A kitchen breakfast bar is a versatile and convenient addition to any home, maximising the functionality of your kitchen. It provides a central gathering place for family and friends to enjoy meals and can also serve as a functional workspace for preparing meals and entertaining. The best kitchen breakfast bar ideas consider the size and layout of your kitchen, as well as your personal style and needs.
What are you working with?
The first step in fashioning a breakfast bar in your kitchen is to ask yourself a few questions. How much room have I got? How many people will be using it at one time? What’s my budget? What’s the primary function of my breakfast bar? Answering these plus many more will allow you to plan and organise properly. It is important that you measure the important parts of your kitchen to ensure you get the right items for your space and don’t end up buying multiple and repeatedly getting disappointed.
Sensible Stools
When selecting stools for your breakfast bar, there are several aspects to ponder. The first thing to think about is the size of your bar and the amount of space you have for stools. If you have a small bar or limited space, you may want to opt for stools that are more streamlined and take up less room. On the other hand, if you have a larger bar or plenty of space, you may want to choose stools that are more comfortable and offer more support.
Style & Comfort
The style of your kitchen and breakfast bar should also be considered when choosing stools. If your kitchen has a modern, minimalist aesthetic, you may want to opt for stools with clean lines and a simple design. If your kitchen has a more traditional or rustic feel, you might choose stools with ornate details or a more rustic finish. Comfort is also an important factor to think about when choosing stools for your breakfast bar. Look for stools with padded seats or backrests, as these will be more comfortable for long periods of sitting. You may also want to include stools with adjustable heights, as this will allow you to customize the seat height to your preference and ensure that your feet are planted firmly on the ground.
Colour & Material
Material is another detail to contemplate when choosing stools for your breakfast bar. Wood, metal, and plastic are all popular materials, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Wood stools can be warm and inviting, but they may be more prone to wear and tear over time. Metal stools are often more durable, but they can be colder to the touch and may not be as comfortable as wood or padded seats. Plastic stools are lightweight and easy to clean, but they may not be as durable as wood or metal. Don't forget the colour and finish of your stools. Choose a colour and finish that complements the overall design of your kitchen and breakfast bar. Neutral tones like black, white, and grey are always a safe bet, but you can also add a pop of colour with stools in shades of blue, green, or red. To summarise, the best stools for your breakfast bar will depend on your personal preferences, the size and style of your kitchen, and your budget. By examining these factors, you can choose stools that are both functional and stylish, and that will add to the overall look and feel of your kitchen.
Use Your Island
If you have a kitchen island already then great, but if not, you can purchase a slim one that can be easily manoeuvred when required. If your island has an overhang or extended countertop, you can simply add bar stools to create a comfortable seating area. If your island does not have an overhang, you can still use it as a breakfast bar by adding a counter-height table or a small table with bar stools. This is a good option if you have a larger kitchen and want to create a central gathering place that can be used for meals and entertaining. When using a kitchen island as a breakfast bar, be sure to consider the size of the island and the number of stools you will need to comfortably seat your family and guests.
Wall Fixed table
If you don’t already have a surface to make a breakfast bar in your kitchen and you’ve got limited space and budget, you might be fearing the worst. It’s not to worry however, as you can pick up a wall fixed table and place it wherever fits or suits within your kitchen. This is a perfect idea for galley kitchens as thanks to the vast options and often sleek designs it can seamlessly blend into your space. You can choose to have your table fully mounted on the wall and create floating look or pick one with legs that go to the floor. It really depends on what you prefer and what works best for your home but there are many different wall fixed table designs so finding one to suit and fit your space shouldn’t be too difficult. If you are struggling to find one, fancy a project, or want to save some money, then upholstering and creating your own wall fixed breakfast bar table is an excellent idea.
Logical Lighting
Lighting is an important aspect in any kitchen design, but it is especially important at a breakfast bar. A well-lit breakfast bar can create a welcoming and functional space for meals and gatherings whilst a poorly lit one can ruin what could be a stylish and useful part of your home. Whilst many people may think that a surface and seating are the only major considerations when it comes to a breakfast bar, they would be wrong. As well as allowing you to easily see what your doing or eating, lighting plays a big part in the atmosphere and mood of your space. So whether you want an upbeat, lively space or are striving for a more laid back and relaxing space, lighting can massively help with this.
Pendant Lighting
Pendant lights can provide focused, downward lighting towards the breakfast bar that is ideal for tasks such as preparing food or reading the newspaper. They also come in a wide range of styles, so you can choose lights that match your kitchen's overall design aesthetic. Pendant lights can be hung at various heights and distances from the breakfast bar, allowing you to customize the lighting to suit your needs. In addition to providing task lighting, pendant lights can also create a warm and inviting ambiance at the breakfast bar. When choosing pendant lights for a breakfast bar, it's important to consider the size of the space and the desired level of lighting, as well as the style and finish of the lights.
Ceiling Spotlights
Much like pendants, ceiling spotlights are a good choice for a breakfast bar as they provide adequate lighting that is useful for tasks such as food prep and reading. They are adjustable and come in many styles to match the kitchen's design. Furthermore, they can give you a modern look that provides a vibrant, buoyant atmosphere. When selecting ceiling spotlights, consider the size and lighting needs of the space, as well as the style and finish of the lights.
Undercounter Lighting
This vibrant lighting option is both a functional and striking addition to a contemporary breakfast bar. Often powered by energy-efficient and long-lasting LED bulbs, undercounter lighting adds a sophisticated and modern ambiance to the breakfast bar. Colour changing LED bulbs can be a fun and innovative choice for undercounter lighting at a breakfast bar. These bulbs allow you to change the colour of the lighting to suit your mood or the occasion, adding a dynamic and customizable element to your space.
Conclusion
The primary concern when you’re implementing a breakfast bar in your kitchen is the space and style you have at your disposal as you don’t want it being inconvenient or looking out of sync with the rest of your space. The main three items you have to look at are the seating, countertop, and lighting with a wide range of options for each available. Whilst stools are the most common seating option, you can explore other options such as a bench. It is important that you are able to tuck your stools conveniently underneath the worktop to give you a streamlined appearance when not in use. You should choose materials that are durable, match the overall aesthetic of the kitchen, and consider incorporating plants or decorative accessories to add a personal touch. By focusing on these key areas, you can create a breakfast bar that is both functional and stylish, and enhances the overall design of your kitchen.