A Practical Guide to Kitchen Bar Design
A Practical Guide to Kitchen Bar Design
The design of bar counters used to be considered somewhat redundant and space-consuming. However, with the changing layout of living spaces and people's pursuit of higher quality of life and a more comfortable and elegant lifestyle, the design of bar counters has also evolved with new functions, layouts, and materials appearing in various space designs.
What is a bar
Originally used in bars and entertainment venues, a bar counter refers to a row of tables near the bar cabinet, typically accompanied by high stools. This design gained popularity among young people. As the public increasingly values leisure and entertainment experiences in residential settings, bar counters have gradually integrated into everyday home interiors. They have become a functional area for leisure and entertainment, adding a touch of leisurely elegance and charm to the space.
With a younger demographic engaging in home renovations, bar counters have become a common sight in modern designs. A visually striking bar counter can be the highlight of an entire design.
From a design perspective, bar counters often appear in living rooms, dining areas, and open kitchens. They serve as separators within the space while also functioning as small dining tables, areas for socializing and drinking, or even as compact workstations for reading and office tasks. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they also offer practicality.
Integrating the kitchen and dining area, this design creates a seamless flow, eliminating the need for partitions and enhancing the openness and brightness of the space.
When designing an interior bar counter, it is essential to consider it as an integral part of the overall space, rather than just a piece of furniture. Good design seamlessly incorporates the bar counter into the space, and care must be taken when cleaning and maintaining it using appropriate cleaning and care products.
Due to its unique experience and the cozy atmosphere it creates, a bar counter can exude a sense of leisure and elegance. However, when designing the counter surface and the overall bar counter, the focus should not be solely on aesthetics and decoration. Designers should also prioritize the comfort of users and ensure that the bar counter meets the functional needs of residents, taking into account the overall size of the space and human proportions. Reasonable measurements for the height, width, and extended surface of the bar counter should be set to provide convenience and comfort to users.
Bar counter height
Low bar counter height: Low bar counters, with their compact and convenient appearance, are often designed for small-sized homes. Considering the limitations of residential spaces and the safety of elderly people and children, the height of a low bar counter should range from 900mm to 1000mm, with accompanying chair heights between 550mm and 700mm.
Standard bar counter height: Standard bar counters are widely used as they cater to a broad audience. They can accommodate most people comfortably. The height of a standard bar counter can range from 1000mm to 1050mm, with corresponding chair heights of 700mm to 750mm being ideal. When designing, it is important to maintain a suitable distance between the bar counter and the accompanying stools, typically around 250mm to 350mm.
High bar counter height: High bar counters, with their unique height advantage that provides an enhanced view for users, are commonly designed for dining areas in restaurants or kitchen areas in residential homes, positioned facing the food preparation area. The height of a high bar counter ranges from 1150mm to 1200mm, with accompanying chair heights of 830mm to 850mm.
Bar Counter Width
The width of a standard bar counter typically ranges from 600mm to 700mm. If the width is sufficient for one person to have comfortable space, it can be set at around 400mm. If the home bar counter needs to accommodate two people sitting face to face, designers should allow for a wider dimension, preferably around 600mm to 800mm, to ensure suitability.
Extension of the Bar Counter
Designers are not restricted to traditional bar counter forms and can incorporate extended countertop surfaces that protrude outward by 300mm to 350mm. This extension can accommodate most bar chairs and stools. If the extended surface does not need to accommodate seating, it should provide ample legroom for residents below the bar counter. In such cases, the countertop can extend outward by 200mm to 300mm, offering a more comfortable experience for users.
How to Design the Bar Counter
The bar counter, due to its unique shape and functionality, has become a common feature in residential homes. However, the design of the bar counter can vary based on the different needs of homeowners and can be broadly categorized into integrated, island, extended, and partition styles.
Integrated Bar Counter
When designing a bar counter, the focus should not only be on its aesthetics but also on meeting the functional requirements and maximizing space utilization. In this case, designers can opt for an integrated bar counter, such as combining the kitchen's working surface with the bar counter in residential homes. This allows the bar counter to serve as a dining table while providing an additional workstation. Alternatively, the bar counter can be combined with a shoe cabinet and placed near the entrance area, creating a vacant space underneath the counter with multiple shelves to meet storage needs while saving space.
Island Bar Counter
The island bar counter is often a standard feature in large open-plan kitchens. When designing its placement, designers should consider the kitchen layout and incorporate the island counter as a central hub for family interaction. Besides serving as a dining table, it can also function as an auxiliary workspace, providing versatility. Some residences may integrate the bar counter with the load-bearing structure of the house, creating a visually appealing and structurally significant feature that compensates for any awkward wall defects.
Compared to other bar counter styles, the extended bar counter offers more possibilities. If there is sufficient space around walls or cabinets, the countertop can be extended based on these existing elements. For example, the kitchen cabinets or dining table can be used as a foundation to extend the bar counter's surface, forming an extended bar counter. Another variation is the suspended bar counter, which extends from the island counter, creating a suspended surface. This is also a form of extension.
Partitioned Bar Counter
If the functional areas in a residential space are closely connected and cannot be clearly defined, a partitioned bar counter can be used. The main purpose of a partitioned bar counter is to divide and differentiate the functions of two separate spaces. Most designers place a partitioned bar counter in an open-plan kitchen to separate the kitchen from the dining and living areas, with the bar counter acting as a divider. This not only achieves the goal of dividing and defining spaces but also creates an open flow, providing convenience to residents. Additionally, this design adds interest to the overall layout of the house, creating a spacious, harmonious, and minimalist atmosphere.
