The bar counter is a key element of a modern kitchen. Its correctly selected height plays an important role in achieving maximum functionality and comfort in the room.
Despite its simplicity, this design allows you to effectively delimit useful space, while maintaining the unity of style of the living room and dining room. In this article we will tell you what the height of the bar counter in the kitchen should be from the floor to make its use as convenient as possible.
Purpose of the stand
A stand can become not only a stylish element of the interior, but also serve a good purpose - saving space, increasing the functionality of the room, making it more comfortable and dynamic. It will be an excellent addition to a studio apartment or kitchen with an isolated layout.
When used correctly, performs the following functions:
- delimits or unites free space;
- carefully stores utensils, dishes, and any household equipment;
- promotes comfortable cooking and eating.
A classic bar counter is a tabletop with a height of 110–120 centimeters, mounted on consoles, equipped with high chairs or wooden stools with footrests.
A home structure is often shortened in order to provide the greatest comfort of use, but this loses some of its true uniqueness.
In small apartments, the bar counter becomes a natural addition to the kitchen countertop. In this case, it has a level not exceeding the surface of the kitchen table.
A wonderful addition to such a design are stools or bar stools from 60 to 70 centimeters.
Kinds
The counter can be either a separate element or part of a kitchen unit. Depending on the location, there are four types.
- Adjacent to the wall - a typical solution for small rooms when the passage is narrow. This type also includes a window-sill table - a good option for small kitchens, since the usually inactive area near the window is used.
- A partition that divides space into zones: for example, they delimit the dining room and living room in a studio apartment.
- Freestanding. If space allows, why not make a bar on the kitchen island? It looks especially impressive in a classic style.
- Part of the headset. A bar-continuation of the countertop is also a great option for small rooms. Often such models are made with various shelves, stands, and other useful decorative elements.
Interior use options
What to consider when choosing. When choosing one model or another, it is necessary to take into account important indicators: functionality, practicality and usefulness of the design.
In addition, you need to take into account the width and height, design, shape, compatibility with the rest of the furniture.
The classic counter is placed from the floor at a height of up to 120 cm, the combined one - no more than 100 centimeters, while the width of the tabletop cannot be less than 35 centimeters.
A consolidated model, in which the stand is combined with a furniture set, is an excellent choice The universal dimensions make this design convenient to position and use. A kitchen with such a counter will become as functional as possible if it is designed by professional designers and craftsmen.
Material of manufacture. Modern bar counters are made from glass, natural wood, plastic, granite, marble or artificial stone.
Depending on design decisions, kitchen counters are:
- island;
- built-in;
- wall;
- zoning;
- combined (the bottom is the working part, and the top is a decorative item);
- connected to a wide window sill, designed as a bar counter.
We will show in the photo the most popular and in demand models among buyers, tell you about their functional features and optimal sizes.
"Island"
So, island designs can become an elegant addition to any spacious, thoughtfully designed room.
The “island” can accommodate a touch-sensitive hob, oven and wide sink. In this combined version, it is possible to achieve a natural combination of all the constituent elements into one composition.
If necessary, the kitchen counter can be divided into separate zones:
- a working room in which the hostess can realize her culinary ideas;
- dining room - where household members will eat their favorite dishes.
Usually the second part is made higher, which ensures the “bar counter” effect. The shape and dimensions of the “island” depend on the needs of the owners. But there is also a standard option with a tabletop two meters long and 100 cm high.
Often the “island” is narrowed to 1.5 meters in height, 1.3 meters in length , or made equal to the height of the headset’s desktop. In this case, the countertop is used for preparing food .
But the height of the counter can reach the level of bar stools or chairs, and then it is used for its intended purpose. By combining the functionality, it is possible to obtain a 2-level model.
Built into the headset
An excellent solution in small kitchens where the countertop is used as a dining table. It is combined with a kitchen set, but its location is quite unique - the model is installed at an angle of 90° to the main furniture composition, and its height does not exceed 1 m .
In fact, such a design is a standard mini-rack, which has a large number of useful aesthetic and operational qualities, and can fit seamlessly into any small-sized kitchen.
For convenient cooking and comfortable eating, it is best to choose bar stools up to 0.7 meters .
In appearance, the built-in bar counter is laconic and simple; with its help, you can easily zone the useful space of a kitchen-studio, it does not confine the room, and allows you to diversify and improve its appearance.
Typically, such a model is attached to the ceiling or floor using a chrome tube on which stands, circular “mesh” shelves, glass holders, multi-tiered fruit bowls and other kitchen utensils are placed.
Wall-mounted
Indispensable in a narrow and small room, it can become a full-fledged replacement for the kitchen table. It can be located on two or one leg or “hang” in the air. The appearance of this model is a long and narrow tabletop, which:
- connects to the working surface of the kitchen unit;
- is placed close to one of the walls, securely fixed with corners, screws or bolts.
Regardless of the installation method, the bar counter has a level from 0.9 to 1.3 meters - the dimensions are determined by the size of the room.
There are also folding mini-structures that are used for feeding a child. They are quite functional and look nice.
The most convenient point is the versatility of installing a “children’s” stand - it takes up a minimum of usable space and can be installed at any height from the floor.
Remade window sill
A bar counter combined or attached to a window sill allows you to make the most of the free space. This is an excellent solution for small spaces. The fixed model is additionally equipped with retractable support legs and a convenient folding mechanism.
When an apartment or house has deep window openings, an unused window sill simply pointlessly takes up useful space. It is often used as a “green” corner, but it is better to use a small room as wisely as possible.
An excellent solution is to use a wide window sill as an ordinary kitchen table with an excellent view from the window - and when height allows, then as a classic bar counter.
You can attach a folding model to the opening, which easily folds while cooking on the stove, rises and is served for eating.
The folding table is incredibly convenient to use; when connected to a wide “window sill” surface, it becomes even larger, but this is only possible when its height matches the window sill.
How to choose bar stools
Not a single bar counter is complete without chairs. The dimensions of special bar stools are an important detail, because if any will fit a regular table, you only need to choose a design, but in the case of a bar counter, the size is the first thing.
The height of bar stools is usually 75 or 85 centimeters, but you can also find other sizes on sale, for example at Ikea, which produces bar stools with a height of 63 cm. The main rule when choosing chairs is that the difference between the chair and the tabletop should be at least 30 cm, otherwise the person sitting at the counter will be uncomfortable. As a guide: if the size of the kitchen bar counter is 120 cm or more, then take chairs no lower than 85 centimeters, and if the counter is lower, then a 75 cm chair is enough.
Bar stools come with or without backs, on four legs or on one, swivel or stationary. Chairs with a high back and footrest are as comfortable as possible - you can sit on them for quite a long time without feeling like you are hanging on an uncomfortable perch. But stools are less convenient, but save space - they can be easily pushed under the counter.
We tried to tell you in as much detail as possible about the dimensions of the bar counter. The photos presented in the article will help you decide on the choice of this popular and sought-after element of kitchen furniture.
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Standard height
The standard height of a classic design cannot exceed 1.3 meters . It is equipped with wooden stools or high chairs with comfortable seats, a footrest, and elegant half-chairs that harmoniously complement its appearance.
But this cannot be achieved when the height of the bar counter corresponds to the worktop or dining table. Because of this, low chairs or seats with a height adjustment mechanism are considered the most popular at the moment.
Fans of a bright, extravagant style prefer excessively tall models with a floor height of 1.3 meters or more. Modern designers advise using such structures exclusively when zoning the dining and kitchen areas, but such an interior solution is not always appropriate.
For example, when the kitchen vault is too low, tall furniture looks bulky and takes up a lot of usable space.
A suitable option for most kitchens is a standard counter height of no more than 1 m. A compromise could be a combination of countertops installed above the floor surface at a height of 1.1–1.3 meters.
Undoubtedly, it is not at all necessary to comply with generally accepted standards; home bar structures, chairs, stools can have any other height.
Thus, elegant low models can fill the kitchen with a pleasant atmosphere and warmth; they are very comfortable, safe to use, and take up little space.
Tall models can visually expand the space, combine a relaxation area and a place for preparing food.
When choosing a particular level of the countertop, it is important to take into account its distance from other objects.
It is also worth taking care of the proportionality of the furniture set - it’s great when the difference between the bar stools and the table is 20–25 cm .
That’s why you should first buy chairs, and only then a bar counter, selected to the optimal size.
How to choose and what to pay attention to
It is important that bar stools do not stand out from the overall design concept
There are general rules for choosing half-bar stools. If you follow them, the purchase will not disappoint.
Height
Before purchasing a half-bar stool, you need to decide on its parameters. The most optimal height of a half-bar stool is that it should be slightly higher than the middle of the bar counter.
This size will be the most comfortable. If the table is selected after purchasing the chairs, then the rule is the same - you should buy a tabletop with high legs or think about installing it in an apartment.
Materials
When choosing bar stools you need to pay attention to several factors
The material from which the chair is made plays a vital role. Most often, these pieces of furniture are made from the following raw materials:
Metal and steel
- The advantages of such chairs are strength, reliability and durability;
- they are able to withstand impressive weight;
- they are not afraid of exposure to high humidity, sunlight, temperature, and various liquids;
- In addition, metal half-bar stools are very easy to clean and do not require special care.
And to damage such a product, you need to try pretty hard.
The only negative is that at low temperatures, using a steel chair will cause some discomfort. A soft seat will solve the problem.
Tree
Wooden bar stools look traditional and homey
Wooden half-bar stools look like a single structure, often with the addition of plastic and metal elements. Their advantages are environmental friendliness, the possibility of use in cold rooms, as well as an attractive design. You can even paint them yourself.
Plastic
Plastic chairs aren't as durable, but they're colorful and fun.
- the most common material for half-bar stools, it is also the most economical and practical;
- There is no need to have any illusions about durability and strength;
- It’s difficult to call such chairs reliable;
- but if we consider their light weight and resistance to temperature changes, they have no equal;
- They are easy to move, take out of the room and stack.
Glass
Glass chairs? Unusual, but rarely used
- the chair usually comes with a metal frame;
- stylish and unusual option for the kitchen;
- it is fragile and requires careful handling, even though the glass is shockproof;
- Few people will decide on glass half-bar stools. Such interior solutions are suitable for a small room when it is necessary to visually expand the space.
Read how to choose a folding glass chair.
Stability and ergonomics
It is important to pay attention to the stability of the stool. It should not wobble, all legs should touch the floor, unless otherwise provided by the design. And what attribute it will be - a traditional chair with four legs, a seat on a long adjustable support, or a chair with criss-cross legs - it’s up to you
And what attribute it will be - a traditional chair with four legs, a seat on a long adjustable support, or a chair with criss-cross legs - is up to you.
The ergonomics of a half-bar stool is the foundation of a winning design. Before purchasing, you need to test the chair, evaluate the depth of its seat and the inclination of the backrest. The footrest should not be too high. Read how to choose chairs with a back for the kitchen on
Features for small kitchens
When choosing a rack for a small room, special attention should be paid to its compactness and performance characteristics. The furniture market offers customers a wide variety of models, differing in type, design shape, color, material, and price.
The height of the structure will have a big impact on ease of use.
According to GOST standards used in public institutions, racks should be 1.2 m, but they cannot always be used in domestic conditions. After all, furniture in the living room or kitchen should, first of all, create a comfortable and warm atmosphere, be reliable, safe and durable.
You should buy a high countertop for a living room only if it should visually separate the kitchen from the rest of the living space.
The best option is a combined design with countertops of 92 and 122 cm.
It is rational to use a compact tabletop in a small room with fasteners-brackets less than 90 cm high from the floor.
A narrow tabletop with a height of less than 110 cm, placed along the wall, allows you to save as much useful space as possible. Ideally, it will be made from tempered glass.
A convenient solution would be a mobile bar counter on wheels, mounted on a vertical pipe, equipped with a rotating locking ring.
Varieties
The choice of configuration will be affected by the amount of available space. If there are no special restrictions in a cafe or restaurant, then at home you will have to think about the justification of original solutions. The classic model is a fixed tabletop on legs or a solid base. A more flexible option is a folding design. It either corresponds to a retractable model, or is made in the form of a table with a lifting part. Such a structure is useful for organizing a passage. Conventional retractable structures are completely hidden in the countertop of a cutting surface or dining table. Two- and multi-level bar counters are manufactured by the world's leading manufacturers. Thanks to the level structure, food processing and eating is carried out at a convenient height. There are also options for people of different heights and storage options. Island counters are assembled in the most spacious kitchens. The larger the island, the more justified the transfer of basic functional fixtures from the apron.
If you have doubts about the correct choice, then it is better to purchase folding models - they can be hidden at any time, including for installing a new bar counter.
Correct height determination
When choosing the optimal height of furniture, you should consider some factors:
- The height of the people sitting behind her.
- Kitchen dimensions.
- Direct assignment.
- Additional functionality.
So, when the height of the household is 160–165 centimeters, then the height of the stand for a comfortable fit should be no more than 112 cm. For a height of 170–180 cm, the ideal solution is a structure with a height of 120 cm or more.
The stand purchased together with the kitchen set has dimensions that correspond to the height of the other pieces of furniture. The standard location of the tabletop from the floor is 85 cm. In this case, in addition to its direct purpose, it can also be used as a dining table.
When the bar counter is not part of a furniture set and is used as a partition in large rooms, its height reaches 112–126 cm; chairs and stools from 80 to 86 cm are selected for it.
The bar counter can also be used as a regular kitchen table, then its height cannot be less than 76 centimeters. Most often it is installed near a window or close to a wall. This is an excellent solution for small kitchens.
A wall-mounted model with a height of 115–125 cm, the width of which depends on the dimensions of the room, allows you to save useful space; the length is calculated taking into account the generally accepted norm - 62 centimeters for each person.
Saving time and space
Perhaps you have a spacious kitchen with plenty of space, but not enough time to spend in it. You are an active person involved in your career. Your lifestyle involves rarely being at home, and eating in bars, cafes and restaurants. A light snack is all your interaction with the kitchen.
A reasonable question: “Why waste time on food and space on the table?” In this case, the bar counter will look modern and, as already mentioned, can easily replace the dining table. The choice is yours, but our advice is to make a fairly high stand from 110 to 130 centimeters. This way, you will feel in your usual cafe-bar atmosphere.
Modern solutions
Comfortable to use and interesting in design is the stepped tabletop with the ability to adjust the height . It is comfortable to sit at it; the lowered version becomes an ordinary table for eating, at which it is convenient to sit on low stools or chairs.
An equally original option is a bar counter with several tabletops placed at different levels from the floor. It is usually used to decorate spacious studio apartments with a high arch.
In such solutions, the first part with a height of up to 82 cm is located directly in the kitchen and is used as a dining area, the other - from 105 cm, opens into the living room and serves as a bar.
These types of combinations are very practical to use; they look modern and stylish from the outside.
The seats of the chairs should be located below the tabletop at a distance of 25–35 centimeters. For this reason, it is recommended to first buy stools, only then buy a ready-made model or order the production of a bar structure according to individual measurements.
Note that in addition to being decorative, the stand also performs an important function - the space under the table top is often used for shelves for household appliances, dishes, kitchen utensils, or as a mini-bar. Its height should be sufficient to accommodate such items; this should be taken into account when determining the dimensions.
When choosing a particular model for the kitchen, you should take into account its attractiveness, harmony, and ability to combine with the overall design of the room and other pieces of furniture.
No less attention should be paid to the cost, which directly depends on the quality, strength, and durability of the product. Furniture for a room with harsh operating conditions cannot be cheap.
Helpful advice! It will greatly facilitate the choice by familiarizing yourself in advance with the models of kitchen counters presented on the websites of numerous online stores, where, in addition to the description with photos, the material of manufacture, price, available colors, and design dimensions are indicated. This will allow you to choose the right option for a specific kitchen area.
Compliance with the overall interior style
Like any other piece of furniture, a kitchen bar counter and the dimensions of its countertop must correspond to the overall design of the room and fit harmoniously into its interior.
Important! The color, dimensions, shape and material of the bar counter must match the style of the kitchen.
To make all parts of the kitchen look like a single whole, the bar counter is made from the same materials as the kitchen unit.
Free-standing structures can replicate the interior of the living room . A beautiful separation of zones will be achieved if the colors do not match the colors of the kitchen, but are as similar as possible to the shades in the living room.
For a kitchen in a classic style, it is better to purchase a counter made from natural materials, for example, wooden with carved patterns and laconic accessories. The model should have a rectangular shape, the ideal option is an island one.
In modern style, what matters is not the decor , but the material, the combination of matte and glossy, unusual shape, exclusive color.
The bar counter will look most natural in a loft-style kitchen. Wooden and concrete surfaces with a slightly raw look would look appropriate.
Calculation of bar counter dimensions
As mentioned above, the bar counter can be purchased ready-made at a furniture store or ordered from a workshop based on individual measurements. In the second case, the furniture will cost much more, but will be made according to the characteristics of the room and the preferences of the household.
As for mass production , there are mainly models with height, length and width - 100, 125 and 60 centimeters, respectively. In other words, the choice is quite small.
Dimensions are calculated based on:
- the position in which people will sit;
- average height of product users;
- the type and complexity of the work that is planned to be performed at the table.
All dimensions of factory models are calculated by experts taking into account the anatomical structure of the human body. The standard height of mass-produced products ranges from 116 to 134 centimeters. The racks, which are part of the furniture set, are located above the floor at a level of 85–92 centimeters, while classic designs do not exceed 116 cm, and composite ones - 94 centimeters.
The total height is calculated as follows - the following indicators are summed up: the size of the furniture base (10-16 cm), the facade (about 72 cm), the raised floor and the thickness of the worktop (3-5 cm).
Multi-level models are made with a bar counter up to 116 cm and a working part of the kitchen unit up to 88 cm. Many modern designs are equipped with decorative LED lighting, which allows you to highlight individual steps and elements of the worktop.
No. 5. Bar base material
The following materials can serve as the base of the bar counter:
- Chipboard and MDF. They are used when the furniture set in the kitchen is also made of these materials. Such bar counters are equipped with a large number of shelves and drawers;
- Drywall allows you to build a bar counter of the size and configuration you need with your own hands. Convenient, fast and not very difficult. A structure is created using a frame, which is sheathed with sheets of moisture-resistant plasterboard, and then decorated to your taste: paint, plaster, artificial stone, etc.;
- brick is used when the bar counter is a separate element of the apartment, not combined with a kitchen unit. Such racks look massive, but very beautiful, they fit well into both the loft style and minimalism and hi-tech;
- wooden base or legs - an option for classic interiors;
- classic basis – chrome pipe;
- Another option for the base is the remains of a demolished partition between the kitchen and living room or kitchen and loggia, for example.
Bar table for the kitchen
Instead of a counter, a modern kitchen can be equipped with a bar table. It is smaller in size than a regular product and is capable of performing many auxiliary functions, which is determined by the design.
The classic table has a round tabletop with a diameter of up to 80 cm. Ergonomics are achieved by the presence of 1 or 2 stands, while the standard height does not exceed 116 centimeters.
The original model, often used in domestic settings, is the “tulip” table , in which the transition from the tabletop to the stand has a smooth shape, and the base itself is a reflection of the upper part.
Equally popular among buyers are tables made of rectangular tempered glass with a size of 80 by 140 cm and a steel longitudinal-vertical base. This design can accommodate up to four people. The most interesting is the model with a single stand, whose largest tabletop size is 65 by 75 cm.
a console-type table , which is a wide tabletop attached to the wall surface, fixed at a “bar” level of 115 cm. Its dimensions depend on the size of the room. This option is appropriate in a small and spacious kitchen.
Advice! When choosing a bar table, consider the available kitchen space. Remember that the product should not interfere with the preparation of culinary dishes, while placing all family members behind it. The round shape of bar tables in small spaces is the safest.
For a combined kitchen-living room, the ideal solution would be to choose a 2-level design - the upper tier will be directed towards the living rooms, the lower side - towards the kitchen. Multi-tiered structures are often equipped with vertical crossbars or spacious horizontal shelves.
Modern manufacturers of kitchen furniture offer domestic buyers models of tables with the ability to adjust the height .
When choosing stools and chairs for them, you should maintain a gap of 30 cm between the seat and the tabletop. Island tables look appropriate in spacious kitchens, because they involve placing a volumetric structure with all the necessary household appliances in the middle of the room.
Connected to the dining table, the bar table is quite complex structurally and is rarely found in retail sales. It will be an excellent choice for a large family, because it is very functional and easy to use.
Materials for decoration
What materials are suitable for decorating the bar top? The choice is determined not only by style, but also by some performance characteristics.
For creative execution and construction of a monolithic base, foam blocks, drywall and even real bricks are suitable.
The choice of materials for countertops is wider - from plastic to natural stone.
Tree
Environmentally friendly, but at the same time quite expensive material. Natural wood requires regular maintenance - polishing and varnishing. One of its advantages is durability. A wooden bar counter will serve you for decades, because the material can be easily restored.
It looks very noble in the interior. This is especially true for red wood. A massive wooden frame will decorate the interior of a classic kitchen, in chalet, country or loft style.
Stone
A natural stone countertop is heavy and will require a reliable base. The base for it can be made of steel or stone of the same type.
The advantages of this material are in its appearance. It is impossible to imagine a more luxurious countertop than marble or onyx.
The downsides are the very high price and the cold, uncomfortable surface.
Chipboard
One of the most common and budget materials in the production of countertops. Can imitate any other materials - concrete, wooden surfaces or stone. A marbled bar counter or kitchen countertop is usually made of laminated chipboard
Chipboard is a fragile material and is only suitable for making a tabletop, but not a support (unless it is a monolithic cabinet). The impact may cause a dent that cannot be repaired.
Therefore, this material should be handled with care.
Acrylic
Acrylic is an excellent alternative to natural stone. This design is very durable, is not afraid of moisture and is much cheaper.
Acrylic can be used to make not only a tabletop, but also a support. The possibility of seamless execution allows you to make a built-in stand connected to the headset with a perfectly flat, solid surface.
Glass
Glass can play a decorative role in the design of the BS. Glass surfaces in combination with lighting allow you to create an unusual, spectacular design.
Designer tips
Elena Vasilyeva Interior designer, teacher at her own design school since 2014 In a high-tech style, a glass tabletop can be a style-forming element. Glass is also appropriate in a minimalist style - it will bring lightness and its characteristic asceticism to the interior.
The disadvantages of this solution are difficult care, loudness and fragility.
Combination of materials
Experimenting with combinations of different materials is not only possible, but also necessary. As an option, a chrome-plated steel support with a chipboard tabletop.
Designer's advice Elena Vasilyeva Interior designer, teacher at her own design school since 2014 Bold combinations of natural materials - concrete base and wooden tabletop or metal and glass - look more interesting.
The monolithic base of the BS can be finished with brick or stone tiles.
Chairs and stools
Bar stools or massive wooden stools become an integral addition to the counter or table. As a rule, they are equipped with comfortable step-partitions, have an original appearance, and can become an elegant addition to the kitchen.
High chairs differ from each other - they can be equipped with comfortable armrests and a round, square or oval seat, adjustable in height. In their production, special attention is paid to ergonomics. The height standard for such a chair is 76 or 86 cm and is determined by the level of the counter, which should be 25–30 centimeters higher.
When developing a project for a future product, designers are most often guided by the following rules:
- The greatest comfort for a seated person is achieved by a distance between the chair and the table of 29–35 cm.
- The gap between the footrest and the seat cannot be more than 45 cm.
Advice! To save useful space in a modern kitchen, instead of classic chairs, you can buy high stools made of natural wood or high-strength PVC.
They fit comfortably and compactly under the counter and take up minimal space. Transparent or multi-colored plastic chairs look original in a small kitchen.
Requirements for development and installation
Since the structure of the bar counter is very primitive in nature and consists of two fundamental parts: a shelf and a tabletop, and installation does not require much effort, you can completely do it yourself in creating this design. Of course, you can place an order by contacting furniture designers, but the cost of the bar counter in this case will cost you too much.
After all, only you know better than anyone what kind of final product you want to get. The simplest option is considered to be a bar counter, which has a low shelf height and a small tabletop width, but does a good job of dividing the kitchen space into functional zones. This is quite convenient, since everything you need is at hand.
Before you begin creating and installing a bar counter, you need to stock up on the necessary materials and tools. The market offers a wide range of countertops, decorative elements and fittings. Once you have decided and purchased the necessary materials, you can safely begin to work. There are several simple rules that, after many years of using bar counters, experts advise you to adhere to. It is in this case that the structure will last for decades and will delight you and your loved ones. Consider these basic rules:
- The width of the counter, namely the tabletop, should be chosen at least 300 mm, while the most optimal width is considered to be 600 – 800 mm.
- The height of the upper tabletop (when the stand is multi-level) should be chosen 1100-1200 mm.
The dimensions are relative, but they are due to ease of use.
You can choose the height based on your own preferences, but we advise you to be very careful when choosing the width, taking into account the basic rules. If the bar counter in the kitchen will additionally serve as a worktop, then the best option would be to install it at a level of 800-900 mm from the floor. There are no more rules
Everything else depends solely on your needs, capabilities and imagination!
The main advantage of a bar counter made by yourself is the possibility of transformation, which you can provide for yourself if you wish, which will save space and, if necessary, become an additional work surface after unfolding. The service life of the structure is affected by operating conditions and the materials from which it is made, so take their choice as seriously as possible. If you did everything efficiently and used durable materials when creating the bar counter, then be sure of trouble-free operation almost forever.
Size calculation
Kitchen furniture is not chosen “by eye”. Everything must be carefully measured and calculated. You need to focus on the needs of a specific family to make people feel comfortable. There are no standards for bar counters, but there are generally accepted dimensions that are based on the practicality and ease of use of the furniture.
The following must be taken into account:
- average human height;
- sitting posture of household members or guests;
- Convenience of working while standing.
Bar top
The countertop is already important, but when a bar counter is also made from it and its share in the kitchen design increases, the right choice is critical.
The difference is huge:
- Appearance
- Tactile sensations
- Resistance to aggressive environments in the kitchen
- Price
If you're too lazy to delve into it:
An article with a selection of photos of white kitchens with wooden countertops.
For more details, read on.
Bar counter made of chipboard (postforming)
Laminated chipboard imitating wood, stone, marble, etc. Options with imitation wood look cool and in fact are a standard solution for countertops in general.
Postforming with imitation of any material other than wood must be chosen very carefully. Ideally, look for samples of kitchens with such countertops displayed somewhere live, because little is clear from the sample
This is important because Most chipboards with imitation stone or marble look terrible in real life, photos don’t convey this either
Plus, when a stone is imitated, but when touched and knocked it makes the sound of wood, this causes dissonance.
A natural stone
A bar counter made of stone looks stylish and expensive, and is also expensive. The material is durable, resistant to moisture and high temperatures, and easy to care for. For my taste, it loses in important parameters to artificial stone. You can choose if money allows. The main advantage is tactile sensations. The material is perceived as monumental and solid, which is nice. In real life, no one will confuse natural stone and imitation laminated chipboard.
Limited number of shapes and sizes, difficult to process, but not afraid of temperature.
Artificial stone (acrylic)
Artificial stone comes in different types and can be called a brand or type. Known as acrylic, agglomerate or corian. Created on the basis of acrylic resins. Acrylic is not inferior to natural stone both in appearance and in terms of wear resistance. There are a huge number of colors and it’s almost impossible to go wrong with them - a bar counter made of acrylic looks at least good.
A special feature of acrylic is the ability to use broken geometry without seams. Great for an L-shaped open bar. You can also embed lighting directly inside acrylic, but this is not for everyone. Can be cast in one piece with a sink, etc.
Disadvantage of acrylic: it gets scratched over time, but can be sanded. Afraid of extremely high temperatures.
Made from concrete
A concrete bar counter can become a central part of your kitchen design, especially if you are designing a loft-style kitchen. It’s a one-off object, but it’s things like this that are worth the time and money spent because... take the kitchen interior to a new level.
Solid natural wood
A kitchen with a bar counter made of solid oak and other wood looks very cool and is suitable for both classic and modern styles. But the tree is delicate (it is afraid of mechanical damage).
You will have to worry about searching and making it - this is not something that you can simply order from kitchen specialists. But natural wood is always a unique piece. In the photo below, people tried their best and bought a whole cut of oak, which was also enough for the table.
From tiles
The base is made monolithic or from plasterboard, and the sides and top of the rack are lined with tiles or mosaics.
I don't recommend using it. It will look like a collective farm in 99.99% of cases. In addition, dirt will constantly get stuck in the seams between the tiles - it is inconvenient to wipe a countertop that is not smooth.
Tempered glass
A controversial option that can turn out either successful or unsuccessful. If you are confident and ready to take risks, why not. But there are more proven materials for bar counters.
There are also unusual options for bar counters: stainless steel, porcelain stoneware, timber, round, etc., but these exclusive options are already beyond the scope.
If you are tired of racking your brains and want a ready-made solution - a monolithic base made of gas silicate, covered with decorative plaster, and a table top made of post-forming wood.
If you really wanted a bar counter, but weren't sure, go for it. Now you have all the information to implement your idea without risk. I advise you to read about choosing a kitchen, there is really useful information there.
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