Kitchen breakfast bar ideas
Thinking about adding a breakfast bar to your kitchen?
Design your kitchen breakfast bar
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
From ideal breakfast bar stools and tables for your kitchen to smart design hacks for space‑saving breakfast bars – here’s some inspiration for those laid‑back kitchen mornings.
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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?
More ways to use your breakfast bar
More than just breakfast. Use your breakfast bar table as a workspace or add a set of comfortable bar stools and turn it into the perfect dining or hangout spot.
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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 power socket 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
Pull up, perch, and sip! From a bar stool with arms for comfort, sleek backless styles for small spaces, to timeless wooden picks, explore different types and styles of breakfast bar stools to match your space and personality.
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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 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 58-72 cm and are ideal for kitchen counters with a height of 89-94 cm, while bar-height stools have a seat height of 72-82 cm for bars 104-109 cm 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 25 cm 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 15 cm between each bar stool to allow room for everyone to sit comfortably at the bar together.
Shop by bar stool height
Explore bar stools by height. From bar-height classics to flexible adjustable bar stools, and find the perfect perch for your breakfast bar.
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Decorate your breakfast bar
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Breakfast bar décor
Finish things off with some home décor. Think vases, candles, ornaments, faux plants, and more - perfect for adding curated style and making your space feel welcoming.
Add the finishing touches to your kitchen
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.
How to make a small breakfast bar?
To make a small breakfast bar when space is limited, add a floating or fold-down wall-mounted ledge, or convert a compact kitchen trolley into a breakfast bar. Finish with stackable stools or folding chairs for convenience.
How to style a kitchen breakfast bar?
Style your breakfast bar with home décor that reflects your taste. Add pops of colour using vases, fresh fragrances with candles, and curated trinket trays. Refresh seasonally or choose timeless décor for effortless charm.
