Kitchen breakfast bar ideas
Thinking about adding a breakfast bar to your kitchen?
A breakfast bar is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It is a great spot for sipping your morning coffee, hanging out with family and friends, grabbing a quick snack or evening drinks.
But the first step in selecting a bar is to look at the space you will work with. Make sure there's enough room, not just for the table and chairs but also for people to move comfortably. Imagine how it flows with your kitchen. Does it feel like a natural hangout spot? Or is it blocking a shelf or a cupboard? Once you figure these, you can look at the creative ways to get your fave look at home.
Breakfast bar inspiration and tips
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1. Kitchen island breakfast bar
If you have a kitchen island, creating a breakfast bar space is easy. All you need is some trendy bar stools to sit flush against the island and you have yourself the perfect place to perch.
2. Add side stools
No island, no worries. Kitchen counters can make an excellent breakfast bar space too. Why not try some slimline stools that take up less space, but still provide a great spot to sit.
3. Save space with a breakfast bar table
A freestanding breakfast bar is the best way to get the look if you don’t have an island or worktop space. These tables take up less space than dining furniture as they’re tall and typically made for two.
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4. Add a breakfast trolley
Save yourself an early rummage through the cupboards by keeping your tableware essentials at arm's reach.
5. Position it smartly
Make the most of the sunrise by placing your breakfast bar towards a window. And for darker mornings, why not add a table lamp to lift the doom and gloom?
6. Breakfast bar lighting
Set the right mood with the right lighting. Pendant lights create a cosy vibe whether it a lazy morning cuppa or a late-night chats with your loved one.
More ways to use your breakfast bar
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Turn it into a workstation
A breakfast bar counter can also double up as a work-from-home station. Just set up a plug point somewhere close and you're good to go.
Double up your dining set
Double up space-saving dining sets as a breakfast bar area for all-day seating that doesn't leave you lacking in floorspace.
Types of bar stools for your breakfast bar
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Bar stool materials
Solid wood is strong, sturdy and perfect for country kitchens, while leather effect and metal stools are a great match for sleek and sophisticated kitchen styles.
You can also get them in plastic, or for something a little more luxurious, velvet!
Bar stool styles
Diner style bar stools offer the most comfort, usually including arm and back rests and a swivel function.
A subtler choice may be a dining chair style bar stool, which you can match up with your dining set up.
For a more casual approach, choose a backless option - perfect for perching.
Bar stool colours
Find the colour that matches your kitchen. We have everything from sleek blacks and greys, to rustic browns and creams and soft, calming white.
You could also use your bar stool to inject some personality into your kitchen with a bold red, blush pink or sumptuous teal.
How to measure for bar stools
Make sure your new bar stools will fit comfortably with your new breakfast bar. Get the measuring tape out - you need to measure for:
- Seat height: Make sure you're not sat too high or too low. Bar stools generally fit into two categories: counter-height and bar-height. Counter-height stools have a seat height of 58-72cm and are ideal for kitchen counters with a height of 89-94cm, while bar-height stools have a seat height of 72-82cm for bars 104-109cm tall. Adjustable bar stools allow you to raise or lower yourself to your preferred height.
- Leg room: Where's the fun of a breakfast bar if you can barely move your legs? Measure from the underside of the counter to the floor and subtract 25cm for your leg room. The number you're left with is the maximum height for your bar stools.
- Distance between stools: You should leave about 15cm between each bar stool to allow room for everyone to sit comfortably at the bar together.
Shop by bar stool height
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Finishing touches
FAQs about breakfast bars
How much overhang should a breakfast bar have?
Typically, you need an overhang of 10-12 inches for comfortable seating and about 15-18 inches for extra legroom.
Is it worth having a breakfast bar?
If you need extra table space, a casual space to eat or enjoy your beverages, or generally a place to entertain, then a breakfast bar is worth having. You may need to think if you have limited floor space or if you prefer a separate dining setup.
Should a breakfast bar be higher than a worktop?
A breakfast bar can be higher than a worktop as it creates a bar-style seating. However, there is no strict rule. Kitchen counter tops are generally 36 inches and breakfast bars go to 42 inches.
How to fit a breakfast bar in a small kitchen?
To fit in a breakfast bar in your compact kitchen, add a slimline kitchen island, create a breakfast nook with two-person table, or go for multi-functional dining table that works as a breakfast bar, a workstation and a place to entertain.
What is a good size for a breakfast bar?
The breakfast bar dimensions depend on your use. Ideally, a good size for a breakfast bar is anywhere between 36-42 inches high, about 24 inches deep and 28 inches wide per person. Don't forget an overhang of 10-12 inches.
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