Types of bar countertops - which one to choose
The countertop is the top surface of the bar counter. Depending on the design, it can be:
- single-level - this is a classic version, represented by one surface, the height of which is from 90 to 130 cm;
- multilevel - a more functional solution. A multi-storey tabletop can be represented by two surfaces located one above the other and connected by a chrome console. They form a kind of open shelf on which various items can be placed. There is also an easier option - a small console is installed on the main tabletop, on which a small glass surface is placed;
- subordinate clause is a surface located along the facade, separate from the main structure.
Bar counter advantages
The most popular bar counters can be called in the arrangement of combined premises - living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens. They are often found in a studio apartment, in especially spacious volumes of private houses. But this design is also functional in a compact apartment. This is a laconic design that can be equipped with additional shelves for utensils or decor. If there is no place for a full-fledged dining room, the bar counter will be its alternative.
You can make the rack functional in different ways, and its arrangement depends only on individual needs. The materials depend on the budget, although the range of solutions in this matter is quite obvious, and the design adjusts to the overall composition. Decorative details that can be placed on special holders help to make such an interior individual. And here, too, there are no restrictions for the realization of any fantasies.
The use of a bar counter in a kitchen with limited space
At first it may seem that in the kitchen, where there is practically no free space, the bar counter will become superfluous and inappropriate, but this is not at all the case. In a small kitchen, it is a kind of find, also ideal for people who live without children or for those who live alone. This element of the interior can be used both as a dining table and as a bar counter for evening gatherings with friends over delicious cocktails.
Advantages of using a bar counter in a small kitchen:
- Saving space due to their small dimensions, the chairs can be easily hidden under the counter and free up a couple of additional square meters.
- If the rack is equipped with shelves, then here you can store kitchen items and utensils, hide dishes or other little things used here.
- It is best to use a stand that will be aligned with the work surface and be a logical continuation of it.
Even small rooms can organically accommodate a two-meter kitchen with two or three chairs. This option is enough for several people to sit comfortably here. In a small kitchen, it is better to use laconic compact furniture (for example, transparent plastic chairs), which will not overload the space.
What interior style suits the layout of a corner kitchen with a bar counter?
It is quite successfully combined with completely different styles. It can be a rustic interior (country or provence). We must not forget about the classic style.
Even a very small corner kitchen with a bar counter is much more functional than any other option, since it allows you to do without a dining table.
It will be ergonomic to use in the interior of the Scandinavian style, in the Art Nouveau style. At the same time, the color of kitchen furniture (white, lilac, red, etc.) does not play a big role.It can be either very bright and saturated, or cold, restrained tones (gray). At the same time, the appearance of the rack should harmoniously complement the kitchen set. Glossy and shiny surfaces, extraordinary shapes, etc. may be included.
This option is often used in the design of small apartments or houses with an inconvenient layout of premises intended for the kitchen.
Optimal width
Determining the optimal width is also an important issue when installing the structure. The standards require a worktop width of at least 30 cm so that glasses with drinks, traditional for this type of furniture, can be placed on its surface. With an increase in the functionality of the bar counter, an increase in the width of its countertop is required. 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 countertop in this case should be at least 50 cm or more.
On the other hand, the wider the bar countertop, the more space it takes up. On 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. In order to prevent such a result, it is necessary to approach each project individually, to combine convenience and respectable appearance.
Purpose and types
If the area of the kitchen allows, the bar counter in the kitchen is set for its intended purpose: to sit down for a cup of coffee or something stronger, something to eat. Then the "equipment" she has the appropriate: holders for glasses, wine glasses, wine glasses, next to the shelf / holders of juices, bottles, etc. They put it with one edge on the wall or the edge of the kitchen unit, sometimes they are placed in the form of a frame - in the middle of the free zone.
Barn counter in a large kitchen
In small kitchens, it is often multifunctional. It can also be used as a divider into zones - a dining room and a kitchen; in very small areas it is often used as a dining table. Moreover, it can be located outside the box - against the wall.
Bar counter along the wall
In medium-sized kitchens - 10-12 meters - it is often performed in the form of a peninsula - a small ledge on the side. In order to more efficiently use the space, the space under the countertop is taken under the shelves or cabinet. This design is very simple - the bar countertop often rests on several pieces of straight or inclined pipes fixed to the cabinet table.
Bar counter in the kitchen - peninsula
Such multi-stage kitchens have recently become popular: it is more convenient to perform different operations in the kitchen on surfaces with different heights.
Two surfaces one above the other
The surface of the stand is slightly shifted relative to the table
But, nevertheless, more often a bar counter for the kitchen is present in studio apartments to distinguish between two zones: the kitchen from the living room or from the hallway - who has what is combined. Moreover, it is often a continuation of the desktop-island or peninsula.
Bar counter for the kitchen as an extension of the island table
They also do it in the form of a partition. In this case, the base is most often made of plasterboard, and the surface is "attached" to it - from above or from the side.
Plasterboard bar counter
This option is easy to do.
In general, there are many options, variations and different types. You adapt the idea that you like to your conditions, and you can start implementing it.
Large kitchens with bar counters
The owners of spacious premises have a lot of different options for how to equip their home. Here you can experiment with styles, decoration, and there are fewer requirements for the bar counter. It does not have to be multifunctional, so the main emphasis can be placed on the development of a unique design, the selection of exclusive accessories.Photos of the kitchen with bar counters of various configurations are presented on the website. Let's consider the most popular options.
The narrow-top counter is good for tea and a quick bite, but not for a full multi-course meal
Classic bar counter
For a large kitchen with a bar counter, a classic model with a height of 115–120 cm, a length of 105 cm and a width of 50–55 cm is suitable. These are standard design parameters that can be varied if desired. However, for this you will have to make custom-made furniture, which will entail additional expenses. In addition to the bar counter, there are high chairs with a height of 75–85 cm with ergonomic backs, armrests, and a footrest for long comfortable sitting.
If the height of the ceilings allows, the structure can be made multi-level, equipped with rails, rotating fruit bowls, shelves, hangers with hooks, a hanging system for wine glasses and cups, a bar. The choice of accessories is unlimited, so you can choose options that match the color of the overall kitchen interior. It can be gold, copper, silver, etc.
Particular attention should be paid to the backlight. Pendant lamps with matte or rattan lampshades, spots, track lamps like office ones look stylish
The classic version of the bar always looks solid and impressive
The countertop of the bar counter is often an extension of the work area.
The kitchen set can be located opposite the bar, only the distance between them must be at least 1 meter. Also, the structure can be installed with its end to the wall and fixed with a bar pipe.
Bar counter-island
The direct kitchen with an island looks really amazing. A similar design came from the loft style, which is characterized by spaciousness and the absence of any partitions. The multifunctional unit is located opposite the linear headset and performs not only the function of space zoning, but also serves as a dining table and work surface. It can be equipped with a stove or sink for easy cooking. However, it should be remembered that such a kitchen project with a bar counter requires lengthening communications and coordination with utilities.
An island with a bar counter can be of any shape and configuration: semicircular, square, rectangular, asymmetrical, in the form of a wave, etc. When choosing, be guided by the layout of the apartment and the availability of free space. Neon lighting looks very impressive. The LED strip is installed in the tabletop, side and top panels. With the help of the control panel, the kitchen island comes to life and begins to shimmer in different shades, and sometimes bizarre patterns and inscriptions appear on it. It is noteworthy that even if one of the bulbs burns out, the entire system does not fail. Such an island in the kitchen will become the real pride of the apartment owners.
An island or peninsular bar counter can be combined with a dining table or with a home bar
Living room interior with island counter in brown tones
Tip 5. Add a dining table
If you have a large family or like to host guests in the kitchen, the kitchen peninsula is unlikely to replace a full-fledged dining table for you. Most likely, such a decision will be uncomfortable and bring you many problems.
There is a very interesting design option - try to attach a countertop to the kitchen peninsula, which will visually continue it. At the same time, it is not necessary to make it at the level of the peninsula. It can be lower so that the height is comfortable for you.
However, the height can be maintained. However, in this case, you will most likely need bar chairs, not ordinary dining chairs.
Big kitchen
If with small volumes everything is logical and understandable. Why then, the owners of more spacious objects, resort to similar techniques in terms of combining the living room and kitchen?
The answer lies in the same functionality, style, design, and most importantly in the possibility of competent zoning.
Zoning is the division of the territory of the premises into sections with individual functionality of each of them.
Therefore, in addition to areas for cooking and eating, in spacious rooms, additional spaces can be created (for example, for rest, work area, fireplace location, etc.).
The most common zoning method is furniture and interior items.
For example, in order to visually separate the cooking area from the rest area. On the dividing line, you can install a long sofa, after which the territory for rest and reception begins.
A second popular method that can be used to divide an interior space is flooring.
For example, for the territory of a kitchen set, it will be logical to lay stylish ceramic tiles on the floor and part of the wall. Conversely, for the common area, it is possible to use parquet, laminate, carpet and other materials.
For a clearer designation of functional areas, a ceiling design or decoration is often used.
For example: at the joints and transitions from one zone to another, a series of lamps is installed, or a multi-level ceiling structure.
To visually separate different parts of the room, different colors are used when painting or pasting walls.
Interior design options
There are no unconditional requirements for the bar counter, it is only a tabletop on a support, most often 110-115 cm high. It can be fixed on consoles or lie on a pedestal; can be combined with a table or with a work surface; have a rectangular or streamlined shape - all this gives a lot of opportunities to make your kitchen unique.
In the classic view, the bar table separates the cooking area from the dining area.
It doesn't matter if the countertop is attached perpendicular to the working surface of the kitchen unit, parallel or standing separately as an island - the visual effect is the same.
It is unlikely that it will be convenient for small children and elderly people behind a high counter. Therefore, if the area allows, you can connect it to the table. It is logical in such cases to place the table surface inside the kitchen, and the bar area outside.
For "Khrushchev", where every centimeter is dear, and kitchens are mostly "corner", the bar counter can be both a dining and a work surface.
In a long rectangular kitchen, narrow wooden countertops along the wall look elegant. By organically choosing lighting and accessories, you can create the atmosphere of your own cozy cafe.
Your bar counter will be an independent element or a monumental part of the headset, it is very important to correctly fit it into the overall solution of the kitchen ensemble. This does not mean that you should give up bright colors.
Red, light green, orange and black - any iridescent whim can be fulfilled if you carefully think over the details.
Fundamental rules
Isn't it true, looking at the photo of the kitchen layout, you can see beautiful and worse options, spacious, cramped, cozy and absolutely tasteless?
So, in order for your kitchen to meet all the requirements, you should use the basic rules when planning:
Working triangle rule. The sink, stove and refrigerator should be located at a corner for more convenience. This is the most convenient way to prepare food.
The sink should be located no further than 2.5 m from the riser. Otherwise, the water pressure will be poorly supplied, a pump will be required. On one side of the sink, there should be either a washing machine or a dishwasher.
The stove is positioned at a distance of 40 - 180 cm from the sink, as close as possible to the ventilation opening. It is not safe to place the slab closer than 40 cm from the window.
A standard passage for the convenience of households must be maintained at least 120 cm. In small rooms -1m.
If the question is about where to put the refrigerator: to the stove or sink, there is only one answer: definitely to the sink.
Kitchen niches are always valuable and can be adapted to store things and kitchen utensils.
Real numbers. The width of the seat is 60 cm. There should be a distance of 80 cm for a chair between the dining table and the wall or furniture.
Materials used
The material of the bar structure should be combined with the material of the kitchen set or correspond to the design intent.
Chipboard
Popular worktops made of laminated chipboard with closed aluminum corner or plastic edges. At an affordable price, you can install an additional element of any size, shape, color in the kitchen.
Concrete
The concrete countertop and stand can be made with your own hands, having determined the shape and size of the product. In terms of decorative properties and durability, it is not inferior to products made of natural and artificial stone.
Solid wood
The warm texture of wood is suitable for all styles except high-tech. The material allows you to make a custom-made bar.
Errors when decorating a kitchen using a bar counter
In order to properly install the bar counter, as well as for it to be functional, you need to know about some mistakes so as not to make them.
Install the bar so that you can freely approach it. Also, avoid installing the bar near the door, if there is one, and the refrigerator.
You should not decorate the bar counter with many different decorative elements. In this case, the space will look smaller than it actually is, and entering the kitchen will give the impression that the room is cluttered, despite the fact that the counter is perfectly tidy.
So, today you have learned many of the rules and features when decorating a kitchen using a bar counter. I hope that after reading the article, you have no questions left, and you have also chosen the option of the bar counter that is right for you.
Dimensions and dimensions
There are no strict rules on this score. There are some recommendations that are violated in about half of the cases. Recommendations only concern height and width countertops:
- It is customary to make the bar counter in height 1.1-1.2 meters. Then they put special high chairs next to it.
- In width - at least - 30 cm, optimally 50-60 cm. Do not make less than 30 cm: even a small plate already on such a tabletop will be in danger. And it's just uncomfortable: neither put your elbows, nor lean on your elbows properly.
Length, shape, number and shape of legs - it's all at your discretion. By the way, about the legs. The traditional racks that were in drinking establishments are a tabletop on a pedestal. But for the kitchen, for some reason, the countertop on one pipe from floor to ceiling is considered "classic".
Something like such a rack is considered a classic in kitchen sets.
By the way, it is practically not used in this form. More functional counterparts with wardrobes and cabinets prevail.
Corner kitchen with bar
Using a corner kitchen unit allows you to use the kitchen area to the maximum. Arrangement of kitchen furniture along the walls frees up the space of 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 play the role of a dining table and serve as an element of style in the overall ensemble of kitchen decoration.
When combining the rack with a corner set, located along two walls of the kitchen, it is recommended to place it parallel to the main line of furniture, to imitate the layout with the letter "P". This technique optically enlarges the kitchen space, streamlines the space, leaving the center of the room uncluttered.
The design of the counter in the same style as the kitchen set will make it a single set of kitchen furniture.Above in the article, the optimal dimensions are given in the case of using the bar counter as an extension of the kitchen set.
What are kitchen peninsulas?
Unlike the kitchen island, which is installed separately and represents an independent structure, the peninsula is a kind of table made of kitchen modules. Install it close to the headset, resting one end against the wall.
This design takes up much less space than an island kitchen layout. Therefore, a suite with a peninsula can be installed even in not too large kitchens, studio apartments or those apartments where the kitchen is combined with the living room.
It should be noted that most often the main part of the headset is made angular - this allows you to create a harmonious and compact interior. However, now designers are moving away from this tradition: in stores you can find more and more direct peninsular kitchens.
Sometimes the peninsula stands separately from the headset
Quite often, the peninsula is used as a dining table, but it seems rational to us to fit it into the work area. If you manage to install a hob or sink on the peninsula, cooking will become much more comfortable - this configuration ideally corresponds to the principle of the working triangle.
Corner kitchen with bar
This type of kitchen is spacious and rather compact. With the L-shaped layout, you can easily maintain comfort and coziness without cluttering the room with unnecessary structures.
Even if the smallest kitchen is equipped with a bar, adhering to the choice of the corner option, it will be possible to arrange the space ergonomically. Let's say in a dorm room or in a studio apartment.
Corner kitchen variations:
- The cabinets are perpendicular to each other.
The option is universal, as it suits almost any room. The size and width of the kitchen, however, do not matter. - Corner kitchen with a peninsular bar counter.
This option is best suited for larger kitchens. But if you use the counter as a dining table, there is no need for additional furniture. - Kitchen near the window.
If there is not enough free space in the room to place the table, the bar counter installed instead of the window sill will help out. This solution will succinctly fit into the design of the kitchen, without depriving the room of the eating area.
A little about style
After you decide on the dimensions and material, you need to think about the style in which the furniture will be made. This is a very important point. Agree, a counter in a classic style will look very strange and inharmonious in a kitchen decorated in a loft or high-tech style.
In addition to stylishness and originality, this kind of kitchen table attracts with many useful functions.
So that this type of furniture does not get out of the general composition, you can use one very effective technique. The use of bright accents on all surfaces of the headset will look very stylish and appropriate. For example, if your kitchen is decorated in blue, a structure with a blue work surface or with a body of a similar shade will perfectly fit in there. You can visually expand the space with the help of a contrasting play of colors. As a rule, the premises are divided into a kitchen and a guest area.
The main task here will be to choose a design that will play favorably on the contrast of the kitchen set.
- For a kitchen decorated in a classic style, furniture made of wood and marble is suitable. The abundance of accessories in golden and silver shades is welcome.
- The high-tech room is distinguished by its asceticism and urbanism. In such an interior, a bar counter with a chrome work surface will look appropriate.
- A brick structure will fit into a loft-style room.
- For modern Art Nouveau, it is better to choose a surface made of durable glass.
- A bar counter in a country interior will look amazing if it is made of natural or artificial stone.
Such a bar counter has a rather attractive appearance and is very convenient to use.
History of the issue
In Britain, furniture for storing alcohol has been called bars for several centuries. In the same sense, the word "bar" is used today. In drinking establishments, the subjects of the British crown drank, had a snack right on the boxes, which served as a place for storing the coveted 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 emergence of the bar counter. In the saloons of the Cowboy West, the bar has divided the service area for hot Irish guys and the service area. In case of frequent conflicts with 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 is carefully nurtured by the cinema 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 frequent part of the interior in residential buildings.
