Home » Misc » U shaped kitchen breakfast bar

U shaped kitchen breakfast bar


20 ways this layout works for everyone |

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

U-shaped kitchens are efficient three-sided designs that max out storage possibilities with everything at your fingertips. If space is tight, these horseshoe-shaped layouts offer plenty of countertop space, cabinets and drawers above and below for an ultra-streamlined look. 

U-shaped kitchens don’t have to be restricted to three walls either and the kitchen layout ideas can be adapted if there’s space for an island unit or breakfast bar at one end of a run of units. Whether you have an open-plan layout or a separate room, U-shaped kitchens work well in every size and style of room. 

'As its name suggests, a U-shaped kitchen features cabinetry on three adjoining walls to create a U-shape,' says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio . 'This layout is very flexible and works no matter the size of your space.'

Below, we have masses of inspiration for U-shaped kitchen ideas. 

U-shaped kitchen ideas

We have rounded up the most inspiring U-shaped kitchen ideas, so you can decide if this is the best shape for you. But it's not all about layout: there are many kitchen ideas that suit any kitchen footprint from our design experts below.

1. Add a bridging breakfast bar

(Image credit: Life Kitchens)

Open-plan kitchens probably won’t have the traditional three walls to work with if you want a U-shaped kitchen. One solution is to add in a bridging breakfast bar that will form the horseshoe shape and create a highly usable kitchen that links seamlessly to the rest of the room. 

'This U-shape kitchen embodies the feeling of an island based design with a bridging breakfast bar which helps to segregate the living area from the dining, while maintaining the flow in an open-plan space,' says Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens . 'Fully fitted, but with break out elements, everything is wrapped up in the geometry of the open frame units creating a bold line across the kitchen.'

The bridging, breakfast bar not only creates an efficient, U-shape design with everything to hand for cooking and preparation, it also becomes an informal spot for eating and working. 

2. Incorporate a bay window

(Image credit: Sustainable Kitchens)

Galley kitchens can be compact, but by incorporating a window into the layout, you can add more usable U-shaped space, all while flooding the area with light. Installing a sink below a window is a great idea as you can look out while doing dishes, while the longer lengths of counter space can be reserved for appliances and food preparation.

This U-shaped kitchen makes the most of an awkward split-level space. The bay window has become a multi-use zone with a huge trough sink and a lowered breakfast bench where the children can eat their cereal in the sunshine before getting ready for school. The bright orange range cooker looks over the lower level dining table area so the owners can cook and talk to family and friends at the same time. 

3. Go for glazed fronts

(Image credit: deVOL)

U-shaped kitchens don’t always need to be streamlined and modern, as this beautifully eclectic, design demonstrates. The rustic, U-shaped kitchen works because the palette of natural materials is kept to a minimum (wood, copper and marble) and the glazed fronts of the Haberdasher’s cabinets reflect light around the room. The result is to create kitchen cabinet ideas that are timeless, cool and packed with personality.

'Glass-fronted cabinets are visually less obtrusive than standard cabinets,' says Brani Hadzhi, co-founder and showroom manager of Scavolini by Multiliving . 'What’s more, glass is great for bouncing light around a space, making it look and feel bigger. Plus, it lets you see what’s inside your cabinets while keeping everything dust free.'

4.

Do away with wall units in a small space

(Image credit: IDF Studio/Photographer: Christopher Stark)

In a small U-shaped kitchen, it can be a great idea to eliminate wall units altogether and focus the storage opportunities on the lower half of the kitchen. This will help the space to feel less crowded and cluttered, and allow for kitchen wall decor ideas above.

'With an Edwardian bay-shaped wall on the sink side of the room, this kitchen – half octagon – is even more U-shaped than most!' says Kassin Adelman founder and CEO of IDF Studio in San Francisco Bay. 'We kept the bay wall clear of cabinets and instead focused on the beautiful stone tile and the light pouring through. The tall, narrow island is key to this space, providing visual symmetry and ensuring that each workspace isn’t too far apart, while keeping walkways clear.'

5. Consider a u-shaped island

(Image credit: Simon Taylor Furniture)

A large, U-shaped kitchen island is a striking alternative to a standard, U-shaped kitchen design. Here, the imposing U-shaped island is the focal point of this classic, Shaker kitchen and incorporates a cozy and sociable dining banquette seating, perches for bar stools, wine coolers and the main countertop work zone.

'Designed for entertaining, this bespoke Shaker kitchen features a long run of cabinetry with an Everhot range cooker at the centre, together with a U-shaped kitchen island as the main focus of the room,' says Simon Taylor, managing director of Simon Taylor Furniture . 'There is an overhang on both sides of the U-shaped design to accommodate bar stools beneath, and, in the center, a U-shaped banquette was created to surround one end of a large rectangular dining table that the client already owned.'

6. Strip it back

(Image credit: Design Space London)

A block color, handle-free, U-shaped kitchen is a clever design solution in a modern, open-plan space. A pair of monolithic islands are clad all over in a pebble grey laminate to create a crisp, un-kitcheny mood, with a covered sink and retractable tap maintain the sleek lines. A raw oak bar top joins both structures creating a super fluid take on the U-shape.

'When putting together a U-shaped scheme, it is important to ensure that there is sufficient access space to allow for the dishwasher to be opened fully while not blocking the use of important working zones,' says Richard Atkins, managing director of DesignSpaceLondon . 'The sink and hob areas should be located perpendicular to each other to minimize walking distance between the two zones.'

7. Extend storage upwards in a narrow U-shape

(Image credit: deVOL)

Smaller, U-shaped kitchens offer a really efficient use of space. In this narrow kitchen, the bespoke cabinetry is painted in a fresh, neutral shade called Linen to keep the room as light and airy as possible with a floor-to-ceiling, wall of storage maximizing every square inch of space.

'This beautiful, bespoke cabinetry not only keeps everything neat and in its own place, but it gives a feeling of depth, space and quality,' says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL .

8. Be creative with storage

(Image credit: Scavolini)

Think outside the box when it comes to boosting storage in a small U-shaped kitchen. As well as utilizing glass fronts to reflect light and ceiling-height cupboards for maximum storage opportunities, don’t forget overhead racks. 

'Cabinets on every wall can sometimes feel a little overwhelming in a U-shaped kitchen set-up,' says Brani Hadzhi of Scavolini by Multiliving. 'Create some breathing room with open shelving or even a hanging rail above the base units – alternatively create a focal point by hanging a stylish rack over your peninsula.'

9. Increase functionality with an island unit

(Image credit: Tom Howley)

If your U-shaped kitchen is large, consider adding an island unit to increase storage, enhance functionality of the working kitchen triangle and boost preparation space with extra island countertops.

'In a large, U-shaped kitchen, I tend to add an island unit,' says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. 'Without it, the cabinet runs are set too far apart to use the key services – cooking, cooling and washing – efficiently. The island bridges the gap and creates additional prep, cooking and storage space.'

Make sure you choose the right size kitchen island and that there’s enough room to move around the island. Look at the depth of the wall units and the footprint of the island: will you have enough space to move around freely? Typically, experts recommend a minimum of three feet clearance on all sides of the island. 

10. Go for handleless units in a small kitchen

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

In compact kitchens, innovative kitchen storage ideas, such as pull-out racks and magic corners, make the most of every centimetre of space. Narrow-depth cabinets solve the problem of limited manoeuvrability, providing that little bit of extra room to move. 

If you are still in the planning stage, design a kitchen with handleless doors, like the one above, so you’re not always catching against handles while working.

11. Paint in a neutral color palette

(Image credit: Future / Ngoc Minh Ngo)

U-shaped kitchens can work in large spaces, but even small kitchens can benefit from a U-shaped design – just be sure you have at least six feet of moving-around space between the opposite banks of units.

Opt for pale colors on cabinets and worksurfaces that reflect the light to make your kitchen seem bigger.

Neutral kitchen color ideas and reflective finishes enhance the feeling of space, as do clutter-free countertops.

12. Keep it minimal

(Image credit: Future / Richard Powers)

This impressive, all-white kitchen has the look of a U-shaped kitchen, while incorporating a walk-through in front of the high level units along the back wall. In essence this design consists of an island and one wall of floor-to-ceiling units. 

By choosing white for cabinetry, ceilings and walls, the boundaries between surfaces blur, giving the impression of a compact U-shaped design that gradually opens up as you move around.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside)

If you are looking for small kitchen layout ideas, a U-shaped design is well worth considering. Depending on your space, it may be easy to incorporate a table and chairs at the opposite end of the U shape. 

Be bold in a small space, with dark-wood kitchen units and bare white walls – and consider matching tabletop and countertops for a tailored look. If you can pare back cupboards to the minimum, you may find you have capacity for a table and chairs. 

This smart kitchen has a look all its own and demonstrates a very individual approach to kitchen design, making the space feel fresh and special.

14. Let there be light

(Image credit: Future / Jody Stewart)

Lighting, especially natural daylight, also helps create an airy atmosphere. But if your kitchen has limited access to natural light, consider installing plenty of light fixtures. 

Cleverly planned kitchen lighting ideas will bring your space out of the shadows. ‘Often, lighting can be the last thing considered in kitchen design,’ says Andrew Hall, managing director of Woodstock Furniture . ‘However, for a kitchen to look its best and function well, the space must be lit properly.

'With U-shaped kitchens, ensure you give due consideration to both task and  ambient lighting,' advises Neil Partridge, design director of NGI Design .

A series of ceiling lights and wall hung lamps really help to enhance the U-shape in this kitchen. 

15. Use a dark color on cabinetry 

(Image credit: Future / Davide Lovatti)

Dark, bold colors work well in U-shaped kitchens when there is ample space and, as in this blue gloss kitchen, when there’s masses of natural light streaming in.  

Daylight bounces off the white walls and ceiling, enhancing the airy feel of the kitchen.

16. Create a divider

(Image credit: Future / Paul Raeside)

In larger kitchens, adding an island or dining area provides more workspace and a social aspect, while in open plan kitchens, consider using one side of the U as a divider between the kitchen and living areas.

17. Plan your kitchen according to size

(Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton)

Keep your cabinets low level and opt for open shelving across all walls of your kitchen for a modern, minimal look. To continue the sleek design, consider integrating appliances into the cabinetry and go for handleless doors. 

This kitchen – finished in matte white lacquer – uses wooden shelving as an integral part of the layout.

18. Install a breakfast bar if space allows

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

U-shaped kitchen ideas can make the room feel quite confined, so avoid having wall units on all three sides if possible, or use open shelving to lighten the look.

There’s little space for a dining area in a U-shaped layout, so perhaps take a look at some of breakfast bar or peninsula ideas instead.

Remember, if you drift in and out of your kitchen throughout the day, this layout may feel closed off from the rest of your living area.

19.

Create a look you'll love for years to come

(Image credit: Future / Alicia Taylor)

Mix and match cabinets from different collections – different colors, textures and materials – to achieve a personal style.

This kitchen has been given a characterful update with paint, artwork and a rather delightful floral arrangement. 

20. Free up floor space

(Image credit: Future / Kate Martin)

Opting for a U-shape in a medium-sized kitchen maximises floor space and keeps the outlook open. 

If your kitchen is on the smaller side, then limit your color palette, for a neat, tidy and steamlined aesthetic. This monochrome combination is a tried-and-tested winner.

What are U-shaped kitchens? 

U-shaped kitchens traditionally have units running along three walls of the room with one free wall as the access point.

Modern variants include the U-shape plus island combo, which sees an island bridging the middle of a large U-shape, as well as standalone U-shape islands that sit in the middle of an open-plan room.

'Where there are only two walls to work against, you can still achieve a U-shape by making the third side a peninsula unit,' adds Jamee Kong of DesignSpaceLondon.

What shape kitchen is best? 

There are U-shaped kitchens, L-shaped kitchens, galley kitchens and more – but what shape is best? The truth is, it's down to whatever suits your lifestyle.

Kitchen trends come and go, but planning a layout essentially remains the same. The classic layouts of galley, L- and U-shapes are designed to be the most ergonomically sound, helping to create the ‘work triangle’ of hob, sink and fridge within easy distance of each other and allowing for adequate work space in between.

And while we have swapped compact kitchens for open plan living, it is interesting to see how these shapes have found new relevance in a larger space.

When it comes to the design of U-shaped kitchens, there are some things to keep in mind.

The main attraction of an U-shape layout is its abundance of worksurfaces.  

'Capitalize on this by investing in the best countertop you can afford, such as a striking granite or chunky timber, to create a stunning design feature,' suggests Hayley Shaw of Magnet Kitchens .

Avoid too many tall or wall cabinets as they can make the room feel smaller and too closed in. Instead, go for base units, fit tall cabinets across one wall only, or create an airy feel with open kitchen shelving.

This layout can make the room feel quite confined, so avoid having wall units on all three sides if possible, or use open shelving to lighten the look.

What is the best color for U-shaped kitchen cabinetry?

Choosing a contrasting, darker shade on the base units of a classic U-shaped kitchen will help anchor the design and create the illusion of space. Replacing wall cabinets with a single, extended shelf opens up the room with white walls and natural, concrete countertops adding to the airy ambience. The monochrome color scheme is effortlessly cool and will never date.  

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

With contributions from

U-shaped kitchen ideas to make the most of every inch

When planning your kitchens, you'll find some layouts work better than others in your space. U-shaped kitchens are one of the most popular - and for good reason. It's arguably the most practical design and works in most sizes and shapes of room.

This choice of kitchen layout ideas also boasts generous amounts of storage compare to galley or L-Shaped kitchen ideas. Always a plus.

Be guided by the size of your room and the light levels when deciding on the look, style and colour of your kitchen. In a smaller space with a central window it may pay to stick to a largely white scheme.

Modern hi-gloss units will help to keep light levels up as will glazed tiles and stainless-steel surfaces. Larger kitchens may be more able to handle deep colour, dark wood finishes and even hits of pattern.

U-shaped kitchen ideas

Discover a way to layout or style up your space with these U-shaped kitchen ideas

1. Tuck away an arm

(Image credit: Future PLC)

No-one ever said that each arm that makes up the 'U' in U-shaped kitchen ideas has to be visible. Block off one of the two side arms either using an existing wall or building one in. Alternatively, a stylish room divider would work in a pinch.

This allows you space to tuck away everyday mess when you have guests over, or you just can't stop looking at it when trying to work from home at the kitchen table. This space could also be co-opted into a miniature prep kitchen area or include one of the countertop pantry ideas, giving you new kitchen zones.

2. Extend with a table

(Image credit: LochAnna Kitchens)

There are two main ways to work a dining table into U-shaped kitchen ideas. The first is to build one onto the end of a peninusla arm. Or, of course, buy one which has the same width as the worktop. Another option is to entirely replace that arm with a table.

The first is the most practical, because you're not losing an worktop space, and even offers an overflow area for busy meal prep. It will also make life a bit easier for entertaining or watching over kids doing their homework, as everything will be directly to hand.

3. Fake it with a seating nook

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

If you love U-shaped kitchen ideas but you still want a full standalone island, you can hint at the former. One way of achieving this is to include a seating nook, window seat or breakfast spot at the end of the U, where it would normally be attached to the two arms.

Paint this in the same colour as cabinetry and choose a tabletop with the same wood as your countertops. This continuation of colour and materials will give the impression of continuity while still allowing you your island and more freedom of movement.

4. Create an entertaining space

(Image credit: Optiplan Kitchens)

It's fairly common to use an arm of a U-shape as one way of achieving breakfast bar ideas at homebut it can be so much more. Use this countertop space to house some of your appliances - perhaps a hob or sink. This will allows you to talk to and be with guests while cooking or preparing meals.

Choose more luxe materials if hosting is the main aim rather than rushed breakfasts. Think metallic detailing and sleek quartz surfaces.

5. Maximise floorspace

(Image credit: Daval)

Limit your U to existing only directly on walls to give yourself a larger kitchen floor space. This is great for busy families, keeping things feeling tidy and spontaneous kitchen dance parties.

You can still incorporate a seating area. Replace a small section of cabinetry space with a hollow large enough to house bar stools. Then you can still sit, eat and drink in the kitchen, but tuck away the chairs when finished.

6. Embrace a sleek look

(Image credit: Second Nature Kitchens)

In more compact spaces choose a sleek and minimal scheme in order to make the space feel larger and not cramped. Handless cabinetry, a gloss finish and sharp edges will all help with this.

Add a small amount of open storage for personality and to stop the cabinetry from overwhelming the small space. Just don't over clutter these displays.

7. Work a peninsula arm

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)

The peninsula unit is a great tool for creating a U-shaped kitchen within a larger space. This type of smart modern design will feature conventional units along one wall and one window. It will also have a peninsula that continues the run of storage and worktop space without the need for a third wall.

Keeping the space open along one side like this is a great solution for open-plan areas where you want to define a kitchen without screening it from view.

8. Trick the eye

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

Trick the eyes by creating the illusion of U-Shaped kitchen ideas. Two 'arms' or peninsulas can come out from one wall - perhaps housing a doorway. Cover the wall in front with cabinets. This essentially creates a U but theres is a space for walking between the arms and cabinetry and gives the impression of a compact U-shaped design that gradually opens up as you move around.

Sticking to white kitchen ideas on cupboards and flooring will help blur the boundaries and make all the areas seem linked.

9. Work a small space

(Image credit: Future PLC/Lizzie Orme)

Turn a galley kitchen into a U-shaped kitchen by using the third, short wall to house an appliance, such as the range cooker shown here.

Continue the run of wall units on this third wall for a defined, well designed space that makes the most of all available space without feeling cramped. Stick to a light and bright colour scheme to maximise the sense of space, regardless of square footage.

(Image credit: Future PLC/Neale Smith)

Extend a worktop to form a worktop-level breakfast bar and the third side of a U-shaped kitchen. Like a peninsula, a breakfast bar can extend a kitchen space out into the centre of a room, free from any walls.

Integrate kitchen and living areas with the use of a single floor treatment. Similarly, introducing elements of kitchen storage outside the boundaries of the kitchen to help link the spaces together even further.

11. Opt for a slimline U

(Image credit: Future PLC/Rachael Smith)

Even a long narrow space can be home to a U-shaped kitchen: just fit one or two units at right angles at each end of your main bank of storage.

This forms a very shallow U shape, but a U shape nonetheless and it's a design that can define the practical kitchen area from the wider eating and entertaining area beyond.

12. Plan around a window

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

A wide window is an ideas central anchor point for U-shaped kitchen ideas. Try and position the sink underneath the window to prevent the light from being blocked, and to give yourself something pretty to look at while tackling the washing up.

Even though your window may offer natural light, be aware it will change throughout the day and seasons, so ensure you include plenty of artificial lighting too to prevent your eyes from straining.

13. Introduce an island

(Image credit: Future PLC/David Giles)

In a small space, you may prefer to have the look of a U-shaped kitchen while swapping out one long run of units on one side for a peninsula or island unit. This may make your space more useable and is especially useful if your kitchen incorporates a back door.

14. Add colour and pattern

(Image credit: Future PLC/Colin Poole)

Swap wall units for open shelves on one side of a U-shaped kitchen and it will help to open up the space a little, especially next to a full-height cabinet, such as oven housing.

Using a contrasting wall paint will help to highlight the absence of cabinetry. Pops of red and pink on small appliances, kitchen linen and accessories can enliven a predominantly green kitchen colour scheme.

15. Work in architectural features

(Image credit: Future PLC/Alexander James)

It's always a good ideas to look at existing architectural features as an opportunity to be creative, rather than an obstacle to work around. While chimney breasts and windows can prove tricky to design a U-shaped kitchen around, tackled well they can turn into design features in their own right.

The integration of a hob, oven and cooker hood into this chimney and the fit of the base and wall units around the adjacent alcove and window spaces bring oodles of charm and character to a space.

How wide should a U-shaped kitchen be?

U-shaped kitchens can work in large spaces, but even small kitchens can benefit from a U-shaped design. Just be sure you have at least two metres of moving-around space between the opposite banks of units.

In total, a U-Shaped kitchen ideas should be situated within a space around 10m2 to make sure there's enough room between all of the cabinetry and to allow you space to walk and move around.

How do you plan a U-shaped kitchen?

The design concept of the 'golden triangle' is a natural fit with a U-shaped kitchen layout. When designing your space, keep your fridge, cooker and/or hob and sink between 120cm and 270cm away from each other.

This will make for a practical, time-efficient and safe use of your space, something that is harder to achieve in longer, galley or L-shaped kitchens, for example.

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 counters for the kitchen

There are as many as 7 designs of bar counters, and they differ fundamentally.

Height:

  1. Dining table ~ 75 cm, ordinary chairs
  2. At the height of the tabletop ~ 82-92 cm, bar stools
  3. 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:

  • Large free cooking area (low counter)
  • Bar counter as a way to host large companies
  • Additional storage space for dishes (base with drawers or cabinets)

    • 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:

    1. appearance
    2. Tactile sensations
    3. stability to an aggressive environment in the kitchen
    4. 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.

    Save and share - come in handy!