the interior of the apartment.
- Types of bar ranges for the kitchen
- 1. Built -in
- 2. Corner kitchen with a bar counter
- 3. Separate bar racks
- 4. Bar table
- 5. Bar stand by the window
- 6. Island type
- 7. multi -level
- Kitchen design with a bar counter
- Bar countertop
- Bar stand from chipboard (postforming)
- natural stone
- artificial stone (acrylic)
- from concrete 9000 tiles
- Tempered glass
Types of bar counters for the kitchen
There are as many as 7 designs of bar counters, and they differ fundamentally.
Height:
- Dining table ~ 75 cm, ordinary chairs
- At the height of the tabletop ~ 82-92 cm, bar stools
- Up to 105-110 cm, when it is already comfortable to stand behind the bar counter
Here we disassemble last 2 options.
According to the type of base, the bar counters in the kitchen are divided into:0059
1. Built-in
Bar counter as a continuation of the kitchen worktop - the same height and without breaks.
The easiest and cheapest option to implement. At the same time, it looks great.
Minus: if you are tall, you can't stand up for this.
Fully marketed by kitchen workers.
This is still taller than a standard table and regular chairs won't fit.
If you like these, look about them in the relevant paragraphs in the articles about U-shaped and corner kitchens - there is also about the entry of such a rack on a wall with a window (instead of a window sill).
2. Corner kitchen with breakfast bar
More often open corner counter, perpendicular to the main line of the kitchen. The height of such a bar counter is just + 15-20 cm to the height of the countertop. Prepared by kitchen workers. The material of the countertop is the same as that of the kitchen.
According to the layout of the kitchen with such a bar counter, they are usually combined with the living room, or the size should initially allow it to be approached from 2 sides.
3. Freestanding bar counters
Either solid or open. For a monolithic base or bottom of a former wall, or a newly erected structure made of bricks or gas silicate blocks.
May be with a furniture base, but not so beautiful.
For kitchen design, it is a good idea to finish the monolithic base of the bar counter with a material with a deep texture (decorative plaster or stone) and direct light from a hidden tape along this surface.
4. Bar table
Suitable for medium to large kitchens. The height is like a stand, and the size is like a regular table, i.e. wide.
a stand-alone bar counter table allows you to receive the maximum number of guests - it is convenient to sit and stand, and the area will allow you to fully serve it.
5. Bar counter by the window
An ordinary bar counter in a small kitchen is placed either in a built-in format or when combined with a window sill. There are also options for a folding bar counter, but such solutions seem to me an unnecessary complication, so we will omit them.
Implemented separately from the main working area near the window as a wider window sill with an overhang and legroom. Or as a continuation of the corner kitchen with a view under the window.
After redevelopment with the addition of a balcony to the kitchen, the bar counter is installed in the window block in place of the former window sill.
6. Island type
The fundamental difference between a bar counter and an island is that neither a sink nor a hob is placed on it, and you can sit on a bar stool behind it due to the legroom.
There is a hybrid version, when the island has an overhang of the table top so that there is room for the knees, and an island bar is obtained. Below are 2 photos of an example of such islands in typically masculine kitchen designs.
7. Multi-level
The design of the bar counter with a ladder at different levels refers us to the sad kitchens of the 2000s, but, theoretically, it can have an acceptable look.
From the side of the working area, it is made at the level of the countertop, then it rises with a step to the standard height from the side of the living area. I do not recommend using chrome legs for this.
Kitchen design with a bar counter
The bar counter in the kitchen is no longer an experiment - designers have been offering them to customers for a long time, but many are still afraid and in vain. Let's analyze from the photo which designs are relevant in modern kitchens, and which are already out of fashion.
Obvious:
Chrome-plated furniture legs (supports) and rounded shapes of the racks themselves will only spoil the design of the kitchen.
To decide what type of bar counter will best complement the interior of your kitchen, we will determine the goal-setting and your requirements for the bar counter in the apartment:
The whole kitchen design can be built around the bar: designer lamps above it, lighting from below, stylish bar stools. Interesting photos of kitchens with bar counters in terms of design: the most stylish options for the base are monolithic, the top is solid wood or stone. If you save money, then chipboard under the tree.
A special role is played in the design of kitchens and living rooms. It is placed in the place of the demolished wall for zoning the premises, and a TV is hung on the same line with it. In this layout, it can be viewed from both the kitchen and the living room. From the side of the living room, a sofa is often attached to the bar counter.
It is a mistake to think that the rack is only suitable for large kitchens or kitchen-living rooms. Unlike a table, a bar counter takes up less space and often becomes an alternative to a dining table in Khrushchev kitchens. In small kitchens, a bar counter is used in the height of the working area as its continuation, either in place of the windowsill, or as the edge of the corner kitchen.
Bar countertop
The countertop is important enough, but when it becomes a bar counter and its share in the kitchen design increases, the right choice is critical.
The difference is huge in terms of:
- appearance
- Tactile sensations
- stability to an aggressive environment in the kitchen
- price
If you are too lazy:
In terms of ratio price, quality, speed (do the same one who and all who and all are the same kitchen), stability, design, tactility - best of all chipboard with wood imitation.
An article with a selection of photos of white kitchens with wooden countertops.
For more details, read on.
Chipboard bar counter (postforming)
Laminated chipboard imitating wood, stone, marble, etc. The wood look options look cool and are in fact the standard solution for countertops in general.
Postforming with imitation of any material other than wood must be chosen very carefully. Ideally, look for samples of kitchens with such countertops exhibited live somewhere, because little is clear from the sample. This is important because most of Chipboard with imitation of stone or marble looks terrible in real life , photos of this also do not convey.
Plus, when stone is imitated, but when touched and knocked, it makes the sound of wood - this causes dissonance.
Natural stone The material is durable, resistant to moisture and high temperatures, easy to clean.
For my taste, it loses in important parameters to an artificial stone. You can choose if money allows. The main plus is tactile sensations. The material is perceived as monumental and solid, which is nice. Live, no one will confuse natural stone and imitation of laminated chipboard.Limited number of shapes and sizes, difficult to process, but not afraid of temperature.
Artificial stone (acrylic)
Artificial stone can be of different types and can be called brand or type. Known as acrylic, agglomerate or corian. Created on the basis of acrylic resins. Acrylic is not inferior to natural stone both externally and in wear resistance. A huge number of colors and it is almost impossible to miscalculate with them - a bar counter made of acrylic looks at least good.
A feature of acrylic is the ability to use broken geometry without seams. Great for an L-shaped open bar counter. Also, in acrylic, you can embed the backlight directly inside, but this is already an amateur. Can be cast as a single piece with a sink, etc.
Minus acrylic: scratches over time, but can be sanded. Afraid of extremely high temperatures.
Concrete
A concrete bar can become a central part of your kitchen design, especially if you are designing a loft style kitchen. A piece object, but it is precisely such things that are worth the time and money spent. take your kitchen to the next level.
Solid wood
A kitchen with a breakfast bar made of solid oak and other wood looks very cool, suitable for both classic and modern styles. But the tree is tender (it is afraid of mechanical damage).
You will have to get confused with the search and production - this is not something that you can just order from kitchen workers. But a natural tree is always a one-of-a-kind unique item. In the photo below, people tried and bought a whole cut of oak, which was also enough for the table.
From tiles
The base is made of monolithic or plasterboard, and the sides and top of the rack are faced with tiles or mosaics.
Not recommended. It will look like a collective farm in 99.99% of cases. In addition, dirt will constantly clog into the seams between the tiles - it is inconvenient to wipe a non-smooth countertop.
Tempered glass
A controversial option that can turn out to be both successful and unsuccessful. If you are confident and willing to take a risk - why not. But there are more proven materials for bar counters.
There are also unusual options for bar counters: stainless steel, porcelain stoneware, timber, round, etc., but these exclusive options are already beyond the scope.
If you are tired of racking your brains and want a ready-made solution - a monolithic base made of gas silicate covered with decorative plaster and a tabletop made of postforming wood effect.
If you really wanted a bar counter, but you were not sure - go for it. Now you have all the information to implement your idea without risk. I advise you to read about the choice of cuisine, there is really useful information.
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Kitchen-living room with a breakfast bar (35 photos)
Anton Pecheny
head of the design studio
Now the kitchen-living room with a breakfast bar is not in trend. And it's even good. Because now the bar counter is chosen not by everyone, but by those who really like this format of eating. I made a large selection of kitchen-living rooms with a breakfast bar from our design projects. Most likely, you will find an interior design that you will like.
This example of a kitchen-living room is interesting because the height of the bar counter is lower than the height of the countertop of the kitchen unit. To be precise, its height is 800 mm. So it's more of a peninsula table than a counter. It is convenient that you can use standard dining chairs. But, if desired, you can make the height of the countertop 1100 mm, as in classic bar counters.
This kitchen-living room has both a bar counter and an ordinary dining table. The bar counter is for quick meals, and the dining table is for a family dinner. The length of the bar counter is made at the rate of 700 mm per person. That is, for two, a comfortable bar counter will be 1400 mm. But not less than 1200 mm. Standard depth 400-450 mm.
The bar counter will be a lifeline for a small kitchen-living room. True, a family with children will not be very comfortable. This is rather a great option for a bachelor or a couple.
Despite the fact that there is a large and comfortable dining table in the kitchen-living room, sometimes you want to have a quick bite at the bar. Close to the kitchen set, no need to carry dishes and cutlery. You cook and eat right there :)
For some reason, many people dream of an island-type bar counter. But few kitchens do this. Yes, it is beautiful, but I would not say that it is convenient. One work surface is always more convenient than two. You may find yourself cooking on a cramped countertop area next to the sink so you don't have to carry everything to the island.
Kitchen-living rooms with bar counters 900 mm high are increasingly being chosen. The fact is that behind them you can not only eat, but also cook. 900 mm is the standard height of the kitchen worktop. At the same time, you can only eat behind the bar counter with a height of 1100 mm - an inefficient waste of space.
In order not to visually hide the space of the kitchen-living room, they often make such a minimalistic bar counter. But this version of the stand is not to my taste.
Here is a small bar counter for one person. And from the side of the kitchen there are storage boxes. Convenient and functional.
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In this kitchen-living room, the bar counter is so disguised that you can not immediately notice. Black on black. But if you look closely, you will see a bar counter for two.
In the kitchen, the dining area and the working area of the kitchen were combined. Where you cook, there you eat. Just like in Asian restaurants :)
Sometimes the bar counter is not only a place to eat.