7 original bar counters that combine aesthetics and comfort

With drawers and shelves

A stylish and ergonomic option for arranging a small kitchen is a bar counter with additional storage space. For kitchen utensils, you can organize several drawers under the countertop or make spacious cabinets the entire height of the legs. An interesting option is when the drawers are made as inconspicuous as possible, turning them towards the work area and choosing the same texture as the countertop. Handles are abandoned in favor of a push-to-open system.

Bottles and glasses, which are usually stored on open shelves or hanging holders, can also be easily placed under the counter. If desired, you can give the entire area under the countertop to an open storage system. The rack will fit harmoniously into the interior of a modern kitchen, simultaneously solving the issues with the area for eating and placing things that are always needed at hand.

Unusual shape

Complex geometry, the play of planes and lines in the interior looks non-trivial and immediately attracts attention. With the help of original shapes, you can add dynamics and volume to the space, adjust proportions and place accents.

The usual rectangular tabletop with a slightly rounded edge has long since ceased to surprise anyone. Today, designers prefer to experiment more with the angle of the supports, the shape and size of the tabletops, fit the racks into niches and decorate the ledges with them. You can find both minimalist options with perfectly calibrated proportions and asymmetrical bar tables of complex design. For example, a solid wood tabletop with an uneven edge looks both expensive and modern.

Asymmetry can be achieved not only by playing with the shape of the table, but also by experimenting with the material from which it is made. For example, an insert made of dark epoxy resin combined with natural wood visually narrows the surface of the counter on one side and stretches it on the other.

“Floating” counters

Models “hanging” in the air are one of the main trends of the last few years. They allow you to free up the floor as much as possible, visually adding free space to the space. There are several options for attaching the countertop:

• A metal frame hanging from the ceiling;
• Attached to a window sill or wall;
• Connecting two nearby kitchen islands with a stand;

If the technical features of the design do not allow you to completely abandon the legs, you can consider the option with a transparent glass or plastic support.

With backlighting

When planning lighting in the kitchen, many try to highlight the dining area with several recessed or pendant lamps. Another option to add light, and sometimes color, is backlighting built directly into the bar counter.

Neon LED strip will help create the atmosphere of a club or a trendy bistro. Soft lighting, evenly installed inside the counter made of artificial stone, will emphasize the original texture of the material and add coziness.

Massive

Most bar counters are valued for their lightness and compactness. However, massive options made of natural or artificial stone and wood look no worse. They add solidity and nobility to the interior.

Two-level

Multi-level bar counters are convenient for both cooking and family gatherings. The lower tier is used as a work surface, the upper one is reserved for the dining area. If you have a large group of people, you can set up a children’s area below and set up a buffet for an adult group above.

The difference in levels can be achieved by using a prefabricated structure made of several tabletops and metal support fasteners. Counters with “steps” placed close to each other without gaps also look stylish. In this case, it is better to make the lower tier out of stone and use solid wood for the upper one.

Transformers

Folding, retractable and folding transformer counters are a modern, stylish and functional attribute that has taken root not only in small kitchens, but also in fairly spacious dining rooms. They are chosen by lovers of “smart”, uncluttered spaces. The counter can be unfolded during cooking, and removed after dinner, freeing up as much space as possible for relaxation.

A bar counter can either divide the kitchen space or unite it, running along the entire wall and replacing the window sill. It becomes an accent element of the dining room interior or acts as a laconic continuation of the dining table and work surface. There are many implementation options. The main thing is that the counter supports the overall design concept, and does not seem like an alien element.