The bar counter in the kitchen is not the freshest, but unconditionally stylish and creative solution. While drinking it, you can not only enjoy cocktails or coffee, but also arrange a family dinner or work in comfort. You just need to correctly choose a model that will fit into the interior of the room. And she will immediately create the mood of an incessant holiday!
Functional features
There is an opinion that bar counters are a useless luxury. But in fact, they are much more functional than they seem at first glance.
The counter is more compact than a full-fledged dining table, it takes up less space in a small kitchen. This is a stylish interior solution that immediately sets the atmosphere and mood in the room. The bar counter can be attached directly to the work surface of the kitchen set. It's also ergonomic!
A convenient solution is to install a rack instead of a partition for zoning the space. And under the countertop, it is easy to place shelves and cabinets for storing kitchen utensils. It is not convenient except for small children, because the surface height reaches 1-1.2 meters.
Types of bar counters
At its core, a bar counter is a tall countertop. This is where the common features end. They can be completely different in style, design, size, configuration and material. This means that you can choose an option for any kitchen layout.
Island bar
Island layout is a modern trend. Furniture is not placed under the walls, but lined up into functional areas. The center of the composition can be a table, a couch or a bar counter. The rest of the design is built around it.
We offer the following options:
- Strict symmetrical classic. Then observe the unity of style with the main headset.
- Bright flashy accent. This is true for modern minimalist and technological interiors.
Any form. U-shaped or semicircular islands look interesting, but they require space around. This is a good option for spacious kitchens or studios. And if you're looking for style consistency, choose a stand from the same series and materials as your main headset.
Built-in bar counter
The built-in bar counter is a direct continuation of the kitchen set. The elongated worktop continues the work surface. Sometimes the height changes, but the structure remains monolithic. This option is good if every square counts. It allows you to use inactive areas - for example, near a window.
Bar counter as a partition
Partition racks are a winning alternative to cabinets, screens and plasterboard structures. They are used mainly in kitchens that are combined with the living room.
Extend a long stand straight out of the wall to completely separate the work area from the rest area. For example, from a seating area with a TV.
Multilevel bar counter
Multilevel racks can be different: a prefabricated structure of several shelves and countertops, like modern modular systems, or a superstructure that rises above the work surface. But be sure to calculate the height in order to choose the right chairs. For add-ons, for example, you will definitely need higher stools.
Mini bar counter
Mini-racks up to a meter long, more like an extension of the tabletop. They are good for small kitchens, small studios and single-person apartments. Want to save even more space? Make it extendable or foldable.
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Bar counter materials
The choice of material is not only a matter of aesthetics. Surface care directly depends on it. Given the nature of the room, the delicate, precious woods that are good for the living room are not appropriate in the kitchen with its humidity, temperature, stains and grease.
Chipboard
It is lightweight, affordable and inexpensive. It is easy to handle and cut intricate shapes. The coating can be painted or pasted over.
But there are disadvantages: vulnerability to moisture and a tendency to deformation. Therefore, choose laminated chipboard for the bar counter. And be sure to make sure that when finishing the edge fits snugly to the canvas.
Wood
Wood is more expensive than chipboard, but it is a completely natural and environmentally friendly material. It is valuable for its texture and fits into most interior styles.
But wood in the kitchen requires careful handling and delicate care. It can be scratched, stained, and sensitive to moisture. Therefore, choose hard varieties: ash, oak, beech, alder. They are less demanding on external conditions.
A natural stone
Stone countertops are unconditionally effective and practical. Most often it is marble or granite. Their main advantages are beauty, durability, strength and unpretentiousness.
The stone is not sensitive to moisture, and dirt is easily washed off from a smooth surface. But such a bar is expensive, massive and the heaviest.
Acrylic
Practical and modern, acrylic is often used for kitchen furniture fronts. This is a godsend for technological and futuristic interiors. The glossy surface reflects light but is easily scratched. But acrylic can be given any bizarre shapes and bends.
The acrylic bar is hardly suitable for classic interiors and styles based on natural materials and textures.
Glass
Glass racks are a fresh, original and effective solution. And visually they look much easier. This is useful for small kitchens.
But smudges and stains easily remain on the glass. It is sensitive to mechanical damage and such a rack is unlikely to be used for slicing food or similar household tasks.
Combination of materials
Bar counters made entirely of one material are quite rare. Like any other kitchen furniture, the countertop does not have to be the same as the cabinet.
Classic options are steel with glass or wood with stone. Alternatively, the base can be made of plasterboard, brick or stone blocks. This is especially true for partition racks and island racks.
Decorative lighting
Bar counter lighting is a bright and unusual solution for a modern kitchen. You will need an LED strip: white - more functional, colored - decorative. There are ribbons with color transitions, flickering and effects.
Such decorative lighting uplifts the mood and creates a festive atmosphere. No need to decorate the kitchen for the party - just turn on the light!
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Interior styles
Now the range of bar counters is almost limitless. If something is missing, it is easy to make it to order or on your own.
Minimalistic bar counter
Everything is elementary here: clear geometry, simple materials, lack of decor. Look out for rough wood superstructure racks or simple rectangular glass countertops. Avoid overly complex and bulky multi-level structures, unnecessary shelves and cabinets, pretentious design.
High-tech bar counter
Hi-tech is prone to complex shapes and futurism. This is where acrylic bar counters with a mirror-glossy surface and colorful neon lighting come in handy.
Complex geometric shapes look great. Ideally, irregular and asymmetrical. Chrome legs, stool legs and fittings complete the picture.
Loft-style bar counter
The loft simultaneously gravitates towards eclecticism, rudeness and creativity. There is room here for raw wood, massive stone countertops, and fancy folding structures. Acrylic or even kitchen steel can be inscribed.
Therefore, first, clearly define the style of the rest of the kitchen furniture and appliances, and then select the rack for them.
Provence style bar counter
In romantic Provence, wooden bar counters made of bleached wood look harmonious. Use rounded lines, delicate pastel shades of countertops, decorative stools with carved legs.
Particleboard processed using decoupage technique also looks interesting. Decorative multi-level designs are also good.
Open shelves for storing jars with spices, cereals or preservation will fit into the base of the rack. It is an elegant yet functional decor for romantic country interiors.
Bar counter in classic style
Elegant classics require pomp, luxury and large-scale monumentality, even for the kitchen. Therefore, it looks best in spacious rooms.
Pay attention to the island racks made of dark rare woods. Decorative inserts, carvings, gilded elements and ornate patterns will do. Choose chairs from the same material with expensive upholstery - for example, leather or velvet.
Bar counter for a small kitchen
Is your kitchen too small? There is a way out: install a bar counter instead of a traditional table. This is many times more functional, because it is narrow and compact.
The space under the table is usually wasted, and lockers, appliances or shelves can be built into the base of the rack. Even special high stools are usually more compact than classic dining chairs.
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Kitchen design with a bar counter - photo
The bar counter is one of the most diverse kitchen attributes. Take your time with the choice! Carefully study and compare different options - perhaps you will find a few more non-obvious solutions in our photo selection!
