A kitchen bar counter may not be the newest idea, but it is undoubtedly a stylish and creative solution. It offers not only a place to enjoy cocktails or coffee, but also a comfortable spot for a family dinner or work. The key is to choose a model that fits seamlessly with the room’s decor, and it will immediately create a festive atmosphere!
Functional Features
It is commonly believed that bar counters are an unnecessary luxury. However, in reality, they are much more functional than they seem at first glance. A bar counter is more compact than a full-sized dining table, taking up less space in a small kitchen. It is a stylish interior solution that immediately sets the atmosphere and mood of the room. You can easily attach a bar counter directly to the work surface of the kitchen unit, which is also ergonomic!
Another convenient solution is to install the counter instead of a partition to divide the space. And shelves and cabinets can be placed under the tabletop for storing kitchen utensils. The only downside is that it may not be suitable for small children.
Types of Bar Counters
By its essence, a bar counter is a high countertop. That’s where the similarities end. They can vary in style, design, size, configuration, and material. This means that you can find a model to fit any kitchen layout.
Island Bar Counter
The island layout is a modern trend. Furniture is not arranged along the walls, but is instead built into functional zones. The center of the composition can be a table, a cozy corner, or a bar counter. Everything else is arranged around it.
We offer the following options: – Strict symmetrical classic style: maintain the unity of style with the main furniture set; – Bold and eye-catching accent: this is suitable for modern, minimalist, and technological interiors.
The shape can be anything. P-shaped or semi-circular islands look interesting, but require space around them. This is a good option for spacious kitchens or studios. If you aim for a unified style, choose a counter from the same series and materials as the main furniture set.
Built-In Bar Counter
A built-in bar counter is a direct continuation of the kitchen set. The elongated countertop continues the work surface. Sometimes the height changes, but the structure remains monolithic. This option is great if every square inch counts. It allows you to use inactive areas, such as near a window.
Bar Counter as a Partition
Partition counters are a winning alternative to cabinets, screens, and drywall structures. They are mainly used in kitchens combined with living rooms. Stretch a long counter directly from the wall to completely separate the workspace from the relaxation area, such as a cozy corner with a television.
Multi-Level Bar Counter
Multi-level counters can be different: a modular design made up of several shelves and countertops, or an attachment that rises above the work surface. But be sure to calculate the height to select the right chairs. For attachments, for example, taller stools will be needed.
Mini-Bar Counter
Mini-counters up to a meter in length are more like an extension of the countertop. They are good for small kitchens, compact studios, and apartments where only one person lives. Want to save even more space? Make it retractable or foldable.
Materials for Bar Counters
Choosing a material is not just a matter of aesthetics. It directly affects the care of the surface. Taking into account the peculiarities of the room, delicate precious wood species that are good for the living room are not suitable for the kitchen with its humidity, temperature changes, stains, and grease.
Particleboard
This is a lightweight, affordable, and inexpensive material. It is easy to process and cut into complex shapes. The surface can be painted or covered with laminate. But there are drawbacks: vulnerability to moisture and susceptibility to deformation. Therefore, choose laminated particleboard for your bar counter, and make sure the edge fits tightly to the panel during finishing.
Wood is more expensive than particleboard, but it is a completely natural and eco-friendly material. It is valued for its texture and fits into most interior styles. However, wood in the kitchen requires careful handling and delicate care. It can be scratched, stained, and is sensitive to moisture. Therefore, choose hardwoods like ash, oak, beech, or alder. They are less demanding on external conditions.
Natural Stone
Stone countertops are undeniably stunning and practical. Most often, it is marble or granite. Their main advantages are beauty, durability, strength, and unpretentiousness. Stone is not sensitive to moisture, and dirt is easily washed off its smooth surface. But such a bar counter is expensive, massive, and the heaviest.
Acrylic
Practical and modern acrylic is often used to make kitchen cabinet fronts. It is a find for technological and futuristic interiors. Its glossy surface reflects light, but it is easy to scratch. But acrylic can be given any intricate shapes and curves. An acrylic bar counter is unlikely to be suitable for classic interiors and styles based on natural materials and textures.
Glass
Glass counters are a fresh, original, and impressive solution. They also look visually lighter. This is reasonable for small kitchens. But stains and spots are easily left on glass. It is sensitive to mechanical damage, and such a counter is unlikely to be used for cutting 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 match the body. Classic options include steel with glass or wood with stone. In addition, the base can be made of drywall, brick, or stone blocks. This is especially true for partition counters and island counters.
Decorative Lighting
Lighting for the bar counter is a bright and unusual solution for a modern kitchen. You will need LED strips: white is more functional, colored is more decorative. There are strips with color transitions, flashing, and special effects. Such decorative lighting lifts the mood and creates a festive atmosphere. There is no need to decorate the kitchen for a party – just turn on the lights!
Interior Styles
Nowadays, the variety of bar counters is almost limitless. If something is missing, it can easily be custom-made or made by oneself.
Minimalist Bar Counter
Here everything is elementary: clear geometry, simple materials, no decoration. Pay attention to superstructures made of rough wood or simple rectangular glass countertops. Avoid overly complex and bulky multilevel structures, unnecessary shelves and cabinets, and fancy decor.
High-Tech Bar Counter
High-tech tends toward complex forms 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. Chromed supports, stool legs, and hardware complete the picture.
Loft-style Bar Counter
Loft style simultaneously leans toward eclecticism, roughness, and creativity. Here there is a place for untreated wood, massive stone countertops, and whimsical folding structures. You can also include acrylic or even kitchen steel. Therefore, first, clearly define the style of the rest of the kitchen furniture and appliances, and then choose the counter to match them.
Bar counter in Provencal style
In romantic Provence, wooden bar counters made of bleached wood harmoniously blend in. Use rounded lines, delicate pastel shades for countertops, and decorative stools with carved legs.
DSP treated with decoupage technique also looks interesting. Decorative multi-level structures are also good.
Open shelves for storing spice jars, cereals or canned goods will fit into the base of the counter. This is an elegant and functional decor for romantic country interiors.
Bar counter in classic style
Elegant classics require pomp, luxury, and monumental scale even for the kitchen. Therefore, it looks best in spacious rooms.
Pay attention to island counters made of dark rare wood species. Decorative inserts, carving, gilded elements, and intricate patterns will be suitable. Choose chairs made of the same material with expensive upholstery – for example, from leather or velvet.
Bar counter for a small kitchen
Do you have a too small kitchen? There is a solution: install a bar counter instead of a traditional table. It is much more functional, as it is narrow and compact.
The space under the table usually goes to waste, but you can build cabinets, appliances or shelves into the base of the counter. Even special high stools are usually more compact than classic dining chairs.
Kitchen design with bar counter – photos
The bar counter is one of the most diverse kitchen attributes. Don’t rush with the choice! Carefully study and compare different options – perhaps you will find several non-obvious solutions in our photo selection!
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