Kitchen Design
9 Ideas for Creating a Casual Dining Perch in Your Kitchen
As a dining, conversation or homework spot, a breakfast bar can be a welcome addition. Here’s how to work one in
There are all sorts of ways to include a breakfast bar in a modern kitchen, whether it’s with a bells-and-whistles island centerpiece or a simple countertop that has no cabinets below. Check out these designs to see which one is your cup of tea.
2. Carve Out a Corner of an Island or a Peninsula
Forgoing a couple of cabinets in favor of seating also can work well on an island. This peninsula hasn’t lost much storage, but the little seating spot makes the small kitchen much more sociable.
Forgoing a couple of cabinets in favor of seating also can work well on an island. This peninsula hasn’t lost much storage, but the little seating spot makes the small kitchen much more sociable.
3. Tuck It at an End
If you have a bit more space to play with, try extending the peninsula countertop on two sides. This spot can seat two or three people at an angle to one another for easier chatting, and they won’t get under the cook’s feet.
If you have a bit more space to play with, try extending the peninsula countertop on two sides. This spot can seat two or three people at an angle to one another for easier chatting, and they won’t get under the cook’s feet.
4. Switch Materials
Zone a breakfast bar to define the seating area and give it a coffee shop feel. In this modern kitchen, a chunky wood slab provides a pretty, tactile contrast to the slick island countertop, and the fact that it’s raised slightly immediately signifies its function.
Zone a breakfast bar to define the seating area and give it a coffee shop feel. In this modern kitchen, a chunky wood slab provides a pretty, tactile contrast to the slick island countertop, and the fact that it’s raised slightly immediately signifies its function.
5. Blend It In
Alternatively, blend in your breakfast bar for a minimal look. This white countertop on white cabinets makes for a serene design.
The three white-painted stools barely register against the bar and extended work surface, creating a simple, relaxing space where wood, marble and brick coexist in gentle shades of white.
Looking for help with your kitchen layout? Find kitchen designers in the Houzz Directory
Alternatively, blend in your breakfast bar for a minimal look. This white countertop on white cabinets makes for a serene design.
The three white-painted stools barely register against the bar and extended work surface, creating a simple, relaxing space where wood, marble and brick coexist in gentle shades of white.
Looking for help with your kitchen layout? Find kitchen designers in the Houzz Directory
7. Take It Down
If you don’t have room for both a table and a breakfast bar, you might try this clever idea. The lowered surface allows for standard-height seating while taking up little space.
The change of color and material defines the breakfast bar, while the choice of a dark wood that matches the window frames and shelf makes it a striking design detail.
If you don’t have room for both a table and a breakfast bar, you might try this clever idea. The lowered surface allows for standard-height seating while taking up little space.
The change of color and material defines the breakfast bar, while the choice of a dark wood that matches the window frames and shelf makes it a striking design detail.
8. Add Curves
The designer of this surface rounded one end to form a table or more countertop space. Glossy white cabinets maximize the light, while the oak table and the exposed stone pillar nod to the building’s history.
Locating the breakfast bar at the far end means that diners have a view, and the large window makes the area feel less cramped. The curved ends of the cabinets echo the table shape to link the zones.
The designer of this surface rounded one end to form a table or more countertop space. Glossy white cabinets maximize the light, while the oak table and the exposed stone pillar nod to the building’s history.
Locating the breakfast bar at the far end means that diners have a view, and the large window makes the area feel less cramped. The curved ends of the cabinets echo the table shape to link the zones.
9. Combine It With Storage
This set of drawers makes a great breakfast bar while providing a good spot to store items like cutlery, candles and napkins for the adjacent dining area. The fuss-free handleless design means that the drawers close to form a neat edge.
Tell us: How have your added casual dining seats to your kitchen? Please show us your project in the Comments.
Just getting started? Browse kitchen photos and save your favorites to your Houzz ideabook
This set of drawers makes a great breakfast bar while providing a good spot to store items like cutlery, candles and napkins for the adjacent dining area. The fuss-free handleless design means that the drawers close to form a neat edge.
Tell us: How have your added casual dining seats to your kitchen? Please show us your project in the Comments.
Just getting started? Browse kitchen photos and save your favorites to your Houzz ideabook
Let a work surface run farther along a wall than the cabinets beneath it to create a spot to perch. Ensure that it’s securely attached with brackets or legs and then simply slide a couple of stools below.
Pick a seat design that will work with the rest of the room, and pay attention to how the wall underneath the countertop is decorated — do you want your seating to blend in or stand out? These industrial stools are highlighted by the white wall, and they harmonize with the factory-style pendant lights and pipework shelves.
Find industrial-style bar and counter stools on Houzz