Bar counter for a small kitchen - 50 best ideas

The kitchen plays a big role in people's lives. The family spends time in the warmth and comfort of the kitchen during morning breakfasts, family dinners or weekend lunches. The versatility of this special place makes the design of the kitchen interior important. How to combine all the possible worries of cooking, shared meals, quick snacks and long gatherings? One answer to this question is kitchen design with a breakfast bar.

Creating a kitchen interior involves solving practical problems of organizing space and aesthetic function. Therefore, in the interiors of modern kitchens, the use of a bar counter has become very common. The bar counter allows you to conveniently organize the space and adds a stylish, elegant twist to the atmosphere of your home.

Background

In Britain, furniture for storing alcohol has been called bars for several centuries. The word “bar” is used in this same sense today. In drinking establishments, subjects of the British crown drank and had a snack right on the boxes, which also served as storage places for treasured bottles of booze.

But, according to the main version, it is believed that catering establishments in the USA in the 18th century contributed to the appearance of the bar counter. In the saloons of the cowboy West, the bar counter separated the service area for hot Irish guys and the area for the service staff. In frequent conflicts involving the use of forceful “arguments,” the bar counter served as an effective protective barrier for the bartender and fragile glassware.

Those times have long turned into a legend, which cinema carefully nurtures in the Western genre. But the principles of convenience and functionality of using a bar counter in saloons are still widely used in public institutions. Nowadays, this design has become a common interior detail in residential buildings.

Zoning the kitchen space as a functional necessity

Zoning of a room is done in order to divide it into several necessary household functional zones. To do this, individual areas are highlighted 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 cooking and storage areas for kitchen utensils from the equipped place where you can sit at the dining table, quietly eat and chat with family and friends. Note that this approach allows you to maintain the hygiene necessary for the kitchen space.

When zoning a kitchen, it is important to use different types of flooring in functionally separated zones. On the side where food is prepared, the floor is often subject to contamination. Here it is more appropriate to use floor tiles to decorate the floor. The side where they eat will look more comfortable with laminate or parquet installed.

Advice! When zoning the kitchen with a bar counter, use the lighting options. Select and highlight areas based on the need for brighter or diffused light. Install halogen spotlights or a chandelier with a directional light source above the tabletop.

Do you need a bar counter in your kitchen?

This element of the interior in itself sets the mood for casual conversations in a relaxed atmosphere. It creates a relaxed effect and combines originality with comfort.

Bar counter as the main kitchen accessory

The bar counter can perform several functions:

• replace a bulky table, which is important for small spaces;
• serve for zoning, separating, for example, the kitchen area from the living room;
• create a place with a relaxed atmosphere for snacks;
• be an additional working surface for the kitchen interior;
• serve as an effective interior detail.

It easily replaces a table that takes up a lot of space

Since the bar counter is equipped with high stools, it may be impossible to completely abandon the presence of a dining table if there are small children and elderly people in the family.

Luxury item or essential item?

The bar counter has recently appeared as an element of the kitchen interior. Once upon a time, such a kitchen design personified a sign of prosperity, financial well-being, and luxury. Quite a bit of time passed. Now in many kitchens the bar counter is used as a stylish and functional piece of furniture. Thanks to the variety of shapes, materials, and an established base of standard and individual design solutions, the kitchen interior option with a bar counter has become an affordable solution for every taste and budget.

Its use helps solve a number of practical problems when organizing space. The solution to this issue seems especially important in small areas. For example, designers achieve amazing results by combining a small kitchen area with another room. In this case, the use of a bar counter can stylishly and functionally combine areas of different configurations. This makes use in the kitchen a necessity.

Transformable bar counter - photo

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When choosing a bar counter for the kitchen and the material for its manufacture, first of all you need to think about what exact function this item will perform and how often it will be used. You should also take into account the size of the kitchen, its design features and the organization of space.

Optimal height

The question of optimal height suggests two possible solutions.

The bar counter is installed at the level of the kitchen countertop. This method allows you to significantly add a working surface for preparing and eating food.

To calculate the height in this case, it is necessary to take into account the height of the facades, the thickness of the countertop, the plinth, and the base. Considering that the standard of manufacturers of standard kitchen furniture assumes an average height of countertops of 88-91 cm, approximately this height should be guided when choosing the optimal height of the bar counter in the kitchen interior.

Advice! This design is very convenient as a dining table. Use a conveniently wide bar counter as a dining area in a small kitchen for a small family. This will make the kitchen space more ergonomic.

The bar counter, installed separately from the kitchen unit, has an independent function. In this case, it becomes part of the design solution and is selected individually according to the height and needs of the kitchen users.

Transformable bar counter in the kitchen interior - features

Not so long ago, this original element of the interior was considered an attribute of nightclubs, bars, restaurants or small cafes, but today almost every homeowner understands that it is convenient, practical and fashionable.

The transformable bar counter for the kitchen has many positive aspects, for example:

• For a small kitchen space, it can be an excellent replacement for a dining table, without creating clutter in the room, thanks to the lightness and mobility of the design.
• The countertop has an optimal height, convenient for cooking and performing many related tasks, such as cutting food, dressing salads, mixing ingredients, whipping. Performing such actions at the bar counter, which is slightly higher than conventional work tables, housewives experience much less stress on their backs and get less tired.
• The variety of installation and design options allows you to choose the optimal type of item for any interior.
• Some designs can divide the kitchen space into certain zones, becoming an interior decoration.

There can be only one drawback here. Since the bar top is in most cases slightly higher than the level of ordinary tables, it is necessary to additionally purchase chairs of a special design and height. However, many types of transforming stands have a standard height.

Optimal width

Determining the optimal width is also an important issue when installing a structure. Standards require a tabletop width of at least 30 cm so that glasses with drinks, traditional for this type of furniture, can be placed on its surface. When increasing the functionality of the bar counter, it is necessary to increase the width of its tabletop. In order to fully use the area of ​​the bar counter as a working surface for cooking or a dining table, the width of the tabletop in this case must be at least 50 cm or more.

On the other hand, the wider the bar top, the more space it takes up. In the area of ​​a small-sized kitchen, this can result in the fact that this stylish and multifunctional type of furniture will clutter up the entire kitchen, thereby reducing all the advantages of its use to almost zero. To prevent such a result, it is necessary to approach each project individually, to combine convenience and respectable appearance.

Classic style

The classic is undeniable in all its manifestations. The focus on classic style is a priori proof of excellent taste and a practical approach.

The classic bar counter is similar to its “ancestors”, which “served” in saloons, bars, and restaurants. According to established tradition, the height of a classic bar counter is 110-120 cm. High bar stools or stools, sometimes bar half-chairs with high legs, are required. The use of a classic style requires taking care of the appropriate details and stylish details. Antique-style wooden shelves for alcohol, shiny rails, and glass pendants will complement the atmosphere of an old bar.

The classic bar counter is made from high-quality natural materials. Especially in projects like this, natural wood is invaluable. Materials that imitate an antique surface are also applicable.

Bar counter in a classic interior

Lighting the bar counter in the kitchen should be interesting when it is given a central place in the interior. Therefore, it is advisable to use several light sources that can be adjusted.

Modern classics are a solid formal style, rich in a significant amount of detail. A small kitchen with a bar counter in this style is not an easy task. It’s easy to make it too bulky, oversaturated with decorative elements, or cramped. What do you need to remember to avoid these common mistakes when designing it?

Preference for light colors

Material is also an important factor influencing the choice. Acrylic and plastic models can withstand weight up to 90 kg. Steel and wood are stronger.

White, cream, beige, light gray should be basic. They can be complemented with dark, gold, burgundy accents. But only in very measured doses.

Moderate amount of decor

To make the design original, you can assemble the model using slabs from different types of wood or decorating a model made of plasterboard with a beautiful mosaic.

There are very impressive kitchen sets with stucco on the doors, cornices, and pilasters. They fit amazingly into large rooms with high ceilings. But it is strictly not recommended to order them for little ones! On the contrary, you need to settle on something concise.

Natural materials

A wooden tabletop is good for its natural beauty, durability, versatility, warmth and the possibility of restoration. In addition, it is easier to care for as it repels dust.

Or materials that reliably imitate natural ones. Stone, wood, plaster. Of course, white paint, neutral wallpaper, discreet patterns, floral or geometric are also acceptable.

Natural stone is an expensive, durable and very beautiful material, but, unfortunately, it is not ideal. Marble is resistant to acids, grease and food dyes, and granite can be radioactive.

Note! The bar counter is exactly the place where you can relax your soul in modern classics. Supports stylized as columns, elegant brackets supporting the tabletop, vertical and horizontal edgings - all this is welcome.

MDF is a budget material that imitates wood or stone. It is quite impact-resistant and moisture-resistant.

Bar table in modern style

High-tech, eco-style, minimalism, loft - all these modern design trends love to use bar counters. What all these styles have in common is:

• minimum number of parts;
• contrasting colors;
• geometric simplicity of forms.

It’s good if the base of the bar counter is equipped with shelves, drawers, perhaps even a wine cabinet.

Everything else may vary. The design, materials, location are determined only by the imagination and taste of the author.

Two-level

The design of the two-level bar counter has upper and lower panels. The top panel is intended to be used as a dining table and for drinking drinks. The bottom panel is used for preparing food, snacks, and mixing cocktails. Similar to the classic option, for comfortable spending time at a two-level counter, furniture for sitting on long legs (bar stools, stools, armchairs) is used.

It is very convenient to use such a design for a large family with small children. In this case, the ability to cook and feed a noisy group of children without leaving one place becomes a special convenience. Mothers who know what it’s like to simultaneously feed their restless children and clean up after them will undoubtedly appreciate this convenience.

However, it must be taken into account that two panels of one bar counter occupy double width. With minimal dimensions, the width of such a structure will be no more than 60 cm. For small kitchens, such a solution may be too cumbersome.

From glass

A glass bar counter can fit well into the interior of the kitchen. Glass as a tabletop is a very good material in terms of maintaining hygiene due to its density and smoothness.

To make 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.

Laminated glass - triplex - is also used to make countertops. This is a strong, durable material up to 30 mm thick. Existing technologies make it possible to lay decorative coatings with patterns, patterns, and textures between its layers. This provides wide decorative possibilities for using this material.

Thick glass bar tops look stylish, but the considerable mass of this material requires a solid base that properly distributes its weight. To avoid damage and cracks, when installing bar counters with a glass surface, it is better to contact specialists who know how to install such structures.

Small stand

If the kitchen area is very limited, then it is extremely difficult to arrange a full-fledged bar counter in such conditions. No problem! A mini version will fit perfectly into the design of such a kitchen.

It is enough to place a narrow long counter along the wall to comfortably drink your morning espresso or arrange cozy evening gatherings while watching your favorite TV series.

To save space, a folding mini-rack can be attached to the wall, unfolding it as needed. Another solution that optimizes the use of space in the kitchen is a pull-out bar counter. When you need to increase the working surface, it simply slides out from the cabinet set. When this need is not present, it moves back, freeing up space.

The height of a small counter varies as needed from 80-90 cm to the classic height of 110-120 cm. Kitchen chairs and stools can be compactly installed under its surface for storage so as not to clutter up a small room.

Transformable bar counter for the kitchen - types of models

If the kitchen is very small, you can install a small bar counter of a mobile design, which has a rotating, sliding or folding mechanism, which allows you to avoid cluttering the kitchen, installing the item only when necessary and easily putting it back.

Retractable transformable bar counter

A retractable bar counter is a special design that has a retractable mechanism, thanks to which the working surface is extended. Such devices have the height of regular work and dining tables, as they are built into them for greater convenience. Such a bar counter is secured using a free movable leg, but in addition, the design can be additionally equipped with a convenient drawer under the tabletop, allowing you to store dishes, cutlery, napkins or bottles of drinks.

The structure is located under the countertop of one of the kitchen cabinets, and its extension occurs thanks to wheels or roller mechanisms. The surface of the bar counter is always in harmony with the overall design of the kitchen unit.

Rotating bar counter for kitchen

A rotating bar counter is a very convenient piece of kitchen furniture, the design of which often requires an individual approach. The surface of such a rack should easily fit under the countertop of one of the kitchen work areas and slide out smoothly, thanks to a special rotating mechanism. This option is very convenient because it can significantly increase the functionality of the space.

With this design, you can quickly organize a comfortable dining table without any effort, with a simple light movement. The bar counter of this model allows you to significantly save room space, but its installation requires precise calculations, the work of a professional craftsman and some additional costs.

Folding kitchen bar counters

Folding bar counter. If a large family lives in a living space with a small kitchen, then a folding (folding) bar counter will be the best option. When assembled, this design looks like a small bedside table that fits in any free corner (near the wall), and its surface is quite sufficient for a snack during the day or a cup of morning coffee. For dinner with the whole family, you just need to quickly lift and place on the legs the lowered tabletop.

The upper part of the structure can be fixed on legs (one or two) or on a special folding mechanism. Some models provide double expansion of the bar counter, which allows you to choose the optimal size for each situation and accommodate even large groups at the table.

Folding bar counter

The folding bar top model is the most budget-friendly, simple, space-saving design option. It is often installed not only in the kitchen, but also on the loggia, since when assembled the device takes up virtually no space. In this case, the tabletop is attached using conventional brackets, fixed to the wall with self-tapping screws. Such a table can be easily raised, mounted on a hidden leg, and quickly lowered when this surface is not needed.

Combined with window sill

Another way to increase the working surfaces of the kitchen is to combine a window sill and a bar counter. The bonus of this solution is the opportunity to cook and spend time near the window. Thus, natural daylight is used, and it becomes possible to admire the view from the window while cooking and gathering.

For thorough alignment, 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 during the kitchen design and renovation stage. The areas of the bar counter and window sill are covered with one tabletop. The width of the window sill allows you to plan dining spaces for 2-3 people.

The disadvantages of this solution include the increased risk of contamination of slopes and window glass. Heat transfer may deteriorate if the heating radiators are located under the window, but this problem can be solved. To do this, one or two holes are cut in the tabletop, which can be covered with ventilation grilles.

Kitchen interior with a bar counter - “island”

The kitchen island is an excellent example of kitchen ergonomics. The incredible ease of use of this design is ensured by combining storage systems for kitchen utensils and products with extensive work areas. However, it should be noted that placing a small but fully functional “island” in the middle of the kitchen requires a minimum room size of 12 sq.m. and more.

The “island” bar counter 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 countertop surface is often used.

If the kitchen area allows you to install a full-fledged two-level “island” structure, then this opens up the opportunity to move the sink and hob to the lower panel.

Modern materials make it possible to produce bases and tabletops of any shape: round, square, wavy bar counters, consisting of one or several levels.

What types of counters are there for small kitchens?

There are several types of racks, each of which is convenient in its own way and will suit a specific interior layout. Let's take a closer look at everything in order:

• Bar counter in the form of an island. This model is installed remotely from the rest of the kitchen unit. Usually it is a multi-level structure; the necessary accessories are stored on the lower levels. A separate island is well suited for organizing a large kitchen; especially in a living room kitchen it will help to zone the space. But in a small room there is not enough space for such furniture.
• A tabletop that turns into a bar counter. In every small kitchen, precious centimeters have to be saved, so the option of extending the kitchen set under the bar counter will be a welcome salvation for the owners. Here you can sit with friends and cook food, as well as have a full lunch. Versatility and convenience will be ensured.
• A wall-mounted bar counter is suitable for any size kitchen without taking up much space. This interior does not look boring, it is original, allowing you to comfortably have lunch or drink tea with friends.
• A window sill stand is one of the bold and tempting options in modern design. You cannot do without such a solution in a narrow, elongated kitchen, where it is difficult to turn around and find a place for a dining area. A window sill stand will save space and will fit beautifully into any interior design. It is important to think carefully about the lighting so that it is convenient to cook in the dark.

You can come up with your own exclusive version, because your imagination is not limited by anything. These can be the most daring ideas, the main thing is that they feel comfortable using the kitchen space. Do not forget to take into account the dimensions of the kitchen and future furniture, the shape of the counter, its location in the layout, as well as the presence of various drawers, stands, shelves and armrests.

Corner kitchen with bar counter

Using a corner kitchen unit allows you to make the most of your kitchen space. Arranging kitchen furniture along the walls frees up the main area of ​​the room. This design more than eliminates the shortage of working space. However, if the kitchen area is small, the bar counter can perfectly serve as a dining table and serve as an element of style in the overall ensemble of kitchen decoration.

When combining a stand with a corner set located along two walls of the kitchen, it is recommended that it be placed parallel to the main line of furniture to simulate a “P” layout. This technique optically enlarges the kitchen space, organizes the space, leaving the center of the room uncluttered.

Decorating the counter in the same style as the kitchen set will make it a single set of kitchen furniture. The above article shows the optimal dimensions in the case of using a bar counter as an extension of the kitchen unit.

The location of the bar counter in a small kitchen

In a separate kitchen, especially a small one, function No. 1 may not be fulfilled. There is no urgent need to distinguish between different zones. It is possible to separate the food preparation area from the dining area, but this is not necessary. And it's not even always possible.

When choosing the length, do not forget about the seating arrangement and the maximum number of people.

But function No. 2 is implemented just fine. In a kitchen with a modest area there is always a lack of work surfaces, and it is often unclear where to put the dining table. In this situation, a bar counter is a compact and convenient option to solve both problems at once:

• increase the working area;
• organize a place for eating.

Now is the time to touch on the question of how this can be done? What types of location of the bar counter are there in the space of a small kitchenette?

Perpendicular

The correctly selected size, configuration and location of the bar counter in a small kitchen will help create not only a beautiful, but also a functional interior, which is especially important for small spaces.

It can be installed perpendicular to the kitchen unit. As a continuation of the working surface, so that their joint contour in plan looks like the letter “G” or “P”. This is a very common and convenient solution.

Parallel

Due to its small width, the counter can replace a dining table, which is often difficult to place in a small kitchen.

It is less common to place a small kitchen unit with a bar counter in parallel. That is, a set of cabinets, shelves and household appliances along the wall. And a long horizontal tabletop - in the center of the room so that it follows the direction of the working area.

Note! Visually, this technique will further lengthen the room, making it more elongated, reminiscent of a train carriage. Therefore, it must be used with caution; it is not always appropriate.

Near the window

Sitting at such a bar counter is a pleasure, because you can admire the view from the window while drinking tea or enjoying a cup of coffee. However, if the view from your window leaves much to be desired, you should consider placing the bar counter in a different location.

You can make the bar counter a continuation of the window sill panel. Then you will have a dining corner where you can comfortably enjoy the view from the window. This idea allows you to use the window sill more rationally and save precious square meters.

At a free wall

If you decide to place the bar counter this way, you should think about the decorative design of the adjacent wall. Tiles or wallpaper with interesting patterns or designs will help offset this drawback.

In narrow, long rooms, sometimes the only possible place for a bar counter is the walls. As a continuation of the work surface of the corner kitchen unit. Or separately from it, as an independent object. The disadvantage of this way is that during a meal at a counter installed in this way, a person sits with his face almost close to a blank wall.

The advantage of this placement is that the bar counter can be made quite long depending on the length of the wall.

Note! You can make the surface above the bar counter more interesting with the help of well-chosen photos, decorative elements, and sconces. Such things not only make the space rich and cozy, but also visually expand it.

Folding bar counter

A transforming stand can serve as an alternative to a regular dining table, which makes it very relevant in small-sized kitchens.

A folding bar counter for a small kitchen is simply an ideal solution. It allows you to make the most of space. From a constructive point of view, such a piece of furniture is made in different ways:

• Folding option.
  When the tabletop panel is folded, it leans against the wall. A special case of this solution is a transformable cabinet, the door of which, when open, acts as a table.
• Retractable option.
  When the stand, if desired, is completely retracted, for example, under the working surface of the headset.

Modern designers have come up with many ideas to optimize the functional use of kitchen units.

Sometimes there are less typical folding design solutions; you can try and invent something original yourself.

Summarizing the information

Materials for production

When making a bar counter, you can use a variety of materials presented on the modern building materials market. The combination of imagination, ingenuity and financial capabilities will allow you to create original, unique designs. The main principle for selecting materials for the manufacture of a bar counter should be the feasibility of using a certain material in the context of the overall style decision. For example, a stand made of wood will fit perfectly into an interior in the loft, country or Provence style, 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.

When making the base of the bar counter, the following are used:

• chrome pipe - a classic, frequently used base;
• MDF, chipboard;
• drywall;
• natural wood;
• the lower part of the wall, specially left during the redevelopment of premises.

With your own hands

The process of creating this type of furniture with your own hands is simple and exciting. All it takes is a little desire, skill and imagination, and your kitchen will be transformed magically. An approximate algorithm for manufacturing a variant using a chrome pipe:

• Select countertop material. Cut out the shape of the tabletop with a jigsaw. Clean the edges and seal with special tape.
• Using a round drill attachment, drill a hole in the tabletop according to the diameter of the chrome pipe according to the design.
• Pass the chrome pipe through the tabletop and secure it with fasteners.
• Mount the joint between the pipe and the tabletop using flanges. Secure the tabletop with a bracket.

Advice! When creating a bar counter with your own hands, use a wear-resistant material for the tabletop that is not afraid of moisture and elevated temperatures. You can buy a ready-made countertop in stores. Don’t forget about seasonal sales, this will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing components, getting a stylish result for your design project.

And finally...

After talking about bar counters and their use in the kitchen interior, finally, a couple of tips that may be useful when installing a bar counter in the kitchen.

Measure seven times - cut once

It is necessary to carefully consider the location of the bar counter. Before ordering from a manufacturer or making it yourself, you must carefully measure the space, allowing for freedom of movement for cooking and a comfortable location for all family members at the dining table.

When is a bar counter appropriate?

A bar counter in the kitchen speaks of the good taste and practicality of the apartment owner. Contrary to popular belief, this is an attribute not only of a young company, but also a colorful piece of furniture for older people. But is a bar counter suitable for any kitchen?

It is worth considering purchasing it if:

• The small size of the kitchen does not allow it to accommodate a full-size table, which will interfere with free movement within the room;
• It is necessary to zone the kitchen. A bar drain will help divide a spacious but not very cozy kitchen into several functional areas. For example, work and lunch;
• The room has sufficient space to equip a minibar. Such a bar counter can become a luxury item if you equip it with a separate refrigerator and a cabinet for storing drinks;
• A redevelopment was carried out, during which part of the wall remained on the border of the two rooms. All that remains is to equip the partition with a tabletop.

Advice! Whatever purpose the bar counter serves, even if it is located away from the main fittings, it should be designed in a similar style.