{"id":8057,"date":"2025-01-17T16:57:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-17T16:57:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/goodhomesmaglv.wpengine.com\/?p=8057"},"modified":"2025-04-08T09:55:46","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T08:55:46","slug":"breakfast-bar-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodhomesmagazine.com\/kitchens\/breakfast-bar-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"Breakfast Bar ideas for your kitchen"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A breakfast bar is a wonderful addition to any kitchen design, whether you’re in need of extra seating or would love a stand alone island but you haven’t quite got the space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It adds an extra layer to the room and with the kitchen being such a social space, it’s a great way to make more of a dining area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s also fantastic for more informal dining, or a place to do homework or work from home, if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we answer the most common questions about creating a breakfast bar within your home as well as breakfast bar ideas for your home. <\/p>

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We also delve into the nitty gritty of modern kitchens, and how to convert your kitchen island into a multifunctional breakfast bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make a breakfast bar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As with any DIY project, it’s essential to consider where the breakfast bar will go, and ensuring there will be enough space to walk around it once it’s installed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You’ll also need to factor in where any bar stools for it will go, and whether you have enough space in the location you’d like to place it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The B&Q guide to installing a breakfast bar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The experts at B&Q have guided us through the installation, so you can have an idea of the process.<\/p>

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First of all, once you’ve picked your base cabinets, removed any doors and drawers if necessary and position these where you want your breakfast bar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure they’re level, and then drill a 3mm pilot hole into the frame adjacent from the door hinge. B&Q recommend clamping the edges of any neighbouring cabinets together so you have both hands free for drilling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use 63.5mm cabinet screws to secure the cabinets together, then place in position and use chalk to mark the edges on the floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, put the cabinets to one side and cut lengths and widths of timber to size so they can fit within the chalk marks. <\/p>

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If you have a wooden floor, use long wood screws to fix the batten to the floor, however if you have concrete floor you’ll need to use heavy duty extension bolts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Place your cabinets onto the battens and fix in place with regularly spaced screws. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once secure, you can put your doors and drawers back onto the cabinet base unit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’ve decided to have electrical sockets in your breakfast bar, you’ll need to make sure an electrician does this for you.<\/p>

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Attach the worktop or breakfast bar to the island in the same way you would a kitchen worktop. You’ll need to hide the cabinet legs or timber batten with a plinth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Obviously the steps are slightly different depending on where you are positioning your breakfast bar, and the size of your kitchen, but hopefully this gives you a general idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to build a breakfast bar on the wall<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re building a breakfast bar on the wall, its a slightly different process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a great idea if you have an indoor kitchen window or to get creative in a smaller kitchen space.<\/p>

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Choosing the location and preparing the top of the breakfast bar first, you’ll then need to measure the thickness of your breakfast bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, you’ll prepare the top and measure the thickness of the top, marking the wall in the process so you know how far it goes along and the height of it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next, mount a cleat to the wall and align it with the line you drew from the bottom of your breakfast bar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After this, flip your breakfast bar upside down onto the floor and install the table legs beneath it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then, turn the breakfast bar right side up again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to fit a breakfast bar into a small kitchen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a smaller kitchen, and limited space for a full dining table, a breakfast bar can be a super alternative to still have that sit down dining experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As aforementioned, a breakfast bar against a wall can be a space saver, but if that isn’t an option for you there are other ideas you can consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Convert the kitchen island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your small kitchen has an island that is currently used as worktop space or something else, now could be the time to convert it into a breakfast bar dining space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply add stools and if able, remove any cabinetry below – then you’re sorted<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adding side stools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have a kitchen island to convert, use the worktop space! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply clear a worktop area and add some stools and high chairs – it’s a simple yet effective way to add a breakfast bar to the kitchen without the disruption of any structural changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This works best if you can manage it at the end of the worktop as you can set the stools around it like a real bar spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A slimline island<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This could be the solution if your kitchen is open plan, even if it is smaller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This would then mean you can have extra worktop or storage space when the breakfast bar isn’t in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the benefits of a breakfast bar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now we’ve spoken about how to add one, and the different options for designing one within the kitchen; but why are breakfast bars so popular? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi-functional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A breakfast bar is a versatile piece perfect for a multifunctional kitchen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the right seating, it can work as a dining table where to enjoy a quick breakfast or informal meals with family and friends, while it can also double up as a bar and buffet area to serve drinks and canapes when hosting a party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Space-saving<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the advantages of a breakfast bar is its size \u2013 freestanding breakfast bars takes up much less space than a dining table, particularly considering it\u2019s usually styled with stools that will be tucked underneath. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If it\u2019s incorporated into an island, there really is no need for a dining table, unless you have the space for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before investing in a breakfast bar, make sure you choose the right size for your space: a small breakfast bar will look out of place in a large room and will need to be paired with a wider island or a dining table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Harvey Jones<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In terms of materials, breakfast bars need to be durable, hardwearing and easy to clean. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quartz is a beautiful, resilient surface \u2013 it\u2019s smooth and easy to clean, while also largely scratch and stain resistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to quartz you can always opt for a laminate option that mimics the look and style of quartz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Harvey Jones<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Add contrast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planning to have a breakfast bar integrated in an island, a matching worktop will look very sleek and sophisticated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if the breakfast bar is on a split-level, why not go for a contrasting colour that will add a little bit of drama and interest to the scheme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shop breakfast bar stools<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ve built your breakfast bar area, now it’s time to fashion it with some trendy stools or high top seating to really set off the style of your kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here we’ll share some of the best seating options on the market right now…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sleek and sophisticated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These comfy velvet seats will elevate your kitchen to the next level, refining your space and creating the perfect blend of traditional and modern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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