In many modern apartments, especially small ones, such an interior element as a bar counter is common, which is not surprising, since this is a modern and functional solution. It looks great in a variety of living spaces and provides a certain level of comfort.
The bar counter allows you to move away from the standard design and diversify the interior of the living room
Advantages of a bar counter in the living room
The bar counter in the living room has a number of undeniable advantages:
- Rational use of space. If the dining table in the kitchen or living room takes up a fairly large area, plus the kitchen chairs around it eat up space, then with a bar counter the space saving is obvious. It is compact in itself, plus bar stools are also more compact than usual. In addition, you can use the space under the countertop to store kitchen accessories, small household appliances and dishes by placing various drawers and shelves there.
- Apartment zoning. In modern apartments, the living room and kitchen are often combined due to the small area. In this version, the bar in the living room perfectly serves to separate the cooking and eating areas.
- Aesthetics. Fits well into almost any interior design. Due to the variety of shapes, colors and materials, a bar in the living room will be appropriate in an apartment with any interior style, be it classic, loft, minimalism, Provence. or some other.
Types of bar counter designs
Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, in the interior of a living room with a bar counter there are a variety of models:
- The corner model is optimal for limited areas. Often it can be an extension of the kitchen. Allows you to make the most efficient use of square meters.
Corner designs are optimal for saving space and are most often used in kitchens and living rooms - A two-level counter is a combination of two tabletops located at different heights. This model is indispensable in families with children - it is convenient for them to dine and draw or play at the lower tabletop, and adults can comfortably sit at the upper one.
The upper level acts as the bar counter itself, and the lower level can serve as a dining table or work surface
When installing a two-level countertop, care should be taken to ensure sufficient lighting at each level.
- A partition stand, as the name suggests, acts as a partition between the living room and the corridor, or between rooms. This is functional and modern, since instead of a wall or screen, the interior has a laconic and spacious structure.
This counter becomes a natural partition between the kitchen and living room - An island counter is appropriate in large apartments, located in the middle of the living room.
Often a sofa is placed next to it in this version. Sometimes this design can successfully accommodate a sink, oven, stove and plenty of storage space. A bar counter located in the middle of the room can become the central element of the living room interior
In a small area, such a model will only cause inconvenience and visually clutter the space.
Style selection
In order for the bar counter to harmoniously combine with the interior of the living room, it is necessary not only to choose the right size and configuration of the structure, but also to decide on the design. A universal option is a stand made in neutral beige or gray tones. This design will fit into any interior. However, if you want something more interesting, you can consider other style options.
High tech
High-tech is one of the most popular modern styles, characterized by laconic forms and shades. Material plays an important role in this style - leather, glass, plastic. The right combination of these materials makes the interior stylish and unusual. This trend is also characterized by rich colors combined with chrome elements. For decoration you can use white, black, red, green, orange, blue and other catchy colors.
Country
For a country-style living room, you should use natural materials, such as wood or stone. In rustic styles, preference is given to natural tones. The abundance of glass, chrome and plastic parts is inappropriate here. Country implies imitation of antiquity, which means that small cracks and abrasions will look very stylish. It is better to replace chrome with shabby brass or copper with a patina finish.
Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style requires a lot of natural light and space. This interior will look best in a living room combined with a kitchen. In this case, the counter acts as a partition between the workspace and the relaxation area. The Scandinavian style is prone to minimalism, so there should be no excesses in the decor, for example, in the form of stucco molding or elaborate carvings, and colors should be chosen from a natural palette.
Loft
The loft style looks good in the spacious living room. Decorating a room in the loft style implies the presence of a large number of industrial elements, for example, pipes, brick walls, metal boxes, signs, etc. Glass and metal are suitable materials for the bar counter. Red brick or its imitation will look good in combination with a wooden countertop.
Choosing the right lighting in a living room with a bar counter
Various options are used for lighting the bar counter. You can use spotlights and sconces that create a special cozy atmosphere; hanging chandeliers. As additional lighting, built-in lighting with LED lamps or LED strip is used.
Lighting the bar counter with pendant lamps
Lighting the counter with spotlights built into the ceiling
According to the method of placement, lighting fixtures can be built into the ceiling above the tabletop along its perimeter, under the tabletop at the ends, or suspended on long cords.
It is advisable that lighting fixtures have separate switches for different zones.
A bar counter paired with pendant lamps is perfect as a space divider for a kitchen-living room.
Dimensions
When purchasing a stand (or creating one yourself), it is very important to calculate the correct dimensions. The height of the structure should be such that it is comfortable for all household members to sit at the bar table.
In addition, it is important to consider the area of the room. For example, for small rooms, a narrow mini-rack would be the best option. Of course, it will be difficult to use it as a dining table or work table. But it is perfect for breakfasts and tea parties, and will also cope perfectly with its intended purpose. And zoning with its help will be quite worthy.
If you plan to use the counter as a dining and work area, then the width of the tabletop should be at least half a meter. The length is calculated according to the number of household members - each person should have about 50 cm.
As for height, the standard is considered to be from 110 to 130 cm. If the stand is two-level, then the lower tier is usually located 85–90 cm from the floor.
Zoning space with a bar counter in the living room
If we talk about zoning space in an apartment, then the bar counter is just that element of the interior that will allow you to correctly delimit the necessary zones. Thus, in small apartments where the kitchen is combined with the living room, the bar counter separates the space for cooking from the seating area and receiving guests, without limiting visibility. That is, you can simultaneously cook food in the kitchen and watch TV in the living room, or talk with household members.
The bar counter can separate the living room and the insulated balcony
The most common technique is to separate the living room and kitchen area
Lighting plays an important role in zoning - you should definitely take into account the location of the lighting fixtures in accordance with the location of the rack itself.
Bar counter as a space divider in a small studio apartment
Brick bar counter between kitchen and living room
As follows from all of the above, bar counters are a good solution in the interior of both small-sized apartments and large areas. You just have to carefully consider the choice of design and placement options.
Materials
The counter should be harmoniously combined with the rest of the furniture, however, if you want to highlight it, then you should think about the material. It can be natural wood, natural or artificial stone, as well as more exotic options - glass or metal.
Laminated PDF panels are a practical option for the kitchen-living room. This surface is not afraid of mechanical damage and water, is easy to clean and easy to maintain. PDF is the most economical option, however, thanks to the variety of colors and textures, it looks no worse in the interior than other materials.
Stone
Countertops made of natural or artificial stone are the most durable; such a counter will serve you for decades. The stone is easy to care for, easy to clean, not susceptible to fungus and bugs, and resistant to water and high temperatures.
However, there is one little thing - spilled liquid must be wiped up immediately, otherwise it will penetrate inside the stone, which can change its color over time. If the countertop is made of quartz agglomerate, you should not place pans and pots on it directly from the stove - the surface may crack.
Tree
Natural wood is a durable material, however, it is not resistant to water. Wooden countertops must be periodically treated with special water-repellent compounds. In addition, the tree is vulnerable to bugs, so it is necessary to regularly inspect the surface for damage.
Glass
Glass countertops are practical, durable and stylish. The glass can be plain, mirror-coated, internally illuminated, with patterns or photo printing. All this creates many possibilities when decorating the interior. Glass is not afraid of water, it is not afraid of high temperatures, chemicals, microorganisms, etc., however, it is not so easy to clean - the surface must be thoroughly wiped so that there are no streaks or greasy stains left by fingers.
Photos of the living room interior with a bar counter
What do the bar counters in the living room look like in the interior? Photo below:
