What is needed for a bar counter. Scheme of fastening various elements of the bar counter. Materials for the bar counter

It is generally accepted that a bar counter is not the most useful interior element in an ordinary city kitchen. On the one hand, this is true - it requires free space, and it’s difficult to imagine a full-fledged family dinner at the barge. But on the other hand, a DIY kitchen bar counter can be a very interesting design solution, because something exclusive never goes out of style!

What are the advantages of a bar counter that appear even when installed in an ordinary small-sized kitchen?

1. This is a good alternative to the dining table. Of course, the whole family gathered for lunch with the first and second will look somewhat comical, but having a quick snack before leaving for school/work is quite possible for everyone together.
2. By correctly positioning the bar counter, you can significantly save kitchen space. To do this, it is enough to fit it harmoniously into the interior, combining it with the kitchen set.
3. In a small studio apartment, a bar counter can easily replace a dining table, while simultaneously separating the kitchen work area from the rest of the space.
4. A bar counter in the kitchen with your own hands is quite simple to make, which is accessible to every home craftsman who has the minimum set of tools necessary for this task.

What types of bar counters are there for the kitchen?

A bar counter in a classic design is most often made as a separate element, attached on one side to the wall. The other side is fixed using a metal pipe, which is connected with special heels to the table top, as well as the floor (and ceiling, if the design allows for such fastening). The classic is quite high, its working surface is at a height of 110-115 centimeters from the floor. It is suggested to sit at such a counter on high stools or chairs with a crossbar for the legs.

A more popular design for the kitchen is something between a classic counter and a dining table; its height coincides with the main height of the kitchen work surfaces (on average 90 centimeters). The big advantage of this approach is that there is no need to buy special ones, which are also difficult to use elsewhere.

A more complex combined option combines the advantages of the first two types, but it is intended exclusively for spacious kitchens and separates the living room area from the kitchen area. The tabletop of such a “bark” is made in two levels: the high one is located on the living room side, and the low one, respectively, on the “kitchen” side.

Another interior solution for large kitchens is an “island” bar counter, which is made in the form of a separate block located in the center of the room. Such racks are much less common in ordinary apartments.

Making a bar counter with your own hands: what do we need?

A bar counter for the kitchen with your own hands can be made from a variety of materials. The easiest to process and therefore the most popular of them is chipboard. To work with it, you only need a drill and a jigsaw, which any fan of the do-it-yourself method has. You can also use a kitchen countertop for a work surface, but you will need a special tool to trim it. Another popular material is stone, but if you have no experience working with it, it is better not to take risks.

The market sells chipboard with wood and stone designs in various colors, so it can easily replace these materials. Melamine-based tape, which is very easy to secure, is perfect for finishing the edges of furniture chipboard bases. Appropriate fittings are also required for attaching the stand to the wall, as well as to a chrome pipe that acts as a support. If you want to decorate the counter, this is easy to do using the same pipes of a smaller diameter, and you can attach accessories for the bar counter and ordinary dishes to them.

All this can be purchased in a specialized store or on the construction market, where they will always tell you what type of fasteners will be optimal in the conditions of your apartment, and will also tell you about the intricacies of its installation.

In addition to an electric jigsaw, you will need a drill/screwdriver, a hacksaw, and a regular electric iron.

Making a bar counter: action plan

As in any other business, before you work with your hands, you should work with your head. It is necessary to think through everything down to the smallest detail, from the shape to the smallest design elements. There are a great many variations in the manufacture of a bar counter, so in this article we will focus on the most popular of them: a bar counter made of furniture chipboard, which is mounted on a stand made of chrome-plated pipe.

How to cut a tabletop correctly?

If you are wondering how to assemble a bar counter for the kitchen, start by marking a sheet of chipboard from which the tabletop will be cut. When cutting it, you must follow three basic rules, and then the cut will be smooth, beautiful and without chips:

1. A new file should be installed on the jigsaw. If the blade is even slightly dull, it may lead when working with chipboard, because the condition of the file is critical when working with this material. As a result, you will either get an end that is not perpendicular to the surface, or an uneven cut.
2. Choose a file with fine teeth that point upward. If you do everything the other way around, the edges of the cut will turn out to be torn, which will be almost impossible to correct.
3. Do you want to get a perfect cut without even small chips? A little secret: glue the place along the marked line with ordinary tape, and you will succeed.

Now you need to think about processing the edges, which are covered with either special plastic or melamine tape. It is much more difficult to fix plastic at home; for this it is advisable to have a special hair dryer, because heating it with an iron can easily lead to cracking of the edge. Melamine tape is much easier to attach - it is applied to the chipboard, after which it is heated using a regular iron. At this moment, the adhesive base melts and securely fixes the edge, which, after cooling, holds securely.

We fix the bar counter

The finished tabletop needs to be secured. The simplest option for attaching to the wall is wide metal corners, fixed with dowels on one side and self-tapping screws on the other. If you are more concerned about the aesthetic side of the issue, you can purchase hidden shelf holders, for which you will have to drill holes in the end of the chipboard. But keep in mind that such fasteners can withstand less load.

The bar counter, made in the form of a console, is attached at the other end to a pole, which can either simply support it from below, or pass through to the ceiling. A stand of standard height in the form of a chrome “leg” can be immediately purchased complete with fasteners. The second option is more reliable, but you will have to perfectly adjust the size of the pole by cutting it to the desired height using a hacksaw. The pole is attached to the tabletop using standard heels with a threaded connection. In the case of a through pipe arrangement, you will need four of them.

It is also necessary to make a hole for the diameter of the pipe. If you do this with a jigsaw, be sure to use the smallest file you have and work very slowly. It is best to make such holes using a hand router; sometimes you can make a “hole” with a router directly on the construction market when purchasing a sheet of chipboard.

When fixing, pay special attention to the height of the tabletop - it should correspond to the height of the other work surfaces.

Variations in making a bar counter

We have described the simplest option, but you can come up with your own individual project: a DIY kitchen with a bar counter can look completely different. Some people prefer to equip the barge with shelves and cabinets, others decorate it, and the base is made from a variety of materials - even plasterboard and brick.

But no matter what original project you come up with, remember that the tabletop material must meet the following requirements: it must not be afraid of scratches, high humidity, grease, not absorb kitchen odors, and also be resistant to any influences that may be exerted on it in kitchen conditions.

Let there be light: lighting the bar counter

Having figured out how to make a bar counter in the kitchen, you should think about lighting it. Such an exclusive piece of furniture, and even one made independently, needs good highlighting with light. The ideal option for this is to use halogen lamps mounted in a beam located above the tabletop.

If it is not possible to mount such a beam, special chandeliers or shades that are suspended directly from the ceiling are suitable. It is best to connect them not directly, but using dimmers - light intensity regulators. By adjusting the dim lighting at the right time, it is easy to achieve the perfect resemblance to the bar atmosphere.

It would be correct to mount the bar counter in close proximity to the electrical box and electrical outlets, but you can also use an extension cord, which will not look as aesthetically pleasing. If you don’t want to spoil your interior design with extension cords, but there are no nearby sockets, a separate circuit is connected to the rack.

It is recommended to think about this before starting the renovation of the room, planning to install a bar counter at the same time as it is carried out. In this case, you can hide the wires under the surface in prepared grooves. But if you realized it too late, it’s enough to purchase special boxes for the wires.

Is the cable installed? All you have to do is mount the distribution boxes and bring out the wires to connect the lighting fixtures. After checking the wiring for functionality, switches are installed, and - voila - the lighting is ready.

• The best stools for a bar counter are height-adjustable, with backrests and a footrest.
• If you decide to use stone for the countertop, have it cut by a specialist.
• If you want to save space, consider a storage system in the form of shelves for accessories and hangers for glasses.
• If you have chosen an “island” bar counter, make sure that the area of ​​your kitchen is at least 15-18 square meters.
• The most popular solution in the form of a console with a pole to the ceiling is also the most reliable.

How to properly make bar counters for the kitchen with your own hands is rather a matter of design rather than optimal work with material and tools. Do not limit your imagination, and a bar counter made by yourself will be a real source of pride for you among your friends and family!

Also check out the article.

Previously, you could only see a bar counter directly in bars and pubs. The idea of ​​​​installing it at home might even seem strange - who needs their own bar? However, American cinema has significantly changed the perception of this element of the interior - increasingly, bar counters are installed in kitchens in the most ordinary houses and apartments.

It turned out that it is not only stylish, but also really convenient - the bar counter can perform many functions. In this article we will look at the features of installing a bar counter in the kitchen. And expert advice will help you find the ideal option for your home or apartment.

Advantages of installing a bar counter in the kitchen

For many, a bar counter in the house seems to be an element of prestige - a beautiful, but not very useful piece of furniture that shows the status of the owner. However, this is fundamentally wrong.

A properly selected bar counter can perform several functions at once.:

• First of all, it is an additional working surface. If you love to cook, then you must understand how convenient it is when you can use another countertop. The bar can be completely replaced by a set, with the exception of its functional parts - stands for the sink and hob. In addition, due to the fact that the bar counter is usually made higher than a standard set, your back and lower back will be less tired while cooking.
• A bar counter can also replace a dining table. If you have a small family and you are not used to hosting large feasts in the kitchen, this option will help save a significant amount of space. The main thing is to choose a counter that makes it comfortable for you to sit at it. In addition, it is very important to choose a comfortable, appropriate height. If the family has small children or elderly people, choose a two-level bar counter - this way you can create a comfortable dining place for each member of your family.
• Do you have a studio apartment? A bar counter can be an ideal assistant in the matter of zoning. An elegant bar will visually separate the kitchen from the room. Such zoning will look stylish and unobtrusive, while very clearly distinguishing the two zones.
• If you have a small family, a bar counter can completely replace a small dining table and save space in your kitchen. This option is suitable for those who have very small kitchens - for example, for. Finding a meter for a small bar counter is much easier than for. Moreover, the bar can simultaneously serve as an additional work surface.
• When installing a bar counter, we recommend providing additional storage space. These can be either shelves or drawers in the lower compartment. However, in the latter case, it is important to make sure that the light on the tabletop allows you to sit comfortably near the bar counter. This is especially true if you plan to use it instead of a dining table.
• A bar counter can add charm to any interior - it’s not difficult to incorporate it into any design style. At the same time, it will become an original addition or even the main semantic accent of the kitchen.

As you can see, installing a bar counter in the kitchen is a completely justified move that definitely deserves your attention. We recommend!

And so that you are not disappointed in your purchase, listen to the advice of experts - we have collected recommendations from designers on what to look for when choosing a bar counter and how best to fit it into the interior.

Deciding on the form

Take a stroll through the cafes and bars adjacent to your home. Pay attention to how different bar counters can look. We assure you: in the kitchen the variety of types and forms of bars is even wider than in catering establishments.

Choose based on the design style, dimensions and configuration of your kitchen to create a truly organic interior into which the bar counter will fit well.

The most traditional option, which is most often used in home kitchens, is a straight wall-mounted bar counter. To some extent this is an alternative. One of the ends (most often narrow) rests against the wall. This type is ideal for zoning, which is why it is often used in studio apartments. These racks are often installed to replace a dining table - however, in this case, you will lose some of the usable space that can be used for storage.

An interesting option for a small kitchen is to turn the window sill into a bar counter. Just extend it a little and you have a compact and convenient bar. If the family is not too large, such a counter can fully replace the dining table, while simultaneously working as an additional work surface.

Under such a bar you can hide a battery and create a place to store various small items that are not too demanding on temperature conditions - this can be very important during the heating season.

As for the window opening itself, you can install small shelves on the sides. For example, for wine bottles, tea and coffee. However, there are many options for using these surfaces - even bookshelves. It all depends on your desires.

Extra Bonus- beautiful view from the window. If, of course, this is provided for by the location of your apartment.

Nowadays it is popular to combine a kitchen with a balcony or loggia (by the way, these two concepts should not be confused - these are completely different types of extensions). You can make things a lot easier if you transform the partition between the kitchen and the outdoor space into a breakfast bar. This way you won’t need to break out the entire wall - just open part of it.

You can decorate such a bar counter in any style - it will look extremely impressive, no matter what design you choose.

And designing the rack itself will be much easier than coming up with it from scratch - you already have the base ready. All that remains is to decide how you will decorate the lower part and put a suitable tabletop.

Bonus: such a bar counter will provide you with excellent implicit zoning: on the one hand, the lounge area or dining area on the balcony will be separated from the kitchen area, on the other hand, the transition will look natural and organic.

Often a kitchen peninsula is turned into a bar counter. You can read more about this in It should be noted that this technique is extremely convenient - in addition to the bar, you also get an additional work surface.

This solution is very convenient for small kitchens - there is no need to think about where to put the bar counter. It is a natural extension of the kitchen set.

If you have a large, spacious kitchen, it makes sense to think about. The free-standing structure will definitely attract attention. True, such a solution is not suitable for every design style - for example, for a boho or boho kitchen, a counter in the middle of the kitchen may seem like obvious excess.

You can use the lower part of the structure to your advantage. For example, arrange additional shelves there for storing various kitchen utensils. Often, mini refrigerators or microwaves are installed in such bar counters. The scope for imagination is unlimited - this design allows for a wide variety of experiments.

An interesting solution is combined bar counters. They are most often installed in two cases: if the kitchen is small and you want to make a bar in it, or if your family has children or old people who are not very comfortable sitting on high chairs.

A combined rack is a structure that is installed on a work surface or dining table. Thus, you get two in one - a table or part of the set, equipped with a miniature bar counter.

Advice: In a studio kitchen, such a counter can be used to separate the kitchen and the room. Install the structure with its low part towards the kitchen area, and the bar counter towards the room. Simple but very stylish.

Choosing material for the bar counter

It’s not enough to decide on the shape and type of your bar counter. An important role in its appearance is played by what material you chose for decoration. It is noteworthy that of all the kitchen furniture, it is the bar counter that has a surprisingly wide range in this regard.

Therefore, you will have to be thoughtful about your choice.

• Reliability of the material. Nowadays you can even find glass bar counters on sale. Of course, they have a right to exist. However, think about how long such a piece of furniture will last in your kitchen. If you have children or an active dog, or you yourself are not particularly dexterous, the issue can be considered resolved. The stand will last no more than a couple of days. Of course, we are not talking about special tempered glass, but about ordinary glass - such stands are created exclusively as decoration and are rarely used in reality.
• Easy to care for. The more textured the material, the more difficult it will be to wash.
• Its quality. Remember that cheap is rarely good. Therefore, racks made of MDF or inexpensive plastic are unlikely to last you long.
• Matching style. Agree, a stand made of solid wood will not look very good in the interior. Conversely, bright neon plastic will kill a Victorian kitchen. Although, if you like fusion...

As you can see, the tips are not too complicated. All of them can be reduced to one thing - use common sense, then making the right choice will not be too difficult. Moreover, there really is plenty to choose from!

A fairly affordable material is various types of chipboard. We recommend choosing laminated panels with an edge covered with aluminum or durable plastic. This way the bar counter will last you much longer. The main advantages of this option are the low price and a wide range of designs.

A plastic bar counter won’t ruin you too much either. In addition, there are countless options for its design - a plain or printed surface, rich shades, imitation of natural materials... True, it is quite difficult to find really high-quality plastic - take this into account.

One of the classic materials is wood. This bar counter looks expensive and elegant. In addition, it is suitable for all styles, except, perhaps, hi-tech. However, in this case, you can find an interesting solution.

Strong, reliable and durable stone is another very interesting solution. Such a stand can fit organically into any interior - the main thing is to find the right texture and color scheme. The stone can be natural or artificial, but in the latter case you should take care of the authenticity of such an imitation.

For your information: The most popular artificial stone used in the manufacture of bar counters are Corian products. The company specializes in servicing bars, so their quality is always beyond praise.

An unusual and stylish option is to use a glass bar counter. Remember when we used glass as a negative example? This is true unless we are talking about special tempered glass. A transparent or translucent bar is an excellent choice for a kitchen in the style of or.

Lightweight and inexpensive drywall is another popular option. Its advantage is not only in price. It can be given almost any shape and color. This means that nothing limits your design imagination. Experiment!

A modern and extraordinary solution is a bar counter made of various types of metal. Interestingly, it can be matched to any interior style, including. In this case, you can use imitation aged bronze.

Pay attention to the facades

Who said that the bar counter must be decorated in one color or at most decorated with a print? If you work with facades, you can get very interesting design solutions.

Of course, you can simply decorate the facades with any materials - to match the bar counter, for example. However, this is not the most interesting thing that modern designers offer.

Aquariums inside the bar counter look very interesting. Not sure you can take care of fish? There are quite worthy imitations, for example, artificial fish, very similar to real ones. Or you can install a stereo panel inside - however, the cost of such a solution is comparable to installing the same aquarium.

Idea: If you install transparent glass, you can create a real exhibition behind it. A model of a city or a landscape, a fairy-tale plot - what it will be is up to you to decide. Don't forget to highlight your masterpiece, otherwise it will lose half of its charm.

However, just glass with LED strips looks no less attractive - a riot of colors is guaranteed.

Looking for more budget-friendly options? We recommend experimenting with skinali. Tempered glass with prints looks very advantageous. In addition, it is not difficult to choose a suitable option for any kitchen interior. Don't be afraid to experiment!

All kinds of paintings, mosaics, frescoes are also suitable for facade decoration. True, in this case you need to focus on the chosen style of kitchen.

Color solutions

Here we have no right to advise you anything: it all depends on the design style and color scheme of your kitchen. Look at the photo selection at the end of the article to find interesting solutions.

Have you decided what your bar counter should look like? Move on to what surrounds her!

Choose bar stools

The appearance of the chairs is a secondary issue. Or rather, it completely depends on which bar counter you choose. But it’s definitely worth working on their convenience. The first thing you should pay attention to is the distance between the chair and the tabletop. It is better if it is about forty centimeters.

Lighting

Often in the kitchen, centralized lighting - overhead or wall-mounted - is sufficient. However, in our opinion, the bar counter is a fairly bright element that deserves additional lighting.

In many ways, the lighting depends on what kind of bar counter you have chosen and in what style you have decorated your kitchen.

The most commonly used options are::

• If the stand is installed near a wall, you can use small sconces. They will add a certain coziness to gatherings at the bar.
• Ceiling lights with long cords look good. True, when choosing such a lamp, it is important to make sure that it does not hang too low - otherwise you risk clinging to it with your head when standing up.
• For kitchens in a modern style, you can use LED strip- it will give the interior a certain touch of fantasy and beautifully illuminate the bar counter.
• Interesting solution - hidden lighting under the soaring ceiling. This lighting is of little use, but it looks beautiful.

Use a bar pipe

Have you ever noticed that strange-looking metal pipes are often installed on bar counters in cafes? This is the so-called bar pipe.

Initially, it was installed to hang brackets on it, onto which various types of barware were secured or even bottles of wine were installed. Over time, it often began to serve simply a decorative function - many believe that this is an invariable attribute of any bar.

True, there is one important nuance - in a small kitchen with low ceilings, such a design will further reduce the space.

Use accessories

Have you ever been to a bartending show? If not, then it's time to correct this omission. Notice how convenient all the various devices that professional bartenders use are.

They will greatly facilitate the process of cooking (and not just drinks!) even in an ordinary home kitchen - the author of the article confirms this with his personal experience.

Geysers for smooth pouring from bottles (can be used not only for wine, but also for oil and vinegar), blenders and shakers, all kinds of whisks, ice crushers and pestles for grinding fruit... You won’t believe it, but it’s really convenient. In addition, such gadgets simply look stylish. Combine business with pleasure - decorate your bar counter with them.

How NOT to do it

The bar counter is a rather complex piece of furniture. And it is not always appropriate in your kitchen. Do you want the bar to only cause irritation?

Take advantage of our bad tips:

• Place the bar counter right at the entrance to the kitchen, close to the stove, sink or refrigerator - break the kitchen triangle. You will immediately appreciate how uncomfortable it is to move past it and how uncomfortable it is to sit.
• Don't think about comfort. A monolithic bar counter without a countertop indentation is what you need. If its base is figured, with protruding decorative elements - even better! We guarantee that not a single guest will sit in your kitchen for more than 10 minutes.
• Use the best at once. Bar pipe, wine cabinet, brackets, additional shelves and a mountain of barware? Perhaps a few more elements could be added. Your task is to make sure that there is no free space left on the countertop. What if someone decides that they can sit at the bar with coffee or a cocktail?
• Don't worry about style. Neon counter in a classic interior? Aquarium and columns in a minimalist kitchen? No way! Otherwise, it may seem that you have thought through the design of your kitchen.

Don't want to get a similar result? Do exactly the opposite - and you will be able to create a beautiful and comfortable bar counter.

In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy a selection of photos of not very successful bar counters - we are sure that their owners have regretted their choice more than once.

Bar counters in the interior (real photo examples)

If the previous photos raised doubts about whether you need a bar counter, the next collection of interiors is for you. Truly stylish and successful solutions in various interior styles - a bar counter can be beautiful and practical.

The classic bar counter is a barrier table in a drinking establishment. Because of its convenience and versatility, it has found its place in people’s homes and in the kitchen.

Designers use a huge number of methods and materials to create bar counters for the kitchen.

Unfortunately, making such a piece of furniture on your own is quite difficult. But don’t be upset, you should arm yourself with instructions and advice from professionals, and creating such a structure from wood, chipboard or any other material will become quite possible.

Types of bar counters and their need

If there is enough space in the room, the counter serves its intended purpose: visitors sit near it.

Some people notice that this design is truly an indispensable item in the house for breakfast or coffee.

The peculiarity of the racks lies directly in the filling itself: it is impossible without glass holders, wine glasses, various glasses, fruit vases, as well as a large number of other details.

Bar counters for a small kitchen are designed quite rarely due to limited space. But if the customer wants to equip his kitchen with a counter, then in such cases it is usually attached to the wall. This option is not at all standard, but very practical.

Installation of bar counters in medium and large kitchens

When equipping a medium-sized kitchen, they come to install a “peninsula” counter. This means that the stand is attached to some other piece of furniture. Reliable fastenings are needed due to the fact that the height of the structure differs from the workplace.

Note! Yellow kitchen: advantages and disadvantages of kitchen design with a yellow tint (75 photos)

Straight or inclined pipes are mainly used; they serve as support for the rack.

To place your piece of furniture in a large kitchen, any placement method will do. In a large kitchen, even installing a free-standing island will not take away the necessary space for work. In addition, there is no obligation to use decorative details.

Sometimes designers come to the use of plasterboard walls, to which the tripod itself is then attached. There are a huge variety of designs for bar counters for the kitchen, since it is possible to combine different materials: for example, metal with wood, and sometimes even with glass.

Multifunctionality and practicality

In fact, kitchen counters are most often used in situations where you need to separate the kitchen area from the living area.

Studio apartments are usually small spaces, so the owners try to make the most of the available space. In this case, it usually works out to combine the bar counter with the kitchen-living room.

To place your piece of furniture as conveniently and practically as possible, you should listen to a few tips: it is possible to install shelves, bedside tables, and small cabinets under the counter.

You can hang a variety of mounts above it: on holding pipes, or right under the ceiling. It is also possible to build a two-tier kitchen counter.

Kitchen counter dimensions

The height of a kitchen bar counter is usually approximately 130 cm. It will be quite comfortable to use while standing, but to sit down, you should purchase a special chair.

But the width already has some conditions: usually it should be at least 30 cm: if the counter is narrower, it is simply not convenient to place dishes and other items on it.

For greater comfort, rack cabinets can be equipped with lighting. Typically, LED strips or lamps are used for this. This solution is a very big saving.

LEDs take a small amount of energy, they also do not heat up and will last you a long time.

Types of bar counter bases

The metal base is classic. It goes through the tabletop and rests with the first end on the floor and the second on the ceiling.

It is recommended to buy high-quality pipes made in Germany or Poland. Products from Chinese manufacturers look the same in appearance, but after a short period of time the paint covering them will begin to peel off.

You need to make a hole in the tabletop for the riser and string the tabletop onto the support. A stop attachment, also called a “fastening ring,” is threaded onto the base end; the part visible to the eye is covered with an artificial cover.

Mounts are used to secure the tripod. Shelves, holders, etc. are attached only after installing the rack. When the tabletop is located along the wall, it is fixed using decorative brackets. For the strength of the structure and reliability, they are placed as close to each other as possible.

How to attach a stand to a wall?

The bar counter in the corner kitchen is mounted on the wall using corners. For this procedure, you should buy reliable corners.

There are two types of corners: simple and reinforced. The latter are used for heavy and massive structures. A tabletop created with your own hands usually rests on one corner, while more massive ones rest on several.

Kitchen interior with bar counter

In large enough rooms, the counter can be located in the middle of the kitchen, while it forms an island.

Quite often, in studio kitchen designs, a stove and sink are placed on this island, and a bar counter rising above them from the side of the guest room covers them.

In addition, the design will appeal to culinary enthusiasts and professionals.

To make your final choice of kitchen design, we suggest looking at photos of bar counters in the kitchen. We are sure that this will help you decide and make a choice.

Photo of a kitchen with a bar counter

3
4
5

Just a few decades ago, such an element would hardly have taken root in our kitchen, given our mentality and love for lavish feasts and “heart-to-heart kitchen conversations.”

But the modern pace of life dictates its own conditions. Now, for a quick cup of morning coffee or a light snack before going to a restaurant, a bar counter is enough.

The photo shows a wall-mounted bar counter that fits perfectly into a small kitchen space and completely replaces the dining table.

Moreover, it is The bar counter helps solve several problems at once kitchen interior design.

1. 1 Additional work surface. What kind of housewife would refuse extra centimeters of her worktop! Moreover, in a small kitchen, the counter can completely replace the work table. You can compactly arrange all kitchen appliances and furniture modules by combining them into an impromptu wall. In this case, a bar counter installed at an angle can easily replace both a dining table and a work table.
2. 2 Zoning point. The bar counter has become an indispensable element in furnishing an apartment with a studio layout. In this case, it plays the role of a “separator” between the kitchen and living room. And in the kitchen itself, the counter can separate the working and dining areas.
3. 3 Alternative to the dining table. This option is most often chosen by owners of miniature kitchens, where there is not enough space for a full-fledged dining table, but it is quite possible to find a free meter of space for a bar counter.
4. 4 Additional storage space. The base of the rack is a great place to add additional cabinets, drawers and shelves. And the second level of the rack is also used for storing, for example, glasses.

Types of bar counters

The photo shows a bar counter for a kitchen in a modern style, made of MDF.

Which counter should you choose for your kitchen? What parameters to consider and what to pay attention to? We will try to cover these questions in this section. So, types of bar counters and their characteristics:

Wall rack

As the name implies, such a stand is installed near the wall, regardless of the furniture set. A good option for a kitchen with a non-standard shape, when you have to adapt to disproportionate sizes.

Location options

How to decorate a wall?

It all depends on what functionality you want to give the bar counter.

• You can increase the upper part by equipping through shelves - you will get an excellent “delimiter” of zones.
• If desired, part of the wall can also be extended using plasterboard, and a niche can be installed here where you can store, for example, bottles. Don’t forget to illuminate the opening in the wall, and the niche will immediately become a bright art object.
• The simplest option: installing a mirror on the wall is a good opportunity to play up the space. Moreover, the mirror will “work” for expansion.
• Or you can use this part of the wall for decoration: hang a picture selected in accordance with the design style, hang a photo here, or even make a photo collage.
• You can decorate the wall with painting. It will look organic, especially if the elements of the painting are repeated in the design of the counter itself or in the interior of the entire kitchen.

Combined stand

This bar counter is considered as a continuation of the worktop. Modern manufacturers offer kitchen furniture with a built-in bar counter. But if you wish, you can order the stand separately, focusing on your own tastes and needs.

The combined stand is usually low. But it will fit perfectly even into the interior of a small kitchen. Such a counter is often decorated in the same way as the work area: that is, the same finishing materials are chosen for the countertops and a color that is repeated on the kitchen apron or furniture.

It is good if the stand is installed at an angle to the main working area. In a long, elongated kitchen, this will help balance the shape of the room, bringing it closer to the desired square.

Island stand

Such a stand is appropriate only in spacious kitchens with a lot of free space or in studio apartments.

Lightweight option: the countertop is installed on consoles. Dimensional option: the lower part is used to place cabinets, closed and open shelves, drawers, and the tabletop is used both as part of the dining table and as a work area.

Additionally, such a rack can be equipped with a mini-fridge, a complex railing system, hangers for wine glasses and glasses, as well as a roof with an autonomous lighting system.

Two-level rack

An excellent option for a studio layout or spacious kitchen. Part of the counter is a full-fledged dining table, the second - a higher part - is like a bar counter itself.

This option is especially suitable for families with small children or elderly people who find it difficult to climb onto high bar stools.

In apartments where the kitchen and living room are combined, such a counter can become an indispensable element of arrangement and zoning. Typically, the lower side is installed on the kitchen side, and the high side on the living room side.

Materials for the bar counter

You should not save, as cheap materials do not have sufficient wear resistance, and your rack will soon turn into a source of constant problems.

The most popular materials for making a stand:

• MDF, chipboard, fiberboard - it is better to choose laminated boards. The advantage of this material is a rich range of colors. You can decorate the countertop in the same color as the rest of the furniture. Or you can choose a contrasting one. For example, if you have white modules, then a black stand will become a bright and stylish interior detail.
• Plastic - the material is suitable if your kitchen is decorated in one of the modern styles. Minimalism and hi-tech styles are especially fond of plastic.
• Wood is an indispensable material for a classic kitchen. If the kitchen is spacious, the wood can be decorated with carvings and additionally decorated with mosaics, mirrors or tiles. In a small kitchen, a wooden bar counter with a laconic shape will look solid and luxurious. But at the same time, strict forms will not look too massive.
• Stone - natural or artificial. This stand will fit into any interior, regardless of style and direction. This is the most preferable option, since the stone is very wear-resistant and attractive in appearance.
• Corian is the most popular material for bar countertops. It looks like marble, but is much cheaper and more accessible. The undoubted advantage of Corian is that it has a rich palette, so you can match the color to any kitchen.
• Glass is a choice for lovers of unusual and bold options. The glass stand really turns out to be light, airy, and original. This piece of furniture would be appropriate in a modern kitchen. This is also a great option for a “thumbelina” kitchen.
• Drywall is an economical option. But, due to the fact that drywall is easy to process, you can build a stand of the most unusual, abstract shape. The only negative is that it is better to make racks from plasterboard if you use it as a decorative element - for example, as a “separator” of zones. Remember that an abundance of moisture and temperature changes can lead to deformation of the plasterboard sheet.
• Metal is an original solution for a bar counter. It will fit perfectly into the kitchen interior, made in one of the modern styles. If you add decorations from forged elements, you will get a stylish stand in the Art Nouveau style.

Accessories and fittings

Bar chairs

The main “neighbors” of the counter are high stools, which are also called bar stools. Since the standard counter height is 110-125 cm, the chairs should be high.

When choosing chairs, please note that a large number of legs is acceptable if the kitchen space is large. For a miniature kitchen, it is better to choose chairs with one leg.

Option: in a very small kitchen you can do without free-standing chairs. The seats are screwed to the bottom of the tabletop and simply pulled out if necessary.

Hard chairs can be modernized by placing cushions on the seats that match the rest of the textiles. The backs and arms on the chairs are optional. But the presence of a footrest is a must.

Before buying a chair, try to sit on them - do your legs reach the stand, is it comfortable to “climb” onto the high seat. Otherwise, it is better to look for models with adjustable height of both the seat itself and the footrest.

Lighting for the bar counter

Lighting is the most important detail. It is most convenient to plan in advance autonomous lighting for the part of the kitchen with a counter.

Options:

• built-in ceiling lights around the perimeter of the rack;
• LED strips at the bottom of the tabletop;
• lamps on long cords arranged in a row above the counter;
• lamps or LEDs on the outside of the base.

Bar pipe

An optional, but very functional and stylish part of the rack. It can extend all the way to the ceiling and support an illuminated overhead console. It can simply rest against the ceiling and be “overgrown” with a variety of glass holders and hanging shelves.

If your kitchen has low ceilings, it is better to avoid a high bar pipe, as it visually lowers the height of the ceilings.

The material from which such a pipe-leg is made may vary. Traditionally, it is made of metal (brass, nickel or stainless steel); for a classic kitchen, you can choose a model made of wood, decorated with carvings.

Consoles

If you have chosen a more massive, non-open type of rack, then please note that the consoles that serve as the base can be decorated to your liking. From the kitchen side, of course, it is more convenient if it is a set of open and closed shelves and drawers. The facades are matched to the tone of the main furniture.

But the part of the base facing outward is a real haven for designer imagination.

Here are some options:

• To face it with stone is sound, stylish and luxurious. Pairs perfectly with the classic kitchen decor.
• Cover with MDF sheets, repeating furniture facades. Such a counter will seem like a continuation of the kitchen unit.
• Imitation of brickwork is an interesting option for country and loft style kitchens.
• Glass panels are an original solution. But don’t forget to illuminate the insides - and you will get a real extravaganza of light and color. By the way, the glass must be impact-resistant. And if you don’t want the contents of the internal shelves to shine through, choose frosted glass.
• Skinali is a variant of glass panels, but decorated with a pattern or photo printing. A great way to decorate a bar counter, especially since you can choose a voluminous pattern, which will add style to the entire counter.
• A built-in aquarium is a creative solution for an unusual kitchen. Such a stand immediately turns into an art object and will serve as a real interior decoration. Moreover, if you doubt whether you should choose a real aquarium with live fish, pay attention to the so-called “dry” aquariums. They completely imitate the real thing. In addition, for a dry aquarium you can come up with an unusual design theme: for example, not an underwater world, but a desert world, a rock garden or a mini-jungle.
• Mosaic is a bright and stylish decor for your counter. You can lay out a specific pattern, or you can repeat the mosaic laying on the apron. But keep in mind that the mosaic is heavy, so it requires a strong and good foundation.
• Artistic painting is another way to turn a counter into a work of art. But when choosing paints for a design, do not forget that the overall palette should not be discordant with the other colors in the kitchen.

Accessories

The bar counter creates a special atmosphere of lightness and ease. And since the counter is most often associated with drinking drinks, it is worth equipping it with special accessories that will emphasize functionality.

Such items include:

• special holders for glasses. If the kitchen is small, a holder attached to the main rod is sufficient. In a large kitchen, you can install holders on top, like in a real bar.
• fruit bowl;
• bottle holder;
• shaker;
• blender;
• rimmer (device for decorating the edge of a glass);
• Steiner (bar strainer);
• geyser (a device for pouring liquid in a thin stream);
• muddler (pestle for grinding fresh leaves and berries);
• juicer;
• ice bucket.

Such accessories will add a special flavor to the interior of your kitchen. Now you can invite guests and have a real cocktail party.

Basic design mistakes

1. 1 Wrong location. Make sure that once the bar counter is installed it is easy to access. It is better not to install the stand directly at the entrance or near the refrigerator.
2. 2 Discomfort during use. Often, carried away by design delights, we forget that the base of the bar counter should be narrower than the tabletop. Otherwise, you will simply rest your knees, which is extremely inconvenient.
3. 3 Congestion. Do not overload the structure by equipping the rack with all possible rails, holders and shelves. An overloaded top or an overly massive bottom will make your stand too bulky. This is especially true for counters for kitchens with a modest area.
4. 4 Irregular rack shape. The most popular are rectangular, round and semicircular racks. The main thing to consider is that the shape of the stand should be repeated in the interior. So, for example, if you have furniture of laconic shapes with regular straight lines, then the stand should be rectangular. If you definitely want to choose a semicircular counter, then think about how to repeat these smooth lines in the interior. You can repeat the semicircle in the shape of a suspended ceiling, you can design the floor in a semicircle, laying it with tiles around the perimeter of the counter. The easiest way is to choose textiles with smooth lines or images of circles and ovals. This remark especially applies to stands of abstract forms. If you have a counter, for example, in the form of a cascading wave, then there should be smooth lines in the interior.

As you can see, a bar counter is not just a luxury item, but a completely functional piece of furniture that will solve several problems at once and emphasize the chosen design style. We hope that our tips will give you the idea of ​​​​creating your own original bar counter that will fit perfectly into the interior of your kitchen.

The bar counter has long lost its narrow original purpose and is widely used not only in catering establishments, but also in residential premises. Thanks to this piece of furniture, the interior of your house or apartment will acquire an exclusive and stylish look. This article will tell you how a do-it-yourself bar counter will help you zone and divide the space, and step-by-step instructions will give you the opportunity to create the desired model yourself.

It’s quite possible to make something functional and comfortable with your own hands.

Types and functions of bar counters in the kitchen: photo examples of various designs

In spacious rooms, in particular studio apartments, the use of a bar counter can have a direct purpose - to be used as a home minibar. To do this, the structure is equipped with special holders and devices where glassware and drink bottles are stored. This design can be a component of a kitchen unit or an independent structure.

In small apartments, the kitchen bar counter performs several functions at once. It serves to separate the kitchen from the dining or living area, and at the same time plays a role. The most common option in small rooms is a stand in the form of a small protrusion or a structure located along the wall. Photos of bar counters for a small kitchen clearly demonstrate such examples.

Bar counters in the form of a protruding peninsula are also acceptable in medium-sized kitchens. The space below is used as a cabinet where a minibar or various kitchen items are placed. In such designs, the countertops are supported by pieces of chrome pipe attached to the cabinet lid.

Multi-level bar counters at home, which are multifunctional, are popular. One side is used as a work surface, and the opposite side is used as a place for snacks and drinks.

Bar counters are especially common in studio apartments, where they serve as a demarcation of different zones: they separate parts of the room according to their functional purpose. Often such designs are a continuation of the kitchen unit.

Important! When choosing a bar counter model, you need to take into account that it should be functional and easy to use for all family members. The design is created for more than one year, so it should be pleasing to the eye.

Arrangement of a kitchen with a bar counter: photos of options

A home bar counter can have the most unusual shape and non-standard dimensions. It is quite possible to build a structure with your own hands, using the most unexpected objects. This is its advantage. At the same time, in order to make a bar counter yourself, you need to know the unspoken classification of models, which includes three main types.

Stationary bar counter. One of the most popular options for a bar counter for a small kitchen. The maximum height of this model in mini format is 120 cm.

Factors that determine the size of counters in the kitchen and living room. The relationship between the height of the structure and other furniture. Tips for choosing a model of the desired height.

A virtual drawing, unlike a paper one, allows you to see the project from different sides and allows you to immediately make appropriate adjustments to the drawing. In addition, the computer version will make it possible to see the design in finished form.

A paper drawing does not involve demonstrating a photorealistic image, but at the same time allows you to create the necessary working design. This is especially acceptable if the independent bar counter for your home is not a very voluminous structure.

Helpful advice! Creating any model with your own hands involves preliminary preparation of drawings of the bar counter. To do this, you can use a special computer program or draw a diagram on graph paper.

Choice of materials: value for money

In the process of making bar counters, all kinds of materials are used. The choice depends on the purpose, intended location, interior of the entire room and the budgetary capabilities of the owners. Let's look at the most practical and common materials.

Plastic comes in a variety of colors, it is inexpensive and convenient, and easy to process. At the same time, it is low-strength, so it is suitable for the manufacture of small structures or as a finishing material.

Laminated particle boards are a more expensive and difficult to process material, but last much longer than plastic. Comes in various colors and structures. Surfaces can imitate multi-colored stones, metal and wood.

Drywall, due to its “pliability”, is widely used to create volumetric racks. The material can be puttied, decorated and painted in various colors. A bar counter made of plasterboard is an option that allows you to create any shape in accordance with different styles.

Wood. A bar counter made of wood, especially valuable species, will undoubtedly have a noble and expensive look. At the same time, it is a labor-intensive material that requires subsequent careful processing.

Brick. At first glance it may seem that this is an unconventional material, but it is from it that bar counters in the loft style are most often made.

To manufacture racks from various materials, additional parts, fittings and tools will be required. For structures made of plasterboard and chipboard, a frame made of corners or beams is required. To make a wooden bar counter, certain carpentry knowledge and special equipment are required. In the process of building a brick bar counter, you will need the skills of a mason, and a special mortar must be used.

For the countertop, as a rule, materials are taken that are different from those used in the manufacture of the frame. This is a separate and often independent element of a typical kitchen bar counter.

Frame andbar countertop: nuances in manufacturing

The tabletop is the most important detail that helps create special interior accents. The manufacturing process is the basic stage of constructing the entire structure. The material must have an attractive surface, be durable and wear-resistant.

The base plate for the countertop can be acrylic stone, a wide sanded board, or a piece of chipboard, which is then covered with veneer or film. Using a jigsaw, the base is given the required shape, and the cut edges are thoroughly cleaned.

Scheme of a standard bar counter on a leg

Helpful advice! The advantage of a chipboard tabletop is that you can choose any color and coating structure. Over time, it can even be replaced using self-adhesive film. In addition, the finished product can be purchased in the retail chain.

Creating a frame is an equally important stage. Here you will need corners, channels, wooden beams. More specific steps at this stage are described in the manufacturing instructions for various rack models.

DIY bar counter:step by step manufacturing instructions

The most popular way to create racks is the classic one, which involves making a tabletop and then attaching it to a wall or cabinet on one end, and to a vertical pipe on the other.

The countertop can be made from different materials, but it is advisable to select a base that matches the rest of the kitchen furniture. Other parts can be purchased at a hardware store. In terms of price, in this case it is better not to save.

For example, when buying a pipe that will serve as a leg for a bar counter, it is recommended to abandon inexpensive Chinese products. Such chrome-plated products, although they cost three times less, can become flakes after a while. Fittings made in Germany are much more expensive, but have a lifetime guarantee, and Polish parts are of good quality.

The tabletop for such a bar counter can be cut out of a wide board, supported on one side by a shelf attached to the wall, and on the other by an ordinary pipe. To attach it, a hole of the appropriate diameter is drilled in the tabletop, and a fastening ring is placed on the pipe.

It is necessary to drill a hole of the required diameter under the pipe in the body of the tabletop. The top is covered with a decorative cap. Using a universal fastening, called a thrust bearing, the bottom of the pipe is attached to the floor. The thrust bearing is used when it is necessary to attach a pipe to the ceiling, as well as for installing special bar shelves.

If the tabletop needs to be fixed directly to the wall, then reinforced mounting angles are ideal for this. They must be installed so that they are invisible, that is, a few centimeters from the edges.

Using special decorative shelf brackets, you can fix a small bar counter along the wall. In order to enhance the load-bearing capacity, it is better to use several pieces.

DIY bar counter in the kitchen: photocreating a structure with a pipe support

In the process of manufacturing the classic version of the rack, certain materials will be required. An old window sill can serve as a tabletop. A part of the required size is cut out of it, the edges are rounded, sanded, tinted and varnished. Additional parts: bar leg, brackets and clamps can be purchased at a furniture hardware store.

Manufacturing sequence:

1. Fastening the corners and stop to the tabletop using self-tapping screws.
2. Before attaching the tabletop, make marks on the wall. Using a level, check that the fastening is level.
3. Drilling holes for dowels.
4. A place for attaching the pipe is marked on the floor, where the thrust bearing is installed.
5. Installing the stand in place, securing it with screws.

Important! In order to ensure the moisture resistance of the structure, all wooden parts must be treated with a special anti-corrosion agent. Most of them will help protect the rack from fire. This special treatment is primarily required for kitchen bar countertops made of wood.

Instead of a pipe, you can use a special two- or three-sided cabinet with mini-shelves as a support. Wide boards, joined at right angles, already represent a ready-made structure that just needs to be attached to the wall. Curved lines and any non-standard approach to making a stand will give a modern look to the product.

How to make a bar counter with your own handsfrom plasterboard

Drywall is often used for the base of the stud. You will need several standard slabs, and you also need to prepare beams or profiles for the frame. The stages of creating such a model are as follows:

1. Frame assembly. The main thing is that an angle of 90° is maintained between perpendicular planes, and a parallel distance between horizontal surfaces. To do this, you need a good building level, and to track verticality, an ordinary cord plumb line is suitable.
2. Sheathing the assembled frame with plasterboard on both sides using self-tapping screws.
3. Puttying corners, joints and marks from self-tapping screws.
4. The finishing of the product depends on the choice of the owners. This can be decorative putty for painting with water-based emulsion; textured paint, which is applied in a thick layer.
5. Installation of countertops. It is desirable that it matches the color and structure of the other surfaces in the kitchen and decorative elements of furniture, provided that there is a bar counter in the room.

DIY wooden bar counter: manufacturing process

To build a stand made of wood, you need to prepare 50x100 mm bars, 25x300 mm edged board, MDF sheets (18 mm), plinth, screws, varnish and paint. After creating the project, the manufacturing process has the following sequence:

1. Marking the locations of the frame on the wall and floor.
2. Fastening the timber to the floor and wall along the marking lines.
3. Installation of support posts and cross beams for mounting the countertop. Their height is determined so that the countertop is flush with the kitchen work area.
4. Connecting racks using cross beams or furniture corners.
5. When the frame is assembled, its cladding is performed. To do this, you can use wide sanded boards or MDF sheets.
6. Fastening the baseboard at the border of the counter and the floor.
7. Installation of a tabletop, which is cut from an edged board.
8. The tabletop is sanded and varnished.

The gaps that form between the bar counter, the wall and the floor can be filled with acrylic sealant, and the ends of the table top can be finished with molding.

Helpful advice! To ensure a perfectly flat surface of the counter and eliminate errors made during the installation process, you can use special adjustable legs for the bar counter.

Bar counter with lighting: installation options and types of luminaires

Lighting plays an important role in the design of a bar counter. For this purpose, different types of lamps are used:

• pendant lamps that have a suspension with the ability to adjust its length;
• spot lighting, in accordance with the name, it illuminates the area over which it is located,

• creating direct light;
• spots - special halogen lamps on metal brackets, used in the design of modern racks in high-tech, loft or modern style.
• track lamps are structures made of metal buses that conduct current, with light elements;
• The LED strip serves not only as illumination, but also as decoration; it is easy to install and practically invisible when not in use.

Mobilebar table for kitchenand living room: step-by-step instructions

An alternative to a bar counter in a small apartment can be a bar table. This piece of furniture has a variety of shapes, heights; Basically it is a round, raised structure on one stable leg. You can create your own original model of a mobile mobile bar table on wheels, and the material will be the remains of construction materials, in particular, cuttings of water pipes. To work, you will need water pipes with appropriate connectors, a couple of boards, perforated tape, fasteners and wheels.

The frame of the table is assembled from water pipes, which are connected with connectors. Wooden shelves are attached to the pipes with screws or perforated steel tape. In order to make a place for hanging glasses at the top of the table, it is enough to cut out round holes with grooves. The mobility of the table is ensured by wheels that are easily attached to the pipe base. To ensure that nothing falls during movement, the surface of the shelves must be non-slip. It would be advisable to install additional sides and partitions.

A bar counter is a comfortable, modern and functional piece of furniture in the kitchen or living room. With its help, you can successfully complement, and if you save space, replace the dining area. Using the recommendations given in the article, designs of various shapes can be easily made independently. The main conditions for successful work are the correctly selected model and materials, layout and consistency in manufacturing.