“The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.” – Mario Batali Having a bar area in your kitchen gives you a functional space that allows people to sit and have a quick meal or keep you company while you’re cooking. If you’re designing your kitchen layout, this is your chance to build a bar counter to your exact specifications. This could be a separate peninsula or an addition to your island. For some kitchens, the bar looks best built into the counter. It can blend in if you use the same material as the countertop. In other kitchens, the bar makes a statement because the designer chose a different material with plans to make it stand out as an accent. These kitchen bar ideas will get you inspired to create the perfect breakfast bar in your kitchen.
- Counter Kitchen Bar Ideas If you aren’t doing an entire kitchen remodel, you can still have a breakfast bar— just build one onto your existing countertop. The bar area could be level with the counter space to be a smooth and continuous surface. The counter would extend out further than the cabinet underneath so that you can sit at it. Source: @elleestpasbellelavie_ via Instagram Source: @la_cozy_casita via Instagram Source: @monogroup_project via Instagram Source: @snuuk_i via Instagram
Another option is to build the bar area to be slightly higher than the counter. You’d build the bar upward and allow the counter to overhang an open space underneath. This design works well if you have a kitchen island, long counter, or peninsula-style counter. If you already have a flat top island, you could build your bar top by placing a thick slab of wood on one side. 2. Industrial Kitchen Bar Ideas If you love the industrial look, you can incorporate these elements into your breakfast bar. You could have one made of concrete. Or you could have a metal addition that creates the bar on your current counters. Source: @farmhouse507 via Instagram Source: @hbfelectrical via Instagram Source: @kropp.parkbeachhouse via Instagram Source: @manitobafarmhouse via Instagram Source: @pamelacarlisledesign via Instagram Source: @redbarninspiredfarmhouse via Instagram Source: @stonehillcottage via Instagram Source: @thedesignclub via Instagram Source: @ideas via Instagram
If you’re short on space, you could create a commercial inspired industrial coffee bar. This mini coffee station could have a pendant light over it, defining the space. Then you might want to use coffeehouse-style bar stools for seating. Look for ways you could build coffee supplies into the bar area. You could have metal pipe and wood shelves on the end of the bar where you have sugar, creamer, coffee, and mugs.
- Island Kitchen Bar Ideas If you have a kitchen island, this is the perfect place to build your bar. You probably already have lighting in the form of a chandelier or pendant lighting. So all you need to do is create seating. Tailor the bar to the size of the island. Source: @dream_zen_house via Instagram Source: @independentkitchensjoinery via Instagram Source: @slashdesigngroup via Instagram Source: @theprairiesistersvintagemarket via Instagram Source: @vintage4you via Instagram If you have a small kitchen island, you could have a pair of stools. A larger island can support three or four stools. With the island, you have more than one side to work with. You could have a bar on two sides of the island to create more space.
- Luxury Kitchen Bar Ideas For a luxurious feel to your breakfast bar, look for ways to add expensive materials or innovative technology. Use marble or granite for the counter material, or consider a custom-built counter with crystals and stones mounted in epoxy. Source: @farmstyle_homes via Instagram Source: @flexineonaustralia via Instagram Source: @kdhdesigner via Instagram
A unique statement piece could be a counter made of glass. You could have a thick slab of glass inside of which you can mount lighting fixtures. 5. Marble Kitchen Bar Ideas Marble countertops have a timeless elegance to them that you simply can’t achieve with other materials. Marble is popular because it’s durable and beautiful. You could use it in either your indoor or outdoor kitchen. Source: @quirk_of_sloane via Instagram Source: @theshawteam_realtors via Instagram Using marble for your kitchen breakfast bar will add visual texture with the grain in the stone. When used in your outdoor space, it can withstand the elements and changing seasons. When choosing your marble, choose a stone with the colors and amount of grain you’re looking for. Just be sure to seal it for protection.
- Minimalist Kitchen Bar Ideas Minimalist bar tops work best in small kitchen spaces. When you lack a full dining room, your kitchen bar becomes your dining table. Your minimalist bar should have the least amount of detailing and instead feature long straight lines. Source: @any.interiordesign via Instagram Source: @ohhappydaileyfarmhouse via Instagram Source: @sanctuary_kitchens_bathrooms via Instagram Source: @thetrendsette_ via Instagram Source: @x_inside_silverbirches_x via Instagram
Use the same approach for the coloring and shape of your bar counter. Choose a solid color and create a long rectangle shape. Top off this clean design with streamlined bar stools. Look for stools with crisp corners and straight lines. If you can, tuck the stools entirely under the bar counter to keep with the minimalist and clean design. 7. Modern Kitchen Bar Ideas For a contemporary kitchen, your bar should be smooth and sleek. You could incorporate it into your counter for a sleek design that blends in with the counters. The easiest way to do this is to have the counter material extend beyond the cabinets to create a tabletop area. Source: @myfirstbungalow_ via Instagram
Highlighting the bar stool area with color is a hallmark of modern kitchens. This might mean using white or a light color for the bar counter and painting the wall underneath a darker color. A design like this creates contrast and depth. 8. Peninsula Kitchen Bar Ideas If you already have a peninsula in your kitchen, it’s perfect for a kitchen bar design that creates a bar area on one side of the counter space. You’ll be able to prepare food and cook on one side while family and guests can sit on the other side to share a laugh or story. You’ll be able to prepare food and drinks while also entertaining. Source: @angelozepeda1 via Instagram Source: @any.interiordesign via Instagram Source: @hommy_livingbandung via Instagram Source: @mrcabinets via Instagram Source: @once.upon_.a.home_ via Instagram Source: @projectimmo via Instagram For this style, the way to get the cleanest look is to extend the counter so it overhangs the seating area. You can then use low chairs for people to sit. For more of a bar feel, create a raised bar counter along the side of the peninsula, and use bar stools for seating. 9. Rustic Kitchen Bar Ideas The obvious choice for a rustic bar is to use some type of wood. Consider a rough-hewn plank of timber, a portion of a tree trunk, or a reclaimed piece of wood taken from another building. However, it isn’t your only option. Give some thought to using butcher block. It’s more durable and looks beautiful. Source: @brownies_forever_farmhouse via Instagram Source: @cottageontupeloridge via Instagram Source: @vernonliving via Instagram Another option is to use natural stone. Unlike marble or granite, you should leave the edge raw. Stone will look beautiful inside or be durable enough to last, allowing for an outdoor bar that blends in with the natural surroundings.
Simple Kitchen Bar Ideas Source: @angiehappyhome via Instagram
White Kitchen Bar Ideas Source: @tawaandraven via Instagram
Wood Kitchen Bar Ideas Make a statement in your kitchen with a wooden bar. This is your chance to use a large and thick slab of wood that would be too big for your wooden countertops. Choose a piece that has rich graining and color that will add bold texture to your kitchen. Source: @didsburyterrace via Instagram Source: @the_bowland_build via Instagram Whether you use light or dark wood, you should make your bar from a solid piece of wood. For a rustic feel, you could use a piece of wood with a live edge, complete with bark and all. A vintage or industrial look will have you using reclaimed wood. To achieve a luxurious or classy feel, stain and polish the wood to a high shine.
Granite Kitchen Bar If you love the look of granite, consider it for your countertops. You might also use it for your kitchen breakfast bar area. This design will create an elegant and uniform look throughout your entire kitchen.
One drawback of this idea is that granite countertops can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, this idea may be out of your price range. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of granite. Choose a more affordable option for your counters, and keep the granite for your kitchen bar. This adds a premium touch where the granite takes a central role in your kitchen, making your entire kitchen feel more luxurious.
“The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.” – Mario Batali Having a bar area in your kitchen gives you a functional space that allows people to sit and have a quick meal or keep you company while you’re cooking. If you’re designing your kitchen layout, this is your chance to build a bar counter to your exact specifications. This could be a separate peninsula or an addition to your island. For some kitchens, the bar looks best built into the counter. It can blend in if you use the same material as the countertop. In other kitchens, the bar makes a statement because the designer chose a different material with plans to make it stand out as an accent. These kitchen bar ideas will get you inspired to create the perfect breakfast bar in your kitchen.
- Counter Kitchen Bar Ideas If you aren’t doing an entire kitchen remodel, you can still have a breakfast bar— just build one onto your existing countertop. The bar area could be level with the counter space to be a smooth and continuous surface. The counter would extend out further than the cabinet underneath so that you can sit at it. Source: @elleestpasbellelavie_ via Instagram Source: @la_cozy_casita via Instagram Source: @monogroup_project via Instagram Source: @snuuk_i via Instagram
Another option is to build the bar area to be slightly higher than the counter. You’d build the bar upward and allow the counter to overhang an open space underneath. This design works well if you have a kitchen island, long counter, or peninsula-style counter. If you already have a flat top island, you could build your bar top by placing a thick slab of wood on one side. 2. Industrial Kitchen Bar Ideas If you love the industrial look, you can incorporate these elements into your breakfast bar. You could have one made of concrete. Or you could have a metal addition that creates the bar on your current counters. Source: @farmhouse507 via Instagram Source: @hbfelectrical via Instagram Source: @kropp.parkbeachhouse via Instagram Source: @manitobafarmhouse via Instagram Source: @pamelacarlisledesign via Instagram Source: @redbarninspiredfarmhouse via Instagram Source: @stonehillcottage via Instagram Source: @thedesignclub via Instagram Source: @ideas via Instagram
If you’re short on space, you could create a commercial inspired industrial coffee bar. This mini coffee station could have a pendant light over it, defining the space. Then you might want to use coffeehouse-style bar stools for seating. Look for ways you could build coffee supplies into the bar area. You could have metal pipe and wood shelves on the end of the bar where you have sugar, creamer, coffee, and mugs.
- Island Kitchen Bar Ideas If you have a kitchen island, this is the perfect place to build your bar. You probably already have lighting in the form of a chandelier or pendant lighting. So all you need to do is create seating. Tailor the bar to the size of the island. Source: @dream_zen_house via Instagram Source: @independentkitchensjoinery via Instagram Source: @slashdesigngroup via Instagram Source: @theprairiesistersvintagemarket via Instagram Source: @vintage4you via Instagram If you have a small kitchen island, you could have a pair of stools. A larger island can support three or four stools. With the island, you have more than one side to work with. You could have a bar on two sides of the island to create more space.
- Luxury Kitchen Bar Ideas For a luxurious feel to your breakfast bar, look for ways to add expensive materials or innovative technology. Use marble or granite for the counter material, or consider a custom-built counter with crystals and stones mounted in epoxy. Source: @farmstyle_homes via Instagram Source: @flexineonaustralia via Instagram Source: @kdhdesigner via Instagram
A unique statement piece could be a counter made of glass. You could have a thick slab of glass inside of which you can mount lighting fixtures. 5. Marble Kitchen Bar Ideas Marble countertops have a timeless elegance to them that you simply can’t achieve with other materials. Marble is popular because it’s durable and beautiful. You could use it in either your indoor or outdoor kitchen. Source: @quirk_of_sloane via Instagram Source: @theshawteam_realtors via Instagram Using marble for your kitchen breakfast bar will add visual texture with the grain in the stone. When used in your outdoor space, it can withstand the elements and changing seasons. When choosing your marble, choose a stone with the colors and amount of grain you’re looking for. Just be sure to seal it for protection.
- Minimalist Kitchen Bar Ideas Minimalist bar tops work best in small kitchen spaces. When you lack a full dining room, your kitchen bar becomes your dining table. Your minimalist bar should have the least amount of detailing and instead feature long straight lines. Source: @any.interiordesign via Instagram Source: @ohhappydaileyfarmhouse via Instagram Source: @sanctuary_kitchens_bathrooms via Instagram Source: @thetrendsette_ via Instagram Source: @x_inside_silverbirches_x via Instagram
Use the same approach for the coloring and shape of your bar counter. Choose a solid color and create a long rectangle shape. Top off this clean design with streamlined bar stools. Look for stools with crisp corners and straight lines. If you can, tuck the stools entirely under the bar counter to keep with the minimalist and clean design. 7. Modern Kitchen Bar Ideas For a contemporary kitchen, your bar should be smooth and sleek. You could incorporate it into your counter for a sleek design that blends in with the counters. The easiest way to do this is to have the counter material extend beyond the cabinets to create a tabletop area. Source: @myfirstbungalow_ via Instagram
Highlighting the bar stool area with color is a hallmark of modern kitchens. This might mean using white or a light color for the bar counter and painting the wall underneath a darker color. A design like this creates contrast and depth. 8. Peninsula Kitchen Bar Ideas If you already have a peninsula in your kitchen, it’s perfect for a kitchen bar design that creates a bar area on one side of the counter space. You’ll be able to prepare food and cook on one side while family and guests can sit on the other side to share a laugh or story. You’ll be able to prepare food and drinks while also entertaining. Source: @angelozepeda1 via Instagram Source: @any.interiordesign via Instagram Source: @hommy_livingbandung via Instagram Source: @mrcabinets via Instagram Source: @once.upon_.a.home_ via Instagram Source: @projectimmo via Instagram For this style, the way to get the cleanest look is to extend the counter so it overhangs the seating area. You can then use low chairs for people to sit. For more of a bar feel, create a raised bar counter along the side of the peninsula, and use bar stools for seating. 9. Rustic Kitchen Bar Ideas The obvious choice for a rustic bar is to use some type of wood. Consider a rough-hewn plank of timber, a portion of a tree trunk, or a reclaimed piece of wood taken from another building. However, it isn’t your only option. Give some thought to using butcher block. It’s more durable and looks beautiful. Source: @brownies_forever_farmhouse via Instagram Source: @cottageontupeloridge via Instagram Source: @vernonliving via Instagram Another option is to use natural stone. Unlike marble or granite, you should leave the edge raw. Stone will look beautiful inside or be durable enough to last, allowing for an outdoor bar that blends in with the natural surroundings.
Simple Kitchen Bar Ideas Source: @angiehappyhome via Instagram
White Kitchen Bar Ideas Source: @tawaandraven via Instagram
Wood Kitchen Bar Ideas Make a statement in your kitchen with a wooden bar. This is your chance to use a large and thick slab of wood that would be too big for your wooden countertops. Choose a piece that has rich graining and color that will add bold texture to your kitchen. Source: @didsburyterrace via Instagram Source: @the_bowland_build via Instagram Whether you use light or dark wood, you should make your bar from a solid piece of wood. For a rustic feel, you could use a piece of wood with a live edge, complete with bark and all. A vintage or industrial look will have you using reclaimed wood. To achieve a luxurious or classy feel, stain and polish the wood to a high shine.
Granite Kitchen Bar If you love the look of granite, consider it for your countertops. You might also use it for your kitchen breakfast bar area. This design will create an elegant and uniform look throughout your entire kitchen.
One drawback of this idea is that granite countertops can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, this idea may be out of your price range. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of granite. Choose a more affordable option for your counters, and keep the granite for your kitchen bar. This adds a premium touch where the granite takes a central role in your kitchen, making your entire kitchen feel more luxurious.
“The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.” – Mario Batali
Having a bar area in your kitchen gives you a functional space that allows people to sit and have a quick meal or keep you company while you’re cooking. If you’re designing your kitchen layout, this is your chance to build a bar counter to your exact specifications. This could be a separate peninsula or an addition to your island.
For some kitchens, the bar looks best built into the counter. It can blend in if you use the same material as the countertop. In other kitchens, the bar makes a statement because the designer chose a different material with plans to make it stand out as an accent.
These kitchen bar ideas will get you inspired to create the perfect breakfast bar in your kitchen.
1. Counter Kitchen Bar Ideas
If you aren’t doing an entire kitchen remodel, you can still have a breakfast bar— just build one onto your existing countertop. The bar area could be level with the counter space to be a smooth and continuous surface. The counter would extend out further than the cabinet underneath so that you can sit at it.
Source: @elleestpasbellelavie_ via Instagram
Source: @la_cozy_casita via Instagram
Source: @monogroup_project via Instagram
Source: @snuuk_i via Instagram
Another option is to build the bar area to be slightly higher than the counter. You’d build the bar upward and allow the counter to overhang an open space underneath. This design works well if you have a kitchen island, long counter, or peninsula-style counter. If you already have a flat top island, you could build your bar top by placing a thick slab of wood on one side.
2. Industrial Kitchen Bar Ideas
If you love the industrial look, you can incorporate these elements into your breakfast bar. You could have one made of concrete. Or you could have a metal addition that creates the bar on your current counters.
Source: @farmhouse507 via Instagram
Source: @hbfelectrical via Instagram
Source: @kropp.parkbeachhouse via Instagram
Source: @manitobafarmhouse via Instagram
Source: @pamelacarlisledesign via Instagram
Source: @redbarninspiredfarmhouse via Instagram
Source: @stonehillcottage via Instagram
Source: @thedesignclub via Instagram
Source: @ideas via Instagram
If you’re short on space, you could create a commercial inspired industrial coffee bar. This mini coffee station could have a pendant light over it, defining the space. Then you might want to use coffeehouse-style bar stools for seating.
Look for ways you could build coffee supplies into the bar area. You could have metal pipe and wood shelves on the end of the bar where you have sugar, creamer, coffee, and mugs.
3. Island Kitchen Bar Ideas
If you have a kitchen island, this is the perfect place to build your bar. You probably already have lighting in the form of a chandelier or pendant lighting. So all you need to do is create seating. Tailor the bar to the size of the island.
Source: @dream_zen_house via Instagram
Source: @independentkitchensjoinery via Instagram
Source: @slashdesigngroup via Instagram
Source: @theprairiesistersvintagemarket via Instagram
Source: @vintage4you via Instagram
If you have a small kitchen island, you could have a pair of stools. A larger island can support three or four stools. With the island, you have more than one side to work with. You could have a bar on two sides of the island to create more space.
4. Luxury Kitchen Bar Ideas
For a luxurious feel to your breakfast bar, look for ways to add expensive materials or innovative technology. Use marble or granite for the counter material, or consider a custom-built counter with crystals and stones mounted in epoxy.
Source: @farmstyle_homes via Instagram
Source: @flexineonaustralia via Instagram
Source: @kdhdesigner via Instagram
A unique statement piece could be a counter made of glass. You could have a thick slab of glass inside of which you can mount lighting fixtures.
5. Marble Kitchen Bar Ideas
Marble countertops have a timeless elegance to them that you simply can’t achieve with other materials. Marble is popular because it’s durable and beautiful. You could use it in either your indoor or outdoor kitchen.
Source: @quirk_of_sloane via Instagram
Source: @theshawteam_realtors via Instagram
Using marble for your kitchen breakfast bar will add visual texture with the grain in the stone. When used in your outdoor space, it can withstand the elements and changing seasons. When choosing your marble, choose a stone with the colors and amount of grain you’re looking for. Just be sure to seal it for protection.
6. Minimalist Kitchen Bar Ideas
Minimalist bar tops work best in small kitchen spaces. When you lack a full dining room, your kitchen bar becomes your dining table. Your minimalist bar should have the least amount of detailing and instead feature long straight lines.
Source: @any.interiordesign via Instagram
Source: @ohhappydaileyfarmhouse via Instagram
Source: @sanctuary_kitchens_bathrooms via Instagram
Source: @thetrendsette_ via Instagram
Source: @x_inside_silverbirches_x via Instagram
Use the same approach for the coloring and shape of your bar counter. Choose a solid color and create a long rectangle shape. Top off this clean design with streamlined bar stools. Look for stools with crisp corners and straight lines. If you can, tuck the stools entirely under the bar counter to keep with the minimalist and clean design.
7. Modern Kitchen Bar Ideas
For a contemporary kitchen, your bar should be smooth and sleek. You could incorporate it into your counter for a sleek design that blends in with the counters. The easiest way to do this is to have the counter material extend beyond the cabinets to create a tabletop area.
Source: @myfirstbungalow_ via Instagram
Highlighting the bar stool area with color is a hallmark of modern kitchens. This might mean using white or a light color for the bar counter and painting the wall underneath a darker color. A design like this creates contrast and depth.
8. Peninsula Kitchen Bar Ideas
If you already have a peninsula in your kitchen, it’s perfect for a kitchen bar design that creates a bar area on one side of the counter space. You’ll be able to prepare food and cook on one side while family and guests can sit on the other side to share a laugh or story. You’ll be able to prepare food and drinks while also entertaining.
Source: @angelozepeda1 via Instagram
Source: @hommy_livingbandung via Instagram
Source: @mrcabinets via Instagram
Source: @once.upon_.a.home_ via Instagram
Source: @projectimmo via Instagram
For this style, the way to get the cleanest look is to extend the counter so it overhangs the seating area. You can then use low chairs for people to sit. For more of a bar feel, create a raised bar counter along the side of the peninsula, and use bar stools for seating.
9. Rustic Kitchen Bar Ideas
The obvious choice for a rustic bar is to use some type of wood. Consider a rough-hewn plank of timber, a portion of a tree trunk, or a reclaimed piece of wood taken from another building. However, it isn’t your only option. Give some thought to using butcher block. It’s more durable and looks beautiful.
Source: @brownies_forever_farmhouse via Instagram
Source: @cottageontupeloridge via Instagram
Source: @vernonliving via Instagram
Another option is to use natural stone. Unlike marble or granite, you should leave the edge raw. Stone will look beautiful inside or be durable enough to last, allowing for an outdoor bar that blends in with the natural surroundings.
10. Simple Kitchen Bar Ideas
Source: @angiehappyhome via Instagram
11. White Kitchen Bar Ideas
Source: @tawaandraven via Instagram
12. Wood Kitchen Bar Ideas
Make a statement in your kitchen with a wooden bar. This is your chance to use a large and thick slab of wood that would be too big for your wooden countertops. Choose a piece that has rich graining and color that will add bold texture to your kitchen.
Source: @didsburyterrace via Instagram
Source: @the_bowland_build via Instagram
Whether you use light or dark wood, you should make your bar from a solid piece of wood. For a rustic feel, you could use a piece of wood with a live edge, complete with bark and all. A vintage or industrial look will have you using reclaimed wood. To achieve a luxurious or classy feel, stain and polish the wood to a high shine.
13. Granite Kitchen Bar
If you love the look of granite, consider it for your countertops. You might also use it for your kitchen breakfast bar area. This design will create an elegant and uniform look throughout your entire kitchen.
One drawback of this idea is that granite countertops can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, this idea may be out of your price range. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream of granite. Choose a more affordable option for your counters, and keep the granite for your kitchen bar. This adds a premium touch where the granite takes a central role in your kitchen, making your entire kitchen feel more luxurious.
What are the best breakfast bar designs for storage?
Look for one that’s enclosed underneath. It could have drawers or cabinets. This storage could be on multiple sides to utilize all of the space under the bar. A longer bar will give you more space than one that’s round or square.
What is the standard height of a kitchen bar?
The standard height of a kitchen bar is 30 inches. You’ll need to use taller stools to sit comfortably at the counter. There should be about 12 inches between the seat of the stool and the countertop.
How to pick the right color for your breakfast bar?
Think about the color scheme and design of the rest of the kitchen. A safe choice is to match the breakfast bar with the rest of the counters, so they all blend together. Another option is to choose a contrasting color to make it stand out as an accent piece.
What are the best breakfast bar designs for storage?
Look for one that’s enclosed underneath. It could have drawers or cabinets. This storage could be on multiple sides to utilize all of the space under the bar. A longer bar will give you more space than one that’s round or square.
Look for one that’s enclosed underneath. It could have drawers or cabinets. This storage could be on multiple sides to utilize all of the space under the bar. A longer bar will give you more space than one that’s round or square.
What is the standard height of a kitchen bar?
The standard height of a kitchen bar is 30 inches. You’ll need to use taller stools to sit comfortably at the counter. There should be about 12 inches between the seat of the stool and the countertop.
The standard height of a kitchen bar is 30 inches. You’ll need to use taller stools to sit comfortably at the counter. There should be about 12 inches between the seat of the stool and the countertop.
How to pick the right color for your breakfast bar?
Think about the color scheme and design of the rest of the kitchen. A safe choice is to match the breakfast bar with the rest of the counters, so they all blend together. Another option is to choose a contrasting color to make it stand out as an accent piece.
Think about the color scheme and design of the rest of the kitchen. A safe choice is to match the breakfast bar with the rest of the counters, so they all blend together. Another option is to choose a contrasting color to make it stand out as an accent piece.
