Kitchen design with a bar counter - 80 photos of ideas
The kitchen room plays a big role in people's lives. In the warmth and comfort of the kitchen, the family spends time during the morning breakfasts, family dinners or weekend lunches. The versatility of this special place makes the issue of designing a kitchen interior important. How to combine all the possible options of cooking worries, joint meals, quick snacks and long gatherings? One answer to this question is the design of the kitchen with a breakfast bar.
Creating a kitchen interior involves solving practical problems of organizing space and aesthetic functions. Therefore, in the interiors of modern kitchens, the use of a bar has become very common. The bar counter allows you to conveniently organize the space and makes a stylish elegant highlight in the atmosphere of the home.
In Britain, furniture for storing alcohol has been called bars for centuries. In the same sense, the word bar is used today. In drinking establishments, subjects of the British crown drank, had a bite to eat right on the crates, which at the same time served as a place for storing the coveted bottles of booze.
But, according to the basic version, it is believed that the establishment of a bar was facilitated by the establishment of public catering in the USA in the 18th century. In the saloons of the cowboy West, the bar counter divided the service area of hot Irish guys and the service area. With frequent conflicts with the use of forceful “arguments”, the bar counter served as an effective protective barrier for the bartender and fragile glassware.
Those days have long turned into a legend, which cinema is carefully nurtured in the Western genre. But the principles of convenience and functionality of using a bar counter in saloons are still universally applied in public institutions. Today, this design has become a frequent detail of the interior in residential buildings.
Zoning of the kitchen space as a functional necessity
Zoning of the room is carried out in order to divide it into several necessary household functional zones. For this, individual areas are allocated using different materials, contrasting colors, furniture and lighting. Thus, the common open space of the studio can successfully combine the living room with the kitchen.
The bar counter separates the places of cooking and storage of kitchen utensils from the equipped place where you can sit at the dinner table, calmly eat and chat with family and friends. Note that this approach allows you to maintain the hygiene necessary for the kitchen.
In the process of zoning the kitchen, it is important to use different types of flooring in functionally shared zones. From the side where the food is being cooked, the floor is often exposed to pollution. It is more appropriate to use floor tiles to decorate the floor. The party where they eat will be more comfortable to look with laid laminate or parquet.
Advice! When zoning the kitchen with the bar, use the lighting. Highlight and highlight areas in accordance with the need for brighter or more diffuse light. Install halogen spotlights or a chandelier with a directional light source above the countertop.
A luxury item or a necessary item?
As an element of the kitchen interior, the bar counter has appeared recently. Once such a kitchen design personified a sign of prosperity, financial well-being, luxury. Very little time has passed. Now in many kitchens the bar counter is used as a stylish and functional type of furniture. Due to the variety of forms, materials, the accumulated base of standard and individual design solutions, the kitchen interior option with a breakfast bar has become an affordable solution for every taste and budget.
Its use helps to solve a number of practical problems in organizing space. Particularly important is the solution to this issue in a small area. For example, designers achieve amazing results by combining a small area of the kitchen with another room. In this case, the use of a bar counter is able to stylishly and functionally combine areas of different configurations.This makes kitchen use a necessity.
Optimal height
The issue of optimal height suggests two possible solutions.
The bar counter is installed according to the countertop level of the kitchen unit. This method allows you to significantly add a work surface for cooking and eating.
In order to calculate the height in this case, it is necessary to take into account the height of the facades, the thickness of the countertops, base, base. Considering that the standard of manufacturers of typical kitchen furniture assumes an average height of countertops 88-91 cm, approximately this height should be guided when choosing the optimal height of the bar counter in the interior of the kitchen.
Advice! This design is very convenient as a dining table. Use a comfortable-sized bar counter as a meal area in a small-sized kitchen for a small family. This will make the space of the kitchen more ergonomic.
The bar counter, installed separately from the kitchen, has an independent function. In this case, it becomes part of the design decision and is selected individually according to the growth and needs of the kitchen users.
Optimum width
Determining the optimum width is also an important issue when installing the structure. Standards require a tabletop width of at least 30 cm so that glasses with drinks that are traditional for this type of furniture can be placed on its surface. With an increase in the functionality of the bar, an increase in the width of its countertop is required. In order to fully use the area of the bar counter as a work surface for cooking or a dining table, the width of the countertop in this case should be at least 50 cm or more.
On the other hand, the wider the countertop of the bar, the more space it takes. In the area of a small-sized kitchen, this can turn into the fact that this stylish and multifunctional type of furniture clutters the whole kitchen,thus reducing all the advantages of its use to almost zero. In order to prevent such a result, it is necessary to approach each project individually, in order to combine convenience and a respectable appearance.
In classic style
Classic is undeniable in all its manifestations. Betting on a classic style a priori is proof of great taste and practical approach.
The classic bar counter is similar to its “grandparents” who “served” in saloons, bars, restaurants. According to the established tradition, the height of the classic bar counter is 110-120 cm. High bar stools or stools are obligatory, sometimes bar semi-chairs with high legs. The application of the classic style obliges to take care of the relevant details and stylish details. Antique wooden shelves for alcohol, shiny roof rails, pendants for glasses will complement the atmosphere of the old bar.
The classic bar counter is made of solid natural materials. Especially in such projects is invaluable natural wood. Also applicable materials that simulate the surface "antique".
Two-level
The two-level bar counter has upper and lower panels in its design. The top panel is intended for use as a dining table and drink drinks. The bottom panel is used for cooking, snacks, cocktails. Like the classic version for comfortable hanging out at a two-level rack, furniture for sitting on long legs (bar stools, stools, chairs) is used.
It is very convenient to use a similar design for a large family with small children. In this case, it becomes especially convenient to cook and feed a noisy children’s company, practically without leaving one place. Moms who know how it feels to simultaneously feed their restless children and clean up after them will undoubtedly appreciate such convenience.
However, it should be borne in mind that two panels of one bar counter occupy a double width. With a minimum size, the width of such a design will be no more than 60 cm. For small kitchens, such a solution may be too cumbersome.
From glass
The glass bar counter is able to successfully fit into the interior of the kitchen. Glass as a table top is a very good material in terms of maintaining hygiene due to its density and smoothness.
For the manufacture of a glass bar counter, ordinary sheet glass with a thickness of 10 mm or more is quite suitable. The thicker the glass, the stronger the product.
Also, for the manufacture of countertops, laminated glass - triplex is used. It is a durable, durable material up to 30 mm thick. Existing technologies allow laying decorative coatings with patterns, ornament, texture between its layers. This gives wide decorative possibilities for using this material.
Thick glass countertops of bar counters look stylish, but the considerable weight of this material requires a solid base that correctly distributes its weight. To avoid damage and cracks, when installing bar counters with a glass surface, it is better to contact specialists who can mount such structures.
Small rack
If the area of the kitchen is very limited, then it is extremely difficult to arrange a full bar counter in such conditions. No problem! A mini option will fit perfectly into the design of such a kitchen.
It is enough to place a narrow long counter along the wall in order to comfortably drink a morning espresso or arrange cozy evening gatherings watching your favorite series.
In order to save space, the folding mini-rack can be attached to the wall, folding it as necessary. Other solutions that optimize the use of space in the kitchen are a retractable bar counter. When you need to increase the working surface, it simply extends from the headset.When there is no such need, it moves forward, freeing up space.
The height of a small rack varies, as necessary, from 80-90 cm to a classic height of 110-120 cm. Under its surface, kitchen chairs and stools can be compactly stored for storage so as not to clutter up a small room.
Combined with windowsill
Another way to increase the working surfaces of the kitchen is to combine the windowsill and the bar. The bonus of this decision is the ability to cook and spend time at the window. Thus, natural daylight is used, it becomes possible to enjoy the view from the window during cooking and gatherings.
For a thorough combination, sometimes it is necessary to increase or lower the base of the window sill. To avoid such worries, it is ideal to plan this design at the stage of designing and repairing the kitchen. The areas of the bar and window sill are covered with one countertop. The width of the windowsill allows you to plan dining places for 2-3 people.
The disadvantages of this solution include the increased risk of contamination of slopes and window panes. Heat exchange may deteriorate if the heating batteries are located under the window, but this problem can be solved. To do this, one or two holes are cut out in the countertop, which can be closed with ventilation grilles.
The interior of the kitchen with a bar - "island"
The kitchen “island” is an excellent example of kitchen ergonomics. The incredible usability of this design is ensured by the combination of storage systems for kitchen utensils and products with extensive work areas. However, it should be noted that the placement of a small, but fully functional "island" in the middle of the kitchen requires a minimum space of 12 sq.m. and more.
Bar counter - “island” is more compact. This gives you more options to fit it mobile into a small kitchen.Therefore, in small kitchens, a design with a chrome pipe and a small surface of the countertop is often used.
If the kitchen area allows you to mount a full two-level "island" design, then this opens up the possibility of putting the sink and hob on the bottom panel.
Modern materials make it possible to make the base and countertops of any shape: round, square, undulating bar counters, consisting of one or more levels.
Corner kitchen with breakfast bar
Using a corner kitchen set allows you to use the kitchen area to the maximum. The arrangement of kitchen furniture along the walls frees up the space of the main area of the room. Such a design more than eliminates the shortage of working space. However, if the area of the kitchen is small, the bar can perfectly serve as a dining table and serve as an element of style in the overall ensemble of kitchen decoration.
When combining a counter with a corner set located along two walls of the kitchen, it is recommended that it be parallel to the main line of furniture, to simulate the layout with the letter “P”. This technique optically enlarges the kitchen, organizes the space, leaving the center of the room uncluttered.
The design of the rack in a single style with a kitchen set will make it a single set of kitchen furniture. The above article describes the optimal dimensions in the case of using a bar counter as a continuation of the kitchen set.
Summarizing Information
Types of bar counters
Height cm
Width cm
Application
Classic
110-120
30-50
Snack, fast food, drinks
Combined
With kitchen set
≈90
from 50
Cooking, use as a dining table, snacks, other household chores (for example, working with a laptop)
Two-level
≈90 — 120
from 60
Drinks and snack (upper tier).
Use as a separate table (lower tier).
Especially recommended for large families with small children.
Mini stand
from ≈90 to 120
≈30
Used in small kitchens.
Snacks, drinks, partially cooking area.
Dining table for 1-2 people.
Possibility of a folding or retractable option.
Bar counter combined with window sill
≈90
Window sill width + from 30 cm
Used in small kitchens.
Snacks, drinks, partially cooking area.
Dining table for 1-2 people
Bar counter - "island"
from ≈90 to 120
Depending on the form
It is used in small kitchens in the minimum version, recommended for installation in kitchens from 12 sq.m.
Cooking, dining table, snack, drinks.
Materials for the manufacture
In the manufacture of the bar, you can use a variety of materials presented on the modern building materials market. The combination of imagination, ingenuity and financial capabilities will create original, unique patterns. The basic principle of selecting materials for the manufacture of a bar counter should be the feasibility of using a certain material in the context of a common style decision. For example, a stand made of wood will fit perfectly into the interior in the style of "loft", "country" or "Provence", and will look ridiculous in a glass-metal "high-tech".
List of materials from which modern countertops are made:
natural wood;
a natural stone;
fake diamond;
Chipboard (laminated), MDF;
glass.
In the manufacture of the base of the bar are used:
chrome pipe - a classic, often used base;
MDF, particleboard;
drywall;
natural wood;
the lower part of the wall, specially left during the redevelopment of the premises.
Do it yourself
The process of creating this type of furniture with your own hands is simple and exciting. Just a little desire, skills and imagination is enough, and your kitchen will be transformed in a magical way. An example algorithm for manufacturing a variant using a chrome pipe:
Select countertop material.Cut the shape of the countertop with a jigsaw. Strip the edge of the edges and seal with special tape.
Drill a hole in the countertop according to the design with a round nozzle on the drill according to the diameter of the chrome pipe.
Pass the chrome pipe through the countertop, fix it with fasteners.
Fit the joint between the pipe and the worktop with flanges. Secure the worktop with a bracket.
Advice! When creating a bar counter with your own hands, use a wear-resistant material for the countertop that is not afraid of moisture and high temperatures. In stores, you can buy finished countertops. Do not forget about seasonal sales, this will significantly reduce the cost of buying components, getting a stylish result for your design project.
And finally ...
After the story about the bar counters and their use in the kitchen interior, finally a couple of tips that can come in handy when installing the bar counter in the kitchen.
Measure seven times - one cut
Care must be taken in the installation location of the bar. Before ordering from the manufacturer or making it yourself, you must carefully measure the space, providing for freedom of movement for cooking and a comfortable location for all family members at the dining table.
You can’t get the fish out of the pond without labor
Having decided to make a bar counter yourself, tune in to a thorough study of the project, take the time to find the necessary fittings, accessories, countertops, materials and other things necessary for the manufacture of. With the competent selection of high-quality consumables that together look like a good style decision, the bar in the kitchen will become the pride of the hearth.
The kitchen room plays a big role in people's lives. In the warmth and comfort of the kitchen, the family spends time during the morning breakfasts, family dinners or weekend lunches. The versatility of this special place makes the issue of designing a kitchen interior important. How to combine all the possible options of cooking worries, joint meals, quick snacks and long gatherings? One answer to this question is the design of the kitchen with a breakfast bar.
Creating a kitchen interior involves solving practical problems of organizing space and aesthetic functions. Therefore, in the interiors of modern kitchens, the use of a bar has become very common. The bar counter allows you to conveniently organize the space and makes a stylish elegant highlight in the atmosphere of the home.
Content
Background
In Britain, furniture for storing alcohol has been called bars for centuries. In the same sense, the word bar is used today. In drinking establishments, subjects of the British crown drank, had a bite to eat right on the crates, which at the same time served as a place for storing the coveted bottles of booze.
But, according to the basic version, it is believed that the establishment of a bar was facilitated by the establishment of public catering in the USA in the 18th century. In the saloons of the cowboy West, the bar counter divided the service area of hot Irish guys and the service area. With frequent conflicts with the use of forceful “arguments”, the bar counter served as an effective protective barrier for the bartender and fragile glassware.
Those days have long turned into a legend, which cinema is carefully nurtured in the Western genre. But the principles of convenience and functionality of using a bar counter in saloons are still universally applied in public institutions. Today, this design has become a frequent detail of the interior in residential buildings.
Zoning of the kitchen space as a functional necessity
Zoning of the room is carried out in order to divide it into several necessary household functional zones. For this, individual areas are allocated using different materials, contrasting colors, furniture and lighting. Thus, the common open space of the studio can successfully combine the living room with the kitchen.
The bar counter separates the places of cooking and storage of kitchen utensils from the equipped place where you can sit at the dinner table, calmly eat and chat with family and friends. Note that this approach allows you to maintain the hygiene necessary for the kitchen.
In the process of zoning the kitchen, it is important to use different types of flooring in functionally shared zones. From the side where the food is being cooked, the floor is often exposed to pollution. It is more appropriate to use floor tiles to decorate the floor. The party where they eat will be more comfortable to look with laid laminate or parquet.
A luxury item or a necessary item?
As an element of the kitchen interior, the bar counter has appeared recently. Once such a kitchen design personified a sign of prosperity, financial well-being, luxury. Very little time has passed. Now in many kitchens the bar counter is used as a stylish and functional type of furniture. Due to the variety of forms, materials, the accumulated base of standard and individual design solutions, the kitchen interior option with a breakfast bar has become an affordable solution for every taste and budget.
Its use helps to solve a number of practical problems in organizing space. Particularly important is the solution to this issue in a small area. For example, designers achieve amazing results by combining a small area of the kitchen with another room. In this case, the use of a bar counter is able to stylishly and functionally combine areas of different configurations.This makes kitchen use a necessity.
Optimal height
The issue of optimal height suggests two possible solutions.
The bar counter is installed according to the countertop level of the kitchen unit. This method allows you to significantly add a work surface for cooking and eating.
In order to calculate the height in this case, it is necessary to take into account the height of the facades, the thickness of the countertops, base, base. Considering that the standard of manufacturers of typical kitchen furniture assumes an average height of countertops 88-91 cm, approximately this height should be guided when choosing the optimal height of the bar counter in the interior of the kitchen.
The bar counter, installed separately from the kitchen, has an independent function. In this case, it becomes part of the design decision and is selected individually according to the growth and needs of the kitchen users.
Optimum width
Determining the optimum width is also an important issue when installing the structure. Standards require a tabletop width of at least 30 cm so that glasses with drinks that are traditional for this type of furniture can be placed on its surface. With an increase in the functionality of the bar, an increase in the width of its countertop is required. In order to fully use the area of the bar counter as a work surface for cooking or a dining table, the width of the countertop in this case should be at least 50 cm or more.
On the other hand, the wider the countertop of the bar, the more space it takes. In the area of a small-sized kitchen, this can turn into the fact that this stylish and multifunctional type of furniture clutters the whole kitchen,thus reducing all the advantages of its use to almost zero. In order to prevent such a result, it is necessary to approach each project individually, in order to combine convenience and a respectable appearance.
In classic style
Classic is undeniable in all its manifestations. Betting on a classic style a priori is proof of great taste and practical approach.
The classic bar counter is similar to its “grandparents” who “served” in saloons, bars, restaurants. According to the established tradition, the height of the classic bar counter is 110-120 cm. High bar stools or stools are obligatory, sometimes bar semi-chairs with high legs. The application of the classic style obliges to take care of the relevant details and stylish details. Antique wooden shelves for alcohol, shiny roof rails, pendants for glasses will complement the atmosphere of the old bar.
The classic bar counter is made of solid natural materials. Especially in such projects is invaluable natural wood. Also applicable materials that simulate the surface "antique".
Two-level
The two-level bar counter has upper and lower panels in its design. The top panel is intended for use as a dining table and drink drinks. The bottom panel is used for cooking, snacks, cocktails. Like the classic version for comfortable hanging out at a two-level rack, furniture for sitting on long legs (bar stools, stools, chairs) is used.
It is very convenient to use a similar design for a large family with small children. In this case, it becomes especially convenient to cook and feed a noisy children’s company, practically without leaving one place. Moms who know how it feels to simultaneously feed their restless children and clean up after them will undoubtedly appreciate such convenience.
However, it should be borne in mind that two panels of one bar counter occupy a double width. With a minimum size, the width of such a design will be no more than 60 cm. For small kitchens, such a solution may be too cumbersome.
From glass
The glass bar counter is able to successfully fit into the interior of the kitchen. Glass as a table top is a very good material in terms of maintaining hygiene due to its density and smoothness.
For the manufacture of a glass bar counter, ordinary sheet glass with a thickness of 10 mm or more is quite suitable. The thicker the glass, the stronger the product.
Also, for the manufacture of countertops, laminated glass - triplex is used. It is a durable, durable material up to 30 mm thick. Existing technologies allow laying decorative coatings with patterns, ornament, texture between its layers. This gives wide decorative possibilities for using this material.
Thick glass countertops of bar counters look stylish, but the considerable weight of this material requires a solid base that correctly distributes its weight. To avoid damage and cracks, when installing bar counters with a glass surface, it is better to contact specialists who can mount such structures.
Small rack
If the area of the kitchen is very limited, then it is extremely difficult to arrange a full bar counter in such conditions. No problem! A mini option will fit perfectly into the design of such a kitchen.
It is enough to place a narrow long counter along the wall in order to comfortably drink a morning espresso or arrange cozy evening gatherings watching your favorite series.
In order to save space, the folding mini-rack can be attached to the wall, folding it as necessary. Other solutions that optimize the use of space in the kitchen are a retractable bar counter. When you need to increase the working surface, it simply extends from the headset.When there is no such need, it moves forward, freeing up space.
The height of a small rack varies, as necessary, from 80-90 cm to a classic height of 110-120 cm. Under its surface, kitchen chairs and stools can be compactly stored for storage so as not to clutter up a small room.
Combined with windowsill
Another way to increase the working surfaces of the kitchen is to combine the windowsill and the bar. The bonus of this decision is the ability to cook and spend time at the window. Thus, natural daylight is used, it becomes possible to enjoy the view from the window during cooking and gatherings.
For a thorough combination, sometimes it is necessary to increase or lower the base of the window sill. To avoid such worries, it is ideal to plan this design at the stage of designing and repairing the kitchen. The areas of the bar and window sill are covered with one countertop. The width of the windowsill allows you to plan dining places for 2-3 people.
The disadvantages of this solution include the increased risk of contamination of slopes and window panes. Heat exchange may deteriorate if the heating batteries are located under the window, but this problem can be solved. To do this, one or two holes are cut out in the countertop, which can be closed with ventilation grilles.
The interior of the kitchen with a bar - "island"
The kitchen “island” is an excellent example of kitchen ergonomics. The incredible usability of this design is ensured by the combination of storage systems for kitchen utensils and products with extensive work areas. However, it should be noted that the placement of a small, but fully functional "island" in the middle of the kitchen requires a minimum space of 12 sq.m. and more.
Bar counter - “island” is more compact. This gives you more options to fit it mobile into a small kitchen.Therefore, in small kitchens, a design with a chrome pipe and a small surface of the countertop is often used.
If the kitchen area allows you to mount a full two-level "island" design, then this opens up the possibility of putting the sink and hob on the bottom panel.
Modern materials make it possible to make the base and countertops of any shape: round, square, undulating bar counters, consisting of one or more levels.
Corner kitchen with breakfast bar
Using a corner kitchen set allows you to use the kitchen area to the maximum. The arrangement of kitchen furniture along the walls frees up the space of the main area of the room. Such a design more than eliminates the shortage of working space. However, if the area of the kitchen is small, the bar can perfectly serve as a dining table and serve as an element of style in the overall ensemble of kitchen decoration.
When combining a counter with a corner set located along two walls of the kitchen, it is recommended that it be parallel to the main line of furniture, to simulate the layout with the letter “P”. This technique optically enlarges the kitchen, organizes the space, leaving the center of the room uncluttered.
The design of the rack in a single style with a kitchen set will make it a single set of kitchen furniture. The above article describes the optimal dimensions in the case of using a bar counter as a continuation of the kitchen set.
Summarizing Information
With kitchen set
Use as a separate table (lower tier).
Especially recommended for large families with small children.
Snacks, drinks, partially cooking area.
Dining table for 1-2 people.
Possibility of a folding or retractable option.
Snacks, drinks, partially cooking area.
Dining table for 1-2 people
Cooking, dining table, snack, drinks.
Materials for the manufacture
In the manufacture of the bar, you can use a variety of materials presented on the modern building materials market. The combination of imagination, ingenuity and financial capabilities will create original, unique patterns. The basic principle of selecting materials for the manufacture of a bar counter should be the feasibility of using a certain material in the context of a common style decision. For example, a stand made of wood will fit perfectly into the interior in the style of "loft", "country" or "Provence", and will look ridiculous in a glass-metal "high-tech".
List of materials from which modern countertops are made:
In the manufacture of the base of the bar are used:
Do it yourself
The process of creating this type of furniture with your own hands is simple and exciting. Just a little desire, skills and imagination is enough, and your kitchen will be transformed in a magical way. An example algorithm for manufacturing a variant using a chrome pipe:
And finally ...
After the story about the bar counters and their use in the kitchen interior, finally a couple of tips that can come in handy when installing the bar counter in the kitchen.
Measure seven times - one cut
Care must be taken in the installation location of the bar. Before ordering from the manufacturer or making it yourself, you must carefully measure the space, providing for freedom of movement for cooking and a comfortable location for all family members at the dining table.
You can’t get the fish out of the pond without labor
Having decided to make a bar counter yourself, tune in to a thorough study of the project, take the time to find the necessary fittings, accessories, countertops, materials and other things necessary for the manufacture of. With the competent selection of high-quality consumables that together look like a good style decision, the bar in the kitchen will become the pride of the hearth.