Breakfast bar can make an invaluable addition to any kitchen, providing space for dining, socializing and extra workspace. But creating one in a smaller kitchen takes careful planning and smart design choices in order to optimize space utilization and functionality. In this guide we will cover how you can do this easily.
Why Add a Breakfast Bar to Your Kitchen?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why a breakfast bar can be a valuable addition:
- Space Efficiency: In small kitchens, every inch counts and a breakfast bar provides a functional area without taking up too much room.
- Versatility: They provide multiple benefits in your kitchen: they serve as places for quick meals and preparation tasks as well as being ideal places for guests to sit while watching you cook, providing seating during guests.
- Aesthetic Appeal: An appealing breakfast bar can add modernity and flair to the overall design of any kitchen space, adding modernity while remaining stylish at once.
Planning Your Breakfast Bar
Assessing Your Space
Establish the space available in your kitchen before installing a breakfast bar. Measure where it will go, consider traffic flow, and ensure there’s enough room for people to move freely around it.
Choosing the Right Location
Decide on the best location for your breakfast bar. Popular choices include:
- Island Extension: If you have an island, extending it with a breakfast bar is a great option.
- Wall-Mounted: Mounting it against a wall can save space and provide a sleek look.
- Window Area: Placing it near a window can create a pleasant spot with natural light.
Designing Your Breakfast Bar
Selecting the Style and Materials
They should complement the design of your kitchen in terms of both style and materials used to construct it. Popular choices for breakfast bars are wood, granite, quartz and stainless steel – each material having their own advantages in terms of durability, maintenance requirements and aesthetic appeal.
- Wood: Warm and inviting, wood is a popular choice for a cozy breakfast bar.
- Granite and Quartz: These materials offer a sleek, modern look and are highly durable.
- Stainless Steel: Ideal for a contemporary kitchen, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain.
Breakfast Bar Table
When space is at a premium, consider opting for a small table that fits nicely within your kitchen’s layout. Folding or extendable tables may help save space when not in use and also come equipped with fold-away leaves to save even more.
Breakfast Bar Legs
Selecting appropriate breakfast bar legs is key for both style and stability of any kitchen, from classic wooden legs to modern metal ones. Adjustable legs may prove especially helpful in small kitchens as they allow you to adapt the height according to your needs.
Adding Breakfast Bar Stools
Selecting the right stool is essential for comfort and style. Here are some tips:
- Height: To ensure the best experience at your bar, the stool height should be 10-12 inches lower than bar height.
- Style: Select stools that complement the overall aesthetic of your kitchen such as backless stools for minimalist appeal or cushioned options for increased comfort.
- Space Saving: Foldable or stackable stools can easily be stored away when not being used, helping maximize kitchen space.
Installation Process
Step 1: Prepare the Area
Clear the space in your kitchen where the breakfast bar will go. If attaching it directly to an existing counter or wall, make sure it is clean and smooth before attaching it securely; wall-mounted bars require that studs in the wall are located for secure installation.
Step 2: Assemble the Breakfast Bar Table
If you’re using a pre-made breakfast bar table, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for assembly. Make sure all components, especially the breakfast bar legs, are securely attached.
Step 3: Install the Breakfast Bar
For a wall-mounted breakfast bar:
- Mark the Wall: Use a level to spot the height of the bar on the wall.
- Attach Brackets: Securely attach brackets to the wall, guaranteeing they are level and properly aligned with the studs.
- Mount the Bar: Place the breakfast bar on the brackets and secure it with screws.
For an island extension:
- Measure and Cut: Measure the existing island and cut the breakfast bar surface to size if necessary.
- Attach: Use screws or brackets to securely attach the bar to the island, ensuring it is level.
Step 4: Add Breakfast Bar Stools
Place your chosen stools around the bar, making sure there is sufficient seating room for everyone to sit comfortably. Consider how long and wide your bar is as well as available space when determining how many stools will be required for optimal seating.
Making the Most of Your Breakfast Bar
Storage Solutions
Integrate storage solutions into your breakfast bar design for maximum functionality. Shelves or cabinets beneath can store kitchen essentials, keeping your space organized and clutter-free.
Lighting
Lighting plays an integral part in improving both usability and ambiance of a breakfast bar. Pendant lights or under-cabinet lights provide directed illumination that makes this area more welcoming.
Personal Touches
Add personal touches to make your breakfast bar inviting, such as decorative elements like fresh flowers in a vase, stylish placemats or even fresh fruit bowls.
Maintenance Tips
Keep It Clean
Regular cleaning of your breakfast bar is key to its appearance and hygiene. Use appropriate cleaners tailored for its material composition, and wipe down its surface after each use.
Inspect Regularly
Periodically check the stability of your breakfast bar, especially if it’s wall-mounted. Tighten any loose screws or brackets to ensure it remains secure.
Protect the Surface
Use coasters and placemats to protect the bar’s surface from spills and scratches. If your bar is made of wood, consider applying a sealant to prevent damage from moisture and heat.
Conclusion
Making the most out of your small kitchen by installing a breakfast bar can be both practical and stylish. By planning, smart design choices, and using appropriate materials, a breakfast bar can turn even the smallest kitchen into a functional and inviting space. Choose between compact breakfast bar tables or wall-mounted solutions; either will provide ample dining, socializing and meal preparation space. When complete your perfect setup with comfortable breakfast bar stools that match with storage solutions and lighting for an enhanced experience.
By following these steps, you’ll soon enjoy all of the advantages a breakfast bar can bring to your kitchen – making it more enjoyable for cooking, eating and gathering with family and friends.
