A breakfast bar can be a fun and convenient way to add extra seating and eating space to your kitchen. With some clever design ideas, you can create a stylish and functional breakfast bar that perfectly suits your needs. Here are some tips for coming up with clever breakfast bar ideas for your home.
Choosing the Right Location
One of the first decisions you’ll need to make when planning your breakfast bar is choosing the right location. Here are some factors to consider:
Near the Kitchen Triangle
Ideally, you’ll want your breakfast bar situated near the main “kitchen triangle” formed by the refrigerator, stove, and sink. This allows quick and easy access to the kitchen during meal prep. Position it along a perpendicular wall or island near this work area.
Out of the Main Workflow
While the breakfast bar should be close to the action, be sure it’s not right in the middle of the main kitchen workflow. Leave enough space around it so multiple people can work comfortably in the kitchen without bumping into seated guests.
Near a Window
Positioning your breakfast bar next to a window can create a pleasant dining experience. Abundant natural light and views of the outdoors provide an uplifting backdrop for morning coffee. Just be sure the sunlight won’t create an uncomfortable glare.
Open to Adjoining Rooms
Situating your breakfast bar along the edge of the kitchen that’s open to an adjoining dining or living room can help blend spaces. This allows it to feel like part of a larger entertainment area.
Access to Electrical Outlets
You’ll want your breakfast bar reasonably close to electrical outlets in order to plug in appliances like blenders, toasters, or coffee makers. Having the option to add outlets or power strips specifically for the breakfast bar area is ideal.
Choosing the Right Height
The height of your breakfast bar seating has a big impact on both comfort and functionality. Follow these guidelines:
Bar Stool Height
Standard breakfast bar stool height is about 26-30 inches. This allows enough clearance for most people’s legs and knees underneath. Make sure there’s at least 9 inches of toe room between the bottom rung of the stool legs and your breakfast bar.
Customize for Your Height
Consider customizing your breakfast bar height based on your own needs. For example, a 36-inch height may be more comfortable for very tall household members. Just make sure there’s still adequate toe room.
Match Countertop Height
Ideally, the height of your breakfast bar seating will match the height of your kitchen counters. This creates a seamless flow when transporting food and drinks between the kitchen and bar areas.
Raised Eating Surface
Even if you don’t have full bar stool seating, consider an extended countertop or raised island surface at least 12 inches deep to create an eat-in area. You can use standard chairs with this type of raised surface.
Incorporating Seating
The seating options you choose will set the tone for your breakfast bar. Consider both comfort and space efficiency.
Bar Stools
Bar stools are the classic choice. They have compact footprints, allowing you to maximize seating in a small area. Choose stools with backrests for comfort and proper posture.
Built-In Seating
For a space-saving solution, look for breakfast bars with built-in banquette seating. These cozy booth-like nooks tuck right under the bar counter.
Bench Seating
An upholstered bench makes an inviting seating choice. It can slide partially under the overhang of the countertop to save space.
Combination Seating
Use a combination of options like stools on one side and a bench on the other to add architectural interest. Mixing materials like wood and metal also adds appealing contrast.
Extra Storage
Look for breakfast bar stools or benches with built-in storage for keeping tableware, placemats, and other dining accessories within reach.
Stylish & Functional Design Touches
A well-designed breakfast bar has lots of clever details that improve both form and function.
Overhang
An overhang or lip on the counter surface will help prevent spills and give guests a spot to rest arms. An overhang of 10-12 inches is comfortable.
Built-In Electrical
Look for breakfast bars with electrical outlets, USB charging ports, and even pop-up plugs built right into the counter surface. This allows convenient access to power for appliances and devices.
Slide-Out Trays
Hideaway slide-out trays under the counter give you instant extra surface space for serving food, holding place settings, or keeping condiments and utensils within easy reach.
Adjustable Lighting
Incorporate lighting right into your breakfast bar design. Options like pendant lights or under-cabinet lighting set the mood. Dimmers allow adjustable brightness.
Two-Level Design
A two-tier countertop adds functional surface space. The lower tier holds appliances and prep area. The raised level creates eat-in seating.
Material Contrasts
Pair two complementary countertop materials, like wood and marble, to define separate zones for prep and seating. This adds visual interest.
Clever Breakfast Bar Ideas
Now that you know what to look for in general breakfast bar design, here are some more specific clever breakfast bar ideas to inspire your own one-of-a-kind creation:
Rustic Charm
Bring cozy cottage charm to your breakfast bar with design details like:
- Distressed wood countertop
- Wrought iron bar stools
- Pendant lighting with Edison bulbs
- Floral upholstered bench seating
- Vintage-style hardware and accessories
The rustic elements paired with pretty cottagecore touches give this breakfast bar lots of farmhouse-inspired personality.
Modern Glam
Make your breakfast bar the glittering centerpiece of your kitchen with sleek and shiny design elements like:
- Marble, quartz, or concrete countertop
- Acrylic bar stools
- Brass hardware and accents
- Geometric prints and patterns
- Globe pendant lighting
The mix of luxe materials, metallic touches, and hint of glitz creates a breakfast bar with contemporary glamour.
Urban Industrial
Give your breakfast bar an urban edge with industrial inspired details such as:
- Distressed wood or concrete countertop
- Metal framed bar stools
- Exposed brick backsplash
- Stainless steel appliances
- Pendant lighting with Edison bulbs
- Black and white abstract prints
The raw, utilitarian materials blended with modern geometric shapes evoke a modern industrial loft aesthetic.
Boho Chic
Channel laid-back bohemian style with details like:
- Concrete, stone, or butcher block countertop
- Woven bar stools
- Macrame pendant lights
- Tribal prints and patterns
- Houseplants and greenery
- Rattan, bamboo or wood textures
The natural materials mixed with global accents give this breakfast bar an earthy, eclectic vibe.
Scandinavian Minimalism
Embrace the Scandi love of simple elegance with design elements such as:
- Light wood or white countertop
- Straight lined bar stools
- Pendant lights with wooden frames
- Woven baskets for storage
- Neutral colors and textures
- Gallery wall art display
The light, airy palette paired with minimal shapes evokes the serene style of Scandinavia.
Retro Diner
Bring back the 1950s with fun retro diner details:
- Black and white checkered floor
- Chrome bar stools with vinyl seats
- Red barstools or bench cushions
- Jukebox, gumball machine or neon signs
- Checkerboard patterns and neon lighting
- Kitschy memorabilia for decor
The iconic American diner elements stirred together create a nostalgic and lively breakfast bar.
Breakfast Bar Organization & Storage Ideas
Keep your breakfast bar neat, tidy, and functional with these clever organization and storage ideas:
Use Baskets
Woven baskets in natural materials like rattan add easy open storage under your breakfast bar counter to corral barware, napkins, and other essentials.
Install Shelving
Mount wall shelves or floating shelves above your breakfast bar for displaying pretty dishes, cookbooks, and decor items while keeping them in easy reach.
Add a Rack
Install a hanging pot rack, utensil rack, or towel rack right under your breakfast bar. This provides a handy home base for kitchen tools within arm’s length.
Use Hooks
Screw sturdy cup hooks under the breakfast bar counter to hang mugs, towels, oven mitts, or aprons for quick access.
Try Ladder Rails
Horizontal ladder rails mounted underneath provide slots to neatly organize cooking tools like spatulas, whisks, and wooden spoons for efficient cooking.
Install Coffee Station
Designate part of your breakfast bar as a coffee station with storage for a coffee maker, mugs, filters, sweeteners, and stirring sticks.
Add Drawers
Incorporate drawers right into the breakfast bar base cabinetry for concealed storage of tableware, cutlery, placemats, and napkins.
Use Paper Towel Holder
Mounting a paper towel holder directly under the counter surface makes it easy to quickly grab towels for spills and messes.
FAQs About Clever Breakfast Bar Ideas
What are the benefits of a breakfast bar?
Some key benefits of a breakfast bar include extra seating, more surface area for serving and eating meals, the ability to visually connect the kitchen and adjoining rooms, and added value to your home. Breakfast bars create casual spaces for quick meals and entertainment.
How much space do you need for a breakfast bar?
In general, plan on having a space at least 12-15 square feet to accommodate comfortable breakfast bar seating. Factor in enough room for people to get in and out of the seats and walk behind the chairs.
Should a breakfast bar be flush with the counters?
This depends on your space and preferences. A breakfast bar flush with the counter creates one long continuous surface. A bar that’s a few inches lower than the counter provides visual separation and keeps seated guests out of the main kitchen workspace.
What depth should a breakfast bar be?
The ideal depth is generally 25-30 inches. This allows enough room for plates and food while eating. If you’ll use bar stools, make sure there’s sufficient overhang (10-12 inches) for knee clearance.
Can you put appliances and a sink in a breakfast bar?
Yes, it’s common to incorporate small or specialty appliances like a mini fridge, microwave, toaster, or coffee station into a breakfast bar design. You can also install a small prep sink. Just make sure to leave enough open counter space for food and drinks.
Conclusion
With so many design options, you’re sure to find clever breakfast bar ideas that perfectly suit your home and lifestyle. Focus on choosing the ideal location, height, seating, and features like storage, lighting, and accessories. Personalize your breakfast bar with stylish finishes and decor to create your dream space for casual morning meals and coffee breaks. With some creativity, your breakfast bar can become a functional and eye-catching highlight of your kitchen design.