Wanting to make the kitchen space as functional and practical as possible, many housewives choose transforming furniture. This saves space, which is especially important for small rooms. These items of furniture include the bar. A huge number of ideas for its design are presented on the Internet.
The advantages of a bar counter in the interior
Content
- The advantages of a bar counter in the interior
- The main varieties of bar counters for the kitchen
- Bar counter styles
- About the materials of countertops and supports
- Bar counter and dining table in one kitchen: pros and cons
- Backlit bar: installation options and types of fixtures
- 8 tips for design, selection and arrangement of the bar
- How to install a bar
- VIDEO: Do-it-yourself bar counter for the kitchen.
- 50 design options for the kitchen bar:
The bar counter has long ceased to be purely restaurant and bar furniture. Due to some features, she took her place in many kitchens. With its help, you can add a touch of lightness and ease. However, the classic model can not always fit in a standard kitchen. Therefore, the rational solution is to use a kitchen rack-transformer. Consider the advantages of this type of furniture.
- An additional work surface that can be easily hidden when it is unnecessary.
- Suitable for almost any interior and kitchen size.
- Often used for zoning spaces.
- It can serve as an alternative to a regular dining table, which makes it very relevant in small kitchens.
The main varieties of bar counters for the kitchen
Many housewives faced the problem of lack of space. The way out of this situation may be the use of a bar-transformer for the kitchen.
Note! As a rule, the height of the bar is slightly higher than all other work surfaces. Therefore, for convenience it is better to choose special chairs. They are higher than usual and make the work behind it more comfortable.
There are several variations of this piece of furniture. The most common of these are the following.
Folding
If you have a big family or you like to arrange noisy gatherings with friends, and there is not enough kitchen space to put a spacious dining table, then this model will be a godsend. Such a bar counter when folded takes up very little space. However, having spread it out, you can get both a medium-sized table and a large full-fledged dining table. This is made possible thanks to special mechanisms.
Retractable
This design allows you to hide it in a small free space between the elements of kitchen furniture. Most often, it slides under the countertop using rollers or wheels. In this case, it is made of the same material as the main work surfaces.
Flip options
A feature of these types of bar counters for the kitchen is the presence of brackets with which they are folded to the wall. The folding type of racks also allows to save and organize the workspace correctly.
Mobile bar table
This design allows not only to save space, but also to make the rack itself mobile. It can be moved to any part of the kitchen, as well as the whole house.
Two-level
Such a model can be hidden in the form of a retractable mechanism or be static. Its main feature is that it is located above all other surfaces of the kitchen, even if it is a part or continuation of them. A two-level design creates additional space.
With aquarium
An unusually beautiful and original solution is to use an aquarium to decorate the bar. The size and shape of it depends on its design.
Bar counter styles
The style of the bar, as well as the entire kitchen, may be different. It all depends on its purpose, material and imagination of the designer.
Classic version
Vertical fixtures, horizontal oval or rectangular countertops, high chairs - these are the components of a classic bar counter. The presence of holders for glasses and glasses, lights and various decor - at the request of the author.
Minimalism style
Laconicism and restraint of this style require the use of bar counters with a minimum amount of detail. Glass is often used as material in this style. It makes the countertop weightless and gives the interior lightness.
Loft
Massive countertops and racks are perfect for this style. They must be of strict forms.
English (as well as Mediterranean)
In this style, stone or expensive wood is used. Such a rack is best suited for chairs with elegant shapes and decorations.
Vanguard
Bright contrasting colors and many lines are the hallmarks of this style.
High tech
The main colors of this style are white and gray. Among the materials, most preferred are metals and various polymers. No frills, just ordinary bar stools.
About the materials of countertops and supports
The choice of material for the countertop is key, because not only the appearance, but the strength and practicality of the product depend on it.
Tree
Wooden tabletops can bring a touch of elegance and sophistication. They can be of any shape and size. Often such products are decorated with carvings, stained glass, mosaics. However, it should be noted that improper use causes damage to this material.Subject to a caring attitude towards such a countertop, it will last for many years.
Laminated chipboard
This tabletop material allows you to create an imitation of almost any coating: from stone to wood. The main thing in this case is to prevent moisture under the laminating substance, otherwise the product will simply lose its shape.
Glass bar counters
Such countertops do not require special care and create an atmosphere of weightlessness and lightness. They are not only in perfect harmony with any interior, but also quite durable. However, it should be remembered that glass is afraid of shock. It also requires frequent cleaning, as traces quickly remain on it.
A rock
This material will make a highlight of the kitchen from any countertop. However, its cost does not make the stone accessible to everyone. And the massiveness and weight of this material does not allow it to fit into all interiors, especially for small rooms. Therefore, most often use artificial stone. It is more affordable and lightweight, however, needs special care.
Plastic
Plastic countertops are one of the budget options. It does not require special treatment, thanks to the wealth of design solutions suitable for any interior. The disadvantage of this material is its fragility.
Bar counter and dining table in one kitchen: pros and cons
Often, housewives, choosing between a dining table and a bar, prefer the second. This is dictated, first of all, by the need to save space. After all, such a design takes up much less space. And the chairs can be conveniently positioned under the countertop.
If the size of the kitchen allows, then a convenient and practical solution will be the simultaneous use of both the table and the counter. In addition to all these advantages, it can also serve as a place for light snacks or tea gatherings, when there is no need to set a large table.
If necessary, a modern bar counter will replace the usual dining table. Some models are even capable of folding out and in the end result are not inferior to it in size. However, if the family has small children, elderly people or pregnant women who find it difficult to sit in high chairs, then the optimal solution would be to have a bar and a dining table.
Backlit bar: installation options and types of fixtures
Using the backlight helps to make the right emphasis and add coziness. For the bar, there are several varieties of fixtures.
- Outboard
They are placed above the countertop itself, on a special panel or ceiling. Soft diffused light creates an atmosphere of home comfort. With their help, the kitchen is also divided into zones.
- Point
Easy installation and size allow you to mount such lamps on any surface (top bar, ceiling). They perfectly illuminate the selected area and give direct light.
- Spots
These halogen lamps are mounted on a special bracket. With it, you can direct the light in the right direction.
- Track
The presence of a special design that can not only change the angle of the light, but also its shape, makes such lamps an original solution for the kitchen.
- LED strip
This type of illumination allows not only to fill with light, but also to decorate the bar counter. It is perfectly attached to the surface of any shape. LED strip can change the color and brightness of the light.As a rule, they are adjusted using a special remote control.
An original solution will be the use of this type of lighting under a glass countertop.
8 tips for design, selection and arrangement of the bar
- First of all, decide what function the bar will perform: a dining table, an additional surface, a zoning element, a snack. Its size and type will depend on this.
- Choose the type of bar that will fit into the interior of your kitchen. Material, color and shape should be in harmony with the overall environment.
- Prefer steady chairs. They should not be too light, otherwise troubles cannot be avoided.
- When choosing the type of lighting, try to ensure that the lamps are not only an ornament, but also fulfill their main function.
- To bring this piece of furniture to the maximum, install a special bar tube. She will allow to store glasses, glasses or cups in convenient proximity.
- Do not use many decorative elements at the same time. This will only oversaturate the space. And such an approach cannot be called practical.
- Choose countertops that do not have sharp corners. This will protect you and your household from injury.
- Do not forget that the countertop should be wider than the base.
How to install a bar
The installation and installation of a bar counter of any style in the kitchen, as a rule, does not require certain skills, although there are still several recommendations.
- Do not install it while violating the kitchen triangle (sink, refrigerator, stove).
- Consider the type and location of lighting at the design stage.
- Take care of strength and stability. The countertop must be securely fixed.
- Do not overload the bar with unnecessary elements, even though they seem practical organizers.
If possible, consider the entire kitchen design at once. This will help to choose the right furniture, including the bar.
Choosing this piece of furniture, do not forget that, first of all, it should be functional, and only then a design element. Consider all the features of your kitchen and our tips. And let your choice make you happy.
VIDEO: Do-it-yourself bar counter for the kitchen.
Where koo drink a bar. Rack with change of height and chairs?