Bar counter on the balcony: placement ideas, design, choice of materials for the countertop and decor.

Pros and Cons

There are many nuances to consider when installing a bar counter.

How to position a bar counter?

The location of the bar counter depends on the area of the balcony, its type and glazing. Install a bar counter if the balcony or loggia is glazed and insulated. The height varies according to your wishes. The structure can be placed both on the loggia and between the room and the balcony. The counter can serve as a partition or a full-fledged replacement for the table. It can become an extension of the kitchen space or an independent bar.

Instead of a balcony block

If you have a small apartment or studio, use the space instead of a balcony block. Combining the living area with the balcony will add free space. When dismantling the balcony block, install a bar counter. Leave room for passage. The shape can be angular, semicircular or L-shaped, rely on your preferences when choosing.

The photo shows an option for installing a counter instead of a balcony block. The countertop matches the rest of the kitchen furniture.

On the balcony from the window sill

The most common option is to install a bar counter inside the balcony in place of the window sill. You can make it directly from the window sill or install a new countertop, making it folding. The redesigned window sill is suitable for those who value the functionality of every square meter in the apartment.

The photo shows a variant of designing a counter from a window sill, complemented by a high bar stool with a footrest.

In the opening between the room and the balcony

This variant will replace the wall in the kitchen or living room, unless it is load-bearing. The dimensions of the room will increase, it will become much lighter. The bar counter will be accessible both from the balcony and from the room. The structure can be fully used as a dining table. It is not necessary to completely dismantle the wall, you can make an arch out of it, marking the passage to the balcony. It will serve as an additional accent in the interior. A two-level form is suitable for this design.

On the loggia by the window

If there is not enough space in the apartment for a bar counter, install it by the window on the loggia. The shape can be either straight or with rounded corners. The corner design will increase the number of seats.

The photo shows a version of installing a wooden bar counter on a loggia with panoramic glazing. Bar stools with a footrest were selected to match the set.

Design and shapes of bar counters for the loggia

Modern design allows for any shape. When choosing, you should rely on the dimensions of the loggia or balcony, the overall concept of the apartment and your taste. The folding form is compact and can be used as needed. This function allows you to use the space along the wall when the rack is not folded back. This option is suitable for small apartments or studios.

For large apartments, semicircular, curved or streamlined designs are suitable. Due to the lack of corners, they are safe and easy to use. Another safe option would be a shape with rounded corners. It can be L-shaped or angular.

A angular one will allow you to make the most of the space by using the corners. It is suitable for both small and large apartments, it can be both high and low.

The photo shows an option for installing an L-shaped bar counter with a wooden tabletop. The design is complemented by wooden bar stools.

The L-shaped one is most often used in the interior. Various installation options allow you to equip the counter anywhere, including in the corner. The two-level design is two tabletops located at different heights. The lower countertop is used directly as a bar counter, and the upper one can be used as an additional shelf for storing drinks.

Options for countertop materials

When installing a bar counter, first of all, choose a countertop taking into account the individual properties of the material and your wishes for the appearance.

• Glass. A tempered glass countertop is very durable, it is not afraid of temperature changes, humidity or sunlight. It is easy to clean from dirt and does not absorb liquid. Glass of any size, shape and color can be made to order. For brightness, add stained glass decor to the glass.
• Wooden. Natural wood looks solid and adds chic to the interior. Wood is used in many styles, but it is not cheap. With proper coating and care, it will last a long time.
• Stone. A stone countertop will be the most durable and long-lasting. Use natural marble, granite or artificial stone.
• Acrylic. If a stone countertop seems expensive to you, choose acrylic as an alternative. Acrylic does not have micropores, so it is resistant to dirt and moisture. In terms of strength, such a countertop is not inferior to stone or wood, but will cost much less. You can make an acrylic bar counter of any shape by adding a figured edge or inlay.
• Metal. This material is resistant to both temperature and moisture, as well as mechanical damage. Metal does not rust, it can be used to make a support or individual parts, as well as the countertop itself.
• Fiberboard / MDF / chipboard. The advantage of these materials is a large selection of palettes and various forms of countertops. Chipboard is the most budget option. However, its service life is much shorter in comparison with wood, for example. A structure made of MDF or fiberboard is of higher quality; such boards can be used to create imitation wood or marble.

The photo shows an example of a structure installed instead of a balcony block. The surface of the counter is made of natural wood, the base is made of stone.

Carefully consider the type of tabletop and base, they do not necessarily have to be made of the same material. Choose it taking into account the size and type of construction.

The photo shows a countertop made of natural stone combined with a sink. The structure is installed instead of the balcony block, it is complemented by chairs of an unusual geometric shape.

The tabletop can be made of the same material as other kitchen furniture.

The photo shows the design of a counter with a wooden tabletop. The design is complemented by a hanging lamp.

Ideas for decorating a balcony in different styles

You can decorate a bar on the balcony in any style. The main thing is that this space harmoniously combines with the rest of the room. If the balcony is located next to the kitchen, you can make a counter in the same color as the kitchen set. Fiberboard / MDF / chipboard and acrylic will help you with this.

If your apartment or balcony is made in the loft or hi-tech style, use metal, wood or stone. Install pendant lights or spotlights that diffuse soft light. Add metal structures and accents, such as dishes or a decorative vase.

The photo shows the interior of a loft-style balcony. Part of the wooden bar is installed instead of the window sill.

If you have a studio apartment, design your balcony in Art Nouveau or Provence style. A wooden or glass countertop with a soft, smooth shape will fit perfectly into this style. Light accents in the form of lamps and stained glass patterns will help make the interior on the balcony modern.

Examples of bar counter decor

You can equip the bar counter with anything. If open space allows, install a small built-in refrigerator. If you want to use the structure as a bar, attach a wall-mounted glass holder, install additional shelves for storing glasses and dishes, and choose comfortable chairs with footrests.

Lighting plays an important role in decorating a bar counter. Lighting should depend on the style of the structure or the space adjacent to it. Use spotlights or track lights, it is possible to run an LED strip along the perimeter of the bar counter.