When there is a bar counter in the kitchen, it gives the room attractiveness and originality. But, in addition to the interior features, such an item also has a functional load, representing a convenient additional work surface, a place for breakfast or a snack, or friendly gatherings over a cup of coffee. Of course, not every kitchen has dimensions sufficient to install the usual bar counter, but in this case there is a solution. In small rooms you can install a transformable bar counter.
Transformable bar counter in the kitchen interior - features
Not so long ago, this original element of the interior was considered an attribute of nightclubs, bars, restaurants or small cafes, but today almost every homeowner understands that it is convenient, practical and fashionable.
The transformable bar counter for the kitchen has many positive aspects, for example:
- For a small kitchen space, it can be an excellent replacement for a dining table, without creating clutter in the room, thanks to the lightness and mobility of the design.
- The countertop has an optimal height, convenient for cooking and performing many related tasks, such as cutting food, dressing salads, mixing ingredients, whipping. Performing such actions at the bar counter, which is slightly higher than conventional work tables, housewives experience much less stress on their backs and get less tired.
- The variety of installation and design options allows you to choose the optimal type of item for any interior.
- Some designs can divide the kitchen space into certain zones, becoming an interior decoration.
There can be only one drawback here. Since the bar top is in most cases slightly higher than the level of ordinary tables, it is necessary to additionally purchase chairs of a special design and height. However, many types of transforming stands have a standard height.
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In conclusion, here are some tips on the correct selection and installation of racks.
Loft in kitchen design
◆ Bar counters differ from a regular table in their height. Therefore, no matter what option you choose, you always need to purchase special chairs for it.
◆ Don’t settle for an option that’s too budget-friendly. The cheap appearance of the counter spoils the overall impression of the apartment.
◆ Try to ensure that the rack is in harmony with the main design of the room. It should complement the interior, and not be conspicuous.
◆ Don't go overboard with accessories. Lots of different shelves are very functional and practical, but if they are all cluttered, it will create a visually repulsive impression of sloppiness.
◆ Use the shelves on the counter for their intended purpose. There is no need to store keys or spice bags in the silverware or fruit slide. This will quickly lead to clutter and a general feeling of chaos.
Transformable bar counter for the kitchen - types of models
If the kitchen is very small, you can install a small bar counter of a mobile design, which has a rotating, sliding or folding mechanism, which allows you to avoid cluttering the kitchen, installing the item only when necessary and easily putting it back.
Retractable transformable bar counter
A retractable bar counter is a special design that has a retractable mechanism, thanks to which the working surface is extended. Such devices have the height of regular work and dining tables, as they are built into them for greater convenience. Such a bar counter is secured using a free movable leg, but in addition, the design can be additionally equipped with a convenient drawer under the tabletop, allowing you to store dishes, cutlery, napkins or bottles of drinks.
The structure is located under the countertop of one of the kitchen cabinets, and its extension occurs thanks to wheels or roller mechanisms. The surface of the bar counter is always in harmony with the overall design of the kitchen unit.
Rotating bar counter for kitchen
A rotating bar counter is a very convenient piece of kitchen furniture, the design of which often requires an individual approach. The surface of such a rack should easily fit under the countertop of one of the kitchen work areas and slide out smoothly, thanks to a special rotating mechanism. This option is very convenient because it can significantly increase the functionality of the space.
With this design, you can quickly organize a comfortable dining table without any effort, with a simple light movement. The bar counter of this model allows you to significantly save room space, but its installation requires precise calculations, the work of a professional craftsman and some additional costs.
Folding kitchen bar counters
Folding bar counter. If a large family lives in a living space with a small kitchen, then a folding (folding) bar counter will be the best option. When assembled, this design looks like a small bedside table that fits in any free corner (near the wall), and its surface is quite sufficient for a snack during the day or a cup of morning coffee. For dinner with the whole family, you just need to quickly lift and place on the legs the lowered tabletop.
The upper part of the structure can be fixed on legs (one or two) or on a special folding mechanism. Some models provide double expansion of the bar counter, which allows you to choose the optimal size for each situation and accommodate even large groups at the table.
Folding bar counter
The folding bar top model is the most budget-friendly, simple, space-saving design option. It is often installed not only in the kitchen, but also on the loggia, since when assembled the device takes up virtually no space. In this case, the tabletop is attached using conventional brackets, fixed to the wall with self-tapping screws. Such a table can be easily raised, mounted on a hidden leg, and quickly lowered when this surface is not needed.
Lighting
Lighting is also an important decorative component, but the correct supply of light is also important for mundane purposes such as cooking or eating.
Lighting plays an important role in decoration
◆ Wall or table lamp
. Gives a narrowly directed stream of light. Suitable for isolated racks such as island or corner designs.
Loft style table lamp
◆ Hanging light source
. Lights with long cords or chains are suitable for relaxation, so it is best not to install it in a work area. Great for zoning and partition walls.
Pendant lighting - a classic for the bar counter
◆ Spot light
. Overhead lamps on the ceiling visually expand the space. Therefore, they are suitable for small kitchens, but they definitely require an additional direct source.
Bright and comfortable lighting of the space
◆ Decorative light finishing
. LED strips are attached to the stand itself under the tabletop, sometimes at the bottom. The best option is to build them into a minibar.
Adding Decorative Accents with Light
Dimensions of transforming bar counters
There are many types of kitchen bar counters, as well as options for their implementation. Here everything depends on the features of a particular kitchen interior, the size of the room, the height of the item, the material of the countertop, the depth, and the method of placement. The sizes, shapes, and appearance of structures can vary and are determined mainly by the available space, as well as the overall design.
According to the method of arrangement, they are distinguished:
- Island racks, installed separately from the main set, as an independent piece of furniture. This includes folding structures that can replace a dining table for a large company or family.
- Combined bar counters. They have limited dimensions, usually equal to the working surface of the kitchen unit of which they are an extension. This category includes retractable, rotating structures resting on a leg (several legs) on the free side.
There are also open and closed types of bar counters. An open structure is any structure that rests on a leg and does not carry any additional functional load. Closed bar counters are more practical, since inside the structures there is space where you can store kitchen utensils and various things.
The standard height of a bar countertop is 110–120 cm, but this design requires special chairs with a height of 60 to 85 cm, and is not suitable for performing various tasks while cooking. Therefore, transformers generally have a height of about 90 cm or equal to the level of the other surfaces of the kitchen set.
The width of the usual design is 30 - 35 cm or depends on the characteristics of the furniture in the kitchen. If the tabletop is intended to replace a dining table, then its width ranges from 50 to 80 cm. There are no clear rules and restrictions; it is only important to observe that a distance of 25 cm is maintained from the support or wall to the feet of the people sitting.
But the length has practically no restrictions, the only important thing is that there is a distance of 60 cm per person.
There are two-level designs, with an additional smaller one installed on the main tabletop at a distance of 20 - 30 cm.
Support
Depending on the design of the base and fastening, BS are:
- open;
- monolithic;
- combined.
The open counter looks lighter in the interior. The support can be a chrome pipe, a base or a leg made of any other material. For a small studio or small kitchen, this option is preferable.
There are unusual options for support legs for BS, for example, in the form of brickwork or a geometric figure. Such an element will immediately take over all the attention in the interior. You can make it yourself or to order.
- Monolithic assumes the presence of a closed base in the form of a cabinet. The base can be made of plasterboard.
- Under the countertop there may be drawers and shelves for storage or built-in appliances. This design is very functional, but will require a lot of space.
- Combined ones are BS combined with a dining table or with parts of a kitchen set. They can have additional support or be reinforced with metal corners.
General arrangement of bar counters for the kitchen
Almost any bar counter consists of an upper and lower part, as well as a fastening mechanism - rotating, folding, retractable or lifting, on which the performance of the product and the ease of use depend.
Bottom part - types and structure
The legs of the bar counters, which represent the lower part of the structure, are usually made of steel, MDF or wood, which depends mainly on the material of the tabletop and the expected load on the structure.
For countertops made of stone or glass, the support is made of steel; it can have different shapes, including curly ones. If the material of the upper part is natural wood, then the legs will be made of the same material, as in the case of MDF. The design of the structure always depends on the type of product and functional features.
Countertop - types of materials
The material of the tabletop is very important, since its choice determines not only the appearance of the piece of furniture, but also the features of operation, maintenance, and the level of costs. In most cases, homeowners choose the same materials as their kitchen countertops, but in some cases, a breakfast bar can be something completely special.
Often the tabletop is made of natural wood, which allows you to create an elegant stand that can fit into any type of interior, giving it solidity. The material can be given any shape, decorations can be made from stained glass, mosaics, intricate carvings or other decorative elements. A bar top made of wood not only gives the room a special coziness, it is durable, practical, and can serve for many years, maintaining its original shape. But there is also a disadvantage, which is that it is very difficult to work with natural wood and it has a rather high cost.
One of the budget and therefore most common options is to make a structure from MDF. In this case, you can choose almost any color scheme and texture imitation, including stone and wood. The profile is quite resistant to moisture, but with regular use it is short-lived, since the edges of the panels, as well as the top coating, begin to deteriorate due to frequent washing.
A fairly practical, inexpensive option is plastic. It is easy to maintain and easy to work with, but such a bar counter will fit only into a high-tech or avant-garde style interior, as well as into a minimalist design. Plastic is durable, resistant to moisture, suitable for daily use, but it should be handled carefully, since the disadvantage of this material is its fragility.
Bar counters with stone countertops are special elements that can add a touch of luxury to almost any interior and become its highlight. Of course, natural stone has a very high cost, so artificial types are more often used, which are not inferior in quality, durability, practicality, and attractiveness. However, such surfaces require special care.
Accessories
Most often, the bar counter is used as an additional kitchen and dining area. But sometimes, for example, if it is installed as a partition, it serves purely for aesthetic purposes. In this case, you can “revive” it with the help of accessories. However, some of them may also have practicality.
◆ Candlesticks look stylish and would fit right into a bar or dining area.
Candlesticks add a classic touch to your decor
◆ Hanging systems for mugs and glasses. Can be used as a dryer.
Additional storage space
◆ "Slides" for fruit - practical and elegant.
For example, you can diversify the space with a fruit slide
◆ Unusual lamps. They should be selected based on style and material. But hanging chandeliers of unusual shapes look most advantageous.
Art Nouveau lamps
◆ Vases are a classic addition to any surface. Select them based on the style of the stand: modern minimalist vases of various shapes will go well with plastic and acrylic; for wood, metal and concrete, give preference to the classics.
Flower vases and simply decorative decorations
When choosing accessories, you should pay attention to the material and color. The classic metal version is most often used, but you can also find options made of copper, glass, bronze, and chrome.
Transformable bar counter - photo
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When choosing a bar counter for the kitchen and the material for its manufacture, first of all you need to think about what exact function this item will perform and how often it will be used.
You should also take into account the size of the kitchen, its design features and the organization of space. GKL - catalog with prices.
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.
- Bold combinations of natural materials - a concrete base and a wooden tabletop or metal and glass - look more interesting.
- The monolithic base of the BS can be finished with brick or stone tiles.
Tabletop
- The tabletop can be mounted on a support or fixed to the wall using metal corners.
- One of the common design options is with a supporting pipe. Not only the tabletop, but also accessories are attached to the pipe.
