19 Brilliant Breakfast Bars to Wake Up To
Transform your kitchen into a seriously sociable hub with an enticing breakfast bar
As their name would suggest, breakfast bars are designed to create a casual eating area at the kitchen bench for a quick bite in the morning, rather than having to sit down at a formal dining table. However, with the popularity of eat-in kitchens and open-plan living, the breakfast bar has become more than a simple stool next to a benchtop.
Smart, stylish and innovative designs are taking breakfast bars to the next level and turning our kitchens into the place to hang out. So if you’re in the market for a bar at which to perch, steal some clever ideas from these practical and oh-so-cool designs and turn your kitchen into the sociable hub you’ve dreamed it could be.
Smart, stylish and innovative designs are taking breakfast bars to the next level and turning our kitchens into the place to hang out. So if you’re in the market for a bar at which to perch, steal some clever ideas from these practical and oh-so-cool designs and turn your kitchen into the sociable hub you’ve dreamed it could be.
2. Space for two
Even the smallest of spaces can squeeze in a bar to ensure breakfast is never a lonely event. This narrow kitchen is designed with the appliances along the wall, while a peninsular unit is extended to provide a small overhang – an ideal spot for two stools either side.
10 space-enhancing tips
Even the smallest of spaces can squeeze in a bar to ensure breakfast is never a lonely event. This narrow kitchen is designed with the appliances along the wall, while a peninsular unit is extended to provide a small overhang – an ideal spot for two stools either side.
10 space-enhancing tips
3. Contemporary design
This quirky design is something to marvel at. Warm timber is a welcoming surface for a morning snack and brings a timeless appeal to any kitchen, while the addition of a bold geometric pattern takes it up a few notches in the style stakes. When you feel like a change, why not add a new colour or geometric design to the splashback for a different look?
This quirky design is something to marvel at. Warm timber is a welcoming surface for a morning snack and brings a timeless appeal to any kitchen, while the addition of a bold geometric pattern takes it up a few notches in the style stakes. When you feel like a change, why not add a new colour or geometric design to the splashback for a different look?
4. Marvellous marble
The triumph of this luxurious marble breakfast bar is the open section, allowing the stools to be viewed on the other side, which in turn creates a sense of space and light. The seating layout encourages interaction and transforms the simple kitchen into a sociable haven.
The triumph of this luxurious marble breakfast bar is the open section, allowing the stools to be viewed on the other side, which in turn creates a sense of space and light. The seating layout encourages interaction and transforms the simple kitchen into a sociable haven.
5. Dining table double-up
This is a brilliant design for families with young children that find stools a little precarious. Although it’s technically not a breakfast bar, the table is still connected to the central island unit so it has a more informal feel than a dining table. This laid-back look is then emphasised by the casual Eames chairs, which are also easy to wipe down.
This is a brilliant design for families with young children that find stools a little precarious. Although it’s technically not a breakfast bar, the table is still connected to the central island unit so it has a more informal feel than a dining table. This laid-back look is then emphasised by the casual Eames chairs, which are also easy to wipe down.
6. Close connections
Similarly, this T-shaped setup is more of a dining table than a bar, but it still feels as sociable being connected to the island at one end. Selecting the same surface material for the dining table and kitchen benches also links the two spaces and gives it a more laid-back vibe than a separate dining area.
Similarly, this T-shaped setup is more of a dining table than a bar, but it still feels as sociable being connected to the island at one end. Selecting the same surface material for the dining table and kitchen benches also links the two spaces and gives it a more laid-back vibe than a separate dining area.
This is the same kitchen from another angle and shows how this innovative design conceals an extension at the end, providing extra dining space. A brilliant idea for small homes where space is limited.
7. Raising the bar
For keen cooks who love to entertain and prepare food while guests watch on, positioning a stovetop at the central island is a must. To prevent food splattering onlookers, try raising the bench at the eating area and your stove will become the stage on which your perform.
For keen cooks who love to entertain and prepare food while guests watch on, positioning a stovetop at the central island is a must. To prevent food splattering onlookers, try raising the bench at the eating area and your stove will become the stage on which your perform.
8. Take note
Turn meal times into fun times with a quirky chalkboard indicating each family member’s spot at the breakfast bar. Kids will have fun writing and rewriting silly names, while you can get on with preparing lunch in the same space.
Turn meal times into fun times with a quirky chalkboard indicating each family member’s spot at the breakfast bar. Kids will have fun writing and rewriting silly names, while you can get on with preparing lunch in the same space.
9. Moveable design
Do you regret not adding an island or bar when you planned your kitchen reno? Well, you still can; breakfast bars don’t have to be fitted units, any tall table or workbench will do the trick. For even more versatility, why not fit lockable castors so you can wheel the bar table to different positions depending on the event and the space needed at the time.
Do you regret not adding an island or bar when you planned your kitchen reno? Well, you still can; breakfast bars don’t have to be fitted units, any tall table or workbench will do the trick. For even more versatility, why not fit lockable castors so you can wheel the bar table to different positions depending on the event and the space needed at the time.
10. Industrial vibe
In this kitchen, a tall metal workbench provides a clever alternative to a fixed island or bar, and as there are no solid sides, the table brings a sense of space to the small room. To define the breakfast bar, the floor underneath has been sectioned off with a contrasting colour to create the same effect as a rug under a dining table.
Browse more kitchen island photos
In this kitchen, a tall metal workbench provides a clever alternative to a fixed island or bar, and as there are no solid sides, the table brings a sense of space to the small room. To define the breakfast bar, the floor underneath has been sectioned off with a contrasting colour to create the same effect as a rug under a dining table.
Browse more kitchen island photos
11. Room with a view
Here, a narrow kitchen finds room for a breakfast bar. A length of benchtop has been fitted without base units, leaving a gap for stools. If you can incorporate a beautiful garden view, you’ll have the perfect morning wake-up call.
Here, a narrow kitchen finds room for a breakfast bar. A length of benchtop has been fitted without base units, leaving a gap for stools. If you can incorporate a beautiful garden view, you’ll have the perfect morning wake-up call.
12. Zone definition
Using different surface materials in a kitchen design not only defines the different functions, it will also add interest and display confident style. Here, a cool composite stone surface is a practical solution around the sink area, while a warm timber benchtop defines the breakfast bar. The wooden stools complement the look.
Using different surface materials in a kitchen design not only defines the different functions, it will also add interest and display confident style. Here, a cool composite stone surface is a practical solution around the sink area, while a warm timber benchtop defines the breakfast bar. The wooden stools complement the look.
13. Warm wood grain
Similarly, this all-in-a-line breakfast bar has a slightly raised timber bench to contrast with the white surfaces, and provides stacks of seating for a big family.
Similarly, this all-in-a-line breakfast bar has a slightly raised timber bench to contrast with the white surfaces, and provides stacks of seating for a big family.
14. Sleek finish
This bar is not defined by texture as such, but by colour. A black composite surface indicates the eating area and is a practical option for the inside of the bar as shoe scuffs and food marks will be disguised.
This bar is not defined by texture as such, but by colour. A black composite surface indicates the eating area and is a practical option for the inside of the bar as shoe scuffs and food marks will be disguised.
15. Organic feel
The stunning curves of this beautiful island provide a truly warm and welcoming spot for breakfast, while the rich wood finish stands out against the pale backdrop for a big impact.
The stunning curves of this beautiful island provide a truly warm and welcoming spot for breakfast, while the rich wood finish stands out against the pale backdrop for a big impact.
16. Sociable layout
The seating arrangement around this large island invites conversation, while the high-backed upholstered chairs offer a smart touch similar to a dining table experience, enabling the island to be dressed for both casual or formal meals.
The seating arrangement around this large island invites conversation, while the high-backed upholstered chairs offer a smart touch similar to a dining table experience, enabling the island to be dressed for both casual or formal meals.
17. Glamorous touch
Combine luxury seating with decadent lighting and you’ll have a wonderfully glamorous breakfast bar just as suitable for cocktail hour. Or a morning mimosa perhaps?
Combine luxury seating with decadent lighting and you’ll have a wonderfully glamorous breakfast bar just as suitable for cocktail hour. Or a morning mimosa perhaps?
18. Easy living
On the other end of the design spectrum, this kitchen demonstrates laid-back, practical living with robust materials and playful colours to create an easy-on-the-eye family vibe. Using the stools to add pops of vibrant colour is a genius way of bringing character and personality to an all-white kitchen.
10 kitchen islands for families
On the other end of the design spectrum, this kitchen demonstrates laid-back, practical living with robust materials and playful colours to create an easy-on-the-eye family vibe. Using the stools to add pops of vibrant colour is a genius way of bringing character and personality to an all-white kitchen.
10 kitchen islands for families
19. Late addition
This is an idea you can steal if you want to add on an easy bar area to an existing island or peninsular unit. Simply fit a small wooden benchtop at one end so there is an overhang and space for a few low stools. Done!
TELL US
Do you have a brilliant breakfast bar? Show us in the Comments below.
MORE
See more inspiring islands
This is an idea you can steal if you want to add on an easy bar area to an existing island or peninsular unit. Simply fit a small wooden benchtop at one end so there is an overhang and space for a few low stools. Done!
TELL US
Do you have a brilliant breakfast bar? Show us in the Comments below.
MORE
See more inspiring islands
Design your central kitchen island to incorporate an area for eating, pop under some high stools and, hey presto, you have yourself a breakfast bar. But making this breakfast bar comfortable and inviting is another story.
It goes without saying that a kitchen island gets a lot of attention in the centre of the room, so it’s the perfect design feature to show off your interior style. Standout colours or patterns around the sides of the island can add a huge impact to the space. Then simply complement the look with interesting stools and your unique breakfast bar is complete.