The place for the first bar counters became North America and Western Europe. And this is due to the development of restaurant business in these regions. Over the entire period of its existence, this element of the interior “survived” minor evolutionary changes, but became widespread in all countries. From a design point of view, the bar counter is a central element. The atmosphere is formed around her. In restaurants and bars, she is assigned the role of a “visiting card." In kitchens, the functions of a bar counter are performed by a cabinet or a narrow table, and such a name is more likely a convention. The use of racks outside public places has been facilitated by fashion trends. A long partition or table is perceived as a sign of good taste and the desire of the owners to create an interesting design. The worktop is installed in the kitchen, between the living rooms and kitchens, and sometimes in the living rooms themselves.When choosing a finished product or designing, the main role is played by the length, width and height of the bar.
Bar counter in the interior: advantages and disadvantages
The bar has turned from an attribute of catering establishments into a design element, and this has happened in recent decades. The tendency to merge functional benefits and visual appeal has led to the fact that the rack is now used in kitchens and dining areas of summer cottages. In the interior of restaurants and bars, the counter is indispensable, but the introduction of a studio apartment into the kitchen or space does not always contribute to comfort. The positive quality in the form of separation into functional zones is opposed by the limitation of patency. The table is cleaned to the side if necessary, but the bar counter is a static element. On the other hand, a narrow partition will occupy any position convenient for the owners, even at an angle. It will not be a problem to re-equip the cabinet for a drink bar while maintaining the function of the dining table.
Functional purpose
In restaurants, the role of the counter is obvious: visitors are sitting at it, serving drinks and paying for orders. On the bartender's side, the counter is equipped with a cash register and bar accessories. In the interior of the apartment, a bar counter is called a narrow countertop, rather than functional furniture for serving drinks. Benefits will come from a cabinet equipped with food storage sections and utensils. In addition to the role of the dining table, the object will serve as an additional cutting surface, and possibly also part of the working triangle. A sink is sometimes placed on the counter, which adds options for using the wall.Most often, the bar element is installed in apartments without walls - for the sake of drawing boundaries between rooms or functional areas. A countertop often becomes a separator between a kitchen on one side and a living room or bedroom on the other.
Location methods
In small rooms, racks often "merge" with the wall. The option is not comfortable, but looks stylish and saves space. Free-standing pedestals are usually a peninsula, oblong or large island, but are often used as part of an incomplete enclosing structure. Peninsular adjoin the walls with the ends. Some individual racks have a connection to the ceiling, usually with a pipe. Racks are also built-in, for example, in an opening in the wall or some kind of structure. The countertop is often a continuation of the usual dining table. In addition to the above options, adjoining were widespread. They are performed as part of the headset. Adjoining racks can both add and deprive options in the organization of space. The rack-window sill will not practically reduce the free space - another compact model. Not everyone will be comfortable eating in front of the window, but in the end there is a place for an additional table.
Varieties
The choice of configuration will be affected by the amount of available space. If in a cafe or restaurant there are no special restrictions, then at home you will have to think about the justification of the original solutions. The classic model is a fixed tabletop with legs or a solid base. A more flexible option is the hinged design. It either corresponds to a retractable model, or is made in the form of a table with a lifting part. A similar structure is useful for organizing the passage. Conventional retractable structures are completely hidden in the countertop of the cutting surface or dining table. Two-and multi-level bar counters are made including leading world manufacturers.Due to the level structure, processing and eating are carried out at a convenient height. There are also opportunities for people of different stature and storage options. Island racks are collected in the most spacious kitchens. The larger the island, the more justified the transfer of the main functional devices from the apron.
If there are doubts about the correct choice, it is better to purchase folding models - you can hide them at any time, including for installing a new bar counter.
Materials of manufacture
The main options:
Artificial or natural stone.
Tree.
Chipboard.
Drywall.
Plastic.
Metal.
Plastic is one of the main materials of our time. The base is usually formed from it. And the best solution for the countertop will be stone. Under intensive loads on the rack, plastic and wood wear out quickly, so the option of natural or artificial stone will be optimal. Natural or synthetic, this material guarantees construction strength and durability. At the same time, the initial appearance of the countertop will remain unchanged for a long time. The integrity of the stone surface contributes to hygiene: a single movement of the sponge is enough to remove dirt. However, inexpensive options may cause mechanical damage to the edges. The best material for self-assembly is metal. Then the rack is made of planks. If you add other materials to the design, you get an original product.
Sizes: standard and custom solutions
There are not many standard parameters. For individual structures, the normalized indicators of height are levels 110, 120, 125 and 130 cm. They are relevant for factory options. Typical product parameters, in turn, include a 120-cm length, a height of 105, and a width of 55 cm. Headset racks are part of the furniture, their tops are usually not lower than 86 and not higher than 91 cm. The height indicator then includes the height of the base (10, 12 , 15 cm) and tabletop thickness (up to 4 cm).The difference between the general level and these values corresponds to the height of the doors (facades). The length is selected in compliance with an interval of at least 0.5-0.6 m per person. At the same time, a poorly placed long counter will ruin the interior of even a very large kitchen. The situation with the width of the countertop is much simpler: it is associated with ergonomics and the need to save space. Racks can also be combined with indicators corresponding to stand-alone and headset, and simple, but with several countertops at different levels.
Height
The height of the countertops is selected for the highest member of the family. As for all options, the lowest is a regular table that simulates a rack. Its height can be 75 cm. A cabinet, depending on kitchen furniture, is most often at the level of 86-88 or 91 cm. Separate racks have much larger dimensions - 110, 120 or 130 cm. For people of ordinary height, standards of 110 or 120 are suitable. The structure of the bar element is also multilevel. For example, a working part with a height of 86 cm can be connected to the headset, and a bar part 110 cm high can be further away. The size of the countertop affects the size of the rack. The usual options are not thicker than 4 cm, but 6- and 8-centimeter are often made of stone. The rack can be placed above the rest of the working surfaces. The height of the bar area in institutions is an individual issue and depends on the general concept.
Length
At home, you should not install bulky designs, at least without the need. The length is selected in accordance with the environment and the need for seats. Another 2-3 places are added to the total number of residents. As a result, at least 60 cm is laid on each one. Appearance plays an important role in determining the ideal length. In a large kitchen, the counter may turn out to be too short and funny, and in a small kitchen it may take up a lot of useful space. In total, 3 harmonious lengths are selected in combination with width.A length of 120 cm is needed for a 40-cm depth of the countertop, but for 60 cm - an ideal figure is 160 or 180 cm. Thus, the ratio of 1 to 2.5-3 is laid in the dimensions. If the table plays the role of a separator, then the length is selected based on the minimum necessary space to move between zones.
The bar for the restaurant should be as long as possible - this has a positive effect on the income of the institution.
Width
First of all, the configuration of the element is taken into account: one-sided or two-sided. In the second case, people sit opposite each other. The permissible minimum width is set at 30 cm. At the same time, the experience of previous years and the rules of comfort speak of a figure of 40 cm. The minimum dimensions in any case relate to one-sided racks. Options on both sides are best done at least 50 centimeters, and ideally at 65 cm. In the latter case, convenience for two will be provided, and at the same time there will be a place for a plate in the middle of the tabletop, a cup of tea or coffee, a laptop, and it will be possible to serve dishes . At the same time, an indicator of more than 70 cm is considered wide and is offered for kitchens in which there is no need to save space. In designs of the original form, the width should be selected, given the remoteness of the edges.
Features of the calculation
The criteria are convenience, compatibility with furniture, dimensions of the room. The length of the rack should exceed the height, and the width should be inferior to the length of at least 2.5 times. One person needs at least 30 cm of thickness and 60 cm of length. As for height, it is calculated under the highest, however, it should be remembered that it will be difficult for children to climb large chairs. The tabletop should not be allowed to create inconvenience - on the table of ideal height, you can put your hands bent at the elbows. The difference in family growth will not be significant if the counter is equipped on one side with another, higher countertop.The calculation of the height necessarily includes the base, the facades of the lower pedestals, the thickness of the countertops and the raised floor, if any. They are also repelled from the level of classical racks - 115 cm above the floor and combined - starting from 90 cm.
The calculation of the parameters include:
type of work performed standing;
the amount of time spent by residents in a sitting position behind the counter;
additional purpose of the countertop.
Bar stool height
Chairs, in turn, are bought either adjustable or standard in height. The seat level is usually equal to 75 or 85 cm, but the manufacturer IKEA produces options for 63 and 74 cm. When choosing chairs for the table, they proceed from the 30 cm rule of the gap between the seat and the tabletop. However, in practice, a margin of 15 cm is allowed. Chairs from 45 cm are suitable for a small dining table in the form of an extended rack with a height of 75 cm. For tabletops, chairs with a length of 62-75 cm are purchased. These are standard parameters for a number of manufacturers, and the rule the optimal spacing of about 30 cm in this case is sacrificed in favor of convenience. Freestanding cabinets have a height of 105 cm or more with an interval of 5-10 cm between different models. For them produce chairs with seats at a level of 75-85 cm from the floor. For options of 110 cm, they get 75 cm, and for a height of 120 or 130 cm - chairs of 85 cm each. Comfort also depends on the diameter of the seats.
Interesting solutions in the interior of different apartments
Experiments with the shape and pattern of the bar counter will not interfere. The peninsular structure resting on the wall is less dependent on the environment than the rest. Therefore, there are wide, cascading, wavy options. In wooden houses, solid wood worktops are popular. Sometimes the bar counter is completely cut into the opening. It is customary to make the foundation solid or open, and in both cases design solutions are available. For example, such as a multi-level “puff” rack, an empty rectangle with rounded corners.A solution with a streamlined shape and wall mount, with the appropriate color and design, can claim the “status” of the most stylish. In modern studio apartments collect "club" options. The rack is then decorated with attractive finishes, exterior and interior lighting.
Originality also differs in such options:
in the form of a regular bar counter;
imitating rock fragment;
entirely made of glass.
Conclusion
The bar counter for the restaurant is in the form of an elongated structure. The rectilinear shape remains the most familiar, but in small rooms like kitchens, a special approach is needed. In the interior of an apartment or a country house, space saving and aesthetic function come to the fore. For this reason, designers come up with increasingly compact and yet convenient options. Racks are wall mounted, combined with furniture, separate, etc. Sometimes they are designed as an island or part of it. Of materials, stone is almost always used, and recently plastic has been increasingly used. For residents, the first priority is to determine the acceptable dimensions of the structure and chairs for it. Standard furniture racks have a height of 85–91 cm. For stand-alone, it is 105–130 cm. The width is usually in the range of 30-40 cm for the narrowest and 60-90 for wide models. In cramped kitchens, the choice of length is carried out between indicators of 1.2 and 1.6 m, and in other cases, personal preferences play a role.
The place for the first bar counters became North America and Western Europe. And this is due to the development of restaurant business in these regions. Over the entire period of its existence, this element of the interior “survived” minor evolutionary changes, but became widespread in all countries. From a design point of view, the bar counter is a central element. The atmosphere is formed around her. In restaurants and bars, she is assigned the role of a “visiting card." In kitchens, the functions of a bar counter are performed by a cabinet or a narrow table, and such a name is more likely a convention. The use of racks outside public places has been facilitated by fashion trends. A long partition or table is perceived as a sign of good taste and the desire of the owners to create an interesting design. The worktop is installed in the kitchen, between the living rooms and kitchens, and sometimes in the living rooms themselves.When choosing a finished product or designing, the main role is played by the length, width and height of the bar.
Content
Bar counter in the interior: advantages and disadvantages
The bar has turned from an attribute of catering establishments into a design element, and this has happened in recent decades. The tendency to merge functional benefits and visual appeal has led to the fact that the rack is now used in kitchens and dining areas of summer cottages. In the interior of restaurants and bars, the counter is indispensable, but the introduction of a studio apartment into the kitchen or space does not always contribute to comfort. The positive quality in the form of separation into functional zones is opposed by the limitation of patency. The table is cleaned to the side if necessary, but the bar counter is a static element. On the other hand, a narrow partition will occupy any position convenient for the owners, even at an angle. It will not be a problem to re-equip the cabinet for a drink bar while maintaining the function of the dining table.
Functional purpose
In restaurants, the role of the counter is obvious: visitors are sitting at it, serving drinks and paying for orders. On the bartender's side, the counter is equipped with a cash register and bar accessories. In the interior of the apartment, a bar counter is called a narrow countertop, rather than functional furniture for serving drinks. Benefits will come from a cabinet equipped with food storage sections and utensils. In addition to the role of the dining table, the object will serve as an additional cutting surface, and possibly also part of the working triangle. A sink is sometimes placed on the counter, which adds options for using the wall.Most often, the bar element is installed in apartments without walls - for the sake of drawing boundaries between rooms or functional areas. A countertop often becomes a separator between a kitchen on one side and a living room or bedroom on the other.
Location methods
In small rooms, racks often "merge" with the wall. The option is not comfortable, but looks stylish and saves space. Free-standing pedestals are usually a peninsula, oblong or large island, but are often used as part of an incomplete enclosing structure. Peninsular adjoin the walls with the ends. Some individual racks have a connection to the ceiling, usually with a pipe. Racks are also built-in, for example, in an opening in the wall or some kind of structure. The countertop is often a continuation of the usual dining table. In addition to the above options, adjoining were widespread. They are performed as part of the headset. Adjoining racks can both add and deprive options in the organization of space. The rack-window sill will not practically reduce the free space - another compact model. Not everyone will be comfortable eating in front of the window, but in the end there is a place for an additional table.
Varieties
The choice of configuration will be affected by the amount of available space. If in a cafe or restaurant there are no special restrictions, then at home you will have to think about the justification of the original solutions. The classic model is a fixed tabletop with legs or a solid base. A more flexible option is the hinged design. It either corresponds to a retractable model, or is made in the form of a table with a lifting part. A similar structure is useful for organizing the passage. Conventional retractable structures are completely hidden in the countertop of the cutting surface or dining table. Two-and multi-level bar counters are made including leading world manufacturers.Due to the level structure, processing and eating are carried out at a convenient height. There are also opportunities for people of different stature and storage options. Island racks are collected in the most spacious kitchens. The larger the island, the more justified the transfer of the main functional devices from the apron.
Materials of manufacture
The main options:
Plastic is one of the main materials of our time. The base is usually formed from it. And the best solution for the countertop will be stone. Under intensive loads on the rack, plastic and wood wear out quickly, so the option of natural or artificial stone will be optimal. Natural or synthetic, this material guarantees construction strength and durability. At the same time, the initial appearance of the countertop will remain unchanged for a long time. The integrity of the stone surface contributes to hygiene: a single movement of the sponge is enough to remove dirt. However, inexpensive options may cause mechanical damage to the edges. The best material for self-assembly is metal. Then the rack is made of planks. If you add other materials to the design, you get an original product.
Sizes: standard and custom solutions
There are not many standard parameters. For individual structures, the normalized indicators of height are levels 110, 120, 125 and 130 cm. They are relevant for factory options. Typical product parameters, in turn, include a 120-cm length, a height of 105, and a width of 55 cm. Headset racks are part of the furniture, their tops are usually not lower than 86 and not higher than 91 cm. The height indicator then includes the height of the base (10, 12 , 15 cm) and tabletop thickness (up to 4 cm).The difference between the general level and these values corresponds to the height of the doors (facades). The length is selected in compliance with an interval of at least 0.5-0.6 m per person. At the same time, a poorly placed long counter will ruin the interior of even a very large kitchen. The situation with the width of the countertop is much simpler: it is associated with ergonomics and the need to save space. Racks can also be combined with indicators corresponding to stand-alone and headset, and simple, but with several countertops at different levels.
Height
The height of the countertops is selected for the highest member of the family. As for all options, the lowest is a regular table that simulates a rack. Its height can be 75 cm. A cabinet, depending on kitchen furniture, is most often at the level of 86-88 or 91 cm. Separate racks have much larger dimensions - 110, 120 or 130 cm. For people of ordinary height, standards of 110 or 120 are suitable. The structure of the bar element is also multilevel. For example, a working part with a height of 86 cm can be connected to the headset, and a bar part 110 cm high can be further away. The size of the countertop affects the size of the rack. The usual options are not thicker than 4 cm, but 6- and 8-centimeter are often made of stone. The rack can be placed above the rest of the working surfaces. The height of the bar area in institutions is an individual issue and depends on the general concept.
Length
At home, you should not install bulky designs, at least without the need. The length is selected in accordance with the environment and the need for seats. Another 2-3 places are added to the total number of residents. As a result, at least 60 cm is laid on each one. Appearance plays an important role in determining the ideal length. In a large kitchen, the counter may turn out to be too short and funny, and in a small kitchen it may take up a lot of useful space. In total, 3 harmonious lengths are selected in combination with width.A length of 120 cm is needed for a 40-cm depth of the countertop, but for 60 cm - an ideal figure is 160 or 180 cm. Thus, the ratio of 1 to 2.5-3 is laid in the dimensions. If the table plays the role of a separator, then the length is selected based on the minimum necessary space to move between zones.
Width
First of all, the configuration of the element is taken into account: one-sided or two-sided. In the second case, people sit opposite each other. The permissible minimum width is set at 30 cm. At the same time, the experience of previous years and the rules of comfort speak of a figure of 40 cm. The minimum dimensions in any case relate to one-sided racks. Options on both sides are best done at least 50 centimeters, and ideally at 65 cm. In the latter case, convenience for two will be provided, and at the same time there will be a place for a plate in the middle of the tabletop, a cup of tea or coffee, a laptop, and it will be possible to serve dishes . At the same time, an indicator of more than 70 cm is considered wide and is offered for kitchens in which there is no need to save space. In designs of the original form, the width should be selected, given the remoteness of the edges.
Features of the calculation
The criteria are convenience, compatibility with furniture, dimensions of the room. The length of the rack should exceed the height, and the width should be inferior to the length of at least 2.5 times. One person needs at least 30 cm of thickness and 60 cm of length. As for height, it is calculated under the highest, however, it should be remembered that it will be difficult for children to climb large chairs. The tabletop should not be allowed to create inconvenience - on the table of ideal height, you can put your hands bent at the elbows. The difference in family growth will not be significant if the counter is equipped on one side with another, higher countertop.The calculation of the height necessarily includes the base, the facades of the lower pedestals, the thickness of the countertops and the raised floor, if any. They are also repelled from the level of classical racks - 115 cm above the floor and combined - starting from 90 cm.
The calculation of the parameters include:
Bar stool height
Chairs, in turn, are bought either adjustable or standard in height. The seat level is usually equal to 75 or 85 cm, but the manufacturer IKEA produces options for 63 and 74 cm. When choosing chairs for the table, they proceed from the 30 cm rule of the gap between the seat and the tabletop. However, in practice, a margin of 15 cm is allowed. Chairs from 45 cm are suitable for a small dining table in the form of an extended rack with a height of 75 cm. For tabletops, chairs with a length of 62-75 cm are purchased. These are standard parameters for a number of manufacturers, and the rule the optimal spacing of about 30 cm in this case is sacrificed in favor of convenience. Freestanding cabinets have a height of 105 cm or more with an interval of 5-10 cm between different models. For them produce chairs with seats at a level of 75-85 cm from the floor. For options of 110 cm, they get 75 cm, and for a height of 120 or 130 cm - chairs of 85 cm each. Comfort also depends on the diameter of the seats.
Interesting solutions in the interior of different apartments
Experiments with the shape and pattern of the bar counter will not interfere. The peninsular structure resting on the wall is less dependent on the environment than the rest. Therefore, there are wide, cascading, wavy options. In wooden houses, solid wood worktops are popular. Sometimes the bar counter is completely cut into the opening. It is customary to make the foundation solid or open, and in both cases design solutions are available. For example, such as a multi-level “puff” rack, an empty rectangle with rounded corners.A solution with a streamlined shape and wall mount, with the appropriate color and design, can claim the “status” of the most stylish. In modern studio apartments collect "club" options. The rack is then decorated with attractive finishes, exterior and interior lighting.
Originality also differs in such options:
Conclusion
The bar counter for the restaurant is in the form of an elongated structure. The rectilinear shape remains the most familiar, but in small rooms like kitchens, a special approach is needed. In the interior of an apartment or a country house, space saving and aesthetic function come to the fore. For this reason, designers come up with increasingly compact and yet convenient options. Racks are wall mounted, combined with furniture, separate, etc. Sometimes they are designed as an island or part of it. Of materials, stone is almost always used, and recently plastic has been increasingly used. For residents, the first priority is to determine the acceptable dimensions of the structure and chairs for it. Standard furniture racks have a height of 85–91 cm. For stand-alone, it is 105–130 cm. The width is usually in the range of 30-40 cm for the narrowest and 60-90 for wide models. In cramped kitchens, the choice of length is carried out between indicators of 1.2 and 1.6 m, and in other cases, personal preferences play a role.