How to make a bar counter with your own hands: selection of materials, installation

The bar counter is a functional and attention-grabbing element of the interior. We are used to seeing such designs in cafes and entertainment venues, but in residential areas, bar counters look no less interesting. This article contains complete information about ready-made bar counters, describes the advantages of installing this piece of furniture, and options for arranging the room. We’ll also look at how to make a bar counter with your own hands.

How to make a bar counter with your own hands?

Advantages of a bar countertop

In the interior of some rooms, the bar countertop plays the role of a table, or is combined with other pieces of furniture into a single composition.

A bar table has a number of advantages.

Advantage No. 1. Visual division of space into zones

In the kitchen, the bar can serve as a food preparation area and be separated from the dining area. In a studio apartment, it will become an alternative to a partition between rooms.

Bar as a way to highlight zones in space

An additional advantage is that the presence of a bar area will add a touch of chic and exclusivity to the interior. Replacing the partition with a bar table will visually expand the room.

Advantage No. 2. Alternative to a table

If 1-2 people are dining at a table indoors, you can abandon the traditional dining area in favor of a bar. The kitchen will become more original and visually more spacious.

You can add functionality to the bar counter using a transforming table top. Lighting devices also play a role. A great idea is to place spotlights above the guest gathering area.

The bar counter can continue the work area, combining it with the table.
Advantage No. 3. The work area increases

If the bar is an extension of the countertop, it adds space to the kitchen corner.

The work area is one of the functions of the bar counter. The bar can be an additional work surface in the kitchen.

Advantage #4. Rational use of the window sill

The bar counter, being a logical continuation of the window sill, solves the problem of small kitchens and allows for efficient use of space.

Window sill as a support for installing a bar structure

Advantage #5. Bar is a separate element

Having a bar in a house or apartment makes it possible to allocate space for preparing food and drinks, but at the same time maintain commonality with the rest of the interior.

The bar counter can focus the attention of guests

Advantage #6. Territory of order

The design of the bar counter can include drawers, shelves, and sections for storing cutlery, spices, sauces, and strong drinks.

The bar counter may have storage compartments

When is additional fixation necessary?

The countertop in the kitchen sometimes takes on very significant loads. When slicing food, it only requires sufficient area and a flat surface. But often we also load the table with small household appliances. Microwave, oven, portable dishwasher, coffee maker, mini-bar - all these items in the kitchen often “settle” on the table, and here you will need to secure it well.

You should not discount the neat appearance of the kitchen - an unfixed countertop can sometimes move, forming a noticeable gap in contact with the wall. Not only does this spoil the picture a little, but also food particles will accumulate there. It is useless to attach a decorative plinth to such a moving surface. And if the design of the set is such that the tabletop has freely hanging ends, instead of a reliable working surface you become the owner of an analogue of a children's swing. So it’s better to attach the top plate even on the cabinets to the wall so that it doesn’t “play.”

Sometimes the only way to increase the functionality of a small kitchen is to make additional surfaces with your own hands where you can place equipment or process food. You cannot provide support for such tabletops from below, but fixing them on the wall is quite possible. And of course, you can’t do without this if there is built-in appliances hidden under the work surface - a refrigerator or a washing machine.

Bar dimensions

There are various options for arranging the bar area. A number of recommendations are common to them:

Table 2. Dimensions requirements

The shape of the table, the number and shape of legs are chosen at the discretion of the owners. In general, a trend is emerging to make the most efficient use of bar counter space, so the classic option with a floor-to-ceiling pipe is not so relevant now. Instead of the popular options that were in the recent past, they choose more functional designs, which necessarily have storage compartments and other additional elements.

Order a canopy?

We make canopies from polycarbonate and glass. There are promotional carport prices - turnkey carport 3.6 x 6.3 = 63,000 rubles. turnkey carport for 2 cars 5.7 x 6.3 = 128,000 rub.

A shed attached to a house without internal support posts.

The most popular among metal frame canopies is the arched canopy . It is, of course, more complicated than the pitched one, but it looks more impressive. The arched canopy is erected separately from the building, or with an end part adjacent to it.

Attached sheds are often designed as a pitched type. When choosing the type of roof, it is necessary to ensure that the snow does not linger on the roof, but falls freely down without creating a load on the polycarbonate.

Attached pitched canopy.

Materials for the bar table

Furniture should create an atmosphere of harmony in the interior, so the bar counter in the apartment is a logical continuation of the set, or serves as a separate element, while fully corresponding to the style of the space.

Materials are selected based on other interior elements

Very often, the design of the tabletop matches the decor of kitchen furniture or furniture in the living room. But interesting combinations are also possible - stone, for example, looks great with wood.

Table 3. Which material to choose for the countertop

What are they made from?

To create a harmonious interior, it is better to choose the material from which the kitchen corner, set or countertop is made. It is important to consider the style and quality of the material. You should not try to save on furniture, since the wear resistance of cheap materials is low. And thus, a piece of furniture can quickly turn into a source of problems.

The most popular materials for making a bar counter are:

• Chipboard, fibreboard, MDF — the advantage of these materials is a large selection of colors and appearance in general. This is especially true for laminated copies - covered with a thin plastic film on top. Such diversity allows you to fantasize about the interior - for example, make a stand to match the rest of the furniture or contrast it;

  Bar counter in a small kitchen with a white glossy countertop

• plastic - perfect if the kitchen is made in modern styles with minimalist features;
• acrylic is a flexible and pliable material that allows you to create a tabletop of any shape with bulges, bends and even shaped elements. Suitable for modern and futuristic design;
• wood is a popular material for the kitchen, natural and environmentally friendly. Wood is easy to process, so the stand can be decorated with carvings or decorated with tiles, mirrors or mosaics. A solid wooden bar counter will look luxurious even in a small kitchen, but not too heavy due to its strict forms. Wenge-colored countertops made from slabs of ash, oak, and pine are very popular; the base can be made of boards and bars with rattan. The combination of metal and wood, decorated in an antique style, looks beautiful;
• stone is the most preferred option for a countertop, since it can fit into almost any interior. In addition, it is visually attractive in itself, and is also very wear-resistant. Both natural (granite, marble) and artificial (acrylic) stone are suitable;
• Corian is a very popular imitation of marble, which costs several times less than natural material. There is another significant plus - a rich color palette that will allow you to choose a stand for any interior;
• glass is a bold option that will suit lovers of originality or owners of a small kitchen, as it creates the effect of lightness and airiness.
  Looks great in a modern kitchen; Green kitchen with a rounded breakfast bar

• Drywall is an economical solution that can be used to create a stand of any shape imaginable. Since the option is not the strongest, it is better to use this piece of furniture only as decoration. Do not forget that drywall does not like an abundance of moisture and temperature changes, so it can become deformed;
• tiles - used only as decor on a plasterboard basis, considered an outdated option and impractical due to the seams;
• concrete is one-piece specimens that will take a lot of time and money, but it is precisely such elements that take the interior to a new level;
• metal - an original solution that will fit perfectly into the interior of a modern kitchen. If you add forged elements, you will get an excellent example in the Art Nouveau style. The base is most often made of stainless steel.

  Black and white kitchen with an unusually shaped bar counter

Base materials

The previous section describes the table materials. The bar counter also has a base for which you can use:

• Chipboard and MDF boards - these materials are used if they are present in the furniture set. The advantage of the material is the ability to complement the base of the bar with drawers, shelves and other attributes;
• plasterboard - the use of the material allows you to experiment with sizes, shapes, it is characterized by high speed of operation, convenience and ease of use, you can assemble a plasterboard structure yourself using a frame; decoration of drywall is carried out using painting, applying artistic plaster, artificial stone;
• brick elements - massive brick counters successfully complement modern styles in the interior;
• wood – the base of the bar made of wood is suitable for a classic interior;
• metal - the bar counter pipe is standard and universal;
• remains of a partition between rooms.

Brick base of the bar area

Accessories

To expand functionality, rotating bar counters can be equipped with additional accessories, for example, a “carousel” mechanism or a “magic corner”.

It helps solve the problem of “dead corners” by unfolding when the rack is extended. In addition to it, the rack can be equipped with additional shelves for storing various kitchen items.

Interesting read:

Reader Julia: “The bar counter for glasses is the highlight of my kitchen interior”

“How I made a small and inconvenient kitchen into a large and functional one” - the story of our reader

Bar chairs

Regardless of whether the bar is purchased ready-made or made independently or to order, the choice of chairs to place at the table is relevant. A number of the following requirements are recommended.

1. If the bar counter is low, up to 90 centimeters, then it is enough to purchase or make standard chairs for it.

2. If the counters are higher, bar stools from 75 to 85 cm are suitable:

• for bars with a height of 130 cm, a chair measuring 85 cm is suitable - it is difficult to find chairs of a higher height;
• for bar counters with a height of 120 cm, choose chairs from 75 to 85 cm;
• if the room is equipped with a stand with a height of 1.1 meters and 90 centimeters, then a chair that is located above the floor at a height of 75 cm is sufficient;
• for structures with a height of 88 to 86 cm, you should choose chairs from 62 to 75 centimeters.

3. If the height of the bar structure does not exceed 75 cm, 45 cm chairs will be a good addition.

Bar chairs can be decorated in the general style of the kitchen set

For harmony in the interior, the chairs must match the counter in color and style and not contradict other elements of the furniture. If you have a small apartment, you can use high stools instead of bar stools, which can be put away under the counter as needed. This saves space and maintains spaciousness in the room.

In the case where people regularly dine at the bar counter, you need to opt for chairs with a backrest.

A comfortable bar stool is an important part of the decor.
Small kitchens can also accommodate small plastic chairs - they come in different shapes, styles and are easy to clean. A person's weight should not exceed 90 kg. Otherwise, it is unsafe to sit on such a seat. For tall and overweight people weighing more than 90 kg. You should select chairs that have wooden and steel legs. It is most comfortable to sit on a chair with soft upholstery. If there is no upholstery, soft pillows are suitable for comfort - they will become an additional decoration for the kitchen or living room.

A high bar stool should always be supported by a footrest. Moreover, it has several supports - we are talking about 1, 2, 3 or more. The most reliable bar seats are the ones with four legs.

Adjustable bar stools are also available. Families whose members are of different heights need to remember this.

Island design with bar stools as a separate element

Making a bar stool with your own hands is not as difficult as it seems, because almost any product can be made independently - for this you need to have all the materials and tools on hand, as well as a ready-made project. We will look at step-by-step manufacturing instructions in a special article.

Features of the loft style in the interior

The loft style began its history in the 20s of the 20th century, when many abandoned warehouses and industrial premises appeared. These objects began to be used as residential apartments, and it was then that the main canons of the loft style were formed.

• There should be maximum free space in the room.
• Walls and floors should contain a minimum of decorative finishing. For flooring, wooden boards or concrete-style pouring are suitable. Brickwork or rough plaster will look good on the walls.
  

  Important! We remove as much as possible from the kitchen all plasterboard panels, suspended ceilings, linoleums, and so on. Window openings should be as large as possible.

• All household appliances and decorative parts should either be ultra-new, sparkling with chrome and steel, or things that are a little shabby with traces of rust or small chips of enamel are suitable.
• No clutter of furniture - everything is only the most necessary.
• The room is divided into zones conditionally using lighting or a color palette.
• The kitchen should be as brutal and urban as possible.
• For countertops of bar tables and work areas, it is better to use materials such as: plastic, glass, stone, wood.

Loft does not tolerate low ceilings, so it is better to choose this style of decoration for your kitchen only if it has sufficient area.

Color accents

You can arrange the bar counter as follows:

• in the classic version , the color of the kitchen set and furniture in the living room combined with the kitchen are the same;
• a contrasting option - the counter can also stand out sharply in color from the rest, which is combined with modern room decor and current high-tech, loft and modern styles.

To focus attention on the bar area, you can highlight it with lighting fixtures. The imagination and skill of the designer will allow it to be used both for space design and for zoning. Color solutions play an important role in this.

Varieties

Depending on the design features, folding bar counters for the kitchen are divided into the following groups.

Folding

They represent a beneficial combination of ergonomics, design and functionality. When folded, the folding bar counter looks like a small bedside table that functions as a table for a quick breakfast.

As a rule, it has an island arrangement, that is, it is placed separately from the main kitchen unit.

Do-it-yourself bar - options and methods of work

A classic bar counter is a tabletop placed near a wall or furniture (one edge is attached to a vertical plane). The second edge of the bar table rests on a metal pipe.

For the table you may need:

• a wide board, and it is desirable that it is not coniferous, since the latter is too soft for work and further use of the product;
• thick plywood - this material allows you to apply any decor after manufacturing, including tiled elements, plastic or mosaic.

Drawing of a simple bar counter
The material can be taken from the same company where the custom-made furniture was made (if it was made according to sketches). If there is factory furniture in the room, you need to take a photo with you and compare it with the samples offered in stores and workshops.

It is better to purchase furniture fittings in specialized stores. The choice is wide, and the prices also vary. In particular, pipes can differ in price by three times, and this is due to the quality of the items offered.

Accessories for the bar counter

Chinese fittings can lose their appearance quite quickly, while German ones have a long warranty, up to a lifetime, which, of course, affects the price of the product. Polish products are in the middle between these groups and are therefore quite universal.

Thick board stand

If the choice of base fell on a thick board, and the pipe was already purchased at the store, you need to decide on the fasteners. You can use a stop attachment for these purposes - it is placed under the table top on the pipe, and then this place is covered with a decorative part in the form of a ring. There are other elements that you can take advantage of. When the tabletop is fixed to the wall, corners are taken, including reinforced ones. The color of the corner should match the pattern and shade of the table. At the same time, you need to install the fastening part so that it is invisible. To do this, remove a few centimeters from the edge.

The base of the tabletop can be placed on supports of any thickness

Elements that hold the shelves in weight can be placed under the solid table. If the bar is located along the plane of the wall, decorative brackets are used for fastening. A few pieces are enough for a standard countertop. The following is a brief description of the process of assembling such a structure.

One large corner or several small ones act as fasteners.

Brief job description

First, the base of the table is prepared, the edges are rounded, then it is sanded, tinted and varnished at the final stage. In addition, before starting work you will need:

• bar support;
• fixing part;
• holders.

Sanding the tabletop
First, the tabletop is placed on a support, then the corners are attached to the edge of the base. Then reinforcement with flat self-tapping screws is used. At the first stage, the work takes about seven minutes.

Attaching the table top to the wall

After the base of the rack is ready, you need to place it against the plane of the wall and mark the places where the dowels will be located. The location of the fasteners is marked on the floor. Next, a support is built according to the marks. Dowels are also placed in the wall.

The stand is placed in the selected location and secured with screws. The bar table is ready for use.

Simple bar counter

Lighting

The bar counter can be decorated with the following types of lamps:

• suspended - mounted directly above the tabletop, on a special strip or directly on the ceiling. They create a soft light that accentuates the tabletop. Can be equipped with relays to control brightness;
• point - mounted on any selected surface (ceiling, wall or tabletop). Create a directional beam of light to highlight details or directed illumination of the work area;
• spots - are halogen lamps that are installed on a special rotating mechanism. Their use allows you to direct light to the desired point at any time;
• LED - LED strips are used both to create full lighting and for decorative purposes. They can change shape to adapt to the surface. Modern models are equipped with a remote control that allows you to change the brightness and color of the lighting.

Video - Bar counter. Installation

Rack with frame base

The tabletop can be made with mounting on a cabinet. When working on such models, you may need both standard and inclined fasteners.

Manufacturing - brief description

The main thing in this matter is to prepare the frame. It is made of wood or metal - for this you will need thin slats. Drywall is often chosen as the material for the base of a bar table. This material is inexpensive, reliable and guarantees good results.

Step 1. The work is carried out starting with the assembly of the frame. You can use profiles or wood, as in the picture. The main principle during assembly is strict adherence to verticals and horizontals. To ensure that the angles between the base and the frame are exactly 90 degrees, the quality of the work is checked by a level. After the final work on assembling the frame, the structure is sheathed with plasterboard or gypsum fiber sheets.

Assembling the frame for the bar

Making the frame stable

We fasten the cladding material

Step 2. At this stage, when the sheets of drywall have already been installed, all that remains is to apply putty, eliminating traces of the screws, as well as corner spaces. Next comes the painting stage. They use different types of paint and varnish compositions, including textured ones. Some can be directly applied to sheets, others require pre-treatment.

If necessary, the frame can be coated with paints and varnishes.

Step 3. The tabletop is attached to the counter. The design and color are selected so that there is no conflict between the final product and other furnishings in the apartment or residential building.

Tabletop fasteners

Leveling the tabletop Finished design

Device

A standard folding stand consists of three main elements: an upper and lower part, as well as a transforming mechanism. Let's look at each of the elements in more detail.

Upper part (table top)

A wide range of materials can be used to make countertops, such as:

• wood - when making countertops from natural wood, both budget materials (spruce, pine, larch) and more noble varieties (beech, oak, exotic species) are used. Natural solid wood can be given almost any shape, painted with carvings or decorative elements. The finished product has good performance characteristics, resistant to wear and mechanical damage;
• metal - a metal countertop will be appropriate in rooms designed in high-tech, loft or futurism style, as well as in combination with the main kitchen set made of a similar material. To make metal countertops, glossy or matte stainless steel, aluminum and even sheet copper are used. The finished tabletop is quite durable and resistant to mechanical damage. The disadvantages of a metal bar counter include unpleasant tactile sensations and poor combination with other interior solutions;

• Laminated chipboard is a modern, practical material. The base of the table top is made of chipboard. Decorative kraft paper is applied to the surface, acting as a decorative and fastening element. For protection, a layer of high-pressure plastic (overlay) is applied on top. As a result, the finished tabletop withstands mechanical damage well and is not afraid of moisture. The main advantages of a countertop made of LSDP are its decorative properties and price. The cost of material and work for this material is significantly lower than for products made of natural wood, stone or metal. And with the help of digital printing, a pattern can be applied to the surface of the chipboard that imitates wood, natural or artificial stone, or any ornament or pattern;
• MDF - differs from laminated chipboard only in the base material, which is fibreboard. Otherwise, the products have a similar production process - the base is covered with kraft paper, liquid plastic and laminated. The finished product is not resistant to impacts, scratches and excessive moisture. Using postforming, the surface can be designed to resemble natural materials or create your own unique pattern;

• a natural stone — countertops made of natural stone look very presentable, in addition, they are highly durable and durable. Due to the significant weight of the product, the use of natural stone in folding bar counters is quite problematic - for it you need to prepare a solid base;

• fake diamond - a modern composite material, texture and color imitating a natural stone panel. They are distinguished by their strength and durability, and if damaged they can be easily restored. They are considered an environmentally friendly material that does not emit harmful components. The only drawback can be considered the relatively high price, compared to other artificial materials;

• glass - a glass bar top can rightfully be considered the highlight of any interior. For its production, special high-strength glass is used, which can be: frosted;
• transparent;
• hardened;
• multi-colored with additional patterns.

A tabletop made of glass can be used in multi-level structures with other materials. It is distinguished by sufficient strength - it can only be broken with a targeted and very strong blow. This surface is not susceptible to moisture, high temperatures, or chemicals. If scratches or chips appear, it can be easily restored by polishing.

Each of the above materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as requirements for care and operation.

Bottom part

The choice of material for the bottom of the bar directly depends on the countertop. First of all, it is necessary to calculate the load that will fall on the supporting structure.

For example, if the tabletop is made of metal, glass or stone, it is recommended to use metal supports. For laminated chipboard, MDF or natural wood, wooden legs are more suitable.

The design of the supports depends on the type of bar counter. Rotary models are equipped with a leg with a wheel at the bottom. Folding or folding bar counters use U-shaped or V-shaped folding supports equipped with a transforming mechanism. Using this system allows you to hide the leg under the tabletop when folded.

Transforming mechanism

Located between the top and bottom of the bar counter. Serves to move the tabletop to the “working” position. The type of mechanism used directly depends on the type of bar counter.

Roller mechanism. It is used in retractable models that are hidden under the main countertop of the kitchen unit. They are a combination of metal runners and plastic wheels.

Hinge mechanism. Used in rotary models. It consists of two metal or plastic plates with a special recess into which a bearing ball is installed.

Loop mechanism. Used in folding and folding models. The fastening scheme can be presented in two options:

• wall-tabletop;
• lower-upper parts of the bar counter.

Self-installation

The complexity of installing a bar counter depends on its design. It is easiest to build free-standing models, for example, wall or island.

If we are talking about racks standing by the window or continuing the headset, a specialist is usually invited to carry out the installation. This is due to the fact that the installation must be very precise and level.

Another important factor is the foundation. If the stand stands on one support leg, then even a beginner without experience can handle the installation: the whole task is to attach it to the floor. If cabinets and drawers are hidden there, and soon household appliances will appear in general, it is better, again, to entrust the matter to a professional.

Some craftsmen even make the entire stand with their own hands. In principle, there is nothing complicated in this process, since the furniture consists of only two parts - the base and the tabletop. But the degree of beauty of the resulting object greatly depends on the level of skill of the specialist.

Design errors

It should also be said about the mistakes that can be made when designing a bar counter, which will help create a lot of inconvenience.

1. Poorly thought out location. It is worth making sure that there is free access to the furniture, and at the same time it does not block the passage. It is best to avoid layouts near the entrance, sink or refrigerator.
2. Inconvenient to use. Decor is good, but it is important not to forget about convenience. If you heavily decorate or curtain the base with rails and shelves, there is a risk that there will be no room left for your feet. There will be a feeling of clutter in the kitchen, which is not at all welcome, especially in a small room.
3. Wrong shape. It is necessary to take into account that the shape of the stand should be duplicated in the interior. If the set has strict lines, then the tabletop should be rectangular. If you want to make it oval or semicircular, you should think about where these lines can be repeated. This could be a suspended ceiling, a pattern on tiles or curtains.

How to decorate and arrange?

All fittings can be divided according to their purpose and type of fastening. Usually accessories are made of metal, sometimes tempered glass is added. Thanks to this, you can choose the most suitable option in tone:

• copper;
• bronze;
• gold;
• chromium.

The coating can be glossy or matte.

According to their purpose, shelves are divided into those in which you can:

• store kitchen utensils;
• hang ladles, cups, cutting boards;
• store glasses and bottles.

There are also three types of bar shelves according to the type of fastening :

• central ones - for example, a fruit bowl, holders for glasses, niches for cutlery;
• rotating - mounted on a rail that extends to the side, can rotate around its axis. Indispensable for a small kitchen, since the rotating mechanism can always be moved to the side;
• suspended - fastening occurs to the ceiling, and not to the rack. Thanks to this solution, the kitchen looks very stylish and modern.

Hanging baskets with their ends adjacent to the wall look original. Most often they are multi-tiered, fastening occurs like railing hooks on an apron.

Technique

Equipment is rarely built into a bar counter - the dimensions do not allow it. Sometimes a sink is included - if it is combined with the work area.

The island stand provides plenty of room for experimentation. Here you can add a hob and even a hood on top, a washing machine, an oven, a dishwasher and a sink. But the placement of the latter remains a controversial decision, since there is a risk that there will be drops on the floor around, which is dangerous.

A mini-refrigerator for drinks and several rails for storing glasses can be built into such an island.

Bar chairs

Without chairs, the bar counter can only be used as a zoning element or a work area. Bar stools are always quite high, this is due to the height of the tabletop itself - about 110–125 cm.

There are several points to consider when choosing:

1. If the kitchen is spacious, you can afford any chair. If it is small, for example, in a Khrushchev building, then it is better to choose models with one leg.
2. In a very small kitchen, folding chairs will take root; they can be put away outside the meal - they will not take up precious space.
3. A footrest is required , and everything else is optional - backrests or armrests. If the seat is too hard, you can add a special pillow.
4. Before buying, you need to do a test drive - climb on and off the chair, and sit for a while. If it is difficult to climb onto it, then you can look for models with adjustable seat height.

Backlight

Counter lighting is especially important if it will be used as a dining or work area.

Lighting can be organized in several ways:

• build into the ceiling along the perimeter of the rack;
• run under the table top, along its end or on the outside of the base;
• choose pendants with a long cord.

Lighting will also serve as a zoning function.

Bar pipe

Usually it comes as a component to the rack, but if desired, it can be purchased separately. This is a very stylish and multifunctional piece of furniture. It can be of a certain height with a console at the end or rest against the floor.

Most often, the pole is equipped with shelves, baskets or simply holders for glasses or other dishes and kitchen utensils. If the ceilings are low, then it is better to choose a pylon with a console at the end, since otherwise there is a risk of emphasizing the height of the walls and reducing it.

The most common material for making pipes is metal. It can be nickel, brass or stainless steel. For a classic interior, a bar pipe is also made of wood, decorating it with carvings.

Consoles

If you choose a massive closed-type stand, then it is possible to decorate the consoles. Of course, it is more convenient to make drawers and shelves on the kitchen side, while the opposite side gives real scope for imagination. How it can be sheathed:

• stone cladding - looks luxurious and stylish, suitable for a classic interior;

• MDF sheets to match the furniture facades - will create harmony and a feeling of a single space in the kitchen;
• brick imitation - will look good in a loft or country style kitchen, but requires careful care;

• impact resistant glass - an original version, but for a better effect it is worth illuminating it. If you don’t want the contents of the shelves to be visible through it, then you should give preference to frosted glass;

• skinali - another glass option, but this time decorated with a drawing or photo print. If you choose a three-dimensional pattern, you can visually enlarge the kitchen and give it style;
• aquarium - yes, this happens. Such a solution will immediately become the center of the room, an art object and a real interior decoration. It is not necessary to choose an aquarium with fish; you can also prefer dry options with sand, shells, corals and beautiful stones. You can even create a mini-jungle - just what you need for a city apartment;

• mosaic is a stylish and bright kitchen decor that opens up space for imagination. You can depict a specific drawing or create an abstract composition. But it is worth considering that mosaic is a heavy material that will require a strong base and good glue;
• painting is another way to create a work of art in the kitchen. It is important to ensure that the colors of the design and the kitchen should be combined and not discordant.

Additionally

The bar counter is still associated with cocktails and various drinks, creating an atmosphere of lightness and ease. A smart move would be to equip it with accessories to match the theme:

• glass holders;
• shaker;
• bottle holder;
• blender;
• fruit bowl:
• juicer;
• ice bucket.

To this list you can add more specific details like a rimmer, geyser, stayr, muddler - devices that make it easier to prepare a cocktail. Such accessories will add originality and special flavor to the kitchen - you can invite friends to a real cocktail party.

What is the price?

Thanks to the growing popularity of such a piece of furniture, prices for bar counters have decreased, but their spread is still quite wide.

An excellent option for an economy class counter is to assemble the furniture yourself.

For example, the counter itself - a metal support - costs from one thousand rubles, a bar tabletop - from three thousand rubles. As a result, it turns out that for 4 thousand you can buy a simple replacement for the dining table.

Many factors influence how much the final product will cost:

• brand;
• country of origin;
• size;
• base and tabletop material;
• amount of decor - for example, wood carvings;
• functionality - the ability to integrate equipment or simply have storage space.

For example, the cost of this bar table is over 40 thousand rubles.

There is an option that is somewhat simpler, but also four times cheaper - 9,200 rubles.

On average, a stand will cost 20–40 thousand rubles. But there are also much more expensive options. For example, the next copy will cost almost 100,000 rubles. Designer models of bar counters will cost even more.

IKEA offers a lot of ideas for inspiration - every second kitchen in their interiors has a bar counter, either free-standing or combined with a work area. The minimum cost of a bar table is 9,500 rubles, but the company itself has offered options for making a homemade stand from a leg and a table top - it turns out to be much more budget-friendly.