Bar table for a small kitchen - the best ideas + master class!

A small kitchen is one of the big problems of small apartments. Not everyone can afford to live in a luxury apartment, which means they have to put up with cramped conditions and come up with different variations of the environment that will allow you not to experience discomfort in small rooms.

A bar table for a small kitchen is a great chance to save space . Let's look at the features of this interior detail, and also learn how to make such a table yourself.

Bar table for a small kitchen

Bar counter - what is it? Features and a brief excursion into history

The bar counter appeared a long time ago. For the first time, they began to do it in American saloons in order to delimit the space of one large hall into a place for visitors and a place where the bartender is located. Already at that time, it was a fairly high table, at which one could sit on high stools and eat food or relax with a glass of alcoholic drink.

Bar counter in the kitchen

On a note! The purpose of using a bar counter in those days was to protect dishes and bottles from rowdy visitors. It did not allow easy access to fragile objects.

Nowadays, the bar counter is found not only in entertainment venues - now this is also the name for some types of countertops that are actively used in kitchens. Thus, this is a horizontal surface that can be used both as a dining table and a cutting table, and also serve as some kind of decorative element in the room.

Small kitchen with breakfast bar

Typically, the height of the bar counter varies between 110-115 cm, that is, it still remains quite high, which means you still have to sit at it on the same high stools. Its width is small, but should be at least 30 cm for comfortable use of such a tabletop. The optimal width of the bar counter should be about 60-80 cm.

Kitchen living room with bar counter

Table with bar counter for the kitchen with lighting: installation options and types of lamps

Lighting on the surface of the bar is needed to create a cozy atmosphere in the room. There are 5 lamp options:

Mounted. Positioned exactly above the surface. They create a cozy atmosphere with soft diffused lighting. Because of them, the zoning of the room occurs.

Spot. These lamps are easy to attach, they direct light to a specific area (over which they hang), so this lighting can be cozy and homey.

Halogen. They are attached to a specialized support, with the help of which the lamp is directed to where lighting is needed.

Track. Unique lamps. Using a specialized system, you can change the direction of light and the model of this system.

LED Strip Light. In addition to its direct purpose, the diode strip plays the role of decoration. It holds well on a plane and on various shapes and figures. The diode strip has great functionality: it changes the hue and saturation of the lighting. It comes with a remote control for regulation. And now there are feeds that can be managed online.

Types of bar counters

Nowadays the bar counter can be seen in many apartments. Most often it is used in small kitchens and studio apartments to delimit space. It is quite easy to install in almost any conditions and fit into any interior. The main thing is to choose the right type. It turns out that bar counters have their own classification.

Folding bar counter

Table. Types of bar counters.

Variety	Description
Folding	Such a stand, when it is not needed, is simply removed, that is, folded. It is usually mounted against a wall, but is hinged and has a folding base. That is, if necessary, it can be easily folded and put away, and space will be freed up. Sometimes such racks are not attached to the wall, but in the window sill area.
Retractable	Such a rack can also be easily removed if necessary, but in this case it slides, for example, under the countertop of the work area of the kitchen unit. Usually such racks are quite small. The base is equipped with a wheel, due to which it can easily be moved to the facades of the sets.
Standard	Such a stand is stationary and often has a support that extends to the ceiling - as an example, think of a long metal pole passing through the tabletop. It cannot be folded or removed, but such a tabletop is reliable. It is often used not as a dining table, but as an element that helps to delimit zones.
Open	This stand has a table top and a single leg support, with a lot of free space underneath it. It's easy to put your feet under it, since they don't rest against anything. If necessary, you can slide stools under it.
Closed	This stand has a long solid support that runs the length of the entire table top. If the top surface is narrow, then sitting at such a table will be uncomfortable - there is nowhere to put your feet. The stand looks quite bulky and is more suitable for spacious kitchens or for delimiting space than for using it directly as a table.

The bar counter is installed directly against the wall of the room, which allows it to fit into almost any interior design

Sometimes the bar counter is not made by itself, but is a continuation of some surface. For example, it could be a continuation of a work or dining table, a window sill, etc. The latter option is an excellent solution for a modest-sized kitchen, since outside of mealtimes the countertop will serve as a wide window sill. And it will be more pleasant to dine, especially if the view from the window is quite beautiful.

The option when the shape of the bar counter resembles the letter “P” will be optimal for a cramped kitchen, because this way it saves space

Types of supports

In practice, you can find the following options for supports for a bar counter.

Separate supports. These are wooden legs or metal supports, coated with chrome. The main advantage is the simplicity of this solution; such a support does not clutter up the space.
Solid support. In fact, this is a cabinet on which the tabletop is installed. Depending on the model and placement method, storage spaces may be located on one or two sides. The support is made of wood or wood panels (MDF, chipboard). The disadvantage is the visual reduction of the room.
Brackets. Used for folding bar counters. They are attached to the wall and have the ability to install hinges.

In some cases, the supports may have footrests.

Using a bar counter you can significantly save the usable space of your small kitchen.
By choosing this headset element correctly, you can optimize the use of space. © 2022 — 2022 Furniture-one.ru — Copying of materials is strictly prohibited.

Bar counter - functionality

Using a bar counter as a table in a small kitchen is a very good solution. It will save a lot of free space, as well as make the kitchen as comfortable and functional as possible. Moreover, this version of the table can optimally fit both into a very small kitchen in a Khrushchev-era building, and into a new studio in a new building. In the latter case, this excellent solution will help zone the kitchen and room, intelligently dividing one room into two.

The bar counter has many advantages

On a note! In general, the bar counter hardly replaces a full-fledged dining area, but it will allow you to have breakfast on the run or drink tea in the evening. True, it will be inconvenient to spend long dinner gatherings with family or friends.

The bar counter does not take up much space and can be used both for eating and preparing food. Sometimes it also serves as a decorative element. If the counter is open, then sitting at it is quite comfortable. In general, 2-3 people can easily use it at the same time. To make it convenient to use, the main thing is to choose the right size and configuration. The main disadvantages of such a table are that it cannot be used by small children and the elderly due to its height and the need to sit on high stools. And such a table is also not suitable for a large family.

Laconic modern kitchen in brown, beige and gray tones with a glossy bar counter

By the way, the bar counter can serve to create functional storage systems . It can be combined with a cabinet in which kitchen utensils will be stored, various drinks will be stored, etc. You can make various drawers, drawers, etc. under it.

Style selection

The choice should be made in accordance with the design of the apartment and the kitchen in particular. If you cannot find a suitable ready-made option, you can place an individual order for furniture. The interior of a kitchen with a bar counter can be decorated in a variety of styles.

The following areas are especially popular in modern design:

classical;
high tech;
modern;
English;
Scandinavian;
Mediterranean;
Oriental;
a country;
Provence;
mezzanine.

Each style involves the use of distinctive colors, materials, design elements, embellishments and accessories.

For a high-tech style, you should choose laconic models with glass and metal surfaces. A luxurious element will complement the English and Mediterranean style with a tabletop made of solid wood or stone. Wood carvings, such as carved legs of bar stools, will look good.

A classic kitchen will look great with an island model or a wall-mounted design. All kitchen furniture in the Art Nouveau style should have smooth and rounded shapes.

The design of a kitchen with a bar counter, the photo of which you can see below, is an excellent example of a stylish and modern interior. Whatever design style you choose, kitchen sets with a bar counter are practical, stylish and new.

Loft

A bar counter will naturally appear in such a kitchen. A loft is characterized by a combination of details of industrial or public spaces, the composition of which suddenly acquires a hospitable character in a private space; here wooden and concrete surfaces look very elegant and appropriate. It is best if the texture has a slightly rough appearance.

Provence

The style has common features with the classics, but has a completely different image. Provence is lightness, naturalness and simplicity. The bar counter for such a kitchen should be made of natural wood and then painted white. However, any pastel tone will look organic here.

It is advisable to give preference to antiques that have significant layers of time and history. But to achieve this effect, you can artificially age the furniture - this solution will help create the right mood.

High tech

High-tech in its pure form is rare today, but its elements are still popular and relevant: the use of glass and chromed metal, glossy and reflective surfaces in design. A bar counter in a high-tech style should be functional, have rigor and geometric shapes.

How not to confuse minimalism and high-tech styles? Pay attention to the decor. In minimalism there are no unnecessary details, but in high-tech you can decorate without violating the overall concept.

Country

The rustic style (this is the second name of the country) is rarely found in city apartments - after all, it looks much more appropriate in country houses. Her motto can be called: naturalness and beauty without unnecessary pretensions.

The most important task of such an interior is to create a relaxing atmosphere of simplicity. Again, natural materials are used, most often wood. Plastic is completely excluded.

Popular colors:

warm brown;
green;
beige;
blue/cyan;
ginger.

Classical

Suitable for large spaces, as this type of shelving is more reminiscent of its counterparts in bars and cafes. The tabletop, installed at a height of about 120 cm, provides about half a meter of personal space for one person.

Such a bar counter in the kitchen can be combined with high chairs or half-chairs with footrests, and sometimes equipped with comfortable armrests.

This model looks very impressive, although it is one of the most expensive options. For ambiance and maximum functionality, it is necessary to equip it with all the necessary equipment:

hangers for dishes (glasses and glasses);
shakar;
coffee machine,
juicers and other equipment of your choice.

When installing a classic bar counter in an apartment, all these nuances matter: if something is missing, the entire structure will look unfinished.

Minimalism

With minimalism everything is simple: laconic colors, shapes, lines, absence of decorative elements. Geometry plays a huge role in such an interior, so the bar counter also looks more like a rectangular piece of material, the beauty of which is revealed in an ensemble with other elements.

Modern

In a modern style, there must be a bar counter. The peculiarity of this style is both simple and complex - to combine the incongruous. Also suitable for medium or small kitchens.

It is better to choose timber from one of the following materials:

metal;
extended glass;
plastic with imitation stone or natural wood.

It is important to highlight the entire kitchen from the bar counter. Here, one of its main functions is decorative; it should look luxurious, so a modern one is suitable only for people with good taste.

Design options

Well, now the most interesting thing - how can you beat the bar counter if you need to take into account such a factor as a small kitchen, provided that the counter will serve as a table? Of course, the classic option comes to mind when the stand has a beautiful support in the form of a chrome-plated metal pole from floor to ceiling, but in conditions of limited space it is better to abandon the idea of making such a stand - it cannot be removed, and the pole itself may get in the way. It's best to go with the folding version. Although, however, if you approach the design and selection of furniture correctly, you can choose a standard option that will fully suit the owner of the kitchen.

Kitchen with bar counter

Much will depend on the installation location of the counter itself, which in turn is influenced by a number of factors, including the size and shape of the kitchen itself. The stand can be positioned in different ways.

Parallel arrangement , when the countertop is installed so that it is parallel to the kitchen unit or work table.
Perpendicular arrangement, when the tabletop is fixed perpendicular to the working surface. Often in this case, the bar counter is a continuation of the desktop, but, nevertheless, the result is a separation of the working and dining areas. Also, the tabletop can be fixed perpendicular to the wall, rather than the desktop. A fairly common option and very convenient.
Bar counter design
Orientation along the wall is the simplest and most common option. Usually in this case the bar counter continues the work table. The main disadvantage of this arrangement is that you will have to look at the wall all the time while eating.
Bar counter - as a window sill . In this case, the stand either complements the window sill itself, or is its continuation or integral with it. The result is an original dining area with a view of the city/forest/park or whatever is available outside the window. The stand can be located either along the window sill or perpendicular to it, depending on the availability of free space. It makes sense to orient the bar counter along the windowsill if there is a large window in the kitchen and the view outside the window is very beautiful.
Island. In this case, the counter has a round or oval shape and is installed in the middle of the kitchen. It has a small tabletop and is quite inconvenient for everyday use.
Bar counter - ideal for a small kitchen

Advantages and disadvantages

Should you install a bar counter (BS) in an apartment or country house or give preference to a regular dining table?

In a large apartment or house, there will never be problems with choice - there is an opportunity not to give up one in favor of the other, because such a design will always be an excellent addition to the main dining room.

If a small kitchen area forces you to make a choice in favor of one thing, then you need to weigh all the possible pros and cons.

The bar counter has long ceased to be an original element of the interior. In addition, initially it had several other advantages:

save space. Under it, you can use the space near the window or wall, or make a built-in set in the form of an extension of the tabletop. This design will be mobile and adaptable to any conditions. For a small family, it can become a complete replacement for the dining table. This is especially true for small rooms up to 7 square meters;
space of zones. For kitchens, living rooms and studios, this is one way to divide the room into a work area and a relaxation area;
allows you to organize a minibar. Monolithic structures with a built-in refrigerator under the countertop for cooling drinks, lighting and appropriate design allow you to create a cafe atmosphere right in your apartment or house. This solution will definitely appeal to those who like to throw parties at home;
additional work surface. If you connect BS countertops and furniture, you can expand your work area.

When should you give up?

There are small children in the house. The bar counter in this case will always pose a threat to their safety.
Are you a frequent visitor or have a large family? As a rule, BS is not designed for a large number of people. Its width does not allow organizing a party for a group.
This is also a bad idea for older people. High chairs with foot rails will be at least uncomfortable for them.

What to consider when developing a project

So, having found out that bar counters can have different types and be installed in all sorts of ways, you need to start developing a project. It is important to consider several factors to ensure that the bar counter fits perfectly into the interior. It should be understood that it should not be installed near the front door , but if there are no other options, then it is recommended to install it so that it does not interfere with the passage, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to use.

You immediately need to define two zones in the kitchen - working and dining. A bar counter can be installed between them, and it will visually delimit them. The work area includes the area of the kitchen where the sink is located, and where the kitchen unit will be located.

Attaching the bar counter to the wall

Advice! In small kitchens it is not recommended to install L-shaped structures. They visually reduce space in most cases, although there are exceptions.

In a small kitchen, it is recommended to install a counter no wider than 40 cm. Its length will directly depend on the availability of free space, that is, on the dimensions of the kitchen. It is best if the stand is no longer than half the wall along which it will be installed, if we are talking about parallel orientation of the tabletop. The height of the stand can be made 100-130 cm. Stools can be bought ready-made, or they can be ordered or made, but it is important to understand that homemade products, like store-bought ones, must have foot support.

A bar counter for the kitchen is an original piece of furniture that is suitable even for small spaces

In general, when developing a bar counter project you need to consider:

kitchen dimensions;
type of bar counter;
general interior design;
desired dimensions of the rack itself;
material used;
the need for additional functions (for example, using the space under the bar counter to store something).

The functionality of the table top-window sill is varied

It’s not difficult to make a bar counter yourself; it’s more difficult to find suitable materials for it. But here a lot will depend on what appearance the stand itself should have.

Varieties

Tables designed as bar counters are often made in a rectangular shape; these are the ones that can be found in most homes. But oval, embossed, and round options can be made to order. There is another classification of tables and bar counters:

Wall stand. This is the most popular option, which is installed along the wall. The model is suitable for non-standard rooms with disproportionate dimensions. At one end, the kitchen bar table is fixed to the wall, which saves free space. Such furniture can be corner or single.
Modular. This is a small modular item in the form of a high table with chairs, easy to move. This option can be complemented with designer shelves on the wall.
Island model. Recommended exclusively for a spacious kitchen, as it is located in the center of the room. You can install shelves or a cabinet under the countertop. With this option, a multifunctional piece of furniture will serve not only as a bar table; it can accommodate a mini-fridge, stove with oven, and sink with rails.
A piece of kitchen furniture combined with a window sill. It is especially convenient if you have a beautiful view from the window.
Transformer. In this model, the supports for the tabletop are supports that are hidden. Attaches to the wall using brackets. When folded, it is invisible; it can be folded back only when necessary.
Retractable type. The stand rolls out of the niche on rollers, for example, if guests are invited and additional dining space is needed.
A mobile cabinet equipped with wheels with locks. Similar to a serving table, but the height of its bar is higher. An ideal option for a small kitchen. It is a full-fledged bar table for eating.
Open table-bar counter. The open base gives the product lightness and airiness. The leg of the product can be extended to the ceiling and supplemented with small shelves where you can put vases of fruit and souvenirs for decoration.
Closed table. The lower part is equipped with a storage system where cabinets and shelves for dishes, towels, napkins and other kitchen utensils are arranged. There is room here even for a small compact refrigerator. The drawers are pulled out using rollers and a telescopic system.

A small kitchen with a bar counter will become a little more spacious if the chairs are pushed under the furniture.

Retractable

Closed

Modular

Ostrovny

Open

Windowsill

Wall-mounted

Folding

Materials

The tabletop itself is easiest to make to order, but you can also make it yourself from a regular MDF panel. Alternatively, the tabletop can be made of solid wood, plywood and other wood derivatives. The main thing is to process it correctly so that it looks beautiful. Composite material that resembles stone in appearance is now very popular. But it differs in lightness and low price from its natural counterpart. And that’s why countertops for bar counters are often made from it.

Semicircular bar counter in the kitchen

In some cases, the base of the rack can be made of brick, covered with tiles. Metal poles or ordinary wooden legs can also be used as support.

On a note! Sometimes you can use improvised materials to make bar counters. It is quite possible to take as a basis even pallets that are used for transporting goods.

Alternative to the kitchen table

My own master

You can make bar counters for a small kitchen yourself by purchasing a tabletop, hardware, pipe and corners separately. Before installation, you should determine the place where the support pipe will be located, make appropriate marks on the ceiling, floor and on the tabletop itself, and attach the clamps. Next, you need to install the corners to the wall, place the tabletop on them and level the pipe. You can fix the position using nails or screws. To attach the pipe to the ceiling, you need to install the clamp 15 mm from the ceiling and insert the pipe into the fastening element. You can make the task easier by using a regular metal leg, which will support the tabletop on the side opposite to the wall.

The base of this homemade bar counter is made of plasterboard and galvanized profile

The task is greatly simplified in a room where the kitchen is combined with a balcony. After dismantling the window frame and doorway, a part of the wall remains where a bar counter is installed instead of a window sill. The height can be left unchanged by simply installing a table top on top. If you want a high table, the base can be raised.

If after the renovation there are sheets of plywood, fiberboard, wooden boards or bars left, it is possible to build an original minibar counter with your own hands.

To do this, you must first make a drawing of the future design on graph paper. In accordance with the measurements, it is necessary to build a frame from boards, fastening them together with nails. The optimal height is 105–110 cm (this will make it easy to select bar stools).

The frame should be covered with sheets of plywood and a table top should be installed on top. Moldings around the perimeter of the table top with protruding edges look very nice. In addition to the aesthetic function, they also perform a practical one, preventing dishes from falling. You can decorate the facade with scraps of plywood, skirting boards using wood glue or nails.

The finished product must be coated with stain and then varnish in several layers. Please note that the drying time for each layer must be at least two hours. You can also choose a two-component epoxy resin with a glass effect as a coating. It will last much longer, and the bar counter will look more attractive. If desired, shelves with a width of about 30 cm can be made on the inside using the same principle. They will provide additional storage space for things and kitchen utensils.

A bar counter in a small kitchen is a decoration of any interior, which is a stylish and compact addition to any set. The design has gained popularity not only due to its elegant appearance, but also its practicality in use. By spending a little time making it yourself, you can get a product that will become a source of pride for the owners.

Making a bar counter

Step 1. The first step is to make a tabletop, if it was not made to order according to the specified dimensions. You need to cut out the desired shape of a part from a material (for example, MDF), be sure to sand the edges, and then cover them with veneer, gluing it to cover the unsightly cuts.

Sanding the table top

Step 2. Next, you need to make marks on the wall at the level at which the countertop will be located. Marks are necessary to determine where the rack mounts are fixed.

The installation location is marked

Another photo of the process

Step 3. Then you need to drill holes for the tabletop fastenings and insert plastic dowels into them.

Holes are drilled

Step 4. You need to take a metal pole and, placing it on the floor near the wall, make a mark on it parallel to the fastenings on the wall. It will help you navigate where the tabletop will be fixed on the pole.

Marking a metal pole

Step 5. You need to attach fasteners to the side of the tabletop that will be fixed to the wall. It is also worthwhile to immediately thread the bar pole itself through the hole in the tabletop.

Fastenings are installed

Step 6. You need to screw the fasteners on the tabletop to the wall using self-tapping screws.

The mount is screwed to the wall

Step 7. Then you need to level the tabletop, focusing on the building level.

Tabletop leveling

Step 8. Be sure to secure the pole at the top near the ceiling and at the bottom in the floor. To do this, you can use special rings with holes for self-tapping screws, placed on the pole.

Pole attachment

Step 9. It is also important to secure the tabletop to the pole using two more rings, top and bottom. The rings need to be screwed to the pole with self-tapping screws.

The rings are screwed on with self-tapping screws

Our bar counter is almost ready

Advice! At the junction of the horizontal surface of the counter and the wall, you can make a decorative trim. It will not allow debris to fall between the wall and the countertop.

How to install a table with a bar counter in the kitchen

Even the inexperienced can install this kitchen item. But to do this correctly, you need to follow some tips:

When installing, do not disturb the kitchen triangle (sink, refrigerator, tile).
The type of lamps and their installation location need to be considered at the design selection stage.
All parts must be well attached.
No need to overload with unnecessary details.
In order not to make a mistake with the colors, you need to think through the entire interior in advance.
When choosing, we must not forget that, to begin with, a bar is a functional object, and it is only a decoration secondarily.

A little bit of history

Before you start choosing the optimal sizes or go to Ikea to buy yourself a stand-table, let’s take a short excursion into history. I think many will be interested in learning about the origin of this type of furniture designs.

Bar counters, according to experts, first appeared in the 18th century in North America. That is, in the USA.