Kitchen-living room with a bar counter (59 photos), do-it-yourself design: instructions, photo and video lessons, price

Kitchen-living rooms with a bar counter look original and stylish. The design is able to freshen up the interior, become a replacement for the dining table, or be used as a visual divider of several zones in the room. Everything you need to know about bar counters is in this article.

The bar counter can be used as a dining table or structure for space zoning

Benefits of bar counters

With the advent of studio apartments, people got the opportunity to create free from interior partitions, stylish and modern dwellings that carry an atmosphere of freshness and bold design solutions. So, the bar counter between the kitchen and the living room has gained considerable popularity, which is not only a good design move, but also represents a functional element.

Bar counters are compact and do not take up much of the required space

The popularity of bar counters is quite understandable. There are several reasons for this:

• Multifunctionality. The bar counter between the kitchen and the living room can be either an excellent addition to the dining and work area, or it can be a complete replacement for them.
• Compactness. Due to the fact that now they produce racks of various shapes and sizes, it becomes possible to install them in almost any space.
• Range. A huge number of stylistically different shapes and color solutions allows you to profitably fit bar counters into the interior in high-tech, ethnic, modern style.
• Mobility. You can choose from a retractable, swivel, trolley or lifting model.

For ease of use, you can choose a retractable, swivel, mobile or lifting structure

The counter can be a designer divider between the cooking area and the seating area

Among other things, in the kitchen combined with the living room, the bar counter will become an excellent separation barrier separating the cooking area from the relaxation area.

Rack options

The bar counter installed in the kitchen automatically turns into one of the main functional elements. It can be made in any color and have any shape and size, however, it is desirable that the bar fits harmoniously into the general kitchen and living space.

In general, there are five types of designs

By form and functionality

As mentioned earlier, bar counters have a wide assortment of not only colors, but also shapes. This allows you to choose the right model for any type of kitchen studio.

In general, bar bars are divided into the following types:

• Wall. Standard stationary model, which is attached with the longitudinal side or end to the wall. Usually it is installed along the wall under hanging cabinets, or under a window opening.

Wall-mounted view of the structure can be installed under the wall or under the window

• Mobile. Mobile version, which is an oblong table on wheels. This counter will be the perfect solution for festive events, romantic dinners or breakfasts. The comfortable table can be easily moved throughout the apartment, which is its main advantage.

With a mobile stand, everything you need is always at hand

• Ostrovnaya. It is often located in the center of a spacious kitchen-studio, fulfilling simultaneously three roles: a work surface, a buffet table and a dining area.

The island counter can simultaneously act as a work surface, a buffet table and a dining area

• Peninsular. Such a rack is part of a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen set. In this case, it is most often placed in the middle or at the end of the headset.

The peninsular design is a continuation of the kitchen unit and increases the area of ​​the usable area

• Transformer. One of the most suitable options for a studio kitchen or small spaces. It can be hinged, hanging, swivel, folding or retractable.

The transformer option is ideal for small areas

The photo shows an example of a good positioning of the rack

There is another type of division of bar counters - by level. According to this criterion, two types are distinguished:

• Single level racks. This is a single plane-tabletop, the shape and length of which can be anything. The most popular are standard sizes, where the construction height is 110-120 cm.

A single level rack is a simple yet practical design. Ideal for a family of two

• Multilevel racks. The connection of several structures, one of which is the main column, to which additional small tabletops are fixed. Most often, models are produced with a main rack height of 90-100 cm, and a "superstructure" is installed on top of it by another 20-30 cm.

On the second level of the structure, you can arrange the necessary small items

According to the materials from which it is made

So, the plates for the structure are made of the following materials:

• Plastic laminated chipboard. The material of such countertops is chipboard sheets that have undergone special processing. As a result, we get a lot of colors (about 150) and different textures (including wood). This is an excellent material that is characterized by resistance to moisture and mechanical damage (you only need to protect the joints from moisture), and if necessary, you can replace such a plate with your own hands.

Laminated chipboard, albeit the cheapest, but by no means the most practical option

• Fake diamond.It is a very popular material these days. Compared to natural materials, it has the advantages of lightness and warmth to the touch. The price of slabs made of artificial stone is also slightly lower than that of natural counterparts.

Artificial stone can be combined with other materials

• Quartz agglomerate.Such a coating is a guarantee of strength and durability, as well as exceptional resistance to scratches and breaks. This material is based on a mixture of granite and quartz chips with the addition of polymer binder resins.

Quartz agglomerate will last at least 10 years

• A natural stone.It's hard to compete with natural materials. The pattern of such plates is unique, they are strong and durable. Most often they are made from granite, less often from marble. Experts advise against using marble slabs as kitchen coverings as they scratch easily. And the price for such models is quite impressive.

Natural stone is the most expensive, but also the most durable material

• Wood.The noble appearance and warmth of wood make this material one of the most popular in almost any industry. However, the tree needs special care.

Wood surfaces are particularly sophisticated and can perfectly fit into a rustic interior

Lighting rack

Do not forget that for such an important structure it is necessary to allocate additional lighting. You can use one of the following options:

• Hang the lights. For this purpose, lamps with a long cord, a row of spots or a large chandelier are perfect. The main thing is to make sure that the light is not too bright and does not interfere with those sitting at the counter.
• Install backlight. Under-counter LED lights are a great option for highlighting your design. But do not overdo it with such lighting, otherwise the counter will look more like a bar in a nightclub.

Long lamps can illuminate the surface and add an atmosphere of intimacy

Finally

The presented instructions on the advantages and types of bar designs will help you decide on the right model for your interior. You can find even more useful information in the video.

Read also See the article "Bar counter for a small kitchen: how to use free space to the maximum."

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