Bar counter between the kitchen and the balcony: how to properly install and expand the functional space

Is it worth making a bar counter on the balcony?

Each element in the design of an apartment has a purpose. The bar counter serves as an additional place for a feast, decorates the room, and makes it stylish.

Advantages of placing a bar counter on the balcony:

• since it is supposed to combine the balcony with the room: demolition of the window, part of the wall, more light penetrates into the apartment, a panoramic view from the window appears;
• the balcony is used as a relaxation area, and does not stand idle;
• if the apartment is small, it fully replaces the dining table;
• it is not difficult to install; approval from supervisory authorities is not required;
• can be used not only for a feast, but also for many other things;
• It is not necessary to use expensive materials; there are affordable options.

But there are disadvantages of such innovation indoors:

• bar stools can be high for children;
• panoramic windows can cause heat in summer and cold in winter; a sun shield and high-quality insulation of the loggia are required;
• if the counter replaces a table, then many people will not sit at it, it may seem narrow and uncomfortable;

The location of the structure can be varied..

Balcony with a bar instead of a window sill

A balcony with a bar instead of a window sill is a good idea for small spaces. Replacing one design with another is quite simple and inexpensive. However, before proceeding with installation, it is better to think through the design of the future structure in advance.

We show different options for transforming a window sill into a rack in the photo. See how many interesting solutions can be implemented even within a limited budget.

Design of a bar counter instead of a window sill

Advice!

It is not necessary to install a countertop - you can buy a full-fledged bar counter and move it close to the wall where the window sill used to be.

Choosing material for the countertop

The key point is the choice of material for the countertop. If you are interested in budget options, you can focus on products made from chipboard. This is a fairly durable material with excellent performance characteristics.

For large balconies, products made from natural and artificial stone are suitable. In small rooms, such countertops may look too massive and inappropriate. But they serve for a long time, retain their external ideality and do not require special care.

Tabletops made of natural wood look elegant. They are especially relevant as an addition to the classic interior style. However, such structures should not be installed if there is high humidity on the balcony - even the material processed according to all the rules can become deformed.

Several more types of materials for the bar counter

Purpose, pros and cons

The bar counter in the kitchen or in a studio apartment has become a familiar element of the interior. However, this is not the only option for placing such a table. A stand on the balcony will be a fresh design solution, distinguished by practicality and functionality. This option is appropriate for narrow loggias where there is a shortage of free space. The piece of furniture takes up little space and is suitable for interiors in the Art Nouveau style.

Advantages of the bar counter:

• The tabletop is accessible from the kitchen and loggia, thanks to which more people can be seated behind it, while it itself will take up less space.
• The counter will replace the kitchen table. In the freed up space you can place additional cabinets, cabinets, and furniture.
• Multifunctionality of a piece of furniture. Above it there will be shelves for storing dishes, drinks, and food.
• Low cost. If you choose chipboard (chipboard) as the base, creating and installing a table will be relatively cheap.

The stand also has a number of disadvantages:

• The model is not always suitable for a full meal. This is especially felt in families with children: it is inconvenient for children to eat at a table of this design.
• Glasses and bottles placed on the bar counter quickly become covered with dust and require constant wiping.
• If there are a large number of objects and accessories above the table, this will visually overload the kitchen. The disadvantage is noticeable in very small rooms.
• You can only sit at the bar on high chairs, which may not be comfortable for everyone.

To install a bar counter between the kitchen and the loggia, no special permission is required if the wall being demolished between them is not load-bearing . In addition, this table model is used for zoning a room. In particular, it will allow you to separate the kitchen preparation area and the dining room.

Bar counters between the kitchen and the balcony

Bar counters between the kitchen and the balcony are installed in case of demolition of the walls dividing the room. If you choose this option, you must obtain permission to begin work. But in the end, your apartment will be completely different from typical housing.

This redevelopment gives room for imagination - you can use different variations of furniture. For example, wide countertops with support, cabinet models, racks with built-in shelves and drawers. Or such interesting products as Bramante from Eichholtz. You can buy such a bar counter for the balcony if you want to add some zest to the interior.

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Bar counter black Bramante from Eichholtz

218 305 rub.

RUB
218,305 buy

Features of arranging a kitchen with a bar counter on the balcony

The design of a kitchen with a bar counter on the balcony - as a zoning tool or simply an interior element - depends on the style features. Most often, such a detail is used in small rooms to save space in order to combine a dining area with a compact counter. Here, when combining rooms, you will need a functional and oversized element to separate individual zones. The bar counter can be the optimal solution. When a balcony becomes the only option to expand the kitchen space or dining area, you can also use it to create a workplace - for work or study, because children often do homework in the kitchen if the apartment does not have enough space for a full-fledged desk.

The presence or absence of a bar counter does not depend on the design style of the room. It can be in minimalism, hi-tech, loft or futurism style, or in classic, Provence and country. Table tops and their supports differ in design, construction, size, color and shape. For example, to arrange a semicircular balcony or bay window, similar models of bar counters are chosen. It looks stylish and is convenient to use.

In a small room, you can install a tabletop of a minimum size on one metal support. But then you will have to demolish the wall between the kitchen and the balcony or install such a table on the loggia. Although this design can be folding.

The choice of solutions depends on many parameters, and there are simply no unambiguous solutions for all homes, especially since the requirements of the needs are also different. If you are looking for solutions for your apartment, it is worth reviewing a lot of photographs of finished projects, because it is impossible to describe existing design ideas in words, as well as the possibilities of their implementation.

Types of bar counters

Depending on personal preferences, you can install a stand of various shapes and designs on the balcony

Built-in table

The bar counter does not have to be a continuation of the window sill; you can organize and place a table in one of the corners of the loggia, so that it stands perpendicular to the window sill. This table is difficult to use for eating, but it is perfect for an office. You can set aside this space for a computer table. The advantage is that you can easily retire there and immerse yourself in work, no one will disturb you.

The wide tabletop can be used for a variety of purposes

Wide window sill

This is perhaps the most convenient option for large families or people who receive many guests at once. A wide window sill stretched along the entire length of the loggia will be an excellent continuation of the kitchen if the door opens onto the kitchen.

A fairly wide window sill will successfully replace a dining table

If the door of your loggia opens into the hall, and it is not possible to make it from the kitchen side, then it is better to use this option for an office, because using it to extend the kitchen is not very convenient, because food will have to be carried through the entire apartment, which will eventually smell of food .

Design and shapes of bar counters for a loggia

Modern design assumes any shape. When choosing, you should rely on the dimensions of the loggia or balcony, the general concept of the apartment and your taste. The folding form is compact and can be used as needed. This function allows you to use the space along the wall when the stand is not folded back. This option is suitable for small apartments or studios.

For large apartments, semicircular, curved or streamlined designs are suitable. Due to the absence of corners, they are safe and easy to use. Another safe option would be a shape with rounded corners. It can be L-shaped or angular.

The corner one will allow you to make the most of the space by using the corners. Suitable for both small and large apartments, it can be either high or low.

The photo shows the option of installing an L-shaped bar counter with a wooden tabletop. The design is complemented by wooden bar stools.

L-shaped is most often used in the interior. Various options for its installation will allow you to equip the rack anywhere, including in a corner. The two-level design consists of two tabletops located at different heights. The lower tabletop is used directly as a bar counter, and the upper one can be used as an additional shelf for storing drinks.

Ideas for decorating a balcony in various styles

You can decorate the bar on the balcony in any style. The main thing is that this space blends harmoniously with the rest of the room. If the balcony is located next to the kitchen, you can make a counter in the same color as the kitchen unit. Fiberboard/MDF/chipboard and acrylic will help you with this.

If your apartment or balcony is designed in a loft or high-tech style, use metal, wood or stone. Install pendant lights or spots that diffuse soft light. Add metal designs and accents, such as tableware or a decorative vase.

The photo shows the interior on a loft-style balcony. Part of the wooden stand is installed in place of the window sill.

If you have a studio apartment, decorate your balcony in Art Nouveau or Provence style. A tabletop made of wood or glass with a soft, flowing shape will fit perfectly into this style. Light accents in the form of lamps and stained glass patterns will help make the interior on the balcony modern.

Photo ideas for the design and location of the bar counter

An additional element of the bar counter can be lighting. LED lamps are built directly into the structure. They can serve as both additional lighting and a decorative element.

Craftsmen can also offer you artistic milling. It is carried out both on wood and metal. Check out other ideas for decorating your balcony.

How to position the bar counter?

The location of the bar counter depends on the size of the balcony, its type and glazing. Install a bar counter if the balcony or loggia is glazed and insulated. The height can be adjusted according to your wishes. The structure can be placed either on the loggia or between the room and the balcony. The stand can serve as a partition or a full replacement for a table. It can become an extension of the kitchen space or an independent bar.

Folding bar counter

The least expensive way to increase the functionality of a loggia without breaking walls or dismantling window and door openings. The advantages of this option:

• budget - minimal costs are required to purchase a tabletop and fixtures;
• easy to install - no need to hire specialists;
• compact – when folded, it does not affect the size of the loggia.

When installing a folding bar counter yourself, you need to decide on the size of the tabletop and purchase a sheet of chipboard, wood, or composite material. Brackets are also needed (the quantity depends on the length of the finished product). After purchasing the components, the brackets are attached first, and the tabletop second. That's it - the design is ready for use.

Ergonomics of a folding table for a balcony

Folding furniture is a very convenient option for a balcony or loggia of any size, especially small ones. It is quite easy to use and, if necessary, can be quickly and easily unfolded or assembled. You can install not only a folding table, but also folding chairs. This set is ideal for a balcony.

Folding elements, as a rule, are installed in the area of ​​the window opening, since this is where the best illumination is. Also, when unfolded, the furniture allows you to move even on a narrow balcony. If necessary, transformers are easy to assemble and practically merge with the wall. At the same time, the balcony area remains completely free, which is convenient if you need to place some other things for a while.

The functionality of a folding table for a balcony or loggia

There are always several options for using such furniture:

• for board games;
• conversations over a cup of tea;
• family dinner;
• hobbies;
• comfortable workplace;
• rest and meditation.

A separate loggia or a balcony connected to a room can and should be used as profitably and conveniently as possible. To do this, it is enough to imagine an area that does not have enough space in the apartment, and realize your dream in a small balcony space.

Along the balcony window

If there is a picturesque view outside the window, this option is for you. It also does not force you to dismantle the windows between the balcony and the room. Depending on the size of the loggia, you can install a tabletop:

• along the entire balcony;
• along the perimeter of the balcony, including the end sections;
• occupy part of the space - suitable for small balconies.

The shape can also be different; if the balcony is rounded, then the bar counter should be rounded.

Bar counter on the window opening

Possible when dismantling the balcony block. The convenience is that the remaining structure from the balcony opening can serve as a stand; you just need to refine it. Also, to use it as a dining table, you need to expand the counter. Experiments are possible: adding shelves, hanging structures, decorative elements.

Rack in an empty opening

The difference from the previous one is that the entire opening between the room and the balcony or loggia is freed up. Since the wall is being dismantled, decisions can be made:

• which side to install the bar counter on, and how wide to leave the passage;
• the surface will be regular or irregular in shape, with or without curves;
• place a larger rack on the balcony or extend it into the kitchen;
• build shelves under the countertop for storing drinks/food or insert an aquarium;
• how tall will the structure be?

Also, the absence of a window block under your feet allows you to sit more comfortably at the bar counter.

Window sill stand

You can also build a bar counter on the balcony from a window sill. A similar structure will be placed near the window inside the balcony. Its advantages lie in minimal physical and financial costs. Because instead of a window sill on the loggia, it will be necessary to install only a tabletop using brackets.

For each individual case, your own option will be most convenient. Depending on the size of the balcony, the needs of the apartment owners, and financial capabilities.

Wall table

It is similar in design to a folding table, but is attached in a different way. The model is mounted on the balcony parapet using metal profiles and hooks. This option will look more impressive on open terraces. You can make such a table, like a folding one, yourself.

How to position?

Not all layouts provide enough space to place a wide tabletop on the balcony. Location options differ in functionality and appearance.

Folding

Suitable for arranging a small balcony, loggia. Saves maximum usable space in the room. To install it, you do not need to dismantle the balcony block.

Advantages:

• inexpensive - due to its lightness, the tabletop is sold at an affordable price, as are the fasteners for it;
• installing the structure on the wall is simple, the participation of specialists is not required;
• compact - if folded, it becomes almost invisible and does not take up additional space;

To install such a tabletop, you will need: a sheet of chipboard (wood or other material), brackets.

What shapes do countertops come in?

In modern design, bar counters on the balcony and other places are often used and are considered a sign of good taste. The design becomes multifunctional, additional functions are added in addition to the basic ones. The decor for bar counters is selected based on the design of the room, construction materials and general rules of stylish design.

Classic

The classic bar counter is suitable for a wide space; it is used when connecting a loggia when there is a lot of free space. Height is approximately 120 cm, width 50 cm. It is complemented by high bar stools. They look like chairs with footrests, complemented by backs and armrests.

Some owners prefer similar stools with leather seats. Small half-chairs look expensive; they cost according to their appearance.

To make the most of the rack's capabilities, it is supplemented with the following equipment:

• hanging holders for glasses, glasses;
• shaker;
• coffee machine;
• juicer.

You can place any small equipment or decorative elements such as a vase or dish with fruits or sweets.

Mini

For an ordinary balcony, this design is the most convenient option. There is usually not enough free space; a bar counter will replace a dining table and free up space in the room. Such models are no higher than 90 cm; they can be used as a kitchen countertop for cutting food if the kitchen area is too small. The additional elements here are the same as in the classic version.

The only caveat is that it is not recommended to place foreign objects on the mini stand; they can easily be accidentally pushed over and broken due to the compressed space.

It is convenient to use such structures if there are children or elderly people in the house. It needs low chairs; no one will have to climb onto a bar stool.

Island

Such a rack can be installed only in those rooms where a lot of space has been freed up. It looks advantageous if the balcony block is completely demolished and the tabletop is located in the middle of the spacious loggia.

It looks very stylish, especially if it is made of wooden slab or figured stone. On the island, on one side you can cook food, and on the other, sit your interlocutor. No one will bother anyone. Several people can be seated around the counter, suitable for meetings with friends or for a family meeting.

Corner

This is a very convenient design if you need to save space. Such a stand can be pushed into the corner of the balcony when there is not enough free space or there is no need to use it constantly. There are 2 options for its placement:

• as part of the overall design of the kitchen unit;
• as a separate independent element.

Materials for the bar countertop

Most often, the choice of countertop is based on personal preferences, features of the kitchen palette, and stylistic decisions. But when arranging a bar counter on the balcony, it is worth taking into account other nuances, including increased humidity, temperature changes, strong air cooling in the absence of additional heating on the loggia in winter. At the same time, it will traditionally have to be washed regularly - like any other table at which food is regularly eaten.

A window sill stand can be made from any material that fits into your budget.

• Traditional chipboard is not the most practical option for use in conditions of high humidity and regular temperature changes. But laminated panels are quite resistant to such conditions and can last up to ten years with careful use.
• Solid wood is another material that can hardly be called suitable. But this is true only for relatively inexpensive varieties: a number of wood species are resistant to constant exposure to moisture. This is both bog oak and larch. There are also a number of exotic varieties that also grow in humid climates, and therefore such wood is suitable for arranging even a countertop near the sink. A wooden bar counter can also become a workplace if necessary if you choose a corner model. This is especially convenient in small apartments.
• The optimal solution for both a balcony table and any other tabletop is stone – both natural and artificial. In any case, this is the most durable option with the widest range of decorative components. This is a wide range of not only shades, but also texture patterns.
• A plastic tabletop is an analogue of a regular economical window sill. An easy-to-maintain option, but not durable enough for long-term use. However, the point is not that plastic is not strong enough, but that it always looks cheaper than any other material.
• A glass bar counter is an original tabletop model, which is perhaps the easiest to care for. But for strength and durability, you should choose tempered glass, which is more expensive than regular material.

Tree

The array guarantees a presentable appearance of the bar counter. Wood in the interior is associated with luxury, good quality and environmental friendliness. Popular species: pine, oak, birch. With all the advantages of the material, you need to remember the need for constant care of such a tabletop, otherwise stains and marks from glasses will remain on the surface.

Chipboard, fibreboard, MDF

The most versatile material, wide choice of colors. Service life is shorter than others. The chipboard material is fragile and wears out quickly. MDF and fiberboard are more durable; you can create an imitation of wood structure or marble coating on them.

Plastic

Despite the fact that the plastic wears out quickly, it is quite beautiful and is often made to glow, which provides additional illumination and beauty. They are made in different shapes and sizes, and the colors can please you.

Plastic is best used on a heated balcony

Such racks are the most unreliable; they will last a very short time and quickly deteriorate from mechanical damage.

Metals

Before metal structures for kitchens go on sale, they are treated to avoid rust on the material. Therefore, the metal is durable and unpretentious. Does not require special care. You can place hot dishes on metal racks without any consequences for the surface of the countertop.

Acrylic

The material is a high-quality replacement for natural stone. The artificial analogue is cheaper and has good performance characteristics:

• wear-resistant – not subject to deformation, resistant to temperature changes and various types of damage;
• ease of care - due to the non-porous structure, they do not absorb moisture, odors, dirt does not penetrate into the material;
• practical - for cleaning you only need to periodically wipe the surface with a damp sponge.

In addition, acrylic is harmless.

Stone

Noble and durable material that will serve the home owners for decades. Looks organic in spacious rooms. Among the advantages:

• amenable to processing;
• durable;
• resistant to high temperatures;
• it is not affected by chemical compounds.

From stone you can create not only a tabletop itself, but also a base for it. The disadvantage of the material is its high price.

Glass

The material is durable and not inferior to the options listed above. The only thing that needs to be taken into account is the interior design. Glass is a component of modernity. It will look harmonious in conjunction with metal and stone structures. And you don’t have to choose transparent countertops. Glass can be any color. Another feature of it is that it is cold.

Sometimes several materials are used simultaneously to create the perfect bar counter on the balcony. You can, to match the optimal tabletop height of 110-120 cm, raise the level of the opening using:

• concrete structures;
• brickwork;
• wooden shelves;
• metal tubes.

There is an option when the design style allows you to combine several materials in one bar counter. In modernity, the combination of concrete and metal elements and glass looks good.

From ready-made kitchen countertops

People often ask about ready-made kitchen countertops. Is it possible to make them quickly and easily?

To cut a piece you need to take this tabletop to the factory. The material cutter in the store will not cope with this task.

To round the edges, you need a milling table. Nothing will work without professional hands and an ordinary jigsaw.

You won't get a good edge with an iron.

Countertop material

Taking into account the peculiarities of the external atmosphere that develops objectively on the balcony, a durable and stable material is selected for the tabletop, which is the most important part of the bar counter. Undoubtedly, such a criterion as the external decor of the product also plays a role.

Glass

You will need well-tempered thick glass with the ends covered with a protective film. This material, thanks to its transparency, does not clutter up the space. The glass is easy to wash and clean. The stained glass decor looks great.

Tree

The most durable countertop is made from environmentally friendly solid wood. When it is coated with multi-layer varnish, the characteristic noble texture becomes more convex, which can be combined with any type of finish.

Stone

Used as a more expensive natural stone. And no less strong and durable artificial analogue. The stone countertop gives a static feel. When made from intelligent marble, elegant malachite, noble granite, it is possible to create a certain mood.

Acrylic

Modern acrylic countertops are made in a variety of shapes. They are no less durable than stone. Due to the absence of micropores, this tabletop does not lose its decor over a long service life.

Metal

Select a metal tabletop with protection against corrosion and rust. This product is not damaged under the influence of aggressive liquids or shock loads, which ensures its durability.

Chipboard

Inexpensive, but quite durable chipboards are used for the manufacture of balcony bar counters. The protective film on their surfaces not only imitates wood and stone, but also has a wide variety of color and ornamental designs.

Rules for selecting a store table

If your choice falls on ready-made furniture, then you should pay attention to two components of the right choice - the material and the fasteners.

The choice of material depends on the type of balcony. If the balcony is completely glazed, then the material can be absolutely any.

If the balcony is open, the material should be iron or plastic.

It is better not to use wooden tables in open spaces. When purchasing a wooden table, check with the seller whether it is impregnated with an anti-moisture solution. If not, then you shouldn’t buy it, since such a table will not last long.

Selection of materials

The choice of material depends on a number of factors:

• durability;
• strength;
• attractive appearance;
• resistance to mechanical damage.

If the stand is installed in place of the window sill without removing the radiator, the selected material must withstand constant exposure to heat. Installing the rack on the sunny side implies high levels of immunity to ultraviolet radiation.

The stand should be in harmony with the interior of the balcony. If combined with the kitchen, also with the kitchen interior. That is, the material is selected with this in mind. The stand should not look like a foreign object.

Among the most common materials that are chosen for balcony bar counters now, we can highlight the following several:

• chipboard (chipboard);
• impact-resistant glass;
• a natural stone;
• metal;
• ceramic tile;
• various types of wood.

If the balcony is poorly heated in winter, you need to choose a material that will resist moisture. Otherwise, the bar counter may not last even one season.

It is also worth paying attention to the final cost of production, including because independent processing of some materials will require significant costs. The most inexpensive are chipboard and wood. Glass, ceramic tiles and metal will cost a little more. The most expensive options are natural and artificial stone.

Racks that are combined from several types of materials look very nice. An example is racks, the supports of which are made of chromed metal, and the tabletop is made of plastic, glass or natural wood.

It is important to have the skills to combine the properties of different materials in one product in order to avoid negative effects such as chips and cracks that form due to incorrect calculation of mass distribution.

Stone countertop

Countertops lined with artificial stone intended for surface finishing look very modern. This stone is called “Corian”. It is available in a very wide range of colors, is easy to process and is durable.

Corian is created from mineral filler, color pigments and acrylic. In combination with glass, an internal glow effect is created.

If the interior of the balcony and the interior already have an established concept, you should choose one material that is in harmony with the overall picture. Otherwise, the interior may turn out to be too rich or simply confusing. Also, the material of the tabletop should be combined with the furniture placed on the balcony.

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How to make it yourself

This option is easy to repeat in any space, in the kitchen or living room:

1. The balcony window and door are carefully removed; only the base should remain of the entire block; the tabletop will later be placed on it.
2. Accurate measurements are taken and the length and width of the future tabletop are calculated. You immediately need to choose a shape and material. They are often made to order, since universal sizes are not suitable for a bar counter on a balcony.
3. A tabletop with rounded edges and finished finishing is ordered. The material is selected according to the wishes and financial capabilities of the owners.
4. The tabletop is attached to the mounting foam. To fix it securely and for a long time, metal corners and liquid nails are used.
5. The joints are filled with sealant, silicone. In some cases, it is appropriate to install skirting boards.
6. After this, you can install accessories. Hanging shelves and pipes are used to decorate and create storage spaces. On top you can install drawers for dishes or holders for glasses.
7. The final touch is the bar stools. Depending on the height of the counter, they can be classic high, in the form of poufs or stools.

When taking measurements, you need to take into account how much free space will remain after installing the countertop. It is necessary that moving around is not difficult, chairs fit freely and a person can walk through. If everything is done according to the rules, then no inconvenience will arise.

Pillars

This is not a required element on the bar counter. Sometimes they are necessary and act as a support for the tabletop. Can be decorated with decorative elements. For example, in combination with a Provence style kitchen, a small decorative bird cage mounted on a pole in the upper part looks beautiful. For a party, you can decorate with LED strip or lanterns.

You can also apply a pattern to match the kitchen or living room, so that the bar counter and kitchen set become elements of a single composition.

Loft-style bar counters contain metal elements. Pipe pillars look great here; they come in uneven shapes. This design is brutal and very modern. At the same time, the tabletop should be made of valuable wood and not wide, so that the stand as a whole looks light and fits into the interior.

Beautiful ideas

You can make the interior unusual by installing a bar with a streamlined shape. The option is ideal for a loggia. A room gains style with the help of bright, contrasting shades. The place is used for evening meetings with friends.

The streamlined bar counter is perfect for high-tech or modern style

It is recommended to use two shades as the base. Two edges are left free on the bar counter. For additional comfort, it is recommended to provide lighting in the area.

The semicircular option gives the room a conceptual and luxurious feel.

If the balcony is not glazed, then a removable bar counter would be an excellent option.

The interior decoration will be wooden furniture with metal accessories. It is available in different styles and is characterized by a high level of durability. The stand has no legs. In this case, it is attached directly to the wall.

Furniture can be supplemented with colorful elements only if there are no small parts on it.

The loggia is not perceived as a place to store things. Using modern methods it will be possible to design a stylish and functional room. The bar counter will become a favorite place for household members.

How to choose chairs

There are standards for selecting the height of chairs, taking into account ergonomic indicators; the parameters of the seating area are directly related to the height of the tabletop used by the visitor.

In the examples considered, the bar counter was a tabletop placed on a balcony or loggia at the level of the window sill under the balcony frame. At the same time, according to building codes, the tabletop did not fall below 1000 mm and did not rise above 1100 mm from the floor level, so the optimal height of a bar stool for such placement is 740 - 810 mm. The counter, made at the level or slightly above the removed window sill on the partition between the kitchen and the balcony, is approximately 100 mm higher than a regular kitchen table, so you can use ordinary chairs for it with little inconvenience or purchase bar chairs with a height of 580 - 710 mm.

Standard height of bar stools

A bar counter, located in the space between the living space and the balcony, or located on it, is one of the good ideas for implementing a method of remodeling a living space in order to increase its functionality. This option does not need to be legalized, and the advantages in the case of removing the window unit and insulating the balcony or loggia are quite noticeable - you get several square meters of full-fledged additional living space, which can be used to unload the kitchen. With such a remodel, the bar counter is rather an element that neutralizes the negative consequences of the changes.

Bar counter instead of a balcony

If the balcony is small, you can use its area in an original way and adapt it for installing a bar counter. This option is suitable if the exit to the territory is in the kitchen. A bar counter combined with a balcony can be of absolutely any shape and size - the main thing is that it fits organically into the space and matches the style of the interior.

A bar counter instead of a balcony is a solution that will require some redevelopment. It is especially convenient to implement it if two rooms have already been combined into one. The photo shows different options for implementing the idea.

Design of a bar counter instead of a balcony

Decorating a bar counter instead of a balcony

The best options for folding tables - for DIY production

If you cannot find suitable ready-made furniture, you can build a folding table for the balcony with your own hands. It is not difficult. You need to decide on the type of structure, its parameters, and then assemble the product from scrap materials.

Before you start working on the balcony, you should decide on the type of folding structure, its dimensions, and installation location.

If there is not enough space on the balcony, try designing a corner table or a product that is installed under the window sill on the balcony. Select building materials in advance and find out where you can buy them. If you do this, you will not have any problems at the next stage of work.

Preparing to make your own table

The manufacture of a folding table begins with preparatory work.

1. The wall is being strengthened.

In some cases, it is necessary to dismantle the facing material to install embedded bars. The cladding on the reinforced wall is being restored.

1. Material is being prepared.

The main consumption of material is on the countertop. It is good if the material is not very thick and is easy to process. The most popular materials are:

• hardwood;

• chipboard;

• profiled board (lining).

1. The instrument is being prepared.

The standard tool set includes:

• electric jigsaw;

• hammer drill or drill;

• screwdriver or screwdriver;

• pencil, tape measure, level and marking tools.

Table mounted on hinges with support

The simple design allows you to do all the work yourself, and with minimal costs for materials. According to the given drawing, parts are cut. You can use a sheet of plywood or chipboard as a basis.

Design options can be chosen at your discretion:

• The table stand is cut out of boards, fitted together and forming a triangle.
• Finished part from a solid plate.

The first method is more difficult; in this case, the connections of the boards must be carried out as carefully as possible, including adjustment at a certain angle. It’s easier to cut the required part to size from plywood or chipboard.

Instructions for making a bar counter with a folding stand

1. Elements of folding legs are prepared according to the drawings. To do this, you need to mark and cut eight vertical posts and four horizontal ones that serve as jumpers.
2. The racks are connected to each other and the frames are formed using dowels. Holes 8 mm in diameter are cut at the end of the racks. Dowels pre-treated with glue are carefully driven into the heated holes.
3. All support elements are connected to each other. The result is two frames of equal size. To reliably secure the resulting elements, the joints are fastened with clamps until the adhesive has completely dried.
4. The frames are fastened together with hinges - “butterflies” at the top and bottom. The hinges are fastened after preliminary marking using self-tapping screws. If the weight of the tabletop is large, it is advisable to use piano hinges fixed vertically along the entire length of the support frames.
5. In the frame, which will later be placed against the wall, a narrow wooden plank is attached using hinges. Both frames are also fixed to each other.
6. Mounting angles are marked and fixed on the wall. The distance between them should correspond to the width of the frames with a small margin. The corners are fastened in accordance with the wall material.
7. A vertical line is marked from the inside of the corner located on the left. A plank with attached frames is fixed along the marked line.
8. The tabletop is cut out according to preliminary markings. It is also necessary to cut off a part from it that will be attached to the installed corners. Its width usually does not exceed 160 mm.
9. All edges of the cut parts are processed with a router. Sharp corners of the tabletop must be rounded to prevent injury when operating the table.
10. The next step is to mark a line on the tabletop, along which a part is cut off from the panel, which will be fixed to the mounting angles installed on the wall. Its width should be 160 mm. The end sides of the cut, just like all other parts of the structure, must be processed until smooth.
11. Hinges are fixed on the end of the narrow part of the table top. The panel itself is attached to the corners using self-tapping screws.
12. The next step is to fix the smaller part of the tabletop, with hinges attached to it, on the corners screwed to the wall. Fastening is done from below or from above. In the second case, the heads of the screws must be “sunk” into the wood, and then sealed with putty - wood glue mixed with fine sawdust.
13. Now, the frame-legs move forward, onto which the second part of the tabletop is laid. The parts are precisely aligned, and the hinges are screwed to the tabletop from below, into the same pre-prepared holes for self-tapping screws.
14. When folded, the structure protrudes from the wall, so it can be used as a stand for flowers or other necessary items.