Design of a modern kitchen with a bar counter
A bar counter is an item that is appropriate in any interior style. It will suit modern techno or hi-tech, and traditional loft, and “folk” interior design options, and “eternal classics” – the difference will be only in the shape and finishing materials. According to design features, bar counters can be divided into the following groups:
- Wall-mounted. They are located along the walls, and successfully replace traditional breakfast tables in small kitchens, saving space and facilitating the visual perception of the room. Counters of this type are usually not connected with the kitchen furniture set and the work surface. Their design may differ from the design of the rest of the furniture.
- Combined. This is the most versatile option, allowing you to extend the work surface, change the shape of the kitchen (for example, turn it from linear to L-shaped). The countertop is a continuation of the worktop and extends from it either linearly or at an angle. Under such a rack you can place kitchen equipment or additional shelves for storing dishes or supplies. The interior of a kitchen with a bar counter of this type can be easily divided into functional zones if the kitchen is located in the same room as the dining room.
- Combined. In this version, the countertop is adjacent to the work surface, but has a different height. Typically, the work surface is directed towards the kitchen, and the higher bar surface is directed towards the dining area.
- Island. The island counter is usually combined with household appliances – a stove, a sink. As a rule, it has quite significant dimensions and requires a large kitchen area so that it can be easily walked around from all sides. The design of such kitchens is distinguished by its originality and practicality.
Bar counters can be made of various materials – from the simplest to exclusive – expensive wood species, natural stone, it all depends on the overall design of the interior. They have one thing in common – increased height.
If dining tables have a height of 70 to 80 cm on average, then the height of the bar counter in the kitchen can vary from 90 cm (in the case of a combined design) to 115 cm. Therefore, their use requires special “bar” stools of also increased height, and it is better if they have backs for comfortable sitting.
Options for kitchens with a bar counter
It is impossible to describe the entire variety of possible options, since in each specific case the designer decides what type of furniture design is most suitable for the space allocated for the kitchen.
However, there are the most common options that are in in a certain sense, they are universal and allow you to solve several problems at once: equip a functional kitchen, implement zoning, and create an expressive design. A bar counter will not get lost in any interior and will be not only a convenient, but also a functional piece of furniture.
Kitchen with a bar counter by the window
In small kitchens, the window sill, as a rule, does not look very attractive, turning into a place where items accumulate that there is no place for. What kind of design can we talk about in this case? The problem is easily solved by replacing the standard window sill with a bar counter.
This allows you to do without a separate table for snacks, which saves a lot of space. In addition, it is pleasant to sit by the window – you can, for example, drink coffee and admire the view outside the window. In addition, this is the brightest place in the apartment, and the bar counter can become a place where it is convenient to engage in various hobbies.
You can also set up a “breakfast table” by the window if the window is French and does not have a window sill. The only downside is that in this case it is not recommended to install shelves for storage or place kitchen appliances there under the countertop, as this reduces the lighting.
An interior designed in this way will still be light, and at the same time more comfortable. If the bottom of the window is higher than usual, you can easily make additional storage space under the countertop.
U-shaped kitchen with a bar counter
Quite often, a bar counter is added to the L-shaped kitchen work surface in such a way that in the kitchen plan formed the letter U. This is a fairly convenient option, of course, if the room dimensions allow it.
A design with such an arrangement of work surfaces allows you to organize an ergonomic workplace, while you can place equipment or containers for storing food under the counter. Additionally, it can visually limit the kitchen if other functional areas are located in the same room with it.
Kitchen-dining room with a bar counter
In interiors with an open plan, designers prefer to combine the functions of the kitchen and dining room in one volume. In this case, the counter with the tabletop can act as a “divider”, separating the food preparation area from the food reception area. There are various options here. For example, a combined counter will allow you to equip an additional work space in the kitchen, while the “bar” part facing the living room will not only provide the opportunity to have a snack, but will also serve as a decorative element in the design of the dining area.
Corner kitchen design
Usually, corner kitchens are shaped like the letter L. By adding a bar counter to it, you can get a more cozy and convenient room for the hostess. Surrounding the kitchen on three sides with work surfaces will help organize the cooking process in such a way that it requires a minimum of effort.
See more photos of corner kitchens with a bar counter.
Photo of a kitchen design with a bar counter
The photos below show various options for using bar counters.
Photo 1. The bar counter is combined with the main work surface in the shape of the letter U.
Photo 2. The U-shaped kitchen is separated from the rest of the room by a bar counter of the same height as the main work surface
Photo 3. A small bar counter adds originality to the design of a small kitchen, allows you to organize a cozy place for relaxation and friendly conversations, and does not take up much space.
Designer: Ksenia Pedorenko. Photographer: Svetlana Ignatenko.
Photo 4. The bar counter can have a complex shape – it is convenient and original, the interior looks unusual and stylish.
Photo 5. An example of a combined bar counter in the interior of a small kitchen.
Photo 6. The lightweight design of the counter does not clutter the room, but visually highlights the working kitchen area.
Photo 7. The glass countertop is almost invisible in the interior and does not weigh down the perception of the room.
Photo 8. The bar counter closes the space allocated for the kitchen area, thereby limiting it visually. The contrasting color of the furniture emphasizes this distinction and gives the design of the room a finished and graphic look.
Photo 9. A combined counter in the color of the furniture is very functional and does not violate the integrity of the interior.
