Thinking of incorporating a bar into your kitchen design? Whether you have a grand chef’s kitchen or you’re working with space that’s cozy and small, a bar adds a stylish and functional element to the room.
A kitchen bar helps to separate the kitchen from the living or dining room, especially in an open floor plan. Consider the amount of available space you have in your kitchen, the purpose of your bar, and your kitchen style. A bar can serve as a stylish focal point to an otherwise boring space.
To help inspire your planning, check out our guide of over 40 kitchen bar ideas. Whether you’re looking to add valuable lower cabinet storage, extra eating space, or simply a fun decor element, find a concept that works for you.
Kitchen Bar Ideas
We’ve listed some of our favorite kitchen bar ideas from types and materials to lighting and barstools. Browse through to find the bar that’s a perfect fit for your style and space.
Kitchen Breakfast Bar
A breakfast bar in your kitchen acts as both a table and countertop in one. It’s a laid-back convenient place to sit and eat a quick meal or it can act as a buffet to serve and entertain.
A breakfast bar helps maximize the space in a small kitchen or you can locate it next to a larger kitchen table as a bonus eating area. Plus, it can be as versatile and stylish as the rest of your kitchen. Consider extending the breakfast bar into your living space to invite friends, family, or guests into the kitchen. You can also make use of extra wall space by adding a beautiful wall-mounted counter that’s perfect for casual dining.
More kitchen breakfast bar ideas:
- The Dining Room & Breakfast Bar by The TOMKAT Studio
- Prettying Up a Builder Kitchen: One Room Challenge Final Reveal by Vanessa Francis
- A Closer Look: Our DIY Live Edge Breakfast Bar by Mountainside Home
Kitchen Island Bar
Adding an island bar to your kitchen will not only give you added workspace, but it also provides a comfortable and functional area for friends and family to sit, eat, or hang out in the middle of the action.
In My Own Style | Delightful Order
Kitchen islands typically stand alone and offer ample counter space and plenty of cabinet storage. Add seating to your island and you’ve got a functional bar. Kitchen island bars are perfect if you like to interact while you cook or prefer a quick and casual dining spot to sit. Some kitchen islands with seating include a counter-height area for cooking and a taller bar-height counter for dining.
More kitchen island bar ideas:
- Kitchen Island- Make it Yourself by Domestic Blonde
- DIY Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Makeover by Try Everything
- The Story of an Eleven Gables Kitchen Remodel by Eleven Gables
Small Kitchen Bars
A kitchen bar is useful and multifunctional for any kitchen but especially a kitchen on the smaller side. It can be used for seating, additional work surface, and storage.
A kitchen bar works well in a U shaped or G shaped small kitchen layout to act as the primary eating or serving area. Simply add some bar stools and you have a functional countertop that opens up your small space. Consider adding a pop of color to your small kitchen bar to show your personal style and invite people in. You can also opt for a more classic look and use neutral colors to create a cozy and warm kitchen.
More small kitchen bar ideas:
- Mallory’s White Kitchen Makeover Reveal by Classy Clutter
- Marble Kitchen Bar Top Makeover by Oh Everything Handmade
- House Crashing: A Titantic Transformation by Young House Love
Kitchen Bar Lighting
It’s no secret that the right kitchen lighting can completely transform a space. This also applies to the lights you hang over your kitchen bar. Whether you prefer a fun chandelier or flush ceiling lights, lighting helps to illuminate the space or serve as a focal point.
Pendant lights are a popular choice for kitchen bar lighting and it’s easy to see why. They are available in most materials, shapes, colors, or styles to accent your unique kitchen design. Clear glass pendants can illuminate a classic kitchen. You can also go for a funky modern fixture to add a pop of character to your kitchen.
More kitchen bar lighting ideas:
- Traditional to Transitional – My Kitchen Makeover Reveal by Kelley Nan
- Kitchen Makeover by RemodelaCasa
- DIY Vintage Driftwood Lamp by Wohnklamotte
Kitchen Bar Stools
With the popularity of kitchen islands and breakfast bars comes a higher demand for bar-height seating. Bar stools are the perfect opportunity to show some style and personality that also tie into the rest of the space.
Regardless of your kitchen style or the budget you’re working with, you’re sure to find a bar stool that suits your space. Industrial all-metal stools are a classic option for both modern and rustic kitchens. Curvy bar stools featuring textiles like leather or wicker are a perfect accessory for your contemporary or boho space.
More bar stool ideas:
- Simple Neutral Fall Kitchen Tour by A Blissful Nest
- Our New Home: Kitchen Bar by Connie and Luna
- Classic Modern Kitchen by Becki Owens
Wooden Breakfast Bar
Adding an element of wood to your kitchen can take the room from bland and boring to warm and stylish. Wooden kitchen bars range from sleek and modern to retro and rustic.
Wooden kitchen bars range from sleek modern to rustic depending on the type of wood and cut or edge you incorporate. Use wood for a classic butcher block countertop. Popular reclaimed barn wood or shiplap adds a rustic feel to your breakfast bar.
More wooden kitchen bar ideas:
- Kitchen Renovation, Part 3: The Reveal by Hammer & Moxie
- Weathered Reclaimed Wood Kitchen Bar by The Turquoise Home
- The Benefits of Small Kitchen Islands on Wheels by Modern Kitchens
Metal Kitchen Bar
If you prefer a modern or industrial kitchen, a metal kitchen bar is the perfect style for you. There are many creative ways to incorporate metal into your kitchen bar design.
Wrap your kitchen bar with corrugated metal to give it a rustic look or use wrought iron details to bring an industrial feel to your kitchen. Pair with a sleek copper or stainless steel countertop for a contemporary design.
More metal kitchen bar ideas:
- Nate Berkus’ New York City Apartment by Architectural Digest
- MLB Man Cave by Houzz
- A Light-filled London Loft with a Dreamy Kitchen by Design Sponge
A bar is the perfect feature to distinguish your kitchen from the rest of your space. You also have freedom to design and style it to fit your needs since it works well in almost any kitchen size or layout. The extra cabinet storage and workspace that a kitchen bar offers is simply an added bonus.