Avery Collins
A kitchen breakfast bar can add value to a home by creating an open-concept feel and saving space. Breakfast bars are designed to be sleek and compact, making them perfect for small kitchens. They can also add additional seating and storage options, making them a valuable and sought-after feature for homeowners and buyers alike. The versatility of a breakfast bar means it can be used for dining, meal prep, or as a workspace, enhancing the functionality and design of the kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Space-saving design | Sleek and compact, maximising limited space |
| Multifunctional usage | Dining, workspace, meal prep area, entertainment space |
| Aesthetic appeal | Blends practicality with style, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen |
| Cost | Basic options start from as little as $300, while durable options will likely exceed $4,000 (excluding installation) |
| Customisation | Various materials (quartz, marble, granite, wood, laminate), heights, and designs (raised, lowered, floating, peninsula) to suit different needs and preferences |
| Social aspect | Encourages family and guests to congregate and socialise |
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What You'll Learn
Space-saving design
A kitchen is not just a space for culinary adventures but a place where you create memories with your loved ones. Therefore, it should be functional and inviting. Adding a breakfast bar to your kitchen can be a great way to optimise your space.
Breakfast bars are designed to be sleek and compact, allowing you to make the most of limited space. They can be particularly useful in small kitchens, taking up less room than a traditional dining table and chairs. In larger kitchens, a breakfast bar can still be beneficial, providing extra storage space with additional drawers or cupboards.
If you have an open-plan kitchen, a breakfast bar can help to create a sense of separation between the kitchen and living or dining areas, providing a dedicated space for dining or socialising. A raised bar can help to achieve a more formal feel, while a lowered bar can offer a more comfortable and practical seating area, especially for those with children.
The height of a breakfast bar can be adjusted to suit your needs, typically ranging from 90 to 100 cm to accommodate bar stools or regular chairs. You can also customise the design to include open shelving, drawers, or even a stylish integrated wine rack, making the most of the space underneath.
By incorporating a breakfast bar, you can enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your kitchen, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your home.
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Open-concept feel
A breakfast bar can add value to your home by creating an open-concept feel without sacrificing counter space. This can be achieved by removing half a wall or the upper half of a wall between the kitchen and dining room, and installing a breakfast bar. This simple design change can make a small kitchen feel more expansive and create a sense of flow between the kitchen and living spaces.
When designing an open-concept kitchen with a breakfast bar, it is important to consider the layout and positioning of the bar to ensure adequate room for walkways and to maintain the "kitchen triangle". The direction the bar area faces is also key—for example, positioning the seating towards the main work areas, such as the hob, can encourage socialisation when hosting guests.
The height of a breakfast bar is typically around 100 cm (42 inches), which allows for comfortable seating with bar stools. However, the height can be adjusted to suit personal preferences and space constraints. If you have a smaller kitchen, a lowered bar or floating bar design may be more suitable, providing a comfortable seating area without disrupting the flow of traffic in the kitchen.
In terms of materials, the worktop of the breakfast bar should be durable, easy to care for, and fit within your budget. Popular choices include quartz, granite, marble, wood, or laminate, each offering unique advantages in terms of aesthetics, stain resistance, and durability. Don't forget to utilise the space underneath the breakfast bar for additional storage with open shelving, drawers, or cupboards.
Overall, a breakfast bar can be a valuable addition to a kitchen, enhancing both the functionality and design of the space, and creating a more open and inviting atmosphere.
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Additional seating
A kitchen breakfast bar is a great way to add extra seating to your kitchen. It can be a sleek and modern way to increase the functionality of your kitchen, providing a space for informal seating and dining.
Breakfast bars are typically countertops that extend from kitchen islands or cabinets, offering room for seating. They can be a fantastic space-saving solution, particularly in small or medium-sized kitchens, as they take up less room than a traditional table and chair setup. They can also be freestanding, allowing for flexibility and ease of cleaning.
When considering a breakfast bar, it is important to evaluate the flow of your kitchen. Ensure that the functional kitchen triangle between the sink, cooktop, and refrigerator remains intact. Think about the placement of doors and windows, and how the breakfast bar will integrate with the existing layout. For instance, you could position the seating to face the main work areas, creating a social space when hosting guests.
The amount of seating you can incorporate will depend on the space available. Typically, a breakfast bar can comfortably accommodate two to four people. You can pair the breakfast bar with stools or chairs, ensuring that the seat height matches the height of the bar or counter.
In addition to providing extra seating, a breakfast bar can also offer valuable workspace, serving as a place for food preparation or other tasks. It can also be a design feature, with various materials and styles to choose from, allowing you to customise it to suit your kitchen's aesthetics.
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Material and design considerations
When considering the materials and design for a kitchen breakfast bar, it's important to think about the existing design of your kitchen and the functionality you want to achieve. Here are some key considerations:
Design
The design of your breakfast bar should complement the overall style of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen has a modern aesthetic, a minimalist breakfast bar with clean lines and a glossy finish might be a good choice. In contrast, a traditional kitchen might suit a dark wood breakfast bar, adding warmth and elegance, especially when paired with matching cabinets. If you want your breakfast bar to be a focal point, consider choosing a bold design that contrasts with your existing decor.
Space and Layout
Consider the space you have available and how the breakfast bar will fit within your kitchen layout. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure your breakfast bar fits perfectly. Think about any obstacles, like cabinet doors or appliances, and ensure there's enough room for seating and that stools can slide under the bar comfortably. A slimline design can be a good option for saving space, especially in smaller kitchens.
Height
Decide whether you want a counter-height or bar-height breakfast bar. Counter-height bars are typically around 42 inches high, while bar-height options are usually higher. Consider the height of your kitchen counters and choose a bar height that provides a comfortable seating experience. A raised bar can create a visual separation between the kitchen and dining areas, but it may not be suitable for older family members.
Features and Functionality
Enhance the functionality of your breakfast bar by incorporating unique features. Consider adding a breakfast bar extender for extra surface space or opt for a design with storage to keep your kitchen organized. You can also add decorative elements like under-counter lighting or stylish stools. If you plan to use your breakfast bar for dining, ensure you have enough countertop space for food preparation and, if desired, a built-in sink.
Materials
When selecting materials, durability and ease of maintenance are key factors. Popular options include wood, granite, quartz, and laminate. Wood offers a warm, natural look but may require regular maintenance. Granite and marble are more expensive options that can add value to your home, while laminate is a more affordable choice. Reclaimed wood or a mix of metals and wood can also add unique character to your breakfast bar.
Remember, the design and materials you choose should reflect your style and practical needs, ensuring your breakfast bar enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen.
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Cost and installation
The cost of installing a kitchen breakfast bar varies depending on the materials used, the design, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.
For a basic wall-mounted bar, the materials alone can cost around $500 USD. The cost can increase depending on the materials used, such as marble or engineered stone countertops, which can start from £500 per square metre and £175 per square metre, respectively. If you hire a professional to install a basic breakfast bar, you can expect to pay around $500 for labour.
If you're adding a breakfast bar to an existing kitchen island, you may need to purchase a new countertop with an overhang of at least 12 inches (30 cm). Quartz may be able to handle this overhang without additional support, but most countertop materials will require support brackets. You may also need to remove the old countertop carefully to avoid damaging the cabinetry.
For a permanent kitchen island with a breakfast bar, prices can start from around £600, excluding installation. Taking down a wall to create an open-concept design can further increase the cost, especially if the flooring needs to be ripped up for plumbing access.
When designing your breakfast bar, consider the height of the bar and the seating you plan to use. The average bar height is 42 inches (100 cm), which allows for comfortable seating with barstools. You should also ensure that there is enough clearance around the bar for easy movement, with a recommended minimum of 42 inches.
Installing a kitchen breakfast bar typically involves standard DIY skills such as measuring, drilling, and cutting. If you're confident in your DIY abilities, you can save on labour costs by installing the breakfast bar yourself.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a kitchen breakfast bar can add value to a home by creating an open-concept feel and making a small kitchen feel bigger.
A kitchen breakfast bar can add value by saving space and adding additional seating. They are perfect for small kitchens as they take up less room than a table and chair setup.
A kitchen breakfast bar can be used for dining, meal prep, a workspace, and additional storage. It can also be used as a serving area for guests and a place for children to do their homework.
Basic store-bought breakfast bar options start from as little as $300, while durable options will likely exceed $4,000 (excluding installation). For high-end custom-made options, marble countertops start from around $300 per sq. ft. and engineered stone costs around $215 per sq. ft.
