Bar counters in typical Russian kitchens have long become commonplace. Having experienced a boom in popularity about 10 years ago, they were forgotten for some time, but today they are returning to the design of ordinary Russian residential apartments, houses and cottages. They are loved for their convenience and compactness, for their original look and for the opportunity to experiment with the design of the entire kitchen.
History of the bar
Initially, a bar is an attribute of a drinking establishment, which got its name from this very bar. Bars in America acquired counters during the gold rush of the 18th century. A slab of stone or thick wood separated the bartender from the audience and gave him cover in case of a firefight or dishes and furniture flying at his head.
Dashing times in the States have passed, but the racks have remained in every bar. Later they migrated to the homes of ordinary Americans, then Europeans, and later Russians.
Today, a bar counter can be made from chipboard, wood, plastic, stone and even glass. Sizes, shapes and even different functionality distinguishes them from each other.
Functional
When bar counters first appeared in ordinary American homes, they carried the same task as in a modern bar - during parties, the owner, playing the role of a bartender, served drinks to guests, bottles of alcohol, glasses and other equipment were stored there. However, later, in more limited spaces, counters ceased to be an independent object and became part of the kitchen. It turned out that the size of the bar in the kitchen and its height are very convenient to have a quick breakfast or a snack, drink coffee on the run. Today, the bar counter in many homes has simply replaced the kitchen table - they have lunch and dinner at it, cook and just sit with a newspaper and a cup of tea.
Over time, the racks again separated from the kitchen to transform into a kitchen island - this is a high table, in fact, a bar counter, into which cabinets, hobs, ovens, and sinks are mounted. The convenience of such an island is that it is a working kitchen area, a large dining table, and a wide field for rolling out dough, making homemade dumplings, cooking with the whole family, or something else of the same scale.
Rack types
In relation to the kitchen set, racks can be divided into several types:
- Wall.
- Rack-partition.
- Island.
The size of the wall-mounted bar counter is ideal for small kitchens. Its narrow edge is attached to the wall, and the long one has an approach from two sides, so that even in a small kitchen several people can fit. Often this rack is part of the kitchen furniture and a continuation of the countertop, they are also equipped with a support holding the rack and the upper cornice. The cornice and support are also often played up by furniture designers - built-in lamps or a hanger for glasses are mounted in the cornice (hello to the original purpose of the bar counter), and fruit baskets or decor are mounted to the support.
The partition rack can also be wall-mounted, but it has a completely obvious function - to partition or zone the space. It is often used in large rooms of a combined kitchen-living room, where you need to somehow separate the actual kitchen and living area. At the same time, the dimensions of the bar counter in the kitchen-living room can be completely arbitrary.
The bar counter here has several functions at once:
- Decorative and zoning.
- The function of a table for snacks and a bar.
- Continuation of the working area due to the greater height.
The island is a free-standing bar counter that contains kitchen cabinets, built-in appliances, and a sink. This is, in fact, a separate part of the kitchen set, which is used both as a work table and as a dining table.
For your own bar
The dimensions of any kitchen are suitable for placing a bar counter, but it has become especially widespread in small kitchens. It is quite difficult to fit both a full-fledged work surface and a dining table in them, so a narrow and high bar counter is an excellent solution.
To fit it on, it is better to make it the same height as the main tabletop, that is, 85-90 centimeters. When designing the location of the rack, do not forget about the working triangle, that is, the area between the stove, refrigerator and sink. There should be no obstacles in this triangle, so it would be a mistake, for example, to separate the refrigerator from the work area with a rack.
Also a great solution for a small kitchen would be a bar counter - a continuation of the windowsill. Today you can order a window sill from any material and any width. Such a small detail can be very functional. Such a stand will hide the battery under the window, and to expand the space to it, you can choose the appropriate height that completely slides under it.
Small kitchens do not tolerate large bulky furniture, so it is better to choose chrome tubes to support the bar counter, they will make the counter seem to float and light. Chairs for the counter can be selected from transparent plastic or on thin chrome legs - they are the least noticeable in space, which means they give a feeling of greater emptiness and weightlessness.
Bar counters, dimensions: height
It ranges from 86 to 130 centimeters. This difference is explained by the functionality of the rack - the lower it is, the more convenient it is to use it as a dining table. If the counter is flush with the kitchen work surface, then its height is usually about 86-90 cm. If the counter functions as a partition, its height will be more than a meter.
Multi-level racks are also possible, when one part of it is equal in height to the kitchen worktop, and the other is higher and plays the role of a table in the company of high bar stools.
Also, when choosing a height, pay attention to the growth of your family members, if it is above average, then the height of the rack can be taken up to 130 centimeters, respectively, for short owners it will be inconvenient - the height should be about 1 meter.
Bar counter dimensions: length
The length of a standard rack is 120 centimeters, but in fact it can be absolutely anything, it depends on the preferences of the owner of the kitchen and on its size. When designing, keep in mind that for comfortable accommodation one person needs at least 60 cm. Usually no more than two people sit at the counter at once, so 120 centimeters have become a universal option.
Width
The standard dimensions of the bar in width, as a rule, are 55 cm, of course, more can be done, but this is the golden mean. But making a width less than 30 centimeters is not worth it - it will be inconvenient and non-functional. The 30 cm wide counter is also quite narrow and is not suitable for a full serving of lunch or dinner, but for small apartments it can be an ideal option.
How to choose bar stools
No bar is complete without chairs. Special sizes are an important detail, because if any are suitable for a regular table, you only need to choose a design, then in the case of a bar counter, size is the first thing.
The height of bar stools is usually 75 or 85 centimeters, but other sizes can also be found on sale, for example, at Ikea, which produces bar stools 63 cm high. The main rule when choosing chairs is that the difference between a chair and a tabletop should be at least 30 cm, otherwise the person sitting at the counter will be uncomfortable. For reference: if the dimensions of the kitchen bar counter are from 120 cm, then take chairs no lower than 85 centimeters, and if the counter is lower, then a 75 cm chair is enough.
Bar stools come with or without backs, with four or one legs, swivel and stationary. and the footboard are as comfortable as possible - you can sit on them for quite a long time without feeling that you are hanging on an uncomfortable perch. But stools are less convenient, but they save space - they are easy to slide under the counter.
We tried to tell as much as possible about the dimensions of the bar counter. The photos presented in the article will help you decide on the choice of this popular and sought-after element of kitchen furniture.
To decorate the kitchen, as well as to divide the kitchen space into a cooking area and a dining area, racks are often used, which have a convenient design, shape and interesting design. Before choosing a bar counter and deciding on the choice of the required height design, you should understand the basic requirements for its operation. Let's look at some of the answers to these questions.
Choosing a bar counter for the kitchen
The main features of the functionality of the furniture are its practicality, convenient use and an up-to-date interior design solution. Suitable for home use:
- island model of any shape. It can be a countertop on supporting elements or a complex structure in which additional communications will be built in. More practical and convenient will be an island on two sides, which has a hob and a place to stay while eating.
- Tabletop that is attached to the wall.
- The type of model that is embedded in the .
- A combination of rack parts, the levels of which will be different in height. The lower part serves as a desktop, and the upper part is made in the form of a decorative element directed towards the dining room or living room.
By standards, the height of a classic countertop counter should be 115 cm from the floor. The combined rack has a height of 90 cm.
Countertops are made of glass, transparent plastic, solid wood, marble or granite, as well as polymer stone or moisture-resistant wood.
The bar counter should be in harmony with the interior of the furniture that is already available, match the color scheme and the style of the room.
To make the rack comfortable and roomy, you can make cabinets, cabinets and shelves under the countertop itself to store the necessary kitchen items.
For an unusual and attractive look, the racks perform decorative lighting. You can install an additional structure in the form of a pipe or cornice, which acts as a holder for glasses and cups. Such a stylish element can be installed both in a separate kitchen and in an adjacent version of the premises, when the rooms are combined. Thus, it is possible to isolate the functional areas, for example, the living room and dining room.
How to calculate the height of the bar counter?
Basically, bar counters are made in standard sizes from 110 to 115 cm in height. But such sizes may not always be suitable, therefore, in each individual case, it is necessary to consider the options individually.
The original piece of furniture, which was found yesterday in Western fast food cafes, today has become an integral part of any domestic apartment. When installing a similar design, the question often arises about the height of the bar counter. What size will be optimal for all family members? What chairs to choose so that it is comfortable to sit at the table? What height and width of the bar counter is considered the most convenient? Experienced designers will help to understand this difficult topic.
Types and sizes of bar counters
The standard dimensions of the bar counter in the kitchen are 120 cm long, 55 cm wide, and 105 cm high. The last figure can vary between 110–130 cm when it comes to factory construction. In general, the parameters depend on the type of furniture chosen, so consider the main types.
- Bar counter-island is suitable for large spacious rooms. Depending on the dimensions of the apartment, the configuration of the multifunctional unit may vary. If space permits, you can mount a stove, dishwasher, sink here, make the island a full-fledged work surface or dining table. The standard height of the kitchen set of 75 cm must match the height of the island.
- A two-level bar counter with two countertops is a great option for zoning space. The lower surface is used as a working area, and the protruding upper one is located slightly to the side and serves as a place for tea drinking. It is desirable that the distance between the countertops be within 30–35 cm. Thus, it will be easy for the hostess to cook, and there will also be places to store small items.
- If the design is a continuation of the headset, then the standard height of the bar counter is 86–91 cm. Its length can be varied, but the optimal calculation is 60 cm per person. The width can vary from 30 to 60 cm depending on the design. The main thing is that the design harmoniously fits into the interior and is one with the headset. Bar stools, whose height is about 65 cm, will fit perfectly.
- A bar table that is attached to the end of the wall is the best option for small kitchens. Its height is usually 75 cm, so regular standard chairs will fit it.
- A wall-mounted bar counter with a table top, which is attached with brackets to the wall at a distance of 110-130 cm from the floor, is very suitable for narrow elongated rooms. This allows you to save space and equip a comfortable cute corner for communicating with friends and family.
Where there is little space, a part of the kitchen set can serve as a kind of bar counter, in which the countertop is simply extended
The bar counter for the kitchen should be in harmony with all interior elements in style and color. Spot lighting or built-in halogen lamps at the top look very impressive. To increase functionality, you can install a pipe with swivel shelves, fruit bowls or a hanging system with holders for glasses and cups. Usually they are made of metal, and the color can be chosen as desired: copper, gold, silver, etc. It is recommended to choose the most practical material for the countertop: plastic, wood, glass, marble or granite. Of the designer novelties, the surface of quartz can be distinguished. This composite material is very resistant to temperature changes and aggressive influences. For such tables, any damage is not terrible, because even with a strong impact of an object on the countertop, chips and cracks are almost impossible. Quartz shimmers beautifully in the light, so this bar counter will always look stylish and elegant. In addition, modern manufacturers offer a variety of colors that will suit any interior.
The kitchen will look harmonious if the countertop of the bar counter is made of the same material as the worktops of the kitchen unit.
Bar counter design
Adherents of the classics will like the classic version, kept on consoles. With a standard bar counter height in the kitchen of 110–115 cm, chairs 80–85 cm with an ergonomic back, armrests and leg support will be appropriate. The design with multi-level elements looks original. One countertop serves as a continuation of the headset, and the other, located higher, is used as a place for a snack or tea. The optimal width of the bar is 50 cm, but this figure may vary depending on the size of the kitchen. Both classic and combined designs are more suitable for rooms with high ceilings. They do an excellent job of zoning space and do not overload the room.
The best option for small kitchens is a model with a level worktop. Unlike the generally accepted bar height parameters, the standard in this case can be ignored by adjusting the height as needed. You can choose the right level for any family member, besides, there is no need to acquire high chairs, because ordinary kitchen ones will be enough.
Bar chairs
Having decided on the design and type of rack, you can start choosing the right chairs. The height of the bar stool is 75–85 cm, however, there are also lower models (for example, wooden stools) in the range of 64–72 cm. When buying, be sure to consider the factor that the distance between the table top and the seat should be 30 cm. Give preference to comfortable models with footrest, backrest, armrests. When choosing a material, focus on practicality and durability. Unfortunately, in the kitchen it is difficult to do without stains and soot, so the best option is genuine leather or rattan.
To avoid injuries and accidents, it is recommended to look at heavier furniture. Chairs made of plastic, although they look stylish, but their weightlessness can lead to a fall. The best option is a metal or massive wooden stable frame. The height of bar stools should also match family members. Tall households will feel comfortable on elevated seats, but it will be difficult for kids to climb them. The same goes for the elderly and pregnant women. The size of the bar stool should also be suitable for all family members, so that even people of impressive build feel confident.
Choosing the right dimensions
Ergonomics is an important point that plays a key role when choosing tables, chairs and a set for the kitchen. It is completely inappropriate to recreate the interior of a cafe or bar in an ordinary apartment, because it is important to maintain an atmosphere of comfort and homely warmth. The best option is the height of the bar counter in the kitchen within 90-110 cm. And even better if the countertop can be adjusted. As for the width, here you also need to pay attention to the dimensions of the kitchen. In any case, it is not recommended to make it too wide, since the classic bar counter is still not a dining table. It would be rational to equip the structure with built-in cabinets, niches and shelves for storing dishes and bottles, as well as equip a hanging system for glasses. This will save space and make the interior modern and stylish. In addition, guests and household members will have the opportunity to act as a bartender.
If the height of the kitchen table is small, then it is recommended to purchase low stools. Although it is difficult to sit on them for a long time, if necessary, they easily hide under the countertop and do not take up much space. The owners of studio kitchens are much more fortunate, because they have the opportunity to experiment with the configurations of the bar counters: make them high, asymmetrical, multi-level. Only when choosing chairs, it is worth remembering that it is necessary to observe a proportion of 30 cm. If it is smaller, then the table will be almost on the same level with the seat, if more, it will be difficult to reach the countertop.
Video: how to choose bar stools for your interior.
Today, in modern kitchen interiors, you can often find such a cult object as a bar counter. It is already very difficult to surprise someone with such an element now, because they are found in a wide variety of designs and solutions.
The decision to install a bar counter in the kitchen or in the living room is made not only to make the interior look stylish and modern, but also because such a piece of furniture helps to save usable space, which typical small apartments need so much.
I would like to note right away that the bar counter can be of various shapes and sizes that will harmoniously and aesthetically fit into any interior. The height of the bar counter in the kitchen from the floor, as well as the chairs, can be very different, it all depends on how the owner wants to see this design and how much the area of \u200b\u200bthe room allows.
What is a home bar?
In simple terms, a bar counter is a structure, the height of which is usually at least 110 cm from the floor, consisting of supports on which the tabletop rests. The most common version of the bar counter is to place it perpendicular to the end of the main kitchen surface, it is usually installed on just one leg, the material can be any. The most common are wood or metal.
The bar counter is a versatile piece of furniture in the kitchen. Because it can perform several functions at once. To be a continuation of the work surface, on which it is very convenient to cook, cut, as well as a dining table that will accommodate all family members and guests.
In order for the kitchen, despite the presence of a non-standard table in it, to retain its style, chairs must be selected for such a table, their height may be different, depending on the height of the bar counter. There are several types:
- Module. This type of bar counter can be made from a variety of materials, from MDF to stone. In appearance, it resembles a side table, most often, without any special figured problems. The main advantage of such a rack in the kitchen is its mobility, that is, if necessary, it can be moved in any direction, at any distance, and such a module will look harmonious in any place and room.
- Wall. Such a structure is usually installed at the junction of two rooms or spaces, for example, between the living room and the kitchen. The main purpose of this rack is a stylish and competent separation of two rooms, but at the same time, there is still a border between them.
- Table-top rack. In this case, the work surface flows into the bar counter, which takes up space. This is a great option to save free space in the kitchen and a great design move.
There are also a number of other types of bar counters, which are often used in various interiors.
How to calculate the height of the bar in the kitchen?
Before you order, purchase or manufacture your favorite design, you need to decide on its dimensions, namely, what will be its height. Here you don’t even have to invent anything, because there are standard accepted sizes, namely: length 110 cm, height 100 cm, width - 50 cm. In this case, it can vary from 105 to 125 cm. If you order a bar counter for a factory-made kitchen, then these are the sizes that will be offered. Among other things, the parameters of the structure under consideration will also depend on its type:
- Rack-island. This type of construction will fit perfectly into a fairly spacious room, it will be possible to build in a stove, a sink, and other kitchen appliances here. According to the standard, such a bar counter is made 70 cm high from the floor.
- Rack-tabletop (two-level). If you need to create zones in the kitchen space, this option will be ideal. The distance between two countertops usually does not exceed 40 cm, the height, in turn, is similar to the previous version.
- If the bar counter is designed as a continuation of the working kitchen surface, then its height (according to the standard) is 87-90 cm. The dimensions of the length of such a design are calculated based on 55 cm per person, width from 35-65 cm.
- The wall rack in the kitchen is installed with the expectation that the distance of the countertop from the floor will be within 115-135 cm.
It is not necessary to adhere to standards; today in any store and on the Internet site you can order a unique design according to individual sizes.
How tall should bar stools be?
The height of the chairs is calculated and selected based on the parameters described earlier, namely from the table itself.
If the bar counter is a continuation of the work surface, chairs 63 cm high will suit this design best. If the rack does not exceed 75 cm, chairs of standard sizes will do.
Most often, bar stools for the kitchen are made according to the standard and their height varies from 70 to 85 cm, but today quite a lot of manufacturers produce products according to individual sizes, in such cases it is necessary to calculate the height of the chairs based on the size of the bar itself, and the difference between the height chair and table should not be less than 35 cm.
In order to save more free space in the kitchen, it is better to purchase high chairs made of plastic, rather than standard ones. Transparent plastic chairs are gaining particular popularity, which are perfect for any design.
Factors affecting dimensions
As mentioned earlier, the bar counter is not just a decorative element in the interior, but also a multifunctional item. It is necessary to choose such furniture, taking into account several factors. The rack height depends on the following criteria:
First of all, it's functionality. Some use such a design in the kitchen as a dining table, others use it as an additional working kitchen surface and build appliances there. The bar counter can play the role of a place where they relax, drink tea or make cocktails. It is from what purpose it performs that the height of the element is selected.
Secondly, the area on which such furniture will be installed is also taken into account. Often this criterion is dictated precisely by the allocated space for the structure. The height of the bar counter often coincides with the height of the window sill.
Bar counters are gaining more and more popularity not only among the owners of cafes and restaurants, but also among ordinary housewives who want to give their kitchen a unique entourage, while using a minimum of space.
Having decided to decorate and modernize your room with the help of a bar corner, pay attention to the main rules of choice:
- if you want to put bar furniture in a catering place, you need to not only make a purchase based on your own aesthetic preferences, but also be guided by the convenience and comfort of visitors;
- for your own kitchen or living room, it is better to order an individual project, the dimensions of which will correspond only to your personal wishes.
What are the standard sizes of a bar counter for a cafe? And how to choose a chair design to make the visitor feel comfortable?
As a result of research, furniture designers have developed an ideal seat model that anatomically follows the contours of our body and provides maximum comfort:
- the legs and hips of the seated person should not form an angle of 90 degrees. This position interferes with normal blood flow and can lead to discomfort;
- the inclination of the seat should be at least 5 degrees in relation to the back - in this case, the person will not slide down;
- for most, chairs with a width of 50-55 cm are a fairly convenient size;
- the edges of the seat must be rounded to avoid excessive pressure on the inner surface of the thigh;
- it is better if the chair has lumbar support - it can be a back of various heights and widths;
- if you use a high stool - its surface should not be perfectly flat. Choose models with a small recess in which the body will be, as it were, fixed.
On a note!
Note! For public places, it is better not to buy chairs with armrests, as they limit the space, and large overweight people will not feel comfortable in this position.
Factory bar furniture, like other products, has the exact parameters defined by GOST. They take into account the scope, design features and maximum ease of use. Depending on these factors, the ratio of the height of the stool to the recommended height of the countertop is calculated, as well as the width of the seat, the height of the backrest and other elements.
Scope of furniture | bar counter | Bar stool | bar chair | bar stool |
| Public places (cafes, canteens, restaurants, bars, pubs)
| Height: 110 - 130 (cm) from the floor; Width: 60 - 80 (cm); Length: from 100 (cm) | Height from the floor: 75 - 95 (cm); Seat width: 38 - 40 (cm); Seat depth: 35 - 40 (cm) | Height from the floor: 70 - 80 (cm); Seat width: not less than 45 (cm); Seat depth: 32 - 38 (cm) | Height from the floor: 70 - 90 (cm); Seat width: not less than 40 (cm); Seat depth: 30 - 36 (cm) |
The best option for public furniture would be bar stools with a gas lift - a height adjustment mechanism using a gas spring in the cross of the chair. The principle of operation of such a device is quite simple - when you press the lever, the button is activated and pressure is applied to the valve, making it possible for gas to pass from one tank to another. The piston goes down and the seat slowly rises. To fix the position, it is enough to release the button - the valve blocks the gas flow and the movement stops. In order to lower the seat, it is also necessary to press the lever, and, under the influence of the weight of the seated person, the gas is pushed back and the stool is lowered.
A bar stool with a gas lift mechanism will serve you for a long time and reliably, but only with proper operation:
- do not use such chairs in conditions of low temperatures;
- do not exceed the weight of influence on the mechanism specified in the characteristics;
- once a year, carry out a health check by inviting a specialist for this.
On a note!
Important! Since this system uses gas under pressure, it is not allowed to disassemble or open the structure yourself. It may be dangerous.
When ordering furniture for individual use, you should be guided by the size of the room where the bar group will be located, structural features and you can choose the dimensions that meet your personal needs.
But, do not forget to use the rule - the difference between the height of the rack and the stool should be within 30 cm. It is this distance that will allow you to comfortably place your elbows on the surface. Yes - yes, unlike the rules of being at the dinner table, where such behavior is considered unacceptable, in bar culture it is customary to sit at the counter in this way - with a glass in hand and elbows on the table top. Therefore, the standard height of the bar counter should be at least 20 cm more than the standard height of the dining table.
Not all furniture stores offer for sale such an item as a bar set. Therefore, if you want to decorate your home with such an acquisition, you will have to turn to private firms that carry out individual orders. So that the result of the work does not disappoint you, immediately focus on such factors:
- the company has its own or invited designer who will help you choose the optimal model and calculate all the necessary parameters;
- choose universal products with adjustable leg height with a spring-screw mechanism. There will be a limited number of people sitting on these chairs - only your family and sometimes guests, so you only need to adjust the height that is comfortable for you only once. In this case, it is not worth spending money on a more expensive product with a gas lift;
- discuss the material of manufacture of the frame and seat. If the whole structure is made of rigid materials such as metal, plastic or wood, care must be taken to order seat covers or cushions. It is better to use fabrics for their tailoring of increased strength - tapestry, artificial leather or furniture textiles;
- when choosing folding models for the home, be sure to specify the assembly scheme and the number of fittings, since often assembling a product is a separate paid service that not all manufacturers provide.
Bar furniture is modern, functional sets that have found their place both in private living rooms and in catering establishments. A high-quality, correctly selected design, with a precisely calculated support height, with a convenient, well-thought-out product design, will not only guarantee a pleasant pastime in your cafe or bar, but will also attract new visitors.
