Bar counter height: Choosing the right ergonomic model. Bar counter: dimensions, photo. Standard sizes of a bar in the kitchen Minimum height of a bar stool

The height of the bar in the kitchen is the first thing to decide on when planning the placement of this stylish piece of furniture. It is on this indicator that its functionality, practicality and relevance depend.

As a rule, such a counter is always higher than the usual dining table. However, in different rooms, this structure can perform different functions, so the standard parameters are not always observed and can be selected individually for a particular room.

Benefits of using a bar counter

The bar, which was previously considered an item of inaccessible luxury and wealth, today has become a fairly common solution in the interior of a modern apartment. If before it was installed most often in a studio apartment as an element of decor, now this piece of furniture can be found in any modern room, where, in addition to decorative, it also performs many practical functions.

Increasingly, housewives prefer such an original piece of furniture to the dining table. This is especially true for small apartments, where you have to save every centimeter of free space.

Functionality:

an additional tabletop, behind which several people can eat;
a work table where you can cook food;
helps to zone the room, for example, to separate the kitchen from the dining room or living room;
significantly saves free space;
it becomes possible to use additional cabinets and shelves for storing kitchen utensils.

Today, a bar is called any elongated tabletop with high chairs attached to it. It can be either a continuation of the kitchen set or a separate element of the furnishings.

Standard height

When designing this product, it is necessary to pay attention to the layout of the apartment, as well as the capabilities and preferences of the owners. However, in both the first and second cases, it is advisable to take into account the existing height standard for this piece of furniture.

The standard height of the bar in the kitchen is 110-120 cm.

It is she who is considered the most convenient for everyday use. For those who decide to make a bar with their own hands, experts advise sticking to exactly these sizes, since they are designed for an average person's height, and it will be easier to choose bar stools for such a product.

If you want to focus on the bar, you can still raise it above the floor, but not higher than 135 cm. In any case, standard sizes are not universal and are not suitable for all rooms.

How to determine the optimal size

When preparing a project for installing a bar, you must first of all decide on its optimal dimensions. An incorrectly selected option can ruin the entire design of the room: too large a structure in a small kitchen will only enhance the feeling of a small room, and in a large kitchen a small model will be completely lost.

Criteria Affecting Rack Size

The choice of the optimal size depends on the following nuances:

Intended functions that the model will perform. Dimensions will depend on whether you intend to use it as a dining table or work surface. It happens that the counter is used only for receiving guests, when an additional tabletop performs its direct function - a bar. In this case, there is no point in worrying about its functionality.
The dimensions of the room. In the spacious kitchen, combined with the dining room, you can bring any ideas to life. And in a small kitchenette, this structure is usually attached to existing furniture or a window sill to save free space. And this, naturally, affects its size.
Individual characteristics of the owners and their family members. A short one will be uncomfortable with a too tall model, and a tall one will be too short.

Height

The most common height of the bar counter in the kitchen from the floor is 115 cm. However, this parameter is far from always suitable, so each case must be considered individually. To date, various options can be found on sale - from 70 to 130 centimeters.

Factors to look for when choosing a product:

If the structure is attached to a kitchen unit, it has to be adjusted to the size of the main furniture. The height of such a rack usually varies from 86 to 90 cm. This additional table top can be used for cooking or as a dining table for 2-3 people. Also, this option is convenient for those families who have small children or elderly people.
A freestanding model that serves as a partition and zoning space should be high enough - 110-130 cm. Such options are used in spacious rooms and must be equipped with high chairs. The counter separating the two rooms can even be of different heights. The side facing the kitchen is lower, and the side facing the living room, on the contrary, is higher.
In small rooms, wall options are sometimes made that serve as a working surface. Their height ranges from 110 to 120 cm.

Length

The length of the rack can be any. The average, most common length is 120 cm. This largely depends on the size of the room. It is important that the design does not create obstacles and discomfort. You also need to know the approximate number of people who will use it.

One person relies on 60 centimeters of tabletop length. However, if there are obese people in the family, this nuance must also be taken into account, and it is advisable to provide 1.5 norms for such a person. If it is assumed that two people will sit opposite each other at the bar, then the tabletop can be made short but wide. In this case, its length will be from 60 to 90 cm.

Width

The average width of the product recommended by experts is 55 cm. It can also depend on the size of the room. In small kitchens, it is allowed to install models with a width of 30 cm or more.It is impossible to reduce it even more, since it will be inconvenient even for using it for its intended purpose - as a bar, not to mention some additional functions.

For rooms in which there is no need to save free space, you can choose wider options - from 55 to 90 cm.This design can become a full-fledged working or dining area. Also, the counter should be wider if it is assumed that the hosts and guests will sit next to it on both sides, opposite each other.

Chair height

High bar stools are a must-have addition to the bar. There are standard sizes that are set by chair manufacturers - 75-85 cm. The Ikea company produces chairs with heights of 63 and 74 centimeters - for models attached to kitchen furniture. The main condition when choosing bar stools: the distance between the seat and the table top should be at least 30 cm.

When choosing chairs, you should pay attention to models with a comfortable back and leg support, made of practical and durable materials.

Plastic chairs are often recommended as they are lightweight and stylish. However, their low weight can do a disservice: such a chair is not stable enough, you can get serious injury if you fall from it. Therefore, the optimal models in this case are heavier, but stable chairs with a metal or wooden frame.

In order to save space, you can purchase tall stools, which are then evenly distributed right under the counter. Models are very convenient, allowing you to adjust their height. The most popular type of such furniture is a gas lift, which has a gas spring in its design. Height adjustment takes place by pressing a special lever. The same principle is used in office chairs.

Also popular is the time-tested, reliable screw mechanism, often used in the manufacture of special piano chairs. In this case, the height of the chair is changed by a simple rotation of the seat: if you turn it clockwise, the seat is lowered, against it, it rises.

Types of bar counter designs

Currently, there are many types of this piece of furniture, significantly different from each other in shape and design. Again, a lot depends on the size of the room in which the product will be installed. Some models are ideal for spacious apartments, while others are perfect for small rooms or kitchens. Below are the most common types.

Classic

The classic model is a long leg stand. Its height is standard - 110-115 cm. It is this option that is most often made in production. A product is also considered a classic, one end attached to the wall, and the other resting on a special console. Convenient and functional models, in which the role of legs is played by narrow cabinets in which you can store kitchen utensils.

High chairs with leg support or stools belong to the classic design. Comfortable semi-chairs with armrests look very good.

Ostrovnaya

The island view is only suitable for spacious rooms. It can be installed in a private house or in a kitchen combined with a living room. Such a model does not come into contact with furniture, it is placed in the central part of the room, focusing on it the main attention. For comfortable movement of people, you need to leave passages at the edges of 90-100 cm.

The design and color of the product can be varied and depends only on the preferences of the owner. The height of such structures, as a rule, coincides with the height of the kitchen furniture. Often household appliances are built into them - an oven, a microwave oven, a microwave oven.

The island model can be used as a cooking area or dining table. This type of product is perfect for a large family or for those who like friends to gather in the house.

Combined

In combined models, the rack is an extension of the table or kitchen set. It is convenient for small spaces. In height, this product corresponds to the size of the furniture in the room - from 86 to 91 cm. The combined version is multifunctional, it can serve as a work surface or a dining area. Bar stools with a height of about 65 cm are suitable for this design. It is important that the product looks as a whole with the rest of the kitchen furniture and harmoniously fits into the overall style of the room.

Two-tier

As an option for zoning space in large combined rooms, you can use a two-level model. It consists of two tiers: upper and lower. The lower one is a workplace for cooking with various drawers and shelves inside, and the upper one is designed for high bar stools and is intended for serving drinks, meals and tea parties. Having such a piece of furniture, the rest of the tables can be abandoned, thereby making the kitchen even more spacious.

Partition

The rack-partition most often divides the space between the kitchen and the living room. The height of the structure can vary from 110 to 130 cm. Bar stools with a height of 75-85 cm are suitable for such partitions. To add beauty and originality to the bar, it can be additionally equipped with lighting.

Mini rack

This is a very convenient option for a small kitchen, as it is small in size. The height of the mini-counter corresponds to the size of a conventional dining table - 75-85 cm.At the same time, it is quite short - 60-90 cm, and the height of the chairs' seats from the floor should not exceed 60 cm.

On the one hand, the structure is attached to the wall or to the kitchen unit, on the other hand, it rests on a decorative leg. Most often used as a cutting table.

Video about the pros of a bar in the kitchen

The video talks about the benefits of arranging a bar in the kitchen.

The current design move has already become commonplace - to equip a bar-counter in a spacious studio apartment or in a house with a dining room. Small-sized kitchens benefit no less from such a solution. The bulky dining table is being replaced by a more compact design. Its convenience is ensured by excellent ergonomic indicators (bar height, standard chair dimensions), calculated by competent designers. Such furniture of high quality can be ordered from a specialized company. Crafted home craftsmen often undertake the creation of a trendy interior item themselves. In any case, it will be useful to know more about this modern detail of home furnishings.

In the home interior, it is now customary to call any elongated tabletop that is not installed on classic legs. The set with it is almost always made up of chairs of the corresponding design. Their peculiarity lies in the reduced size of the seat and the presence of a footrest. Often times, the height of a bar stool is greater than a normal stool, but this difference is not necessary.

Here you can conveniently and quickly have a bite to eat when there is no need to set the table for several people:

The bar counter can be an independent element of home furnishings or be included in the complete set of a ready-made kitchen set. It is considered the preferred option for an independent product. When designing it, it becomes possible to take into account the architectural features of the premises and the special wishes of the owners. Usually they choose the average height of the bar counter in the kitchen (standard - 1.10-1.15 m). It is reduced to approximately the level of the rest of the working surfaces. But it is allowed to raise the tabletop up to 1.35 m above the floor level. This is usually done if the design option provides the main emphasis on the towering interior detail.

This sophisticated piece of furnishings looks good in a separate kitchen or in a combined dining / living room. Perfectly helps to zone the space, separating areas of different functional purposes in a single room. For example, it allows you to isolate the kitchen from the recreation area or to distinguish between the places for preparing and eating food and drinks.

A great way to separate the kitchen area from the dining area without cluttering the space with unnecessary details:

What type and model to choose

When choosing furniture, they usually consider its functionality, practicality and relevance in a particular interior. It is important to decide on the height of the bar, its width, shape and appearance. Designers usually offer a choice of the following types:

The island model is a tabletop separately installed on supports, often a complicated structure with additional built-in communications (sink, stove).
Built-in part of the furniture set.
Table top, attached to one of the ends to the wall.
Rack-partition, zoning the room.
Combined type with parts mounted at different levels (the lower one serves as a workplace, and the upper one serves as a decorative element).

Kitchen sill used as a place for serving drinks:

Materials for creating a work surface are varied: solid wood of different species, laminate, plastic, glass, natural or polymer stone, metal, tiles, etc. Often, the composition is complemented by a decorative cornice roof for autonomous illumination of the bar area. A special railing system for hanging glasses or cups can be mounted.

Rational use of space - kitchen utensils can be stored in drawers under the decorative surface

Bar counters in the kitchen are designed in an open or closed design. In the first case, the design is lightweight. It only consists of a table top and one or more supports. The second option assumes that cabinets or shelves (equipped with doors or open) are placed below. This saves space for storing utensils and cooking utensils, but the appearance of the product is significantly heavier.

Dimensions of typical bar counters

It depends on the type of room which version of the bar-counter is appropriate to place there. Some designs are ideal for spacious rooms. Others are more convenient for small areas.

Classic (single-level)

Such a product looks prestigious and resembles the real furnishings of drinking establishments. It is an elongated table top fixed on consoles. Usually, in this case, the average table height is chosen, the standard is from 1.1 m to 1.15 m. The length of the lid is calculated by allocating 0.5-0.6 m for each person. High stools or chairs with comfortable footrests serve as a winning addition. Sometimes even more comfortable half-chairs are used, including those with armrests.

Mini rack

A convenient solution for small kitchens. Usually the structure is installed on high decorative supports. On the one hand, it is supported by a leg, and on the other, it is attached to the wall. In this case, the most comfortable height of the bar counter is within 0.9 m. It can be used as a cutting or dining table. Chair seats - no higher than 0.6 m.

Combined with a dining table

This design can be single-level. Then it looks like a mini rack. In another embodiment, two levels are combined. The upper surface is for serving drinks and the lower surface for eating. It is possible to save space for the bar without giving up on a low dining table. Here, the height of the bar stool should be greater than that of the dining room. Models with adjustable seat rise can be selected.

Island

A good choice for spacious rooms when the accent piece of furniture is brought to the center of the room. The counter island can be used in large studio kitchens to hide the sink and hob from the living room side. The process of preparing food and drinks will not be visible to the seated person; only the luxury of a place for a bar will open to their view.

With combined (level) worktops

Their surfaces are spaced apart from each other. The upper level is for serving drinks. Below is a modular piece of furniture that serves as a cooking workstation. A bar counter that replaces the table for the kitchen is suitable for a large combined room. She does an excellent job of spatial zoning.

What to consider when calculating dimensions

The sizes of furniture items are not randomly selected. All values are carefully calculated by specialists based on the anatomical features of a person. For catering places, standardization is very important, where the parameters of furniture are strictly regulated. And in everyday life, you need to focus on the comfort of a particular family. Clear state standardization in the case of bar-counters is not documented. There are generally accepted dimensions based on the ease of use of this piece of furniture. Taken into account:

the pose of seated people (guests or household members);
average height of the bartender;
features of work performed while standing.

In mass production, the following standard is often used: the height of the bar is -105 cm; length - 120 cm; width - 55 cm. But you can choose another overall combination if this is required for design reasons. Manufactured products are produced in which the height varies within 110-130 cm (with a step of 5 or 10 cm). The classic tabletop is raised above the floor by 115 cm, and the combined one is only 90 cm.

An example of a sketch drawing showing linear dimensions

There is a way to calculate the products that come with kitchen sets. These racks are made lower (86; 88; 91 cm). When calculating, the following standard sizes are summed up: standard furniture base (10/12/15 cm); facade (72 cm); table top thickness (up to 4 cm).

The choice of suitable parameters depends on the dimensions of the room and on the plans for the use of the piece of furniture. The total values may increase if built-in appliances and communications are installed. Sometimes an additional installation of a raised floor is provided, which should also be taken into account when choosing the size of the entire structure.

Compliance with the overall style of the interior

The bar area can be decorated in any style - from classic to high-tech or avant-garde. Success depends on the successful choice of materials and accessories, as well as on the professionalism of the designer. The dimensions of the structure are selected so that it is convenient to operate it. But the harmony of the interior should not be violated either. It makes no sense to chase large forms if the kitchen space is so small. Do not place a modest mini-rack among the decoration of a spacious room, it will get lost there. A fashionable piece of furniture should be noticeable and eye-catching. Of course, not due to the poorly chosen height.

It is very important what the main purpose of the bar will be. If you plan to use it infrequently when meeting guests, there is no need to worry about functionality. But with daily use for eating, you will have to carefully think over all the nuances: starting with the dimensions and design of the model, ending with the acquisition of the most comfortable chairs.

Not all furniture showrooms or factories offer home bar counters in bulk. But you can easily find a company that accepts individual orders. If the design is entrusted to a qualified designer, it will be possible to pre-select the option you like from several proposed ones. The specialist will advise on the dimensions, tell about the materials, and help you make the right choice.

Video: a selection of stylish solutions

The bar counter can enrich the kitchen space, as it is one of the most interesting and colorful interior details. However, an incorrectly selected model with an inappropriate height and length will look: either an overly bulky structure in a small kitchenette, or vice versa - occupy the smallest possible area in a spacious room, thereby violating the overall aesthetics of the room.

To avoid such an embarrassment, first of all, it is recommended to determine the size of the future rack. How much should the height of the bar be? How to do this, and are there any standards to consider when choosing? You will find out soon!

When choosing, one should take into account its practicality in use and relevance in the overall design idea. The range of modern bar counters is so diverse that it is quite easy to choose the most ergonomic design, which is completely suitable for you in height and basic dimensions.

Bar counter in the kitchen (photo)

"Island"

The island model will simply amazingly fit into a spacious and expensively decorated kitchen space. On an unusual and functional "island", you can successfully place a stylish sensory electric stove, a modern oven or a chic sink, or achieve a combination of all three (or more) elements in a combined version.

The bar counter of this type itself can be divided into two zones: the work area, where the hostess implements her culinary ideas, and the dining area, where, in fact, hungry households sit in anticipation of their breakfast. The second part, as a rule, is slightly raised, thereby achieving the "bar counter" effect.

Bar counter-island

The size and original shape of the "island" directly depend on its functional purpose and the needs of the owner. However, there is also the best option - this is a stand that takes 2.1 m in length, while the height of such a structure does not exceed a meter.

Often a solid “island” can also imply a purely decorative context. In this case, its dimensions are narrowed to 0.6 m in height and 1.2 m in length.

Often, such a height of the bar "island" is used, which is equivalent to the height of the countertop of a kitchen set: in a similar design, the table is used for cooking.

However, the height of the bar counter in the kitchen can also correspond to the level of bar stools - in this case, the counter is used for its intended purpose. Combining these two directions, we get a two-tier model.

Strut-process

Such a design can easily be registered in the smallest kitchen, providing its own countertop as an alternative to the dining table. The branch bar counter came to us from the West, representing the best traditions and trends of popular fast food. As a rule, its design is combined with a common kitchen set, but its location is rather peculiar: such a model is placed perpendicular to the main kitchen composition.

The optimal height of such a rack is 0.9 m. In this case, the bar "branch" can be used as a cutting table. In fact, this model is a standard mini-rack with enough functional and aesthetic qualities to fit in your favorite inch kitchen. For more comfortable and leisurely meals, as well as quick cooking, it is best to choose bar chairs that are no more than 0.6 m high.

Bar counter-offshoot (photo)

The stand-offshoot is one of the most laconic and simplest designs, but the visual perception of such a model refers it to the category of light and "airy" products that can perfectly zone the kitchen-studio. The mini-counter does not burden the room, creating a fascinating spatial illusion for it. The traditional mini-stand is attached with a chrome pipe to the floor and ceiling, on the pipe itself there are various glass holders, fruit holders, all kinds of coasters, "mesh" circular shelves and other interesting accessories.

Wall stand

The design of a wall-to-wall bar counter is an advantageous solution for a small family, which also has a narrow or very small kitchen space. If the size of the kitchen allows, then, of course, you can put a small dining table in the corner and set it on weekends. But by purchasing a compact wall-mounted stand, you can equip it as a full-fledged and stylish table.

The table top of the structure can stand on one or both legs, or it can simply "float" in the air. The standard type of wall-mounted model is a narrow and long table top, which:

or mounted on the wall itself;
or just close to it is fixed.

Regardless of the fastening, usually this type of rack has a standard height of 1.2 meters, that is, a similar model can be high, however, the dimensions of the structure must be selected in accordance with the size of the kitchen.

Wall-mounted bar counter for a small kitchen

There are also separate folding models of mini-wall racks that can be adapted for feeding a child. This is a very economical option and such an element looks quite aesthetically pleasing and functional. The most convenient moment is the versatility of mounting the "children's" rack: since it usually takes up a minimum of space, it can be installed at any height.

Bar counter on the windowsill

The bar structure, combined with the window sill, or simply attached to it, perfectly saves space. This design solution will harmoniously complement the interior of a small kitchen. The model, attached to the windowsill, can be equipped with a functional folding mechanism and retractable support legs.

If your apartment has window openings that have a fairly significant depth, then an unused window sill can take up a lot of senseless space in the kitchen. Of course, you can equip a marvelous green corner on it, but a room, squeezed into certain overall frames, is best used more rationally.

For this reason, the only optimal and reasonable way out of the situation will be to use a window sill in a different form: as a dining table with a delightful view outside the window, or, if the height allows, as an analogue of a bar counter. A folding model is also available. The hostess removes the wider part of such a tabletop for a while, for example, while she is busy cooking, and then lifts and serves for her beloved household members.

Bar counter combined with the windowsill (photo)

The folding table is extremely convenient for a window-sill with a considerable width: in the unfolded version, such a table-stand becomes larger, since an extensive "window-sill" surface is additionally attached to it. The height of such a model should naturally match the height of the window sill. The only possible inconvenience in such a combination of the rack and the window sill will be the insufficient height of the latter.

Height standards

Standard classic model height the bar counter in an apartment rarely exceeds 1.15 m. For such a bar counter, as a rule, elegant high chairs with ergonomic footrests, reliable stools, or stylish half-chairs that harmoniously complement its appearance are purchased. However, sometimes this rule is violated: the height of the rack may coincide with the height of the kitchen cabinet or dining table used by the worktop. For this reason, low bar stools or seats with adjustable height are considered so popular today.

Fans extravagant and bright style prefer fairly tall models with a table top. What is the height of such a bar? It is 1.2 m from the floor and above. Designers advise to apply this design only in the case of zoning the kitchen and dining room, however, this "permission" is not always appropriate. For example, in a room with low ceilings, an overly tall piece of furniture will become too bulky.

The optimal solution suitable for all types of kitchens, is the standard for the height of the bar, equal to 0.9 m. However, the most compromise option will be the aesthetic combination of tabletops, which are recommended to be installed at 1.15 m and 0.9 m above the floor. Of course, you don't have to adhere to the classic height standards and go for the traditional counter designs found in luxury restaurants and affordable cafes.

Home bar counters and stools can be located much lower than traditional models. Low tables with legs and elegant, tastefully selected bar stools will fill the room with a special warmth and pleasant atmosphere, they are very comfortable and safe to use. The height of the custom-made model ranges from 0.7 to 12.5 m.

When choosing the appropriate level of the countertop, you should take into account the correct distance to other surrounding objects. Additionally, it is worth taking care of the proportions of the bar set: the ideal difference between the levels of the table top and the chairs is 0.3 m. Often, chairs are purchased first, and only then a bar counter adjusted to the optimal dimensions.

Thus, the height of the bar should be chosen taking into account the overall dimensions of the kitchen area, personal preference and the exclusive purpose of the individual model. Your kitchen will become truly "status" and stylish thanks to the use of a bar design of a suitable size in the interior.

Some time ago, kitchens with a bar counter were perceived by many as a sign of wealth, an element of luxury and chic, borrowed from European citizens. Some considered them obscene interior objects, because, as a rule, such furniture could be seen in entertainment establishments: bars, nightclubs and strip clubs. But over the years, what was a luxury has become an integral part of the interior of modern apartments and houses, becoming an indicator of the relaxedness and ideal taste of homeowners.

What it is?

It is difficult to call a modern bar counter just a prestigious decoration, it is, among other things, a rather practical piece of furniture:

an additional surface where you can comfortably eat;
a work area where it is convenient to cook various goodies;
spacious storage space for kitchen utensils.

And if the kitchen is combined with the living room, then the bar will visually separate these zones.

Bar counters can be of various shapes: rectangular, angular, semicircular, oval, etc. Which one will show off in the room depends only on the size of the kitchen, its design and the owner's taste preferences.

photos

Height

There are many different types of bar counters for the kitchen. Their optimal height is considered to be the distance between the table top and the floor of 120 cm. This solution allows you to create a cozy and warm atmosphere in the apartment, besides, it is very convenient to use furniture in the room in such a design.

You can raise the countertop even more, but only if you need to visually separate the kitchen and living room area, but this is not at all necessary. If the kitchen has a low ceiling, then a high bar counter will aggravate the situation even more. The furniture will be an ugly contrast against the general background of the room.

The standard height of the bar is 115 cm from the floor. In combined models, most often the working surface has a height of 90 cm - this is the optimal height for eating.

How to calculate an acceptable height

Most often, bar counters are made in standard sizes 110 - 115 cm high. However, sometimes these parameters are not suitable, so you need to consider each case on an individual basis.

For example, custom-made bar counters are produced with a height of 70 to 125 cm. And if you need to combine an existing countertop with a new interior detail, you just need to adjust its height according to the parameters of ready-made pieces of furniture.

The seat of the chair should be located at a level of 30 cm from the table top, this fact should be taken into account when buying or ordering a bar counter.

Varieties

Before buying a bar counter, it is worth learning about the varieties of this type of furniture, because this is the only way to understand which option is most acceptable in a particular case. Modern manufacturers have made sure that their potential buyers have a large selection of bar counters. Therefore, they are all divided into the following types:

classic;
island;
combined or combined;
two-level;
bar-partition.

Classic model ( standard) is a table top with legs. Its height starts from 110 cm. Such a comfortable stand is more often used by ordinary people for preparing food, cocktails, and serves as a table for a meal of a small family. It is installed in kitchens with a small area.

Peculiarity island model lies in its size. It can only be installed in large spaces; in a small kitchen it can make movement difficult. This type of rack is suitable for a whole dynasty or a person who likes to invite many friends to his house.

Combined model is a continuation of the table and at the same time a surface for cooking. After installing such a rack, the kitchen will become P or L-shaped. This model is relevant for a large family.

Name two-tier model speaks for itself. Such a bar counter is a combination of two tiers: the upper - the bar area and the lower - the surface for cooking. This model performs two functions at the same time, making it suitable for the interior of a small kitchen.

The rack-partition is used when the kitchen is not a separate room, but smoothly goes into the living room. To divide the room, they put just such a partition.

Manufacturing materials

The materials for the manufacture of the bar are very different. Their appearance depends on the general style in the room and personal taste, the preferences of the owners of the room. Tabletops can be made of wood, glass, metal, plastic, ceramics. There are no restrictions.

Lighting is also an important element in the design of the bar counter. She can brighten the twilight, illuminate the room and create a romantic atmosphere, thereby making staying near her a pleasure.

Advantages and disadvantages

A piece of furniture such as a bar counter has many advantages. It is quite difficult to list them all, but it is possible to single out the main ones.

Classic racks or mini racks do not take up much space, so they can be used in place of a dining table. According to many housewives, this option is much better than a separate eating area.
If the kitchen has a large bar counter, its interior space can be a great place to store kitchen utensils. It also has room for a small refrigerator.
Having a bar counter in the kitchen, you don't have to worry about your figure. Studies have shown that an ordinary table beckons a person to sit down, have a good meal, but a long meal at the counter will not work. In Western countries, bar counters are called "breakfast counters", that is, the place where you won't sit too much, but you will be able to have a snack and a little rest.
In studio apartments, where there is no border between the kitchen and the living room, the bar counter can successfully divide these zones. Designers began to actively use this solution seven years ago. The main thing in such a situation is to choose the same color for the bar counter and the living room, or one that will suit both parts of the room, for example, a lilac corner kitchen with a beige bar counter will be an excellent duet.
Classic rack options and mini models are complemented by various rails, fruit holders, pull-out shelves and other useful items that should always be at hand.
Another advantage of the bar counter is that it is mounted quite high from the floor level, which means that during the time when it is not being used, chairs can be placed under the counter, as a result, space is significantly saved, and the chairs do not interfere with anyone.

The disadvantages of the bar counters are minimal.

Firstly, some racks are installed at a height of 20 cm from the floor, which means that in order to sit at such a table, you need to purchase high chairs with footrests in advance.
Also, behind some racks, a company of three or more people cannot be at the same time. That is, it is impossible to use it instead of a table in a small-sized kitchen, or the lunch will have to be stretched for several hours.

How to choose

You need to choose a bar counter slowly, guided by certain rules. They relate, first of all, to the material of the stand and the method of its fastening.

The material must match that used for the production of the countertop. In the case when the counter is a continuation of the kitchen unit, it is better to use an artificial stone.

The type of attachment depends on the taste of the potential owner of this decorative element. It can be a chrome holder or a massive wooden stand.

If the bar has various drawers and shelves, then ideally they should be "smart shelves", that is, be useful, especially for kitchens with a small area.

If finances permit, you can buy a rack with a small refrigerator, it will help unload the main unit, saving additional space.

Bar counters in typical Russian kitchens have long become commonplace. Having experienced a boom in popularity about 10 years ago, they were for some time consigned to oblivion, but today they are returning to the design of ordinary Russian residential apartments, houses and cottages. They are loved for their convenience and compactness, for their original look and for the opportunity to experiment with the design of the entire kitchen.

Bar history

Initially, a bar is an attribute of a drinking establishment, which got its name from this very counter. Bars in America got their own counters during the 18th century gold rush. A slab of stone or thick wood separated the bartender from the hall and gave him cover in case of a firefight or dishes and furniture flying at the head.

The dashing times in the States have passed, and the racks have remained in every bar. Later they migrated to the homes of ordinary Americans, then Europeans, and later Russians.

Today, a bar counter can be made of chipboard, wood, plastic, stone and even glass. Sizes, shapes and even different functionalities distinguish them from each other.

Functional

When bar counters first appeared in ordinary American houses, they carried the same task as in a modern bar - during parties, the owner, playing the role of a bartender, served drinks to guests, bottles with alcohol, glasses and other equipment were also stored there. However, later, in more limited spaces, racks ceased to be an independent object and became part of the kitchen. It turned out that the size of the bar counter in the kitchen and its height are very convenient for a quick breakfast or snack, or coffee on the run. Today, the bar counter in many homes has simply replaced the kitchen table - they have lunch and dinner, cook and just sit with a newspaper and a cup of tea.

Over time, the counters separated from the kitchen again to transform into a kitchen island - this is a high table, in fact, a bar counter into which cabinets, hobs, ovens, and sinks are mounted. The convenience of such an island is that it is a working kitchen area, a large dining table, and a wide field for rolling out dough, sculpting homemade dumplings, cooking with the whole family, or something else of the same scale.

Rack types

In relation to the kitchen set, the racks can be divided into several types:

Wall-mounted.
Rack-partition.
Island.

The dimensions of the wall-mounted bar are ideal for small kitchens. Its narrow edge is attached to the wall, and the long one has an approach from both sides, so that even a small kitchen can fit several people. Often this rack is part of kitchen furniture and a continuation of the countertop, and they are also completed with a support that holds the rack and the upper cornice. The cornice and support are also often played up by furniture designers - built-in lamps or a suspension for glasses are mounted into the cornice (hello to the original purpose of the bar), and to the support of a basket for fruit or decor.

The rack-partition can also be wall-mounted, but it has a completely obvious function - to partition or zone the space. It is often used in large rooms of a combined kitchen-living room, where it is necessary to somehow separate the kitchen itself and the living area. At the same time, the size of the bar counter in the kitchen-living room can be completely arbitrary.

The bar counter here has several functions at once:

Decorative and zoning.
Snack table and bar function.
Extension of the working area due to the greater height.

The island is a free-standing bar counter that accommodates kitchen cabinets, built-in household appliances, and a sink. This is, in fact, a free-standing part of the kitchen set, which is used both as a work and as a dining table.

For your own bar

The dimensions of any kitchen are suitable for placing a bar counter, but it is especially widespread in small kitchens. It is rather difficult to fit both a full work surface and a dining table in them, so a narrow and high bar counter is an excellent solution.

To fit it on, it is better to make it the same height as the main tabletop, that is, 85-90 centimeters. When designing the location of the rack, do not forget about the working triangle, that is, the area between the stove, refrigerator and sink. There should be no obstacles in this triangle, so it would be a mistake, for example, to separate the refrigerator from the working area with a rack.

Also, a bar counter will be an excellent solution for a small kitchen - a continuation of the window sill. Today you can order a window sill from any material and any width. A small detail like this can be quite functional. Such a stand will hide the battery under the window underneath, and to expand the space, you can pick up a suitable height for it that fully slide under it.

Small kitchens do not tolerate large bulky furniture, so it is better to choose chrome pipes to support the bar counter, they will make the counter seem to be floating and light. Chairs for the counter can be selected from transparent plastic or on thin chrome-plated legs - they are the least noticeable in space, which means they give a feeling of greater emptiness and weightlessness.

Bar counters, dimensions: height

It fluctuates from 86 to 130 centimeters. This difference is explained by the functionality of the rack - the lower it is, the more convenient it is to use it as a dining table. If the rack is flush with the kitchen work surface, then its height is usually about 86-90 cm. If the rack serves as a partition, its height will be more than a meter.

Multilevel counters are also possible, when one part of it is equal in height to the kitchen countertop, and the other is higher and plays the role of a table in the company of high bar stools.

Also, when choosing a height, pay attention to the height of your family members, if it is above average, then the height of the rack can be taken up to 130 centimeters, respectively, for short owners it will be inconvenient - the height should be about 1 meter.

Bar counter dimensions: length

The length of the standard rack is 120 centimeters, but in fact it can be absolutely anything, it depends on the preferences of the owner of the kitchen and on its size. When designing, keep in mind that for comfortable placement one person needs at least 60 cm. Usually, no more than two people sit at the counter at once, therefore 120 centimeters have become a universal option.

Width

The standard dimensions of the bar in width, as a rule, are 55 cm, of course, more is possible, but this is the golden mean. But making a width less than 30 centimeters is not worth it - it will be inconvenient and non-functional. The counter 30 centimeters wide is also quite narrow and will not be suitable for a full-fledged serving lunch or dinner, but for small-sized apartments it can be an ideal option.

How to choose bar stools

Not a single bar counter can do without chairs. Special sizes are an important detail, because if any fit to an ordinary table, you only need to choose a design, then in the case of a bar counter, the size is the first thing.

The height of bar stools, as a rule, is 75 or 85 centimeters, but you can find other sizes on sale, for example, in Ikea, which produces bar stools with a height of 63 cm. The main rule when choosing chairs is that the difference between a chair and a table top should be at least 30 cm, otherwise the person sitting at the counter will be uncomfortable. For reference: if the dimensions of the kitchen bar are from 120 cm, then take chairs at least 85 centimeters, and if the counter is lower, then a 75-centimeter chair is enough.

Bar stools come with or without backs, four-legged or one-legged, rotating and stationary. and the footrest are as comfortable as possible - you can sit on them for quite a long time without feeling that you are hovering on an uncomfortable perch. But the stools are less comfortable, but they save space - they are easy to slide under the counter.

We tried to tell as much as possible about the dimensions of the bar counter. The photos presented in the article will help you decide on the choice of this popular and demanded element of kitchen furniture.