Small Kitchen? Discover How A Breakfast Bar Can Transform Your Space
If you're like most homeowners, you likely deal with the challenges of a small, cramped kitchen on a daily basis. Between minimal counter space, a lack of storage solutions, and no defined dining area, it can be frustrating to cook and entertain in a pint-sized kitchen.
But before you undertake a full kitchen renovation, consider a simple and budget-friendly way to upgrade your small kitchen - adding a breakfast bar. Read on to discover how incorporating a bar or island can completely transform your tiny kitchen.
Breakfast Bar Benefits for Small Kitchens
At first glance, you may wonder how adding more furniture to an already crowded kitchen could possibly help. But strategic placement of a bar or island can provide some much-needed solutions.
Adds Seating and Social Space
One of the biggest limitations of a small kitchen is a lack of space to interact with family and friends as you cook. By providing two to four bar stools on one side, a breakfast bar creates casual dining space and enables people to hang out in the kitchen prep area.
Islands are particularly great for social kitchens. When facing the bar stools, the cook can still entertain guests and be part of the action while prepping meals.
Provides Extra Counter Space
From rolling out dough to chopping vegetables to staging platters, extra counter space is hard to come by in a small kitchen. A breakfast bar provides much needed prep area and serving space when you're cooking for a crowd.
And when not being used to prepare food, the space can double as an impromptu desk or homework station. Open shelving underneath can house small appliances to free up counter space.
Differentiates Kitchen Zones
For small open concept spaces, a bar or island can help delineate the kitchen area from living and dining zones. Visually, it helps define the boundaries of the kitchen space.
Placing a bar on the edge of a kitchen helps contain mess and appliances to their own area, keeping the rest of the main floor clutter-free.
Maximizes Storage Potential
Despite the extra seating, a bar or island can actually maximize storage and floor space. Barstool seats can easily slide under the overhang when not in use. And opting for a bar or island with built-in storage like shelves, cabinets and drawers provides a space to tuck away kitchen tools.
Going with a movable, narrow island or cart allows you to wheel it against the wall or into a corner when prepping larger meals. So it takes up less space when not entertaining.
Keys to Successfully Incorporating a Bar
To make the most of your small kitchen bar, keep these design considerations in mind:
Carefully Consider Placement
Think about traffic flow when determining placement. Positioning the bar or island to delineate work triangles will enhance efficiency. Ensure there is enough clearance around appliances, sinks, and doorways for multiple cooks.
Allow for at least 42 inches between opposite surfaces, and at least 48 inches for high traffic areas. This allows safe navigation and room to open appliances.
Take Measurements
For comfortable seating, allow 12 inches of overhang past bar stools. Standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches. For a breakfast bar, a height between 34-42 inches is ideal.
Make sure there is at least 24-30 inches clearance between the edges of bar stools to allow people to get in and out easily.
Multi-functional Design
Look for bars or islands that incorporate storage, prep space, and seating to maximize functionality. Opt for adjustable, portable or fold-down features to provide flexibility in your small kitchen.
Adding wheels to a bar or island allows you to easily move it against a wall to free up space as needed. And fold-down extension leaves or seating creates temporary space for extra guests.
Creative Breakfast Bar Ideas for Small Kitchens
From built-ins to movable islands, breakfast bars come in endless styles. Here are some creative options to transform your tiny kitchen:
Freestanding Kitchen Island
A narrow, freestanding kitchen island on lockable wheels can easily slide up to your existing counters when needed. Opt for one with an overhang to accommodate bar stools.
Islands like this allow flexibility - tuck it away when prepping large meals or hosting casual gatherings. For extra storage, add a bottom shelf underneath.
Counter Height Dining Table
For a quick, budget-friendly breakfast bar, use a counter height dining table instead. Opt for one with a small footprint - around 2 feet wide by 3-4 feet long.
The casual, impromptu vibe is perfect for smaller kitchens. And tables allow you to switch up placement to find the perfect fit.
Built-In Bar Countertop
For a permanent option, have a countertop breakfast bar custom-built attached to your existing kitchen counters. Use brackets to provide support.
Add an overhang for seating on one side. If space allows, add a bottom shelf for discreet storage of small appliances.
DIY Bar from Reclaimed Materials
Give your small kitchen vintage rustic charm with a DIY bar top made from reclaimed wood. Distressed wood barn planks work great.
Use pipe or cast iron legs to elevate it to bar height. This project adds lots of personality without breaking the budget.
Small kitchens can be limiting, but a well-designed breakfast bar opens up many possibilities. With extra seating, prep space, and storage, a bar completely transforms an efficiency kitchen.
Strategically positioned, even a modest bar improves workflow and allows a tiny kitchen to function better. And it provides a casual spot for mingling and dining.
Looking to upgrade your small kitchen without a full renovation? Consider incorporating a breakfast bar or island. See how it can change the entire feel of your space for the better.