Modern kitchens in new houses and apartments are most often designed so that they are combined with the living room into a single space. If you organize a bar counter or island between two rooms, you can visually divide the space. In addition, such a kitchen will receive an additional countertop. A bar counter with beautiful chairs will be extremely practical and will emphasize the individual character of the interior. Therefore, if in your home the living room is connected to the kitchen, and you want to define the boundary between these rooms, feel free to choose a bar counter. This piece of furniture has many advantages and, if properly designed, will become an additional decoration for your home. We will talk about how to decorate a bar counter in the kitchen with your own hands in this article.
What is it and why is it needed?
Just ten years ago, such a piece of furniture would not have fit into our kitchen due to the love of gatherings with the whole family at a large table. But times change and dictate their own conditions: now a bar counter is an excellent option for drinking coffee or having a snack before going to a cafe with friends.
In addition to the obvious functions, it performs several more:
- additional work area;
- zoning;
- alternative to the dining table;
- additional storage space.
The bar counter appeared in bars in North America. They were used to delimit the space between the hall and the cash register area - this way drinks and dishes remained intact. And under the tabletop, weapons were stored, with the help of which it was possible to calm down violent visitors or protect proceeds and goods from thieves.
In the photo you can see the zone lighting above the bar counter on the plasterboard ceiling
Kitchen studio: which design to choose
In the kitchen-studio, the boundaries of the zones are almost erased. In this case, installing a counter will symbolically separate the kitchen space. This approach is often liked by housewives who are busy preparing food, but at the same time can communicate with those who are in the recreation area.
Such a delimiting structure is usually equipped with shelves in the lower part.
If a balcony is attached to the kitchen, the area increases significantly. In this case, the bar counter will fit perfectly on the border of the kitchen and the former balcony area. If the window sill is preserved as a partition, it is often converted into a bar counter.
What are they made from?
To create a harmonious interior, it is better to choose the material from which the kitchen corner, set or countertop is made. It is important to consider the style and quality of the material. You should not try to save on furniture, since the wear resistance of cheap materials is low. And thus, a piece of furniture can quickly turn into a source of problems.
The most popular materials for making a bar counter are:
- Chipboard, fibreboard, MDF — the advantage of these materials is a large selection of colors and appearance in general. This is especially true for laminated copies - covered with a thin plastic film on top. Such diversity allows you to fantasize about the interior - for example, make a stand to match the rest of the furniture or contrast it;
Bar counter in a small kitchen with a white glossy countertop
- plastic - perfect if the kitchen is made in modern styles with minimalist features;
- acrylic is a flexible and pliable material that allows you to create a tabletop of any shape with bulges, bends and even shaped elements. Suitable for modern and futuristic design;
- wood is a popular material for the kitchen, natural and environmentally friendly. Wood is easy to process, so the stand can be decorated with carvings or decorated with tiles, mirrors or mosaics. A solid wooden bar counter will look luxurious even in a small kitchen, but not too heavy due to its strict forms. Wenge-colored countertops made from slabs of ash, oak, and pine are very popular; the base can be made of boards and bars with rattan. The combination of metal and wood, decorated in an antique style, looks beautiful;
- stone is the most preferred option for a countertop, since it can fit into almost any interior. In addition, it is visually attractive in itself, and is also very wear-resistant. Both natural (granite, marble) and artificial (acrylic) stone are suitable;
- Corian is a very popular imitation of marble, which costs several times less than natural material. There is another significant plus - a rich color palette that will allow you to choose a stand for any interior;
- glass - a bold option that will suit lovers of originality or owners of a small kitchen, as it creates the effect of lightness and airiness. Looks great in a modern kitchen;
Green kitchen with a rounded breakfast bar
- Drywall is an economical solution that can be used to create a stand of any shape imaginable. Since the option is not the strongest, it is better to use this piece of furniture only as decoration. Do not forget that drywall does not like an abundance of moisture and temperature changes, so it can become deformed;
- tiles - used only as decor on a plasterboard basis, considered an outdated option and impractical due to the seams;
- concrete is one-piece specimens that will take a lot of time and money, but it is precisely such elements that take the interior to a new level;
- metal - an original solution that will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern kitchen. If you add forged elements, you will get an excellent example in the Art Nouveau style. The base is most often made of stainless steel.
Black and white kitchen with an unusually shaped bar counter
Shapes and sizes
The next thing you need to decide on when choosing a bar counter is its shape. The following options are available:
- corner - universal furniture that will allow you to use the room as efficiently as possible.
Zones the space, emphasizes the interior; Light green kitchen with a gray bar counter and a yellow apron
- U-shaped - suitable for large and very large kitchens. Combines several work surfaces, making the cooking process as comfortable as possible. It will serve as the main accent of the room, setting the tone and style of the entire kitchen;
- rectangular (square) - a classic version of the rack, without corners and turns. Thanks to the shape, it is easy to fit any equipment or shelves under the rack;
- rounded (oval) - one of the previous options, but with cut corners;
- incorrect - can be in the form of any geometric figure. It is rare because it is difficult to fit into the interior.
It is worth saying a few words about size standards. The height of the rack directly depends on the tabletop. And the tabletops range in height from 82 to 110 centimeters - they are selected individually to suit the height of the hostess. For comparison, the height of a regular table is 75 centimeters.
We talked in great detail about how to choose the height of the bar counter, chairs and stools in this article.
The height of the bar counter is also selected individually: you need to take another 15–20 centimeters up from the tabletop. On average it reaches 110–130 centimeters. If we are talking about a combined version, then it is installed at the level of the working area - 86–90 cm from the floor.
The minimum width is 30 centimeters, but the optimal value is considered to be 60–80 centimeters - you can sit behind it on both sides. But the length depends on the size of the room and the number of users. Usually 60 centimeters is taken per person.
It is also important to consider the thickness of the tabletop: reliable options start from 25 mm.
Accessories, fittings
Additional elements create a unique design. Here beautifully placed light sources, console additions, pipe-shaped and forged supports, and multiple elegant shelves come to the rescue.
Bar chairs
These stools usually match the design of the counter. It should be comfortable to sit on; products whose height is adjustable are preferable. The number of chairs depends on the area of the kitchen and the expected number of people who will gather in the room.
These chairs usually match the design of the counter and should be comfortable
Tip: the optimal difference in height between the chairs and the bar tabletop is about 30-35 cm.
Backlight
Directional lighting is required above the bar. This is usually done using several lamps of the same size and shape. It is desirable that the light flux be warm and its brightness adjustable. Decorative lighting is performed using an LED strip running along the perimeter of the top or bottom of the structure. Less often, it is illuminated with miniature spotlights. When the product has a glass insert in the middle, then colored light bulbs can be placed there too.
Directional lighting is required above the bar.
Bar pipe
The chrome-plated metal pipe supports the protruding side of the rack. It is attached to the ceiling, pierces the tabletop right through, and is mounted with the lower part to the floor. On the other hand, legs are also sometimes made from pipes.
The chrome-plated metal pipe supports the protruding side of the rack.
Consoles
One of the most fashionable bar design options is a console shelf, fixed to the main structure using wooden or metal supports. The console can be made straight or beveled, suitable for creating corner structures.
One of the most fashionable bar design options is a console shelf
Varieties in design and configuration
There are a huge variety of types and designs of bar counters on the market, and understanding them is not easy. Let's list the features of each of them to make it easier to make a choice.
Wall rack
As is clear from the name itself, such a piece of furniture is installed along the wall, regardless of the kitchen unit. This is an excellent option for a non-standard kitchen if you need to adapt to disproportionate rooms.
Usually the end is fixed to the wall, and the extension rack itself becomes a dining area. This is the most popular option and is suitable for most interiors.
But there are also more original types of planning. One of them is instead of a window sill: that is, the long side of the tabletop is adjacent to the wall and window. Below, under the decorative grille, the battery is hidden, if necessary.
Slopes can be turned into niches for a bar: install rails or hang shelves for storing kitchen utensils or bar accessories.
Every meal will be accompanied by a beautiful view from the window.
If you want to attach a balcony to the kitchen, it is better to leave part of the wall that served as the base for the window - it can be easily converted into a bar counter. You just need to put the tabletop on top, and the base is already there. You will get a spacious kitchen combined with a loggia.
Combined (built-in) rack
This counter is a continuation of the kitchen countertop. Manufacturers offer headset options with a built-in stand, but if you wish, you can order it yourself, guided by your tastes and needs.
The combined bar counter is not so high, but this can be considered a plus if the kitchen is small. You won’t have to think about its decoration, since the bar counter completely duplicates the work area countertop.
The most common and best option for installing a stand is at an angle to the headset, that is, perpendicular. In long rooms this way you can balance the shape of the room.
Island
This option is found only in large kitchens or studios where there is a lot of free space. This is a very multifunctional furniture option, since you can fit a stove, mini-refrigerator, oven, sink, and organize storage space using shelves, drawers and rails.
White kitchen-living room with a bar counter in the form of an island.
You can also make a lighter version using consoles. In any case, the counter can be used both as a work area and as a dining area. The entire kitchen interior is built around the island, but the style and appearance must match the set - this creates an effect of integrity. According to their shape they are divided into semicircular, angular and U-shaped.
Two-level
The classic two-level option is suitable even for a large family: the stand has two levels - low and high.
Children and older people will find it much more comfortable to dine on a low tabletop. And on high - for everyone else.
It is a narrow platform that is installed on the opposite side of the workplace without taking up extra space.
The two-tier option for the kitchen-living room is especially popular. In this case, a higher countertop is left on the living room side in order to zone the space as much as possible and leave a low level for the work area in the kitchen.
Partition
A popular option for open-plan studio apartments. Such a room always requires zoning, and the bar counter easily performs this function and at the same time serves as a convenient place for eating. It is located parallel to the main furniture and is often a continuation of the wall.
Yellow kitchen in a studio with a bar counter
With a niche
A very functional solution, especially for a small niche kitchen. They can be designed in a very original way. For example, place accessories and decorative items like beautiful bottles of wine, and put away kitchen utensils in a closed space.
Modular
In fact, this is an ordinary high table, but if you arrange glass storage next to it on the wall or ceiling using a holder, it will look like a real bar counter. You can add shelves under the tabletop to this modular table to store bottles of wine.
Interesting read: Modular kitchen made from separate blocks. What is it and how to collect it?
Transformer
If the kitchen is very small, then you can add a transforming stand to the interior, which will unfold during lunch or dinner and accommodate the whole family. There are several mechanisms by which transformers are classified:
- retractable (roll-out) - Suitable for a very small kitchen. Most of the time, the countertop is “hidden” in the kitchen unit, and is pulled out for lunch or dinner;
- rotating (rotating) - in this option, the bar tabletop is again hidden under the work area, but in this case it does not extend, but rotates, thanks to which the floors will be more intact, but the counter itself is not so durable;
- folding (folding) - the stand-table is attached to the wall, there is a support on which the tabletop will lie. The layout is exactly the same as that of the famous Soviet table, which every family has and is moved once a year for the New Year.
Similar transformers exist in different sizes, so you can easily find an option for your kitchen.
Mobile
Some will call a mobile bar counter a serving table, but they will be wrong - the difference is in height. The table can be up to 80 centimeters high, the stand will be 20 centimeters higher or even more.
Roll-out bar counter with cabinets
A distinctive feature of mobile stands is wheels. It is thanks to them that furniture can roll from the kitchen to the living room and back. The wheels have a lock, thanks to which the stand will not move during the meal.
It is important to consider where the bar stools will be found when the furniture is not in use. It may make sense to purchase folding options.
Design Features
A classic kitchen bar counter consists of a tabletop and a support to which it is attached. The work surface should be in harmony with the overall design of other kitchen furniture, creating a single picture. Furniture manufacturers try to make the tabletop from the same material as the top slabs of the entire set, but sometimes they also offer original solutions, for example, a combination of wood and stone.
The upper part of the bar counter structure is made of:
- natural wood - expensive, but one of the most durable options, since the wood undergoes special treatment, after which it does not react to moisture and high temperatures, and becomes unsuitable for the proliferation of insects and mold;
- natural stone - characterized by excellent performance properties and external aesthetics, but require special care;
- artificial stone - has a unique property with its natural analogue, but surpasses it in practicality, is not afraid of mechanical stress, shock, hot dishes;
- laminated chipboard and MDF - budget options, which, although inferior to expensive countertops, are also highly durable and, if handled with care, will last for several years, maintaining their original neat appearance;
- glass - suitable for arranging original interiors, where attention is paid, first of all, to beauty, and only after practicality;
- ceramic tiles – a kitchen bar counter with such a countertop will attract attention and become a trendy addition to the interior.
Regardless of the choice of material for the countertop, it is important to remember that any surface in the kitchen requires constant careful maintenance. By choosing a cleaning agent for a specific product, you can significantly extend its service life.
Performance styles
The bar counter appeared relatively recently and is considered a modern type of furniture. But this does not mean that it is useful only for modern styles.
In a classic interior, a properly selected stand will look stylish, appropriate and luxurious. The convenient thing is that most often they are already included with the kitchen set, so you don’t have to choose anything yourself.
Classic style
The classic style does not have many requirements for furniture, and they are quite easy to fulfill:
- use only natural materials - it is best to use wood with carvings, patterns, but laconic packaging;
- choose a standard rectangular shape;
- the ideal model is an island one.
The disadvantage of the island model is that it requires a lot of free space, but the classic interior also needs it, so there is no dissonance here.
Modern style
The main thing in a modern kitchen is functionality, so the bar counter should take into account all the features of the kitchen, becoming its logical continuation.
The decor is kept to a minimum: figured details are inappropriate. The decor should be the metal itself, its matte or gloss, shape or color scheme.
White bar top on island
Provence
Provence is somewhat similar to classic design, but carries a completely different image - simple, light and natural. The bar counter is again made of wood. But in this case it is better to paint it white or any other pastel color.
The furniture is selected antique or simply aged with patina.
Minimalism
Minimalism is one of the simplest styles to implement, since it has a minimum number of requirements. Colors, shapes, lines should be laconic, and decorative elements should be absent.
Geometry plays a big role in the interior, so the bar counter will most likely look like a rectangular piece of wood or plastic, which will open up in harmony with the rest of the furniture.
Kitchen-living room without upper cabinets with a bar counter. It is probably made of plasterboard and lined with artificial stone, acting as a partition
Loft
In such an interior, the bar counter looks most appropriate and organic. Loft loves to combine urban and industrial details, the symbiosis of which surprisingly makes the room more comfortable.
Concrete and wooden surfaces would look appropriate. The slightly raw look looks especially chic.
Orange kitchen with a pull-out black bar counter
Sculptural kitchen island by Pininfarina
It's not often that we find a design that surprises us - but this is one of them. To celebrate 25 years of collaboration, Edi Snaidero and Paolo Pininfarina have created this limited edition kitchen worktop with 84 components to help you choose the style and configuration that best suits your lifestyle.
The material is carbon fiber with a glossy black lacquer finish. The cabinet doors are in a soft champagne lacquered finish and the work surface is clear black glass.
And the sum of the details adds up to something impressive. The thoroughly modern style is also classic.
This high design island and countertop can be found anywhere from a modern glass loft to a traditional fine home.
Combining design with function isn't always easy, but Sanidero and Pininfarina get it done. This is, of course, the work of true masters.
Bar counter colors
Color, like style, depends on the overall design of the kitchen. There are two tactics you can follow when choosing a color scheme for your counter:
- a similar color palette or even the same shade (for example, the stand is already included);
- contrast solution, for example, black and white.
to match the set or work area (tabletop) in two cases:
- if a massive bar island is selected;
- if the counter is a continuation of the tabletop.
Such a tone-on-tone solution will help create a feeling of a single space in the kitchen, and will also bring harmony to the interior.
If it is important to highlight the bar table by placing emphasis on it, you can choose contrasting furniture. It is important to monitor the combination of colors. Of course, black and white are considered one of the most popular and effective combinations; their symbiosis can be seen in the photo.
Decorative lighting
Bar counter lighting is a bright and unusual solution for a modern kitchen.
You will need an LED strip: white - more functional, colored - decorative. There are tapes with color transitions, flickering and effects.
Such decorative lighting lifts the mood and creates a festive atmosphere. There is no need to decorate the kitchen for the party - just turn on the lights!
The best options for a small kitchen
Not everyone has a kitchen that is as spacious as they would like. Housewives in Khrushchev-era apartment buildings especially suffer, because it is difficult to create an interesting and comfortable design in a small space.
You should immediately abandon the overall rack options, since large objects make the room visually smaller. It is advisable to keep within 90 centimeters.
You need to understand that if in a large kitchen a counter is an indicator of luxury and style, then in a small kitchen it is often a forced multifunctional necessity, since it takes up much less space than a dining table.
In addition, you can arrange storage space in the rack - sliding, folding, retractable, travel and other drawers.
Bar counter in a wooden house
An island bar model is only possible if the kitchen is combined with the living room. In such an interior, the counter will act as a partition and look very organic. It is important to ensure that there is enough space between the island and the unit for two people to pass through.
Most often, in small kitchens, a bar counter is placed on the windowsill. If this is not possible, you should take a closer look at mini-racks.
If we talk about style, it is better to abandon a large amount of decor, since this can also visually narrow the space.
If the family is large and there is little space, you can take a closer look at folding transformers: thanks to a simple mechanism, a small tabletop turns into an excellent dining area.
Bar counter for kitchen-living room
Such rooms are large in size, so you can “shelter” a bar counter without any problems.
Of course, you can install the stand as an extension of the work area. But it is much more logical to organize some kind of recreation area behind it, where guests and owners can have a snack and have a spiritual conversation.
If there is really a lot of free space, for example, in a country house, then a real minibar will become the highlight of the design. But even in this case, you should not build the entire interior around the counter - it should not become the main element. It is better to install it next to the dining table or TV.
In the kitchen-living room there are practically no restrictions on the size of furniture - the area allows everything. But if you have low ceilings, you should abandon the multi-level rack in order to prevent them from lowering them even more.
How to decorate and arrange?
All fittings can be divided according to their purpose and type of fastening. Usually accessories are made of metal, sometimes tempered glass is added. Thanks to this, you can choose the most suitable option in tone:
- copper;
- bronze;
- gold;
- chromium.
The coating can be glossy or matte.
According to their purpose, shelves are divided into those in which you can:
- store kitchen utensils;
- hang ladles, cups, cutting boards;
- store glasses and bottles.
There are also three types of bar shelves according to the type of fastening :
- central ones - for example, a fruit bowl, holders for glasses, niches for cutlery;
- rotating - mounted on a rail that extends to the side, can rotate around its axis. Indispensable for a small kitchen, since the rotating mechanism can always be moved to the side;
- suspended - fastening occurs to the ceiling, and not to the rack. Thanks to this solution, the kitchen looks very stylish and modern.
Hanging baskets with their ends adjacent to the wall look original. Most often they are multi-tiered, fastening occurs like railing hooks on an apron.
Technique
Equipment is rarely built into a bar counter - the dimensions do not allow it. Sometimes a sink is included - if it is combined with the work area.
The island stand provides plenty of room for experimentation. Here you can add a hob and even a hood on top, a washing machine, an oven, a dishwasher and a sink. But the placement of the latter remains a controversial decision, since there is a risk that there will be drops on the floor around, which is dangerous.
A mini-refrigerator for drinks and several rails for storing glasses can be built into such an island.
Bar chairs
Without chairs, the bar counter can only be used as a zoning element or a work area. Bar stools are always quite high, this is due to the height of the tabletop itself - about 110–125 cm.
There are several points to consider when choosing:
- If the kitchen is spacious, you can afford any chair. If it is small, for example, in a Khrushchev building, then it is better to choose models with one leg.
- In a very small kitchen, folding chairs will take root; they can be put away outside the meal - they will not take up precious space.
- A footrest is required , and everything else is optional - backrests or armrests. If the seat is too hard, you can add a special pillow.
- Before buying, you need to do a test drive - climb on and off the chair, and sit for a while. If it is difficult to climb onto it, then you can look for models with adjustable seat height.
Backlight
Counter lighting is especially important if it will be used as a dining or work area.
Lighting can be organized in several ways:
- build into the ceiling along the perimeter of the rack;
- run under the table top, along its end or on the outside of the base;
- choose pendants with a long cord.
Lighting will also serve as a zoning function.
Bar pipe
Usually it comes as a component to the rack, but if desired, it can be purchased separately. This is a very stylish and multifunctional piece of furniture. It can be of a certain height with a console at the end or rest against the floor.
Most often, the pole is equipped with shelves, baskets or simply holders for glasses or other dishes and kitchen utensils. If the ceilings are low, then it is better to choose a pylon with a console at the end, since otherwise there is a risk of emphasizing the height of the walls and reducing it.
The most common material for making pipes is metal. It can be nickel, brass or stainless steel. For a classic interior, a bar pipe is also made of wood, decorating it with carvings.
Consoles
If you choose a massive closed-type stand, then it is possible to decorate the consoles. Of course, it is more convenient to make drawers and shelves on the kitchen side, while the opposite side gives real scope for imagination. How it can be sheathed:
- stone cladding - looks luxurious and stylish, suitable for a classic interior;
- MDF sheets to match the furniture facades - will create harmony and a feeling of a single space in the kitchen;
- brick imitation - will look good in a loft or country style kitchen, but requires careful care;
- Impact-resistant glass is an original option, but for a better effect it is worth illuminating it. If you don’t want the contents of the shelves to be visible through it, then you should give preference to frosted glass;
- skinali - another glass option, but this time decorated with a drawing or photo print. If you choose a three-dimensional pattern, you can visually enlarge the kitchen and give it style;
- aquarium - yes, this happens. Such a solution will immediately become the center of the room, an art object and a real interior decoration. It is not necessary to choose an aquarium with fish; you can also prefer dry options with sand, shells, corals and beautiful stones. You can even create a mini-jungle - just what you need for a city apartment;
- mosaic is a stylish and bright kitchen decor that opens up space for imagination. You can depict a specific drawing or create an abstract composition. But it is worth considering that mosaic is a heavy material that will require a strong base and good glue;
- painting is another way to create a piece of art in the kitchen. It is important to ensure that the colors of the design and the kitchen should be combined and not discordant.
Additionally
The bar counter is still associated with cocktails and various drinks, creating an atmosphere of lightness and ease. A smart move would be to equip it with accessories to match the theme:
- glass holders;
- shaker;
- bottle holder;
- blender;
- fruit bowl:
- juicer;
- ice bucket.
To this list you can add more specific details like a rimmer, geyser, stayr, muddler - devices that make it easier to prepare a cocktail. Such accessories will add originality and special flavor to the kitchen - you can invite friends to a real cocktail party.
Convenient storage kitchen peninsulas
Some kitchen peninsulas are more convenient for storage than others. Most come with cabinets, but you can choose drawers, cubes or shelves instead. This is especially useful in open layouts. For example, a dining peninsula can look more impressive with glass fronted kitchen drawers.
Open shelving is another great way to display your best accessories or store books for your morning reading. Drawers are designed for more organized storage, so if you are planning to store cutlery on your peninsula, then this is the best choice.
Design errors
It should also be said about the mistakes that can be made when designing a bar counter, which will help create a lot of inconvenience.
- Poorly thought out location. It is worth making sure that there is free access to the furniture, and at the same time it does not block the passage. It is best to avoid layouts near the entrance, sink or refrigerator.
- Inconvenient to use. Decor is good, but it is important not to forget about convenience. If you heavily decorate or curtain the base with rails and shelves, there is a risk that there will be no room left for your feet. There will be a feeling of clutter in the kitchen, which is not at all welcome, especially in a small room.
- Wrong shape. It is necessary to take into account that the shape of the stand should be duplicated in the interior. If the set has strict lines, then the tabletop should be rectangular. If you want to make it oval or semicircular, you should think about where these lines can be repeated. This could be a suspended ceiling, a pattern on tiles or curtains.
What to choose for a narrow room
The rectangular shape of the room space is often quite narrow. It can be difficult to install a table in such a kitchen. In this case, it is advisable to place furniture along parallel walls. You can also place a bar counter here.
In this case, you need to choose a bar counter that will be made in the same style as the rest of the furniture. This can be a continuation of the working surface along one of the walls or a model placed perpendicularly near the end wall or along the window opening.
What is the price?
Thanks to the growing popularity of such a piece of furniture, prices for bar counters have decreased, but their spread is still quite wide.
An excellent option for an economy class counter is to assemble the furniture yourself.
For example, the counter itself - a metal support - costs from one thousand rubles, a bar tabletop - from three thousand rubles. As a result, it turns out that for 4 thousand you can buy a simple replacement for the dining table.
Many factors influence how much the final product will cost:
- brand;
- country of origin;
- size;
- base and tabletop material;
- amount of decor - for example, wood carvings;
- functionality - the ability to integrate equipment or simply have storage space.
For example, the cost of this bar table is over 40 thousand rubles.
There is an option that is somewhat simpler, but also four times cheaper - 9,200 rubles.
On average, a stand will cost 20–40 thousand rubles. But there are also much more expensive options. For example, the next copy will cost almost 100,000 rubles. Designer models of bar counters will cost even more.
IKEA offers a lot of ideas for inspiration - every second kitchen in their interiors has a bar counter, either free-standing or combined with a work area. The minimum cost of a bar table is 9,500 rubles, but the company itself has offered options for making a homemade stand from a leg and a table top - it turns out to be much more budget-friendly.
Color and lighting solution
The bar counter can either be combined with other pieces of kitchen furniture or contrast with them. In classic-style kitchens, furniture designs of the same shade look harmonious. In catering units decorated in the Art Nouveau style, there are often counters that differ from the rest of the furnishings.
To focus attention on the bar area, directional lighting techniques are used. For example, they hang several lamps with original shades on a long cord. They will illuminate the tabletop, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Unusual solutions
Since the bar counter often becomes the central piece of the kitchen, housewives try to attract even more attention to it and make it original.
The loft style allows you to add the most exclusivity to the interior. Here you can often find racks made of foam blocks, lids, plywood, logs and other available materials.
Creative options are also found in other interiors. People are instinctively drawn to water, so stands with an aquarium and even in the shape of a ship are not uncommon. Such models will look great in Mediterranean design.
In more classic interiors, you can focus on functionality and, for example, combine a counter with a fireplace. If desired, you can decorate it in an antique style and make the chairs leather.
At the bar construction site, the countertops were finished with natural stone.
In modern styles, you can afford a complete riot of unusual design ideas. The interactive bar counter is considered a trend for 2022 and 2022. Glass is placed on the tabletop, to which LED light bulbs are connected. Contact models can respond to touch. The process can be seen in the following video.
Interactive bar counter I-Bar
A few more options for unusual bar counters in a modern style in kitchens combined with a living room.
Accessories
Shelves, metal hangers for cups, mesh holders for bottles, rotating holders for glasses, shot glasses, fruit baskets, seasonings, and other small items are often placed above and below the kitchen counter. Some of them are mounted on a vertical pipe, the rest are mounted to the ceiling.
Accessories for the bar counter
The materials used to make such items are wood, metal and glass. Metal parts are made chrome plated, imitating gold, silver, copper, bronze, glass can be transparent, matte, or patterned.
Tip: all accessories must be placed so that the likelihood of hitting them and causing injury is minimal.
Self-installation
The complexity of installing a bar counter depends on its design. It is easiest to build free-standing models, for example, wall or island.
If we are talking about racks standing by the window or continuing the headset, a specialist is usually invited to carry out the installation. This is due to the fact that the installation must be very precise and level.
Another important factor is the foundation. If the stand stands on one support leg, then even a beginner without experience can handle the installation: the whole task is to attach it to the floor. If cabinets and drawers are hidden there, and soon household appliances will appear in general, it is better, again, to entrust the matter to a professional.
Some craftsmen even make the entire stand with their own hands. In principle, there is nothing complicated in this process, since the furniture consists of only two parts - the base and the tabletop. But the degree of beauty of the resulting object greatly depends on the level of skill of the specialist.
