Avery Collins
A breakfast bar is a versatile and stylish addition to your kitchen, providing extra seating, a cosy spot for meals, or a casual dining area. It can be a great way to maximise counter space, especially in smaller kitchens. Breakfast bars are fairly easy to install and can be a fun DIY project. When planning to fit a breakfast bar, it's important to consider the available space, the desired height, the materials, and the seating arrangement. Careful measurements are essential to ensure the bar fits perfectly and complements the overall design of your kitchen.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Extra seating, casual dining area, workspace, etc. |
| Location | Kitchen, transition zone between kitchen and adjoining room, outside the kitchen, etc. |
| Space | Minimum walking clearance of 30 inches, 28 inches wide per seat, 24 inches deep overall, 36-42 inches of clearance from the edge of the breakfast counter to the wall/furniture |
| Height | 36-42 inches |
| Stool height | 10-12 inches between the seat and the bar top |
| Stool space | Enough room for legs to fit easily |
| Materials | Wood, granite, quartz, laminate, glass, metal |
| Design | Modern, sleek, rustic, minimalist, bold, etc. |
| Lighting | Pendant lights, recessed lights, chandeliers, under-cabinet lights |
| Installation | Wall-mounted, attached to a kitchen island or counter, freestanding |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a location and purpose
Choosing the location and purpose of your breakfast bar is an important first step in the installation process. The location of your breakfast bar will depend on your kitchen's layout and available space. It is recommended to draw a quick sketch of your kitchen's floor plan, including the locations of key features such as the sink, fridge, hob, and oven. This will help you determine the best location for your breakfast bar.
Consider the purpose of your breakfast bar and what you want to use it for. Do you need extra seating, a casual dining area, or more workspace? These factors will help determine the size and placement of your breakfast bar. For example, if you need extra seating, ensure that you have enough space for comfortable seating and foot traffic. The standard height for a breakfast bar is 42 inches, but you can adjust this based on your needs and the type of seating you plan to use.
If you have limited space, consider a slimline or wall-mounted breakfast bar. These designs take up minimal space while still providing ample seating. A wall-mounted shelf is an excellent option for narrow spaces, and you can choose from various materials such as wood, glass, or metal to match your kitchen's décor. Alternatively, you could opt for a freestanding breakfast bar, which can be moved around the room and customized to fit the exact depth, height, and length of your space.
If you have more space available, you may want to consider adding a fixed island or peninsula with a breakfast bar. You can extend the countertop of an existing kitchen island or add a new piece of countertop to create an overhang for a breakfast bar. This option typically requires a decent amount of space, usually around 600 mm, which is the standard width of a worktop.
The style of your breakfast bar should complement your kitchen's existing design. If your kitchen has a modern look, a sleek and minimalist breakfast bar with clean lines and a glossy finish might be a good choice. If your kitchen has a traditional feel, a dark wood breakfast bar could be a perfect fit. Don't be afraid to choose something bold that contrasts with your existing décor for a striking effect.
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Selecting materials and dimensions
Selecting the right materials and dimensions for your breakfast bar is crucial to ensuring that it is functional, comfortable, and stylish. Here are some important factors to consider:
Materials
When choosing materials for your breakfast bar, durability and ease of maintenance are key. Common materials include wood, granite, quartz, laminate, tiles, stainless steel, and glass.
- Wood offers a warm, natural look and can be stained or painted to match your kitchen's colour scheme. However, it may require regular maintenance.
- Granite and quartz are popular choices for their durability, stain resistance, and scratch resistance, making them ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Laminate is a budget-friendly option that offers a wide range of colours and patterns, but it may not be as durable as natural stone.
- Other materials such as tiles, stainless steel, or glass can also be used, depending on your desired aesthetic and budget.
If you're on a tight budget, consider using less expensive materials like laminate countertops and cheaper stools. However, keep in mind that your breakfast bar may not last as long with cheaper materials.
Dimensions
The dimensions of your breakfast bar should be practical and proportional to the space you have available. Here are some key dimension considerations:
- Height: Standard breakfast bars are typically around 42 inches (107 cm) high, but this can be adjusted based on your needs, the design of your kitchen, and the height of your stools. Ensure the counter height is comfortable for both dining and any other intended activities, such as food preparation.
- Width and Depth: Breakfast bars are typically between 36 and 48 inches (91-122 cm) wide and around 16 to 24 inches (41-61 cm) deep. A depth of 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) is recommended to provide enough space for dining and stability.
- Overhang: The overhang is the distance the bartop extends out from the wall or cabinetry. Aim for at least 12 inches (30 cm) to allow comfortable legroom. If you have the space and strong bracketing, consider up to 18 inches (46 cm) for maximum comfort.
- Clearance: Leave at least 42 inches (107 cm) of clearance around the bar to allow for easy movement and foot traffic.
Remember, these dimensions are flexible guidelines, and you can tailor them to your specific needs and space constraints. Always consider the functionality, comfort, and style you want to achieve with your breakfast bar.
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Lighting and decor
When it comes to lighting and decor for your breakfast bar, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size of your space is important. If your breakfast bar is small, opt for small and space-saving lighting fixtures. Conversely, if you have a larger breakfast bar, you can choose larger fixtures or multiple fixtures. The style of your lighting should also complement the overall style of your kitchen. For instance, if your kitchen has a modern aesthetic, choose contemporary lighting fixtures, while a traditional kitchen may suit more classic and timeless options.
The functionality of your breakfast bar is another key consideration. If it will primarily be used for tasks such as eating, drinking, and food preparation, ensure you have adequate task lighting. Pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, and spotlights are all popular choices for providing bright and focused illumination. If you also use your breakfast bar for socialising and entertaining, you may want to create a more inviting and atmospheric space. Dimmable lights are ideal for this purpose, allowing you to adjust the brightness and ambiance depending on the occasion. Warm light bulbs and softer lighting can contribute to a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, while cool light bulbs are more suitable for task lighting.
To enhance the aesthetics of your kitchen, you can incorporate different types of lighting to create a layered effect. This can include a combination of ambient lighting, accent lighting, and decorative lighting. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination, while accent lighting draws attention to specific features such as artwork or backsplash tiles. Decorative lighting, such as chandeliers or wall sconces, adds personality and visual appeal to your kitchen.
In terms of decor, your breakfast bar should reflect your personal style while also being practical for everyday use. Consider the materials used for your breakfast bar, such as wood, granite, quartz, or laminate, ensuring they align with your kitchen's colour scheme and design. You can also experiment with different types of stools, ranging from cushioned options to wicker or wooden designs, to create a cohesive and comfortable space. Don't forget to allow for sufficient space around your breakfast bar, with a recommended gap of around 60cm between the front edge and the nearest piece of furniture or wall.
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Seating and storage
Seating is an important consideration when planning a breakfast bar. The height of the bar will determine the height of the stools you need. Standard breakfast bars are around 42 inches high, and you can adjust this based on your needs and the design of your kitchen. For a 42-inch bar, you'll need bar-height stools, which have a seat height of 72-82cm. For a lower bar, around 36 inches high, counter-height stools are more suitable, with a seat height of 58-72cm. Make sure there's enough space under the bar for legs to fit easily. You should also consider the style of the stools and how you plan to use the breakfast bar. If comfort is a priority, you may want stools with backs and cushions, especially if you have children or older family members.
When it comes to storage, a breakfast bar can be a great way to add extra storage space to your kitchen. Look for designs with shelves or cabinets underneath to store dishes, glassware, cookbooks, and even small appliances. Hooks or racks attached to the sides of the bar can also provide extra storage for mugs, towels, or utensils. If you're short on space, a slimline or wall-mounted breakfast bar can be a good option, or you could opt for a freestanding bar that can be moved around as needed.
If you're creating a custom breakfast bar, you can incorporate storage solutions that fit your specific needs. For example, you could add a bookshelf or closed cabinets underneath for a built-in look. If you're not handy or prefer something temporary, you can buy a ready-made island on wheels or a kitchen centre with a breakfast bar.
To ensure your breakfast bar is functional and stylish, it's important to plan carefully. Measure your space accurately and consider the purpose and ideal location of your breakfast bar. Think about the flow of the space and how the breakfast bar will fit with the rest of your kitchen layout.
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Installation
Next, carefully measure the space where you plan to install the bar, taking into account any obstacles like cabinet doors or appliances. Mark the wall at the desired height of the breakfast bar, typically between 36 and 42 inches, and mark the locations of the wall studs to anchor the brackets into.
If you're building a freestanding breakfast bar, you'll need to assemble the frame. Cut the boards to the desired length and width of your bar, ensuring that the base frame allows for enough clearance from any obstacles like cabinet doors. Screw the boards together at the corners and anchor the frame to the wall for stability.
For a wall-mounted breakfast bar, attach decorative brackets or corbels that can support the weight of the bar top. If your bar is more than four feet long, use at least three supports. Drill pilot holes and screw the brackets into the wall studs at the marked height.
Once the frame or brackets are in place, cut the bar top to size if needed. Attach the bar top to the frame or brackets using adhesive, screws, or both. For added stability, screw the bar top to the brackets from underneath.
Finally, install any additional features, such as a breakfast bar extender or a storage table beneath, to maximize functionality. Choose comfortable seating that fits the space, such as bar stools, counter stools, or banquettes. Ensure there is enough clearance for seating, with a recommended minimum of 28 inches of linear length per stool and at least 36 inches of clearance from the edge of the counter to the wall or furniture.
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Frequently asked questions
The average bar height is 42 inches. The ideal height range is between 36 and 42 inches so that barstools can fit comfortably underneath.
The design should complement your kitchen's existing style. For instance, if your kitchen is modern, opt for a sleek, minimalist design. If your kitchen has a traditional feel, a dark wood breakfast bar might be the perfect fit.
First, choose decorative brackets or corbels that can support the weight of your bar top. Mark lines at 42 inches from the floor and attach the brackets to the wall studs using appropriate screws. Place your bar top material on the brackets and screw it in place for added stability.
You should allow for 28 inches of linear length per stool. You should also ensure there is at least 36 inches of clearance from the edge of the breakfast counter to the nearest wall or piece of furniture.
You can use the same materials as your existing kitchen worktops, such as wood, granite, quartz or laminate. If you use materials like granite or quartz, ensure the edges are polished and smooth.
