Nowadays, bar counter manufacturers offer a wide range of products. Buyers can choose furniture to suit their taste, turning the living room of a typical panel house into a luxurious room in a country mansion.
Increasingly, people have a desire to have an interior with a “zest”. A bright living room with a bar counter can become a true masterpiece that will delight your guests.
Kitchen design with a monochrome bar counter
Kitchen design with a concrete bar counter
Design of a narrow kitchen with a bar counter
Kitchen design with a dark bar counter
Options for placing a bar counter in the living room
In a small family, a bar counter can easily replace a banal dining table. It can easily transform a boring living room interior into an original space.
The bar counter is easily installed in the loggia. This is explained by the variety of shapes and sizes of modern models. The parameters are selected based on considerations of practicality and convenience.
White bar counter in the kitchen
Metal bar counter
French-style kitchen design with a breakfast bar
Kitchen design with bar counter purple
Why combine the kitchen with the living room?
As a rule, we combine the kitchen with the living room, primarily to increase space. Partitions and doors make both rooms visually smaller. This solution allows the whole family to gather together not in a cramped room for dinner, but to communicate while preparing dinner, during the meal and after it in a spacious room. However, an open kitchen also has some disadvantages - the reason for this is the different functions of the combined rooms. The living room is a place for relaxing and receiving guests, and the kitchen serves primarily for cooking.
Advantages of an open living room:
- this solution ensures visual contact between people in both rooms;
- there is more space in the kitchen for kitchen appliances;
- convenient and easy serving of dishes.
Flaws:
- it’s bad if the entrance to the kitchen passes through the room in which someone is resting;
- odors and the appearance of dirty dishes during cooking are not isolated;
- the need for careful stylistic elaboration of both rooms.
Thanks to thoughtful zoning, the design of the kitchen-living room will look more interesting and conceptually much more functional. Those who cook a lot will enjoy more freedom and comfort. The kitchen mess that occurs during cooking will not be so noticeable. But how to zoning this space aesthetically without the need to erect partitions? A wonderful solution would be the design of a living room kitchen with a bar counter. We will look at how to implement such a solution below.
Bar counter on the loggia
Before placing the bar counter, you should carefully insulate the loggia and refine it. In this case, you should carefully choose the appropriate model and its location, taking into account the size and technical parameters of each specific balcony. Here are the most advantageous locations for placing a bar counter:
- Along the outer wall near the glazing;
- Near one of the balcony ends;
- A lateral location is appropriate if the loggia has glazed side walls;
- On the windowsill.
Kitchen design with bar counter black
Kitchen design with wooden bar counter
American kitchen design with bar counter
Narrow bar counter by the window in the kitchen
Kitchen design with a metal bar counter
If the loggia is spacious, then the most convenient way to place furniture is along the wall, under the window. This allows you to sit at the counter and admire the panoramic view from the window.
In the second option, as in the first, a large balcony area is required: the stand is placed at one of its ends. At the same time, you can organize a full-fledged recreation area by installing upholstered furniture on the opposite side.
Black bar counter-top in the kitchen
Kitchen design with zebrano bar counter
Kitchen design with a solid wood bar counter
Kitchen design with a blue bar counter
Kitchen design with a modular bar counter
If the house has a loggia with side glazing, then install the stand along the front wall with a spectacular side turn. The model looks beautiful, occupying only part of the facade wall and only one of the sides.
The fourth way to place a bar counter is on the windowsill. It is especially popular and deserves special attention.
The bar counter, located under the glazing, is an excellent place for relaxation. It allows you not only to eat food, but also to admire the panorama outside the window.
Kitchen design with a semicircular bar counter
Stylish bar counter with wooden top
Bar counter with glass top
Kitchen design with walnut bar counter
Bar counter-window sill
Not everyone can boast of having a large loggia. If the room is very small and you want to have your own bar, you can place it on the windowsill.
A bar corner placed in this way will not only decorate the interior, but also help zone the room.
You can combine the loggia with the kitchen-living room. The bar counter - window sill is convenient because it does not require the elimination of the wall partition.
Kitchen design with bar counter black and white
Kitchen design with a bar counter made of planks
Kitchen design with a blue bar counter
Kitchen design with a bar counter for two
Light narrow bar counter
When choosing materials, a number of factors must be taken into account:
- wear resistance;
- strength;
- external attractiveness;
- degree of resistance to mechanical damage.
If you install the rack without removing the battery, then the material from which it is made should withstand heat well.
An excellent solution for a small room is a window sill stand. It divides the area and also serves as a decoration for the room and a surface for decorative items.
Kitchen design with breakfast bar and island
Kitchen design with a bar counter and partition
Wide bar counter in the kitchen
Kitchen design with a modern bar counter
Materials for racks
In order for the stand to fit organically into the interior, you need to choose the right materials: natural wood, natural (artificial) stone, less often metal or glass.
Tree
Natural wood is durable, but wood is afraid of moisture. Be sure to periodically treat wood countertops with water-repellent agents.
Wood is also susceptible to bugs. Therefore, care must be taken to prevent surface damage.
Stone
The surface made of stone will be durable; such racks will serve for many years. When it comes to maintenance, stone countertops are easy to clean; they are not afraid of water, fungus, bugs and temperature changes.
Advice! If you spill water (liquid) on a stone, you should immediately wipe it dry. If moisture penetrates inside, its color may change over time.
Quartz agglomerate does not like hot pans and pots removed from the heat. Boiling water may cause cracks to appear on the surface.
The most practical material for the rack is laminated PDF panels. These surfaces:
- resistant to mechanical damage;
- are not afraid of moisture;
- easy to care for.
This is the most budget option for designing a kitchen-living room with an original bar counter. They look beautiful due to the large selection of colors and new textures.
Glass
A creative countertop option is glass. New technologies make it possible to use glass:
- with internal lighting;
- photo printing,
- with mirror coating;
- patterns;
- plain, etc.
Designers create many creative designs using durable and stylish glass. Glass surfaces are resistant to water, chemicals or high temperatures.
You will have to wipe the surface frequently to avoid visible stains and greasy stains left by your fingers.
Stand - island
An island bar counter is used in the interior design of a large kitchen-living room. Such furniture will become the highlight of any interior.
A modern variety of shapes and materials, as well as a huge database of standard and individual design solutions (photos of them are available on the Internet) allow you to equip a living room with an unusual bar to suit every budget and taste.
Kitchen design with a bar counter in the house
Kitchen design with a gray bar counter
Minimalist bar counter made of wood and stone
The bar counter separates the space of the kitchen and living room
Classic kitchen design with bar counter
The advantages of an island stand are that it is very spacious, has good wear resistance, and is easy to care for.
Important! An island bar counter in an apartment hall requires a spacious room and should be located in the center of the room. It would be out of place in the small space of a one-room apartment.
An island bar requires a lot of space and is not suitable for a small room. Located in the center of the living room, it will become a true “pearl” of the interior.
Beautiful bar counter made of wood and stone
Kitchen design with bar counter Provence
Kitchen design with a glass bar counter
Stone countertop with glass bar counter in the kitchen
Corner stand: a great solution for a small living room
Let's talk about how to decorate a bar counter in a studio with a small area. The most suitable option is a corner model, which saves usable space by dividing the space into two zones (for work and for relaxation).
Note! A distinctive feature of the corner bar is its design specificity. It makes it possible to use two tabletops at the same time, located at different levels from the floor.
Classic bar counter for a spacious kitchen
Kitchen design with a marble bar counter
Kitchen design with breakfast bar and black countertop
Kitchen design with a brown bar counter
Kitchen design with a bar counter
Advantages of a corner location:
- increased capacity with minimal space;
- Convenience for placing a variety of storage systems;
- practicality for snacking “on the run”;
- separation of residential areas;
- stylish room decoration.
Before installing the furniture, it is worth considering that the bar counter will be higher than 110 cm, so you will additionally need to purchase special high chairs, which are uncomfortable for children and the elderly to sit on. You also need to understand that a maximum of 4 people can fit at the bar tabletop, so this furniture is not suitable as a table for a large family.
Kitchen design with a tile bar counter
Kitchen design with a bar counter made of artificial stone
Small white bar counter in the kitchen
Kitchen design with a narrow bar counter
Dark stone bar counter
The corner model is most often placed in the form:
- extensions of the kitchen countertop;
- “appendage” to the kitchen countertop (the counter should be 10 cm below the main space).
The corner model is the most convenient option for a small room. It will divide the room into working and living areas, will not look intrusive and will not destroy the integrity of the interior design.
Light wooden bar counter
Bar counter in a small kitchen
Kitchen design with a steel bar counter
Bar counter for a small kitchen
Main advantages
The bar counter in private houses and apartments functions as a separator between the work space for cooking and the relaxation area. This design is actually a harmonious continuation of the kitchen, and in small rooms it replaces an entire dining set. So, what are the main advantages of bar counters over classic dining tables:
- Unlike a full-fledged table, the stand does not take up much space, which allows it to fit into even the smallest spaces;
- Due to the rounded edges, several people can sit at the counter at the same time;
- Easy to clean and serve due to the smaller size of the tabletop;
- The bar counter, acting as a space divider into the kitchen and living areas, is a stylish design element, giving the room a modern, original look;
- Modern versions of such designs fit harmoniously into any interior and do not evoke any associations with dark bars or cafes.
Options for using bar counters in the living room can be seen in the photo.
The bar counter serves as a separator between the dining area and the relaxation area
Small mobile bar counter
If you have a tiny studio, this is not a reason to refuse a bar, because there are practical mobile mini-stands. Their distinctive feature is the wheels on which the product “travels” around the apartment.
Convenient bar counter under the window
Bar counter in a spacious classic kitchen
Kitchen design with MDF bar counter
Art Deco kitchen design with bar counter
Large island bar counter for the kitchen
Miniature model options:
- Combined with a kitchen set. This is a high tabletop on wheels that moves along the cutting table.
- Rotary. Has one-sided fastening on hinges. To push it out, you need to pull the opposite edge towards you.
- With drop-down body. Such a tabletop can be extended in length by unfolding and assembled back into a mobile structure.
When purchasing a mobile bar, do not forget to buy folding high chairs for it.
A small living room is not a reason to give up your own bar! Pay attention to the mobile stand - “baby”. It is convenient, practical and very stable.
Kitchen design with a bar counter and table
Kitchen design with a bar counter and patina
Combined countertop and bar counter in the kitchen
Kitchen design with a bar counter in the interior
Design of a kitchen-living room with a bar
Finishing begins with the flooring. Since this will be a well-lit room, both during the day and at night, the floor can be made dark. Choose the material according to your budget. The priority is ceramic floor tiles. If funds do not allow, buy moisture-resistant laminate. The color palette, as already noted, is dark.
Unusual lamps with a mirror surface will help add originality and beauty to the interior.
Since we are talking about a living room-kitchen, be sure to zone the space. The section will be the bar counter. But this is not enough. The black floor will take a lot of attention, which is why the overall appearance of the headset will be lost. To prevent such a miscalculation, lay a bright orange carpet on the floor in the living room. Choose one with medium-length pile. You need a slight accent, not an obvious one, because Minimalism does not allow this.
The wall to which the kitchen set is adjacent can be distinguished from the general background by choosing an unusual finishing material for it.
Combine the walls in color with the countertop set. It is classic, angular. The bar here is the logical conclusion and partition. But make an exception for the last one. Paint the partition to match the floor covering.
Black colors are in fashion now. Immediately decide for yourself, or make a note in your notebook, that you should also buy a black sofa for the living room. It will become the back to the partition.
If you want to make part of the kitchen the main one, and leave the living room as if conditional, complement the dining set with a soft and comfortable sofa.
Paint the ceiling the same white color as the walls. Pay special attention to lighting, namely lamps. It is not enough to hang ordinary chandeliers. Here it is important to decoratively highlight light groups, of which there must be several.
To separate the living room from the kitchen, you can use many different items: a multi-level ceiling, different flooring and a bar counter.
Make different lighting groups in each room. If for the kitchen space you install lamps along the length, then in the living room attach them along the perimeter. Additionally, for greater effect and to create an accent, highlight the lamps in the hall using ceiling panels. They can be made of wood or plastic. The latter are much cheaper, and in terms of visual qualities they are not inferior.
The best shape for creating a studio is considered to be a square. This allows you to equalize the proportions of each zone without much difficulty, dividing them into work and rest.
Choose combined kitchen furniture. It is more logical to make the lower cabinets black, and the wall cabinets white. Paint the apron in an accent shade. It can be light green or mustard tones. But don't make the apron bright. Pale light green is what you need.
If you like to relax in the living room on the weekends while watching an interesting movie with your family, then built-in lighting will add a relaxed atmosphere.
The bar counter in such a kitchen-living room is made of a solid tabletop, supported by part of the wall (since it is a zonal partition). On the lower side of the kitchen space, make shelves or storage for bottles. Install glass holders and individual lighting on top. Don't forget to buy high bar stools.
Sometimes one chandelier above the living room area is not enough. Then lamps of a different configuration come to the rescue - sconces and floor lamps.
That's all. All that remains is to add decorative decorations to taste. Bright paintings on the walls, unusual clocks, or even an aquarium under the bar instead of shelves. Think, choose, fantasize. Look at the selection of photos for the article. Perhaps what you are looking for already exists there.
Interior design of a bar counter
In America, a bar counter is used for its intended purpose: for preparing drinks and consuming them. In Russia, it is used completely differently: as an unusual dining table, harmoniously integrated into the room.
Kitchen design with a stone bar counter
Kitchen design with a green bar counter
Loft kitchen design with bar counter
Bar counter combined with a countertop in the kitchen
Kitchen design with a bar counter in a studio apartment
Lighting
The bar counter needs additional lighting. A separate light source is needed both for more comfortable work and as decorative lighting for drinks and dishes with snacks.
For lighting, you can use a chandelier or several individual lamps above the tabletop. LED strips are popular as decoration, however, you shouldn’t get too carried away with it. Too much lighting will make your living room look like a nightclub.
Colors
Let's touch on the main color schemes in the design of racks:
- A classic solution when the colors of the kitchen and living room furniture are repeated in the design of the bar. This is especially suitable for the design of a studio apartment.
- A contrasting solution when the counter is a bright spot and stands out against the background of the living room. This color scheme is especially suitable for modern style.
You can also place designer lamps above the bar - this will become a bright accent in the room.
The stand can blend in with the furniture; this technique is suitable for small rooms. She can also solo, being a bright spot that attracts the attention of those present.
Semicircular modern bar counter for kitchen
Kitchen design with a bar counter in a country house
Bar counter made of brick and wood
Kitchen design with a retro bar counter
Kitchen design with oak bar counter
Kitchen design with a modern bar counter
Varieties
The main element of the bar counter is the tabletop; it can be made in various styles.
Important! The bar counter should be in harmony with the rest of the furniture in the room.
There are racks with massive tabletops and lightweight independent structures.
Bar counters are classified into several types according to the material of manufacture, placement features and number of levels.
Zoning the kitchen and living room with a bar counter, photo
In most cases, the height of bar counters reaches a maximum of 1 meter: they are perfectly complemented by high benches or chairs.
On a note! The bar counter can be purchased together with chairs or separately.
There are single-level and two-level racks, but the most comfortable are designs consisting of one level: with a table top and a rack located at the same height.
This option is convenient to use, easy to install and much cheaper, but at the same time it looks quite expensive and elegant.
If you want to make the living room interior stylish and avoid large material costs, install a bar counter in the living room.
Important! Racks consisting of several levels take up more space - this option is not suitable for small rooms with low ceilings.
When choosing a bar counter to decorate your living room, you should remember one important rule, which states that it should not be overloaded with numerous accessories and decorative elements. In such a situation, it is preferable to equip the structure with shelves or compact cabinets with doors. The cabinets are convenient for storing household items.
One of the positive aspects of the bar counter is the ability to use the level below by small households. The upper level is great for adults.
In addition, there are open and, conversely, closed racks. In the first case, the space under the tabletop remains unoccupied; closed models look like tables.
Look at examples of how beautifully you can decorate the interior of a living room with a fireplace: several of the most original design options for living rooms and halls with a fireplace.
For the best ideas and tips for interior design of a small living room in a modern style, read this article.
Material
The choice of material for a bar is influenced by its performance characteristics, method of care and cost of the finished product. The options may be as follows:
- Chipboard and MDF panels. These are the most common materials for manufacturing. They have excellent wear resistance and are not exposed to external influences. The main disadvantage of the products is low strength and environmental friendliness.
- Acrylic. This material is flexible and pliable, which allows you to create any shapes and bends. Bar counters are made from it, designed for rooms in high-tech and minimalist styles.
- Stone. It has amazing texture and beauty. Products made from it are the most expensive on the market, but they are easy to use and very durable.
- Glass. Using this material you can create an original design. Most often used in combination with wood and stone.
- Tree. Used to create classic interiors.
- Corian. It is used to make countertops. The material is very similar to marble, but has lower wear resistance and has a wide color palette.
- Drywall. It is considered the most budget option. With its help you can create a bar counter of any shape. The main disadvantage is that it does not tolerate high temperature and humidity.
- Metal. Uncommon, but modern and effective material. Used in high-tech, minimalism and modern styles.
The palette of materials used to make stands is huge: stone, wood, iron, glass and even plastic. Their choice depends on the style, design and concept of the room.
Bar counter with built-in lighting
Kitchen design with bar counter gray
Kitchen design with a beige bar counter
Kitchen design with a large bar counter
Laconic kitchen design with a bar counter
Kitchen design with wenge bar counter
Style selection
In order for the bar counter to harmoniously combine with the interior of the living room, it is necessary not only to choose the right size and configuration of the structure, but also to decide on the design. A universal option is a stand made in neutral beige or gray tones. This design will fit into any interior. However, if you want something more interesting, you can consider other style options.
High tech
High-tech is one of the most popular modern styles, characterized by laconic forms and shades. Material plays an important role in this style - leather, glass, plastic. The right combination of these materials makes the interior stylish and unusual. This trend is also characterized by rich colors combined with chrome elements. For decoration you can use white, black, red, green, orange, blue and other catchy colors.
Country
For a country-style living room, you should use natural materials, such as wood or stone. In rustic styles, preference is given to natural tones. The abundance of glass, chrome and plastic parts is inappropriate here. Country implies imitation of antiquity, which means that small cracks and abrasions will look very stylish. It is better to replace chrome with shabby brass or copper with a patina finish.
Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style requires a lot of natural light and space. This interior will look best in a living room combined with a kitchen. In this case, the counter acts as a partition between the workspace and the relaxation area. The Scandinavian style is prone to minimalism, so there should be no excesses in the decor, for example, in the form of stucco molding or elaborate carvings, and colors should be chosen from a natural palette.
Loft
The loft style looks good in the spacious living room. Decorating a room in the loft style implies the presence of a large number of industrial elements, for example, pipes, brick walls, metal boxes, signs, etc. Glass and metal are suitable materials for the bar counter. Red brick or its imitation will look good in combination with a wooden countertop.
