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A bar counter can become a beautiful piece of furniture and a reliable assistant in the kitchen: the height of such furniture plays a key role in ensuring the comfort and functionality of the entire room. The design will help divide the space into zones and become a cozy place to gather. At the same time, a beautiful design should be combined with a comfortable shape and other furniture. This article will tell you how to choose the right rack of the right size.
The comfort of its use depends on the height of the bar counter
What to consider when choosing
When choosing a bar counter, you should take into account all important indicators, such as functionality, practicality and useful use of the structure. In addition, the parameters of size, design and the possibility of combination with other pieces of furniture in the kitchen are taken into account.
The height of a classic bar counter from the floor according to the standard is no more than 120 cm. In contrast, the gap from the floor of a combined bar counter reaches 100 cm, and the width of the tabletop is chosen to be no less than 35 cm.
Level
A level bar counter is installed above the workplace on the opposite side. A current solution for families with small children. Mom will be able to simultaneously cut the salad and make sure that the child does not smear the porridge on the table. Well, or at least try to do it.
Play with materials - a practical metal surface for the workplace and a warm wooden surface for the dining area. In the area where oil splashes and milk spills, we cover the floor with tiles, where people eat - laminate or parquet.
Material for making bar counters
Current models of kitchen furniture are made from materials such as glass, natural wood, plastic, marble and granite. Based on stylistic trends, there are such stands as:
- island;
- built-in view;
- wall;
- zoning;
- combined (the lower part is intended for work, and the upper part serves as a decorative element);
- combined with a window sill in the kitchen.
The choice of a specific rack initially depends on the wishes of customers, as well as its functional characteristics and dimensions.
Deciding on the style of the headset
The appearance of the bar counter - shape, size, color and even material - will depend on the style of the headset. Ideally, all furniture will be sold as a set or made to order as a set. If this is not possible, then it is worth taking a closer look at the most externally similar specimens.
Let's look at the most popular styles for kitchen decoration and their features.
Classic
Symmetry and elegance are two words that come to mind when talking about classic interior style. Classic is a balance between decor and utilitarianism; there is no riot of colors or contrasts, and the furniture is made in calm, muted colors.
A classic interior should show all the luxury and high cost by its appearance alone, so exclusively natural materials are used:
- the corner set itself is made of solid light wood and has smooth lines;
- The tabletop, both the set and the bar counter, can be made of stone or wood.
A distinctive feature of the furniture can be called luxurious decor:
- gilding;
- stucco;
- bronze
The color scheme should also be noble: milky, brown, beige. If you want to make the interior more interesting, you can add red textiles
But it is important not to overdo it, since the kitchen should look conservative and strict - this also applies to the bar counter
Country
Country style (this is the second name for country) is rarely seen in city apartments - after all, it looks much more appropriate in country houses. His motto can be called: naturalness and beauty without unnecessary pretentiousness.
The most important task of such an interior is to create a relaxing atmosphere of simplicity. Here again natural materials are used, most often wood. Plastic is completely excluded.
Popular colors:
- warm brown;
- green;
- beige;
- light blue/blue;
- ginger.
High tech
This is a modern style with a touch of futurism, so it is especially important here to choose a bar counter that matches the set, otherwise it will look like an ordinary clumsy and inappropriate spot
The materials often used are glossy plastic (acrylic is best), glass, metal - it is important to get maximum shine from the furniture
Particular attention is paid to technology: it must be as modern and multifunctional as possible
The following two combinations can be called distinctive features of high-tech:
- metallic shades with bright and cool tones;
- straight lines and minimalism.
The color scheme is quite varied: metallic, white, black, gray, indigo, red, orange.
Modern
In modern style there simply must be a bar counter. The characteristics of this style are both simple and complex: combine the incongruous. Suitable even for medium or small kitchens.
It is best to choose a bar counter from one of the following materials:
- metal;
- strained glass;
- plastic with imitation stone or natural wood.
It is important to make the bar counter the highlight of the entire kitchen. Here one of its main functions is decorative, it should look luxurious, so modernism is suitable only for people with good taste
Minimalism
The whole essence of minimalism lies in its name: here you should avoid not only an excess of decor, but even technology - they specifically select the most modern built-in options that can be hidden behind the facades.
The corner set is chosen to be laconic and simple, and is made in a single color scheme. Open shelves are not allowed: equipment and utensils are hidden behind the facades.
The tabletop is chosen from chromed metal, glossy plastic, glass or stone. It is advisable to convey a slightly cold atmosphere.
Provence
The bar counter will also look great in a kitchen in the style of a French village. Initially, all materials in such an interior should be natural, but you can get by with a good imitation. For example, the tabletop of the counter is made of plastic “dark wood”.
Loft
It seems that the bar counter was literally created for the loft style.
In such an interior it is necessary to create deliberate negligence:
- textured painting with brush marks;
- untreated wood;
- brickwork on the wall;
- the most unexpected combinations of materials in decoration and furniture.
The main requirements for the furniture and bar counter are light colors. The material fades into the background and is of little importance.
Standard bar counter sizes
Currently, the concept of a bar counter means an oblong-shaped tabletop with a base of different heights from the floor. Basically, furniture manufacturers adhere to standard sizes when producing bar counters, namely:
- width – 55 cm;
- length – 120 cm;
- height – 100-115 cm.
The first of these values should not be less, otherwise the person will feel uncomfortable when eating.
As for the length, everything is conditional. The stand can have a wide shape and short length. This type of furniture is suitable to accommodate only two people. The minimum length of the stand can be 60 cm, which is only suitable for a single family member.
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 - the most preferred option for a tabletop, 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 is 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
Island stand
The model is used in the interior of a large kitchen in a country house, as well as in a studio apartment or combined with a living room. The island stand will be at the same height as the set, or it can consist of two levels. The surface of the tabletop is on the same level as the drawers of the lower set. At the same time, it can be adjusted higher.
This type of design allows you to improve the functionality of the kitchen. For example, the island acts as a surface for preparing and eating food. On the outer sides there may be containers and shelves for storing kitchen items.
For a spacious kitchen
The stand can look like a free-standing island structure that is located in the center of the room. It is imperative that the interior item and the set must be made from the same material and have the same color scheme. This idea is just a godsend to please those who love noisy parties at home.
This solution is excellent for decorating a spacious kitchen, so the space does not look empty, and the counter can also be used as a work surface. All participants in the feast take an active part in the cooking process; those who wish can demonstrate their culinary skills themselves. Very often, the bar counter is simply an addition to the dining table; it is extended upward above the surface of a large tabletop. In principle, a good option. Especially in favor of those in whose kitchen several generations gather.
Free standing stand
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to make a stand combined with the headset itself. After all, in this case it is necessary to produce an interior part to order, which requires additional financial investments. You can buy the stand separately, choosing the desired design style to match your kitchen furniture.
If such a bar counter is installed against the wall, it separates the kitchen work area from the living room. In other words, the bar counter acts as a kind of partition between two zones. In this case, the height of the stand may not coincide with the surface of the tabletop.
The standard and acceptable minimum height of the bar counter according to GOST 13025.3-85 is 75 cm from the floor surface. The height of the chairs for this design will be standard. For a higher height of 105-115 cm, you need to buy chairs with high legs.
Note!
- DIY kitchen: step-by-step instructions, selection of furniture + rules for installing the kitchen
- Kitchen with gas stove: design features, photos of the finished renovation
How to make a kitchen with your own hands - examples of beautiful and modern renovations
Accessories and fittings
Bar chairs
The main “neighbors” of the counter are high stools, which are also called bar stools. Since the standard counter height is 110-125 cm, the chairs should be high.
When choosing chairs, please note that a large number of legs is acceptable if the kitchen space is large. For a miniature kitchen, it is better to choose chairs with one leg.
Option: in a very small kitchen you can do without free-standing chairs. The seats are screwed to the bottom of the tabletop and simply pulled out if necessary.
Hard chairs can be modernized by placing cushions on the seats that match the rest of the textiles. The backs and arms on the chairs are optional. But having a footrest is a must.
Before buying a chair, try to sit on them - do your legs reach the stand, is it comfortable to “climb” onto the high seat. Otherwise, it is better to look for models with adjustable height of both the seat itself and the footrest.
Lighting for the bar counter
Lighting is the most important detail. It is most convenient to plan in advance autonomous lighting for the part of the kitchen with a counter.
Options:
- built-in ceiling lights around the perimeter of the rack;
- LED strips at the bottom of the tabletop;
- lamps on long cords arranged in a row above the counter;
- lamps or LEDs on the outside of the base.
Bar pipe
An optional, but very functional and stylish part of the rack. It can extend all the way to the ceiling and support an illuminated overhead console. It can simply rest against the ceiling and be “overgrown” with a variety of glass holders and hanging shelves.
If your kitchen has low ceilings, it is better to avoid a high bar pipe, as it visually lowers the height of the ceilings.
The material from which such a pipe-leg is made may vary. Traditionally, it is made of metal (brass, nickel or stainless steel); for a classic kitchen, you can choose a model made of wood, decorated with carvings.
Consoles
If you have chosen a more massive, non-open type of rack, then please note that the consoles that serve as the base can be decorated to your liking. From the kitchen side, of course, it is more convenient if it is a set of open and closed shelves and drawers. The facades are matched to the tone of the main furniture.
But the part of the base facing outward is a real haven for designer imagination. Here are some options:
- To face it with stone is good, stylish and luxurious. Pairs perfectly with the classic kitchen decor.
- Cover with MDF sheets, repeating furniture facades. Such a counter will seem like a continuation of the kitchen unit.
- Imitation of brickwork is an interesting option for country and loft style kitchens.
- Glass panels are an original solution. But don’t forget to illuminate the insides - and you will get a real extravaganza of light and color. By the way, the glass must be impact-resistant. And if you don’t want the contents of the internal shelves to shine through, choose frosted glass.
- Skinali is a variant of glass panels, but decorated with a pattern or photo print. A great way to decorate a bar counter, especially since you can choose a voluminous pattern, which will add style to the entire counter.
- A built-in aquarium is a creative solution for an unusual kitchen. Such a stand immediately turns into an art object and will serve as a real interior decoration. Moreover, if you doubt whether you should choose a real aquarium with live fish, pay attention to the so-called “dry” aquariums. They completely imitate the real thing. In addition, for a dry aquarium you can come up with an unusual design theme: for example, not an underwater world, but a desert world, a rock garden or a mini-jungle.
- Mosaic is a bright and stylish decor for your counter. You can lay out a specific pattern, or you can repeat the mosaic laying on the apron. But keep in mind that the mosaic is heavy, so it requires a strong and good foundation.
- Artistic painting is another way to turn your counter into a work of art. But when choosing paints for a design, do not forget that the overall palette should not be discordant with the other colors in the kitchen.
Accessories
The bar counter creates a special atmosphere of lightness and ease. And since the counter is most often associated with drinking drinks, it is worth equipping it with special accessories that will emphasize functionality.
Such items include:
- special holders for glasses. If the kitchen is small, a holder attached to the main rod is sufficient. In a large kitchen, you can install holders on top, like in a real bar.
- fruit bowl;
- bottle holder;
- shaker;
- blender;
- rimmer (device for decorating the edge of a glass);
- Steiner (bar strainer);
- geyser (a device for pouring liquid in a thin stream);
- muddler (pestle for grinding fresh leaves and berries);
- juicer;
- ice bucket.
Such accessories will add a special flavor to the interior of your kitchen. Now you can invite guests and have a real cocktail party.
Window sill stand
In most cases, the model consists of one continuous strip combined with a window sill. However, a more convenient option would be a window sill stand that is not combined with the working area of the existing headset. The height is determined from the level of the window sill itself. An alternative option would be to install a tabletop that will be more than 20-30 cm higher than the window sill. All that remains is to choose chairs that are suitable in height.
Two-level rack
This look is easy to implement using any of the above options. For example, you can create a design dividing the entire area into two parts: for eating and preparing food. You can also create a design that is more similar to the classic style or reminiscent of a bar design.
The height of the high level can be chosen at your discretion, but it must meet the standards - up to 105-115 cm. Then the apartment owners do not need to order chairs for the bar counter. The first level coincides in height with the lower cabinets, standing 85-90 cm high from the floor.
Details
Use memorabilia to add personality to your bar. You can hang photos, pictures or even flags. For a sports bar theme, hang your favorite team's jersey or flags with their logo. Use photos of your friends and family to make your bar feel like home. Another classic option for how to beautifully decorate a bar counter is to hang a chalkboard. This would be a great opportunity to leave notes on it for your household or use it in games - ideas are limited only by your imagination.
A great option to energize your bar is custom decor that can be a reflection of your own style and personality. When bringing the look of a cozy pub or tavern right to your home, attractive signage is what will set the mood. If you spend your evenings and weekends watching your favorite team play or are a fan of a particular sport, add sports themed signs to your walls.
Calculation of bar counter dimensions
The homeowner can purchase a ready-made bar counter at a furniture store, or place an order for an individual design. When placing an order, the furniture will be much more expensive, but it will be made as it should.
Bar counters are produced in serial batches according to the following parameters of height, length and width - 100, 125 and 60 cm. In other words, there is nothing to choose from.
Additional items
The bar counter is complemented with the necessary accessories: vertical rails with open shelves of various shapes for storing barware, fruit, high chairs with and without backs, equipped with footrests, lighting in the form of spotlights, pendant lamps, LED strip lighting of different shades.
These little helpers will help make the bar counter a comfortable and stylish place for family gatherings and friendly meetings.
Making a decision on such an item as a bar counter is not easy, nor is it easy to refuse it when you understand all its advantages.
How to calculate the dimensions of a bar counter
To determine the future size of the furniture, the following list of parameters should be taken into account:
- the positions in which the owners are accustomed to sitting;
- height of spouses, children if any;
- rack functionality.
All sizes of factory models are calculated by experts taking into account the anatomical structure of the human body.
How to choose bar stools
You should choose chairs based on the height between the seat and the floor. You should not choose chairs whose seats are more than 30 cm below the table (+/- 3 cm is allowed).
Let's consider the main parameters for choosing chairs for the bar counter:
- low bar stool - the height of the tabletop from the floor is 85-95 cm, and the distance from the floor to the seat is 58-71 cm;
- high bar stool - the height of the tabletop from the floor is 104-110 cm, and the distance from the floor to the seat is 74-81 cm;
- very high bar stool - the height of the tabletop from the floor is 104-120 cm, and the distance from the floor to the seat is 84-91 cm.
Based on the indicated values, it is easy to choose chairs that match the height of the counter in the kitchen.
Chipboard
Inexpensive, great solution for a bar counter. Despite the affordable cost, the material is characterized by good performance characteristics and minimal maintenance requirements. Chipboard serves well and is quite durable. Another important fact is the unlimited choice of colors compared to natural wood. But there is also a significant drawback - the possibility of swelling of the top ball of the coating, which cannot be repaired.
- Bar counter for kitchen made of chipboard
- Bar counter for kitchen made of chipboard
- Bar counter for kitchen made of chipboard
- Bar counter for kitchen made of chipboard
- Bar counter for kitchen made of chipboard
Modern solutions
Convenient to use and unique in the design scheme is the stepped tabletop, which can be adjusted in height. Eating at such a counter will be comfortable, and low chairs will suit it well.
Additional modern options include a bar counter, which has several multi-level countertops. As a rule, such furniture acts more as a decorative element of the interior in spacious studio apartments.
Lighting
Often in the kitchen, centralized lighting - overhead or wall-mounted - is sufficient. However, in our opinion, the bar counter is a fairly bright element that deserves additional lighting.
You can highlight the rack from below - this will make it appear higher
In many ways, the lighting depends on what kind of bar counter you have chosen and in what style you have decorated your kitchen.
The most commonly used options are:
If the stand is installed near a wall, you can use small sconces. They will add a certain coziness to gatherings at the bar.
Ceiling lights with long cords look good
True, when choosing such a lamp, it is important to make sure that it does not hang too low - otherwise you risk clinging to it with your head when standing up.
For kitchens in a modern style, you can use an LED strip - it will give the interior a certain touch of fantasy and beautifully illuminate the bar counter. An interesting solution is hidden lighting under the soaring ceiling. This lighting is of little use, but it looks beautiful.
