Bar counter in the kitchen: 7 ideas for arrangement, 8 design tips and 60 photos

The bar counter is an excellent addition to the dining table or its worthy replacement when the kitchen is very small. After all, for all its compactness, it is convenient for her to have breakfast, snack, cook, arrange home receptions and even work. And she can deftly divide the united space, say, the kitchen-living room, into zones. In this article we will tell you how to plan a kitchen design with a bar counter and choose the most suitable option for the size and design.

On the types and options for the location of the bar

Most often the bar counter is arranged as follows:

• Peninsular stationary. The bar table of the peninsular type rests against the wall with one end. This option is especially good for a kitchen in a studio or kitchen, combined with a living room, dining room, corridor or a loggia, as it is located as a partition between the zones.

• Based on the windowsill. A window sill is a practically ready bar counter, because it is enough to change the countertop and, possibly, install one or two legs. Thus, the "bar window sill" allows not only to save space, but also to eat while admiring the view from the window. However, there may be inconvenience - the radiator, resting on the feet, cold from the window, the need to clean all items from the countertops before opening the window unbuttoned. Often the window sill-bar is built into the kitchen set (in this case, the window is raised). Below is a selection of photo-examples of window sills.

And here is an example of a bar rack, embedded in a wall in a small kitchen in a "Khrushchev".

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See also: Window sill and its variations - table top, bar counter, table.

• Wall-mounted- a stationary bar counter, installed along the wall. Due to its small depth and the presence of only one free side, it is super-compact. For a narrow and small kitchen - an ideal option.

For very small kitchens, you can use a folding wall table as in the photo below.

• Island- a rack that is part of a multi-functional table-island, in which a sink, stove and other household appliances can be built. Ideal for a spacious kitchen of 20 square meters. m. The shape of the island, as a rule, corresponds to the shape of the room, and the size is selected so that the passage around the table was not more than 1 meter.

• Built-in headset- a rack built into a G-shaped or U-shaped set and transferred to the kitchen countertop. At the same time, it can be located both at the window and along the wall, used both as a peninsula and as an additional working surface.

The bar counter built into the headset can be higher than the countertop.

And a bar counter can be built not only in the headset as a continuation of the countertop, but also in such a shallow block of cabinet-speakers.

• Bar counter-transformer. This category includes folding, sliding, folding, sliding and mobile tables. A transformable table can replace the dining table in the kitchenette, supplement the worktop or, if necessary, increase the number of seats behind the stationary rack.

• Stand in the through niche of the interior partition- A non-standard option for arranging a two-sided bar counter, when the countertop is located in a window.

About the dimensions of the bar and bar stools

The minimum depth of the countertop should be at least 35 cm, and ideally - 55-60 cm or more, if the kitchen area allows. The main thing is that the distance from the legs sitting to the wall or the support is at least 25 cm.

The size of one seat at the table, and accordingly the bar stool should be at least 60 cm wide.

• The standard height of the bar, designed for medium growth, is about 110-120 centimeters. Then the height of the standard bar stools should be 75-85 cm.

If the rack is executed at a non-standard height, for example, when installing into a headset under the level table tops, chairs are selected with adjustable height and are adjusted from the calculation: table height minus 35-40 cm.

See also: Dimensions of the bar.

On the materials of table-tops and supports

The legs of bar racks are usually made of wood, MDF or steel, but the substructure can be folded practically from any strong building material, for example, from bricks, foam blocks, gypsum board or plywood.

As for the countertop, it is made from:

• The tree (under oil, varnish or paint).The wooden countertop is good with its natural beauty, durability, versatility, warmth and the possibility of restoration. In addition, it is easier to take care of it, since it repels the dust.

• MDF- Budget material that simulates wood or stone. It is quite strong to impact and moisture resistant. Minuses of MDF can be called the toxicity and fragility of its decorative coating, especially the edges. If the edge is peeled off, the table top will make out formaldehyde.
• Chipboard- the most budgetary and least hard material, which, besides, is toxic.

• Glass table topgood for its "light" and stylish appearance, moisture and fire resistance. But it is more difficult to care for and less comfortable to use due to the voiced, cold and transparent material. In addition, the glass is quite fragile and afraid of blows.
• A natural stone- expensive, durable and very beautiful material, but, unfortunately, not ideal. Marble is afraid of acids, grease and food colors, and granite is radioactive.

• Fake diamond- an excellent material for the countertop, as it is wear-resistant, practical and beautiful. Can be installed seamlessly.

8 tips for kitchen design, selection and arrangement of a bar rack

Tip 1.The table top and the bar counter are often chosen to match the kitchen countertops - from the same material and in the same tone. However, it can match the color of the walls, windowsill, apron and any other significant element of the interior.

Tip 2.Keep in mind that even the smallest crumbs, drops of water and stains will be visible on black, dark gray and dark brown surfaces. Light and medium saturation table tops will suit the bar counter much more.

Tip 3.Well, if the bar counter is equipped with shelves, drawers, perhaps even a wine cabinet.

But with accessories for the table top, you should be careful and know the measure - because the abundance of suspension systems, shelves and roundabouts can overload the interior and make a sense of confusion. Yes, and monitor the order of open storage locations is quite difficult. In our opinion, in most cases, a wall-mounted narrow locker like in the photo below is enough to fit in it often-used glasses, glasses and other bar / kitchen items.

Read more about how and kaika accessories to choose for a bar counter. Read more here.

Tip 4.It is desirable, that at a bar rack in height 110-120 sm there was a crossbeam for support of legs. If there is no such bar, then it must necessarily be at the bar stools.

Tip 5.In order not to hit the corner of the countertop, make it round.

If the kitchen is very cramped, then zausiv tabletop where it is needed, and expanding wherever space allows, you will make the kitchen more convenient to move. An example of such a solution is presented in the next photo slider.

Council 6.To sit around at the bar was cozy and comfortable, it should be properly illuminated. For this purpose, small suspensions, sconces, spots and mini chandeliers are best.

• Ideally, the light source should be located directly above the bar counter at a height of 70 cm (and more) from the countertop.

Council 7.Breakfasts and snacks will be much more pleasant if you decorate the wall adjoining the table with any decor. For example, a clock, a poster, a pair of three photo frames or a narrow shelf with candles and other cute trivia. The main thing in this case is not to overdo it with the number of ornaments.

Another great idea - the design of the bar area mirror. Thanks to it, the kitchen will appear lighter and visually more spacious.

Council 8.Do you want the bar counter to clutter up the interior as little as possible? Choose a compact model on thin legs and add it with transparent bar stools made of polycarbonate. Also, the bar counter does not clutter up the space, if it is framed in the tone of the walls.

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Read also:

• . Guide for choosing bar stools.
• . A homemade bar counter or a mini-bar is within the power of everyone.
• . Corner kitchen with a bar counter.
• . Kitchen with island - all the features of planning and design.