Kitchen bars create additional seating for breakfasts on the go or after-work drinks. From wall-mounted apartment breakfast bars to integrated island or peninsula bars, wall cut-outs, basement kitchenettes, and wet bars, use seating, finishes, lighting, and accessories to optimize a kitchen of any style or layout.
Check out these kitchen bar ideas for inspiration on how to make this feature more functional and aesthetically pleasing.
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01
of 27Small Peninsula Bar Counter
If your kitchen includes a peninsula breakfast bar for two, make it more comfortable with high-backed stools. Choose a bright metallic finish for a touch of glam, and include a throw pillow that will encourage you to take your time finishing breakfast.
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02
of 27Galley Kitchen Bar
Position your breakfast bar by the window in a narrow galley kitchen to create a coffee house feel. Hang open shelving on the wall above to maximize storage space.
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03
of 27Countertop Extension
@herzenstimme / Instagram
Add a kitchen bar onto the end of a countertop or narrow kitchen island. Use a contrasting material to make the bar extension look intentional, like the stone and light wood combo here.
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04
of 27Kitchen Island Bar
Use a kitchen island overhang to create breakfast bar seating. Outfit it with backless stools that can be tucked beneath the overhang when not in use to maximize space.
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05
of 27Add-On Breakfast Bar
If your kitchen island lacks an overhang, add a small table the same depth to create bar seating. Paint the table in a dark color to set it apart and pair it with small light wood stools that can be tucked underneath to keep the space looking tidy.
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06
of 27Kitchen Cut-Out Bar
Optimize kitchen space with a wall-mounted breakfast counter on the outside of a kitchen cut-out. Industrial style bar height stools will complement shiplap walls and light wood finishes in a farmhouse space.
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07
of 27Under-Window Kitchen Bar
Extend the countertop beneath a picture window to create a kitchen bar with a view. This coastal kitchen is finished in blues and whites to reflect the oceanfront setting.
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08
of 27Kitchen Bar Pendant Lights
Define the kitchen bar area in a semi open-plan kitchen with a pair of pendant lights. Choose a light fixture with an open weave in natural materials for an airy look.
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09
of 27Painted Kitchen Bar
Decorate the underside of your peninsula kitchen bar to make it feel inviting. Match cabinet paint or try removable peel-and-stick wallpaper in a colorful pattern.
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10
of 27Asymmetrical Bar Counter
Adapt your bar counter to the shape of your kitchen. This asymmetrical bar counter is fit into the corner looking into the kitchen, with enough space to seat three.
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11
of 27Mobile Kitchen Island Bar
Add functionality to a small mobile kitchen island with a couple of vintage stools. Use them to create a makeshift kitchen bar or a place to seat guests with a glass of wine while you finish cooking dinner.
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12
of 27Hidden Breakfast Bar Seating
For a clean, minimalist look, tuck bar stools the same color as the base of your kitchen island under the countertop. This will make your kitchen bar disappear when not in use.
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13
of 27End of Island Mini Bar
In a smaller kitchen, place a pair of bar stools at the short end of the island. This will create a place for quick meals without interfering with flow or taking up valuable floor space.
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14
of 27Country Kitchen Bar Stools
Infuse your kitchen with country flair by choosing a pair of wooden cross-back bar stools. Hang a chandelier or pendant light over the island to anchor the space.
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15
of 27DIY Kitchen Bar
@danidazey / Instagram
Create a budget-friendly kitchen bar in place of an island in a small space if you don’t plan to use it for meals. Position a pair of colorful bar stools on the outside corner painted to match the walls of your kitchen.
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16
of 27Three-Sided Kitchen Bar
If you have the space, add bar stools on three sides of the overhang on a large kitchen island. Choose sculptural stools that are stylish and comfortable rather than cramming in as many seats as possible if you only need space for three.
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17
of 27Semi-Open Kitchen Bar
If your apartment has a semi-open kitchen with an overhang, add stools to make it more functional. Even if you only use them occasionally, it will give your space a more finished feel and provide added seating when you have company.
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18
of 27Leather Bar Stools
Introduce a different material when choosing stools for your kitchen bar. Rich brown leather will weather well and add a note of rustic warmth to a neutral modern space.
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of 27French Rattan Bar Stools
Channel the spirit of a French cafe with black-and-white rattan bar stools. The timeless style will transport you to your favorite Paris watering hole between visits.
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20
of 27Rustic Breakfast Bar
Make a rustic reclaimed kitchen island more functional with a small pair of wooden bar stools. Leave them unfinished to complement painted vertical shipboard in a cottage-style kitchen.
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21
of 27Sheepskin Seat Covers
Warm up simple wood bar stools with textural seat covers. Real or faux sheepskin will add a cozy feel.
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22
of 27Black and White Kitchen Bar
Complement a black-and-white kitchen with black bar stools. Square metal stools will create a modern look.
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23
of 27All-White Kitchen Bar
@home.and.spirit / Instagram
Create a streamlined look with a slim all-white kitchen bar with matching countertops and bar stools. This will make the transition between the kitchen and dining room feel seamless.
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24
of 27Striped Bar Stools
@afrobohemianliving / Instagram
Turn your kitchen bar stools into a focal point with striped upholstery. A simple black-and-white stripe will complement any style.
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25
of 27Basement Kitchenette Bar
Make a basement kitchenette more functional with a bar for quick and casual meals. Mix reclaimed wood and metal finishes for a rustic industrial farmhouse feel.
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26
of 27Basement Kitchen Wet Bar
Design by O’Hara Interiors / Photo by Troy Thies
Finish your basement kitchen wet bar with seating to define the space from the rest of the room. Install comfortable upholstered stools to create a spot for lingering over a cocktail or grabbing a quick bite.
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27
of 27Outdoor Kitchen Bar
Brian Brown Studio / Photo by Jenny Siegwart
Make your outdoor kitchen more functional and inviting by adding a bar counter and stools. Install an outdoor TV above the bar so you don’t have to miss your favorite games while you spend time in the backyard.