A breakfast bar is a countertop that extends from a kitchen island or kitchen cabinets to provide extra seating for meals, such as breakfast. They are typically between 36 and 48 inches wide and around 16 to 24 inches deep, with enough space for two to four people to sit comfortably. Breakfast bars can be made from various materials, including wood, tiles, and stainless steel, and can be customized to suit your kitchen design and style preferences.
What should be included in a breakfast bar?
A breakfast bar is a great way to add extra seating and dining space to your kitchen. When choosing what to include in your breakfast bar, make sure to consider the following:
Seating: Make sure to choose comfortable seating that fits the space. Bar stools are a popular choice for breakfast bars, but you could also opt for counter stools or even a banquette.
Counter space: You will need enough counter space to prepare and serve food. Consider a freestanding breakfast bar or an overhang if you are short on space.
Appliances: If you plan on using your breakfast bar for dining, you will need to have a sink and some countertop space for food prep.
Storage: Breakfast bars are a great way to add extra storage to your kitchen. Look for breakfast bars with shelves or cabinets for storing dishes, glassware, and other items.
With these considerations in mind, you are sure to find the perfect breakfast bar for your kitchen.
Kitchen Island
Another popular breakfast bar idea is to use them as an island in the kitchen. It can provide extra counter space and seating and additional storage areas underneath. Additionally, some breakfast bars have a built-in sink or countertop that sits flush with the rest of the surface. It is a great way to add functionality to your kitchen while also making it look sleek and modern.
A kitchen island gives you plenty of extra counter space, allowing you to prepare food and entertain at the same time. Many islands also come equipped with additional storage space, allowing you to use all available space in your kitchen.
Another great benefit of a kitchen island is that it can double as a breakfast bar. Whether you prefer more traditional seating arrangements or something more modern and informal, a breakfast bar is a great way to add extra seating to your kitchen while still using all available space.
Floating Bars
People who want an elegant and stylish look in their kitchen will love a floating breakfast bar. The bar appears to be floating in the air with no base unit to take up floor space. It gives a minimal, modern look to your kitchen.
The lack of a base unit also creates an open, airy feel to the room. It makes a floating bar an excellent option for smaller kitchens or those with less natural light. And if you have limited counter space, the ample foot room underneath the bar provides plenty of seating options. Whether you are looking to add a unique touch to your kitchen or want more flexibility in your seating arrangements, a floating bar is perfect.
Stool
One popular idea for breakfast bars is to pair them with other seating options in the kitchen or dining area, such as stools or chairs. It can provide more space for guests or family members while also providing additional counter space that can be used for food preparation or other tasks. Breakfast bars can also be freestanding, which means they are not attached to any cabinets or kitchen islands. It allows you to move them around as needed and makes them easy to clean.
When measuring for bar stools, make sure to consider the following:
Seat height: Make sure you are not sitting too high or too low. Bar stools generally fit into two categories, counter-height and bar height. Counter-height stools have a seat height of 58-72cm and are ideal for kitchen counters with an 89-94cm height, while bar-height stools have a seat height of 72-82cm for bars 104-109cm tall.
Legroom: You should leave about 15cm between each bar stool to allow everyone to sit comfortably at the bar together.
Distance between stools: Consider an L-shape configuration to ensure ample space for everyone at the breakfast bar.
Whether you are looking for modern kitchen ideas or are simply looking for inspiration for your breakfast bar, there are plenty of options to create a functional and comfortable space for entertaining friends and family.
Slimline
When it comes to breakfast bars, one of the top priorities is saving on kitchen space. And one great way to do this is by opting for a slimmer design. A slimline breakfast bar takes up minimal space and still allows for ample seating, making it the perfect choice for small kitchens. A slimline breakfast bar is stylish and functional and can be used to separate the kitchen and living areas. Whether you choose a freestanding bar or one custom-built to fit into your kitchen layout, there are many great options and ideas for breakfast bars that can help make your kitchen a more functional and enjoyable space.
Wall Mounted Bar
A wall-mounted breakfast bar is a perfect solution if you have a small kitchen. They are also great if you have a limited amount of counter space. Wall-mounted breakfast bars are available in different shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits perfectly into your kitchen.
There are many different materials that you can choose from for a wall-mounted breakfast bar. The most popular options are wood, glass, and metal. You can also find them in different colours to match the rest of your kitchen décor.
Lighting
One of the significant decisions you will need to make when lighting your breakfast bar is what light fittings to use. There are various options, so look at some of the most popular fittings below and see which will work best in your kitchen.
Pendant Lights: Pendant lights are an excellent option for lighting up a breakfast bar or island, as they provide directional light that can be focused on specific areas. They also come in a wide range of styles, so you will find one that will complement your kitchen décor.
Recessed Lights: Recessed lights are another popular choice for breakfast bars, as they can provide bright, even lighting for the entire counter space. They are also a great option to create an understated look in your kitchen.
Chandeliers and Pendants: If you are looking for something more unique or decorative, you may want to consider chandelier or pendant lights with ornate designs. These can add a touch of luxury to your kitchen and help to make it feel more like a dining room.
Under Cabinet Lights: Under cabinet lights are a great way to add extra lighting to your breakfast bar or countertop. They are beneficial if you have limited space for other light fittings, as they can be installed directly underneath your cabinets.
In conclusion, several different lighting options are available for breakfast bars and islands. So, take some time to browse through the different options and find the one that best suits your needs.
Size of a Breakfast Bar
There is no ideal size for a breakfast bar, as it will vary depending on the homeowner’s needs. However, a good rule of thumb is to allow no less than 28” of linear length per stool. It will give each person enough space to comfortably sit at the breakfast bar. You should also consider the flow behind the breakfast stools and make sure you have at least 36” of clearance from the edge of the breakfast counter to the next wall or piece of furniture. If you follow these simple guidelines, you can make the breakfast bar as long or short as possible and comfortably seat people around it. Another essential consideration is height. Counter stools are designed for breakfast bars at standard kitchen worktop height, 90-95cm from the floor.
On the other hand, bar stools are designed for higher breakfast bars, such as standalone or raised on an island or peninsula unit. If you prefer a bar stool, look for one about 100-106cm from the floor, 75cm or above a seat height. You can also find height-adjustable stools that can be made higher for children or lower for adults, which is an excellent option if you have a wide range of family members or guests who will be using the breakfast bar.
How much will it cost to make a breakfast bar?
Now that you know the benefits of having a breakfast bar in your kitchen, you may be wondering how much it will cost to make a breakfast bar. Again, this answer will vary greatly depending on the type of breakfast bar that you choose.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, you may consider installing a breakfast bar with less expensive materials. For example, you can use laminate countertops instead of granite or marble. You could also opt for cheaper stools or chairs. However, keep in mind that your breakfast bar may not last as long if you go with cheaper materials.
On the other hand, if you have a bigger budget, you can choose to install a breakfast bar that is made out of more expensive materials. For example, you could opt for granite or marble countertops. You can also choose to use high-end stools or chairs for your breakfast bar, which may help to increase the value of your home over time.
FAQs
Can you use a worktop as a breakfast bar?
A worktop can be used as a breakfast bar if it is the correct height. If it is not the correct height, you can add a countertop or kitchen island to create the correct height.
Where should I put my breakfast bar?
There are many things to consider when deciding where to put your breakfast bar. Some factors you may want to consider are traffic flow, the amount of space you have, and the purpose of the breakfast bar.
Are breakfast bars worth it?
That depends on how you define ‘worth it.’ A breakfast bar can add more counter and storage space to your kitchen and a casual dining spot. But if you do not have the need or room for an extra table, chairs, and counter space, a breakfast bar may not be worth the hassle or expense.
