How to design a breakfast bar into your kitchen
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A breakfast bar is a wonderful addition to any kitchen design, whether you’re in need of extra seating or would love a stand alone island but you haven’t quite got the space.
It adds an extra layer to the room and with the kitchen being such a social space, it’s a great way to make more of the room. It’s also fantastic for more informal dining, or a place to do homework or work from home, if needed.
Here, we answer the most common questions about creating a breakfast bar within your home as well as breakfast bar ideas for your home. We also delve into the nitty gritty of modern kitchens, and how to convert your kitchen island into a multifunctional breakfast bar.
How to make a breakfast bar
As with any DIY project, it’s essential to consider where the breakfast bar will go, and ensuring there will be enough space to walk around it once it’s installed. You’ll also need to factor in where any seating for it will go, and whether you have enough space in the location you’d like to place it.
The B&Q guide to installing a breakfast bar
The experts at B&Q have guided us through the installation, so you can have an idea of the process.
First of all, once you’ve picked your base cabinets, removed any doors and drawers if necessary and position these where you want your breakfast bar. Make sure they’re level, and then drill a 3 mm pilot hole into the frame adjacent from the door hinge. B&Q recommend clamping the edges of any neighbouring cabinets together so you have both hands free for drilling. Use 63.5mm cabinet screws to secure the cabinets together, then place in position and use chalk to mark the edges on the floor.
Then, put the cabinets to one side and cut lengths and widths of timber to size so they can fit within the chalk marks. If you have a wooden floor, use long wood screws to fix the batten to the floor, however if you have concrete floor you’ll need to use heavy duty extension bolts.
Place your cabinets onto the battens and fix in place with regularly spaced screws. Once secure, you can put your doors and drawers back onto the cabinet base unit. If you’ve decided to have electrical sockets in your breakfast bar, you’ll need to make sure an electrician does this for you.
Attach the worktop or breakfast bar to the island in the same way you would a kitchen worktop. You’ll need to hide the cabinet legs or timber batten with a plinth
Obviously the steps are slightly different depending on where you are positioning your breakfast bar, and the size of your kitchen, but hopefully this gives you a general idea.
How to build a breakfast bar on the wall
If you’re building a breakfast bar on the wall, its a slightly different process. It’s a great idea if you have an indoor kitchen window or to get creative in a smaller kitchen space.
Choosing the location and preparing the top of the breakfast bar first, you’ll then need to measure the thickness of your breakfast bar.
Then, you’ll prepare the top and measure the thickness of the top, marking the wall in the process so you know how far it goes along and the height of it. Next, mount a cleat to the wall and align it with the line you drew from the bottom of your breakfast bar.
After this, flip your breakfast bar upside down onto the floor and install the table legs beneath it. Then, turn the breakfast bar right side up again.
How to fit a breakfast bar into a small kitchen
If you have a smaller kitchen, and limited space for a full dining table, a breakfast bar can be a super alternative to still have that sit down dining experience.
As aforementioned, a breakfast bar against a wall can be a space saver, but if that isn’t an option for you there are other ideas you can consider.
Convert the kitchen island
If your small kitchen has an island that is currently used as worktop space or something else, now could be the time to convert it into a breakfast bar dining space. Simply add stools and if able, remove any cabinetry below – then you’re sorted
Adding side stools
If you don’t have a kitchen island to convert, use the worktop space! Simply clear a worktop area and add some stools and high chairs – it’s a simple yet effective way to add a breakfast bar to the kitchen without the disruption of any structural changes. This works best if you can manage it at the end of the worktop as you can set the stools around it like a real bar spot.
A slimline island
This could be the solution if your kitchen is open plan, even if it is smaller. This would then mean you can have extra worktop or storage space when the breakfast bar isn’t in use.
What are the benefits of a breakfast bar?
Now we’ve spoken about how to add one, and the different options for designing one within the kitchen; but why are breakfast bars so popular?
Multi-functional
A breakfast bar is a versatile piece perfect for a multifunctional kitchen. With the right seating, it can work as a dining table where to enjoy a quick breakfast or informal meals with family and friends, while it can also double up as a bar and buffet area to serve drinks and canapes when hosting a party.
Space-saving
One of the advantages of a breakfast bar is its size – freestanding breakfast bars takes up much less space than a dining table, particularly considering it’s usually styled with stools that will be tucked underneath. If it’s incorporated into an island, there really is no need for a dining table, unless you have the space for it.
Consider size
Before investing in a breakfast bar, make sure you choose the right size for your space: a small breakfast bar will look out of place in a large room and will need to be paired with a wider island or a dining table.
Choosing the right materials
In terms of materials, breakfast bars need to be durable, hardwearing and easy to clean. Quartz is a beautiful, resilient surface – it’s smooth and easy to clean, while also largely scratch and stain resistant. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to quartz you can always opt for a laminate option that mimics the look and style of quartz.
Add contrast
If you’re planning to have a breakfast bar integrated in an island, a matching worktop will look very sleek and sophisticated. However, if the breakfast bar is on a split-level, why not go for a contrasting colour that will add a little bit of drama and interest to the scheme.
Shop breakfast bar seating
You’ve built your bar, now it’s time to fashion it with some trendy stools or high top seating to really set off the style of your kitchen. Here we’ll share some of the best seating options on the market right now…
Sleek and sophisticated
These comfy velvet seats will elevate your kitchen to the next level, refining your space and creating the perfect blend of traditional and modern.
- Grey Bar Stools, £109.99 from VonHaus – buy here
Simple yet stylish
You can’t go wrong for a breakfast bar with simple stools, after all they are the epitome of what its for. A relaxed bowl of cereal or slice of toast on a comfy seat. What more could you ask for?
- GoodHome Maloux Black Bar stool, £32 from B&Q – buy here
Fabulous fabric
These ultra stylish stools are ideal for bars that are more for beverages rather than breakfast, and are ideal for drinking a glass of wine after a tricky day. Just be careful not to stain the stunning ivory fabric!
- Heath fabric bar stools, £299 from Danetti – buy here
Industrial style
These classic style stools have a ribbed, leather look with a distressed finish. They’re also available in a selection of colours so they can suit any scheme.
- Industrial style bar stools, £135 from Peppermill Interiors – buy here
Retro velvet
Velvet always adds class to any space, and that includes your breakfast bar. This stunning pair will bring both character and cosiness, and we love the popping green colour.
- Set of 2 bar stools in needlecord velvet green, £390 from Rockett St George – buy here
Rocking rattan
Perfect for inside or outside kitchens, these rattan bar stools will look stunning in your new set up. The back support and seat are handwoven, with a natural finish. This is a sustainable choice too, as both the acacia wood and rattan are renewable materials.
- Madrisana Acacia and Rattan Bar Stool, £345 from Kayu Home – buy here