Corner kitchens with a bar counter are the cherished dream of many owners of both small and spacious rooms. And this is understandable, because such models of corner kitchen units are highly compact, functional, ergonomic and convenient. And thanks to the presence of such a piquant detail as a bar counter, they always look stylish, creative and modern, bringing into the kitchen interior an atmosphere of relaxedness and fun inherent in bars, cafes and restaurants.
A corner set from the Forema factory for a U-shaped kitchen with an elegant bar counter, complemented by a functional hanging, fits optimally into the room
How to beautifully “fit” a corner set with a bar counter into the kitchen interior
Corner kitchen set with a bar counter - a statement of good taste, great choice for everyone who is young in body and soul, and for whom the kitchen is more than just a room for preparing and consuming food. You can “have a nice, soulful sit” at the dinner table, but the bar counter invites communication of a slightly different nature. And there is no reason to set the table if you just want a quick snack or a light coffee break. If earlier in such cases you had to “eat your meal” on the run so as not to fall under the hypnotically relaxing influence of the dinner table, now you can calmly have a snack at the bar, sitting on a high chair with footrests, which will give you moments of rest, but will not let you get cold and lose your fighting spirit.
Corner kitchen "Elina" with a bar counter from the Eco Kitchens factory combines the main trends characteristic of modern kitchen furniture
In modern interior design, a bar counter is any elongated tabletop on a bar console or simply without classic legs, like a regular table, complemented by high stools or bar stools with a crossbar for the legs. This could be a tabletop attached to the wall, an island counter placed in the center of the room, a small “offshoot” of a kitchen unit on a sparkling chrome leg, and other similar structures. By the way, in English-speaking countries such a counter is often called a “breakfast bar,” that is, a “breakfast counter,” and not a bar at all.
Corner kitchen with an elegant mini-bar counter from the Forema factory - the embodiment of modern style and comfort
The bar counter that complements the kitchen set is usually fixed on a supporting pipe-support, which is attached to the floor, acting as a bar console, and sometimes to the ceiling or to the top eaves cover. In the latter case, it acts as a functional tree on which holders for glasses and wine glasses, fruit bowls and other useful accessories are hung. However, in many modern models The bar counter very harmoniously continues the kitchen set even without a support tube.
A corner kitchen with a semicircular bar counter without a support tube and functional wood looks original and unusual
A popular option in the West: a narrow countertop-appendage installed perpendicular to the main line of the kitchen unit. This small addition in the form of a bar counter will allow you to create an ergonomic corner kitchen in the shape of the letter L or U, without loading the remaining space with a bulky dining table. Using modern materials, such as Corian, the countertop set can be rotated in any direction and at any angle, experimenting with the shape of the bar counter.
The simplicity and severity of the lines of the bar counter harmoniously fit into the interior of this kitchen
Design of a corner studio kitchen with a bar counter
For a studio apartment with an open plan, a corner kitchen set with a bar counter - optimal solution for functional division of the common space into a work area and a relaxation area. Having built a suitable set into the corner allocated for the kitchen space, it is enough to fence it off from the living room with a bar counter to achieve visual independence of the two zones, while maintaining the overall unity of the layout, especially if the design of the counter and kitchen set will echo the design of the furniture in the living room.
The black console-type bar counter contrasts with the light color scheme of the lilac-beige kitchen-studio, creating interesting composition
For a studio kitchen, a classic bar counter with a height of 110-120 cm with spacious lower cabinets for storing dishes and food, a well-thought-out system of rails and hangers, and individual lighting is perfect. This counter can be used as a bar, a counter for breakfast and light snacks, or as a serving table.
The studio corner kitchen project with a bar counter from the Architecture and Design company became the embodiment of an original design idea for kitchen design
Corner kitchens with mini bar counter
If your kitchen is not particularly spacious, this is not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of equipping it with a cozy bar area. Just the opposite. With the right approach, a corner kitchen set with a bar counter can be unobtrusively “fitted” into the most modest space, where it not only will not interfere, but will also serve well, taking on the honorable role of a dining table or an additional work surface.
Lightweight bar counter design for a small corner suitable for kitchens both for small kitchens and studio apartments
Of course, you will have to give up a classic stand with professional “stuffing,” but an elegant and ergonomic mini stand will be just right! A high or level worktop tabletop without upper and lower cabinets on a chrome leg or with a full functional tree with hanging elements, organically continuing the corner kitchen set - practical, stylish solution for a small kitchen.
With the right approach, a corner kitchen set with a bar counter can be unobtrusively “fitted” into the most modest space
Bar counter in in this case can completely replace dinner table, which often turns out to be too bulky for a small kitchen. The option of replacing the dining table with a bar counter is quite acceptable for a young family in which there are no children or elderly people who would find it uncomfortable and unsafe to sit on high bar stools or stools. By the way, chairs and stools can be hidden under the counter to save space.
Corner kitchens with a bar counter in photo examples
Elegant design kitchens in lilac tones with a console-type bar counter look very stylish and attractive
Stylish achromatism is still popular, because it is famous for its pronounced visual impact
In this spacious kitchen, the bar counter is entrusted with the role of the main piece of furniture.
Red bar stools serve bright accent in a black and white calligraphic interior
The bar counter that complements the kitchen set is usually fixed on a supporting pipe-support, which is attached to the floor, acting as a bar console
A corner kitchen set in a classic style with an elegant bar counter is a sign of good taste among the owners of the house
A bar counter-table in the interior of a small square kitchen can perform several functions
The bar counter is “parked” to the work surface, but differs in the height of the tabletop - one of the most common kitchen design options
The corner kitchen from the Forema factory with a bar counter, complemented by functional wood and shelves for wine, is an example of kitchen design in modern apartment
A small bar counter gives the impression of being located somewhat away from the main set, so it does not burden the interior
A small corner kitchen with an unusually shaped mini-bar counter from the Forema factory gives the impression of being light and elegant
The main emphasis in the interior of this kitchen is on the bar counter
The corner kitchen project with a bar counter from the Ardmix company attracts with its simple but non-standard silhouette and pleasant color scheme
The original print on the fronts emphasizes the attractiveness of this simple set with a bar counter
In English-speaking countries, such a counter is often called a “breakfast bar,” that is, a “breakfast stand,” which fully corresponds to its purpose.
Compact corner kitchen with a bar counter - comfortable, attractive and spacious
A corner kitchen in a classic style with a bar counter is a win-win option, as evidenced by its enduring popularity
An elevated bar counter can not only be used for its intended purpose, but also enhances decorative characteristics situation
A classic bar counter with a height of 110-120 cm with spacious lower cabinets for storing dishes and food is perfect for a studio kitchen.
Long gone are the days when a bath stand in a Russian kitchen was just a tribute to fashion. Nowadays, the swearing rack in the interior is a multifunctional item home interior, allowing in a small kitchen to become an alternative to a bulky dining table, and in a spacious studio kitchen to effectively zone the space, highlighting a kitchen segment in the living room without cluttering the room. The kitchen bar counter is no longer associated with a relaxed atmosphere, cocktails and parties. It's concise and effective method organizing a place for short meals, and in some cases - the only possibility of designing a dining area within the kitchen space. This is both an additional surface for carrying out kitchen work processes and an interesting design detail. The bar counter can either organically fit into the existing image of the room or become its accent, the highlight of the interior.
In which kitchen is it appropriate to install a bar counter?
It is impossible to list all the variations in creating a kitchen interior, but we can highlight the main points that indicate the advisability of equipping the kitchen with a bar counter (or its simplified analogues). So, it makes sense to install a kitchen counter if:
- your modest sized kitchen space should include dining area. But there is simply no room to install a table, and there is also no possibility of organizing a dining room in a separate room;
- the kitchen is a room combined with the living room and the bar counter will become not only a place for eating, but an element of zoning the space;
- you have space (separate or within a spacious kitchen) to install a dining table, but you need a surface for organizing short meals (breakfasts, coffee breaks, afternoon snacks). The presence of a bar counter eliminates the need for serving large table in those moments when there is not enough time for this;
- do you like modern and interesting appearance bar counter, there are no elderly people or small children among your household who would find it difficult to sit on dirty chairs or stools.
If you decide to choose a kitchen design with a bar counter, then you have many design options open to you, both the design itself and additions to it. The bar counter can be either part of a ready-made furniture solution for the kitchen, or be the result of custom-made work. Of course, designers recommend making a bar counter according to your dimensions and in accordance with the main outline of the kitchen design - this way the design will become a harmonious part of the design of the kitchen space. But also among ready-made solutions you can find the best option that meets your requirements for quality of workmanship, dimensions and price category.
Bar counter - design options
If you still think that a counter is a rectangular table top raised above the floor by 100-115 cm, then you are only partly right. There are a lot of variations in the design of the counters, both in the choice of shape, material of the countertop, and in placement relative to the rest of the kitchen furniture, in height and depth. The bar counter can be part of an island or peninsula, be a free-standing module, or be made in the form of a regular console on legs or stands, or be built into a kitchen unit. Design options are limited only by the designer’s imagination, the amount of free space in the kitchen and the financial capabilities of the owners.
Bar counters can be single- or multi-level. Its tabletop can be a continuation of the surface of an island or peninsula, or be an independent plane, which is located one level higher, or be integrated into the facade of a furniture module. Design options depend on your preferences, the height of the owners and the design of the kitchen furniture with which the counter appears in the ensemble. It is important not only to choose the right dimensions of the structure, but also to take into account ergonomics, because being at the bar countertop should not only be convenient and comfortable, but also safe for health. These factors are especially important for those who organize the design of the bar counter as a dining surface.
The length of the bar counter top is 45-60 cm per person. Of course, in conditions of colossal space savings, this unspoken rule can be neglected, but a distance of less than 45 cm for every household member (even delicate ones) ceases to be comfortable and ergonomic.
The round bar counter is suitable for kitchen premises with a small amount of space. The advantage of this form is not only the originality of appearance, but also the ability, if necessary, to add an additional seat without any significant loss in comfort.
Rack - part of an island or peninsula
One of the most common options for a bar counter is a continuation of the countertop or the integration of an independent surface of a kitchen island or peninsula. The island is most often used in kitchen spaces of medium and large sizes, the peninsula is also suitable for kitchens with a modest area.
In addition to its obvious function (organizing a place for meals, quick snacks or drinks), a bar counter within a kitchen-studio can serve as a zoning element. It can conditionally separate the kitchen segment from the dining room or the kitchen from the living room. In both cases, there is no need to resort to other methods of zoning - furniture plays the main role.
Bar counter as part of a kitchen set
For the kitchen area small area, in which installing a full-fledged island or peninsula as a base for organizing a bar counter is not possible, there is a way to organize a simple and concise version of the surface for meals. By extending the countertop of the kitchen set in a linear or parallel layout of the furniture ensemble, you can get a small but quite comfortable dining area.
Stand or console as an independent element of furniture
Another way to organize a small surface for dining is to embed a console between two vertical planes. These walls can be artificially created niche boundaries or initially a feature of the kitchen geometry. In any case, for small spaces, this method of preserving the dining segment within the kitchen may be the only possible and optimal one.
The bar counter, or rather the dining console, can simply be a tabletop resting on the floor or cutting surfaces of the kitchen unit. If the kitchen space is not enough free space, but at the same time there is the possibility of organizing a dining area by the window - such a coincidence should not be missed. Especially if there is a beautiful landscape outside the window. Tightness in square meters It won’t be felt so strongly if you look outside while eating, where it’s easiest to feel the spaciousness.
Bar countertop material
It’s worth noting right away that there are no rules for choosing a countertop material for a kitchen counter. The surface can be made of the same material as all the countertops of the kitchen set or be radically different. Even the style of execution can be different. The difference in the processing method, color scheme or choice of raw materials for the manufacture of countertops and kitchen islands or peninsulas will bring piquancy to the furniture ensemble.
The following materials are widely used for the manufacture of bar tops:
- tree;
- metal (most often stainless steel, less often aluminum);
- glass;
- plastic;
- laminate;
- natural or artificial stone;
- ceramics.
A bar counter can be a great accent. For example, in a kitchen space done in light colors, a dark countertop will provide a contrast, attracting everyone's attention. No less effect can be achieved if you add textural features to the difference in color solutions. The light glossy countertops of the furniture set will be an excellent backdrop for a bar counter made of dark wood or stone with a colorful natural pattern.
If you need a harmonious, calm and even laconic design option for the entire kitchen sector, then use the same material for the bar top as for the other cutting surfaces. Ideally, the tabletop for eating simply continues the working surface of the kitchen unit.
In a kitchen space decorated in country style, a solid wood countertop will look more than appropriate. Some rusticity of the design can emphasize the stylistic features without compromising the comfort of the area for short meals (and in some cases, the only place for eating).
Laminate countertops can be presented in a wide range of colors. Any design can be hidden under the glossy film - from a spectacular imitation of wood or stone to your family portrait. Of course, such an element of the interior is simply doomed to become the focal point around which the entire design concept is built. To maintain harmony, it is better to use such a noticeable tabletop print in only one place - on the bar counter.
Tabletop made of artificial or natural stone- "classics of the genre". Such surfaces by their very appearance add a degree of luxury to everything. kitchen interior. If you choose a stone (or its spectacular imitation) with a protruding natural pattern, then it is better to use the same type for the countertops of the kitchen set or for the dining surface of the counter.
The glass tabletop, raised above the main surface on short stands, is light and weightless. For a modern kitchen design style, this finishing touch will be a luxurious point at the end of the proposal. Undoubtedly, tempered glass large thickness will not be cheap, but durability, strength and respectable appearance will more than pay for the costs.
There are many variations in the design of bar stools or stools. They can be made of metal or wood, plastic or woven from wicker or rattan. Upholstery can be present both on the seats and on the backs of the structures. Footrests for convenient location legs, armrests, the ability to adjust the height of the seats and the angle of the backrests - there are a lot of options for upgrading this traditional piece of furniture for bars. But in a living space, the choice of a bar stool or stool model depends on the style of the interior, the level of comfort required by the owners and their financial capabilities.
If your kitchen counter is a full-fledged dining table and a lot of time is spent at meals, bar stools should be as comfortable as possible. Not only the soft seat, but also the presence of a backrest (for some, armrests) is prerequisite. But staying comfortable in the kitchen space is a risky undertaking for those who are constantly on a diet and counting calories. On comfortable chairs you can sit at the counter longer and eat more than you could be satisfied with. As always, the “truth” is somewhere in the middle - when choosing bar stools or stools, be guided by the habits and lifestyle of your household.
One of the universal options for bar stools in a kitchen decorated in a modern style is a design with a metal (often chrome) frame and leather upholstery of the seats (and backs, if the counter is intended for all types of meals). This practical and visually attractive ensemble will last a long time and will not cause any hassle in cleaning surfaces.
For a traditional kitchen design style, the ideal companion for a bar counter would be a set of wooden chairs with backrest. Such models may have soft seats and backs and a little curved legs. The color scheme for such bar stools can be consistent with the overall design of the kitchen or become a bright accent.
If the kitchen area with a bar counter is part of a combined room in which the dining room and living room are located, then the best option for creating a harmonious image of the entire space would be to choose bar stools and chairs for the dining group from the same collection. One color scheme and the choice of material will help balance the multifunctional interior without depriving it of its uniqueness, because bar and dining chairs will differ in design.
Kitchen interior with bar counter
A bar counter is a prestigious and very important device both in a modern apartment and in a suburban house. Bar counters for home - 45 photos design ideas for your home. Even a small bar counter in a small kitchen gives the entire interior a unique look, especially if it fits harmoniously into the design of the kitchen furniture and the overall style of the kitchen.
In addition, the design of a kitchen with a bar counter allows you to have an additional horizontal surface for greater convenience. They are comfortable for pouring drinks and placing food on plates when serving, combining cocktails, making tea and coffee. 
The interior of a kitchen with a bar counter suggests three main options for its placement: as part of a dining table, as part of a work surface, or when beautiful bar counters are practically a work surface. 
In families where a small number of people (2-3) live, a bar counter for the home is often installed instead of the usual kitchen table. A table-bar counter saves space (especially if it is folding) and allows you to retreat from boring standard solutions and brings a note of sophistication and originality. 
Watch the video: Bar counters for the home - 45 photos of design ideas
Bar counters for home
A living room kitchen with a bar counter is an iron pipe that is attached to the ceiling and floor (or to elements of a kitchen unit), and shelves of various sizes are attached to it. Occasionally kitchen photo the design with a bar counter suggests that the shelves can rotate, recline or be removed. If space allows, the kitchen design with a bar counter can be equipped with lower and upper cabinets for storing dishes. 
Specifically design features distinguish beautiful home bar counters from restaurant counters. They not only have smallest size, and often imply the presence of several planes in order to increase functionality. The design of bar counters for the home involves comfortable, easily washable materials that are resistant to abrasion and mechanical damage, but at the same time non-slip. The countertop for the bar counter is in most cases made of wood, artificial or natural stone. 
If you look at the photo options for bar counters in the living room, you will see that many of them have built-in lighting, unique devices, they are complemented by special bar stools and form a comfortable and wonderful corner where the whole family loves to gather. Even a small, corner kitchen-living room with a bar counter looks fashionable and sophisticated. Mini bar counters are simply countertops, without upper and lower drawers, which visually make the structure heavier and are not appropriate in a small kitchen. 
Bar counters in the living room photo will be especially appropriate if you have a minibar or if the kitchen is combined with the living room. Then the bar counter will serve as a dividing barrier and become the center of home celebrations and parties. A bar counter in a room (billiard room, guest room, dining room) can be made in any style - oriental, hi-tech, traditional and fit into any interior. Bar counter ideas photo: 
The production of bar counters for the home - kitchen or living room - is usually made to order, taking into account the layout and size of the room. If your kitchen set does not include a beautiful bar counter, but you still want to have one, you need to contact a company that produces this type products and they will make a bar counter for you that will harmoniously fit into the style of your kitchen. 
The prices of kitchen bar counters vary greatly and depend on the material from which they are made, size, shape and other reasons. As with everything, there is a lower price minimum, and the highest is limited only by the customer’s imagination. 
Bar counters for restaurants, cafes
In bars, cafes and restaurants, the bar counter photo design is an integral part of the interior, a typical center, the main starting point of all actions. The bar counter and bar furniture in general are subject to special requirements in terms of wear resistance. She tests herself once a day huge loads and therefore must be made of comfortable, durable material. But with all this, it should be unique, elegant, and quite spacious. Bar counter ideas photo: 
The design implies that a bar counter for a restaurant or cafe is usually made in a moderate, least pretentious style, so as to highlight the overall peaceful atmosphere. But at the same time, it should emphasize the overall style of the room, have a unique design and functionality. 
Bar counters for a bar should combine several advantages: in addition to beauty and attractiveness, great importance It is ergonomic and convenient for the bartender. The more thoughtful the design, the more effective its operation and the furor of the entire establishment will be. 
Bar counters for a restaurant are a special element of the interior. It is often produced with chic and luxury in order to match the atmosphere of relaxation, sophistication, and glamor reigning in the restaurant. For such establishments they often order exclusive bar counters from valuable species wood with different types of finishes: gilding, patina, laser cutting on wood, etc. 
The bar counter for a billiard room is often designed in such a way as to accommodate not only the contents of the bar, but also accessories for the game. Such racks will be vital and comfortable both in billiard rooms in private houses and apartments, and in professional billiard establishments. 
As for the prices of bar counters for cafes, restaurants and bars, they are naturally higher than for home ones, because they are made taking into account many of the requirements for furniture for public catering establishments: hygienic, strength, ergonomic, design, etc. 
Material for making bar counters
No one will argue with the fact that best material for the bar counter - solid wood. Wooden bar counters for a home or restaurant are pleasant to the touch, beautiful in texture and color, easy to care for, and in general they add a special charm and comfort to the room. 
Design, manufacture and installation of wooden bar counters is one of our activities. Bar counters are made of solid wood for all types of premises. We use only high quality Consumables: valuable tree species (beech, oak, ash, walnut, etc.), reliable paints and varnishes leading foreign manufacturers, as well as fittings from global manufacturers. 
Bar counter photo design custom made according to unique design, after a clear measurement of the room by specialists. Work on the construction of a bar counter can be either separate or part of general work for finishing wood interiors of restaurants, bars, administrative premises, as well as suburban houses and city apartments. 
Previously, the bar counter was a fashionable element for large spaces (kitchen-dining room or studio).
Today it performs many functions, replacing a large dining table, and in a studio kitchen it is effective in zoning.
Previously, the bar counter evoked associations with holidays, parties, corporate events and birthdays with cocktails, but now it is the best, sometimes the only way to plan space. A bar counter for a kitchen is an extra surface for the cooking process and can become a bright highlight of your interior.
Feasibility of installation
Let's look at where it makes sense to place a bar counter:
Where there is not enough space for a dining table, and the lack of a separate dining room.
A combined kitchen-dining room, where the bar counter will be an excellent element of space zoning and will replace the table.
In large rooms (kitchens or kitchen-dining rooms), where there is already a dining table, but a separate comfortable surface is needed for quick breakfasts or coffee breaks. This perfect solution when there is a lack of time, so as not to set the table.
To your liking stylish design counters, you have a young family without elderly people and children, who will find it difficult to sit on high bar stools (chairs).
If space allows, then when several generations meet, it will be more convenient for young people to discuss their secrets at the bar, while the older generation will always prefer to sit on comfortable sofas near coffee table or on chairs at a large dining table.
If you have chosen a kitchen with a bar counter, you can consider different configurations. A bar counter is sometimes included in ready-made design headset, but can be made to order according to your own sizes.
Experienced specialists will develop different variants taking into account the characteristics of the size and shape of the room, so that it becomes an integral part of the overall image of the kitchen.
Types of bar counters
The general opinion is that in a modern kitchen the bar counter is an ordinary countertop rectangular shape at a level of 1-1.2 m, but this is not entirely true. There are many models of racks that differ in materials, shapes, height, depth and location.
The bar counter can be:
- a separate element;
- built-in kitchen;
- continuation of the “island” (“peninsula”);
- console on high stands.
Models depend on the imagination of professionals, the availability of free territory and finances. The design of a kitchen with a bar counter differs in levels: one or more.
A beautiful countertop can be an independent surface on another level (higher), or a continuation of the kitchen “island” (“peninsula”). The height of the bar counters takes into account the height of the kitchen owners and the surrounding furniture.
Important! It is necessary to correctly select the parameters of this design, taking into account the location, in order to create maximum comfort and safety. Especially if it will be used as a dining table, it is better to choose smooth shapes.
Traditionally, the length of any tabletop is 50-60 cm for 1 person; do not forget that a distance of less than 45 cm for 1 family member will be inconvenient.
For small spaces, a bar counter with smooth shapes is ideal. It will be an unusual solution when you need to save space and add a comfortable extra seat at the table.
A popular stand is where it is a continuation of a long tabletop and can be made into an independent unit. If the island is used in large or medium-sized rooms, then the peninsula will fit perfectly even into a small kitchen.
In addition to the function of a table, the bar counter is a fashionable zoning element, where the kitchen is separated from the recreation area.
A stand in a linear or U-shaped version will be a spectacular ensemble of the original interior.
An interesting model is the console, where it occupies a niche in the room. With non-traditional layouts, this is the best way to use the space.
The console can only rest on the floor or on the headset. If there is no space, you can create a console by the window.
Stand materials
There are no clear requirements in this regard. All kitchen countertops can be made of the same material or different colors. The style may also vary. You can add zest to the ensemble if you make a stand with a headset surface made of different materials and shades.
They offer various pairs: sand-white, white-coffee, as well as the opposite: black and white, etc.
Materials from which bar counters are made: plastic, various types of wood, laminate, stainless metal (sometimes aluminum), glass, ceramics or stone (imitation).
Often in the kitchen the counter is made as a bright accent. For example, ceiling, walls and kitchen furniture white, and the floor and bar counter are wooden.
You can choose different textures. Table tops set in light colors with gloss and with will be a beautiful backdrop for wooden stand dark shades with natural wood grain.
The finishing touch will be the high legged bar stools, which also come in different shapes.
Original kitchen layout designs with a bar counter in the photo.
Photo of a kitchen with a bar counter
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Just a few decades ago, such an element would hardly have taken root in our kitchen, given our mentality and love for lavish feasts and “heart-to-heart kitchen conversations.”
But the modern pace of life dictates its own conditions. Now, for a quick cup of morning coffee or a light snack before going to a restaurant, a bar counter is enough.
The photo shows a wall-mounted bar counter that fits perfectly into small space kitchen and completely replaces the dining table.
Moreover, it is The bar counter helps solve several problems at once kitchen interior design.
- 1 Additional working surface . What kind of housewife would refuse extra centimeters of her worktop! Moreover, in small kitchen The stand can completely replace the desktop. You can arrange everything compactly kitchen appliances and headset modules, combining them into an impromptu wall. In this case, a bar counter installed at an angle can easily replace both a dining table and a work table.
- 2 Zoning point. The bar counter has become an indispensable element in furnishing an apartment with a studio layout. In this case, it plays the role of a “separator” between the kitchen and living room. And in the kitchen itself, the counter can separate the working and dining areas.
- 3 Alternative to the dining table. This option is most often chosen by owners of miniature kitchens, where there is not enough space for a full-fledged dining table, but it is quite possible to find a free meter of space for a bar counter.
- 4 Additional seats for storage. The base of the rack is a great place to add additional cabinets, drawers and shelves. And the second level of the rack is also used for storing, for example, glasses.
Types of bar counters
The photo shows a bar counter for a kitchen in a modern style, made of MDF.
Which counter should you choose for your kitchen? What parameters to consider and what to pay attention to? We will try to cover these questions in this section. So, types of bar counters and their characteristics:
Wall rack
As the name implies, such a stand is installed near the wall, regardless of the furniture set. A good option for kitchen non-standard shape when you have to adapt to disproportionate sizes.
Location options
How to decorate a wall?
It all depends on what functionality you want to give the bar counter.
- You can increase the upper part by equipping through shelves - you will get an excellent “delimiter” of zones.
- If desired, part of the wall can also be extended using plasterboard, and a niche can be installed here where you can store, for example, bottles. Don’t forget to illuminate the opening in the wall, and the niche will immediately become a bright art object.
- The simplest option: installing a mirror on the wall is a good opportunity to play up the space. Moreover, the mirror will “work” for expansion.
- Or you can use this part of the wall for decoration: hang a picture selected in accordance with the design style, hang a photo here, or even make a photo collage.
- You can decorate the wall with painting. It will look organic, especially if the elements of the painting are repeated in the design of the counter itself or in the interior of the entire kitchen.
Combined stand
This bar counter is considered as a continuation of the worktop. Modern manufacturers offer kitchen furniture with a built-in bar counter. But if you wish, you can order the stand separately, focusing on your own tastes and needs.
The combined stand is usually low. But it will fit perfectly even into the interior of a small kitchen. Such a counter is often decorated in the same way as the work area: that is, they choose the same finishing materials for the countertops and a color that is repeated on kitchen apron or furniture.
It’s good if the stand is installed at an angle to the main one work area. In a long, elongated kitchen, this will help balance the shape of the room, bringing it closer to the desired square.
Island stand
Such a stand is appropriate only in spacious kitchens with a lot of free space or in studio apartments.
Lightweight option: the countertop is installed on consoles. Dimensional option: the lower part is used to place cabinets, closed and open shelves, drawers, and the tabletop is used both as part of the dining table and as a work area.
Additionally, such a rack can be equipped with a mini-fridge, a complex railing system, hangers for wine glasses and glasses, as well as a roof with an autonomous lighting system.
Two-level rack
An excellent option for studio layout or a spacious kitchen. Part of the counter is a full-fledged dining table, the second - a higher part - is like a bar counter itself.
This option is especially suitable for families with small children or elderly people who find it difficult to climb onto high bar stools.
In apartments where the kitchen and living room are combined, such a counter can become an indispensable element of arrangement and zoning. Typically, the lower side is installed on the kitchen side, and the high side on the living room side.
Materials for the bar counter
You should not save, as cheap materials do not have sufficient wear resistance, and your rack will soon turn into a source of constant problems.
The most popular materials for making a stand:
- MDF, chipboard, fiberboard - it is better to choose laminated boards. The advantage of this material is a rich range of colors. You can decorate the countertop in the same color as the rest of the furniture. Or you can choose a contrasting one. For example, if you have white modules, then a black stand will become a bright and stylish interior detail.
- Plastic - the material is suitable if your kitchen is decorated in one of modern styles. Minimalism and hi-tech styles are especially fond of plastic.
- Wood is an indispensable material for a classic kitchen. If the kitchen is spacious, the wood can be decorated with carvings and additionally decorated with mosaics, mirrors or tiles. In a small kitchen, a wooden bar counter with a laconic shape will look solid and luxurious. But at the same time, strict forms will not look too massive.
- Stone - natural or artificial. This stand will fit into any interior, regardless of style and direction. This is the most preferable option, since the stone is very wear-resistant and attractive in appearance.
- Corian is the most popular material for bar countertops. It looks like marble, but is much cheaper and more accessible. The undoubted advantage of Corian is that it has a rich palette, so you can match the color to any kitchen.
- Glass is a choice for lovers of unusual and bold options. The glass stand really turns out to be light, airy, and original. This piece of furniture would be appropriate in a modern kitchen. This is also a great option for a “thumbelina” kitchen.
- Drywall is an economical option. But, due to the fact that drywall is easy to process, you can build a stand of the most unusual, abstract shape. The only negative is that it is better to make racks from plasterboard if you use it as decorative element- for example, as a “separator” of zones. Remember that an abundance of moisture and temperature changes can lead to deformation of the plasterboard sheet.
- Metal - original solution for the bar counter. It will fit perfectly into the kitchen interior, made in one of the modern styles. If you add decorations from forged elements, you will get a stylish stand in the Art Nouveau style.
Accessories and fittings
Bar chairs
The main “neighbors” of the counter are high stools, which are also called bar stools. Because the standard height The stands are 110-125 cm, then the chairs should be high.
When choosing chairs, please note that a large number of legs is acceptable if the kitchen space is large. For a miniature kitchen, it is better to choose chairs with one leg.
Option: in a very small kitchen you can do without free-standing chairs. The seats are screwed to the bottom of the tabletop and simply pulled out if necessary.
Hard chairs can be modernized by placing cushions on the seats that match the rest of the textiles. The backs and arms on the chairs are optional. But the presence of a footrest is a must.
Before buying a chair, try to sit on them - do your legs reach the stand, is it comfortable to “climb” onto the high seat. Otherwise, it is better to look for models with adjustable height of both the seat itself and the footrest.
Lighting for the bar counter
Backlight - the most important detail. It is most convenient to plan in advance autonomous lighting for the part of the kitchen with a counter.
Options:
- built-in ceiling lamps along the perimeter of the rack;
- LED strips at the bottom of the tabletop;
- lamps on long cords arranged in a row above the counter;
- lamps or LEDs outside grounds.
Bar pipe
An optional, but very functional and stylish part of the rack. It can extend all the way to the ceiling and support an illuminated overhead console. It can simply rest against the ceiling and be “overgrown” with a variety of glass holders and hanging shelves.
If in your kitchen low ceilings, it is better to abandon the high bar pipe, as it visually lowers the height of the ceilings.
The material from which such a pipe-leg is made may vary. Traditionally it is made of metal (brass, nickel or of stainless steel), for a classic kitchen you can choose a model made of wood decorated with carvings.
Consoles
If you have chosen a more massive, non-open type of rack, then please note that the consoles that serve as the base can be decorated to your liking. From the kitchen side, of course, it is more convenient if it is a set of open and closed shelves and drawers. The facades are matched to the tone of the main furniture.
But the part of the base facing outward is a real haven for designer imagination.
Here are some options:
- To face it with stone is sound, stylish and luxurious. Pairs perfectly with the classic kitchen decor.
- Cover with MDF sheets, repeating furniture facades. Such a counter will seem like a continuation of the kitchen unit.
- Imitation brickwork- an interesting option for kitchens in country and loft style.
- Glass panels are an original solution. But don’t forget to illuminate the insides - and you will get a real extravaganza of light and color. By the way, the glass must be impact-resistant. And if you don’t want the contents of the internal shelves to shine through, choose frosted glass.
- Skinali is a variant of glass panels, but decorated with a pattern or photo printing. A great way to decorate a bar counter, especially since you can choose a voluminous pattern, which will add style to the entire counter.
- Built-in aquarium - creative solution For unusual cuisine. Such a stand immediately turns into an art object and will serve as a real interior decoration. Moreover, if you doubt whether you should choose a real aquarium with live fish, pay attention to the so-called “dry” aquariums. They completely imitate the real thing. In addition, for a dry aquarium you can come up with an unusual design theme: for example, not an underwater world, but a desert world, a rock garden or a mini-jungle.
- Mosaic is a bright and stylish decor for your counter. You can lay out a specific pattern, or you can repeat the mosaic laying on the apron. But keep in mind that the mosaic is heavy, so it requires a strong and good foundation.
- Artistic painting is another way to turn a counter into a work of art. But when choosing paints for a design, do not forget that the overall palette should not be discordant with the other colors in the kitchen.
Accessories
The bar counter creates a special atmosphere of lightness and ease. And since the counter is most often associated with drinking drinks, it is worth equipping it with special accessories that will emphasize functionality.
Such items include:
- special holders for glasses. If the kitchen is small, a holder attached to the main rod is sufficient. In a large kitchen, you can install holders on top, like in a real bar.
- fruit bowl;
- bottle holder;
- shaker;
- blender;
- rimmer (device for decorating the edge of a glass);
- Steiner (bar strainer);
- geyser (a device for pouring liquid in a thin stream);
- muddler (pestle for grinding fresh leaves and berries);
- juicer;
- ice bucket.
Such accessories will add a special flavor to the interior of your kitchen. Now you can invite guests and have a real cocktail party.
Basic design mistakes
- 1 Wrong location. Make sure that once the bar counter is installed it is easy to access. It is better not to install the stand directly at the entrance or near the refrigerator.
- 2 Discomfort during use. Often, carried away by design delights, we forget that the base of the bar counter should be narrower than the tabletop. Otherwise, you will simply rest your knees, which is extremely inconvenient.
- 3 Congestion. Do not overload the structure by equipping the rack with all possible rails, holders and shelves. An overloaded top or an overly massive bottom will make your stand too bulky. This is especially true for counters for kitchens with a modest area.
- 4 Irregular rack shape. The most popular are rectangular, round and semicircular racks. The main thing to consider is that the shape of the stand should be repeated in the interior. So, for example, if you have furniture of laconic shapes with regular straight lines, then the stand should be rectangular. If you definitely want to choose a semicircular counter, then think about how to repeat these smooth lines in the interior. You can repeat the semicircle in the shape of a suspended ceiling, you can design the floor in a semicircle, laying it with tiles around the perimeter of the counter. The easiest way is to choose textiles with smooth lines or images of circles and ovals. This remark especially applies to stands of abstract forms. If you have a counter, for example, in the form of a cascading wave, then there should be smooth lines in the interior.
As you can see, a bar counter is not just a luxury item, but a completely functional piece of furniture that will solve several problems at once and emphasize the chosen design style. We hope that our tips will give you the idea of creating your own original bar counter that will fit perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.
