A bar counter can become a beautiful piece of furniture and a reliable assistant in the kitchen: the height of such furniture plays a key role in ensuring the comfort and functionality of the entire room. The design will help to divide the space into zones and become a cozy place for gatherings. At the same time, a beautiful design should be combined with a comfortable shape and other furniture. This article will tell you how to choose the right rack of the right size.
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Bar counter in the apartment: functional purpose
The bar counter is no longer a wonder at home. This piece of furniture is equally relevant in spacious houses and small apartments, it gives the interior a modern touch.
The functionality of such furniture is very wide: it helps to divide a studio apartment or living room into functional zones. In small kitchens, the counter replaces a bulky dining table and serves as an extra space while cooking. The purpose and capabilities to a large extent determine precisely the size of the bar counter.
In modern apartments, the term "bar counter" has come to refer to virtually any elongated countertop. An inflated bar stool, which also differs in size from standard kitchen stools, is usually an addition to the immovable structure.
Bar counter standard height
Often, bar counters are part of modern, complete kitchen sets. In turn, an independently developed project takes into account the architectural features of the apartment, the individual capabilities and preferences of the owners. Both in the first and in the second version, the standard of the bar counter height is taken into account, which is 110-115 cm.It is permissible to lower it to the level of other surfaces, and if it becomes necessary to raise the bar counter, the height from the floor in the kitchen should not exceed 135 cm.
Bar counter in the kitchen: types, models and design options
When choosing a model, you need to take into account indicators such as functionality, practicality and relevance of the bar counter. It is also very important to consider the height, width, shape, appearance and combination with other interior items. The table top of the classic counter is placed at a height of 115 cm from the floor, combined - from 90 to 120 cm.The width of the bar should not be less than 30 cm.
Helpful advice! The consolidated model, where the rack is connected to the headset, can be an excellent choice. The versatility of the dimensions of such furniture makes it convenient in use and location. Premises with such structures become more functional, because professionals worked on their design.
The materials for the manufacture of countertops are glass, plastic, wood, polymer stone or natural marble and granite. Based on design decisions, there are these types of racks:
- built into the furniture set;
- attached one side to the wall;
- zoning rack;
- combined with different levels, where the bottom is the working part, the top is the subject of decoration;
- a window sill converted into a counter;
- island model.
In the classic version, this is a rack with an elongated tabletop on consoles, with a height of 110 to 115 cm.
Bar counter: height and size of models for small rooms
When choosing a rack for a small kitchen, first of all, you need to take into account the maximum functionality and compactness. For example, a semicircular corner model that takes up a minimum of space is suitable.
The modern furniture market offers a wide variety of models. When choosing furniture, they take into account taste needs, type of construction, material of manufacture and dimensions of the room. The convenience of its use will largely depend on the height of the bar counter.
The exquisite height of 120 cm from the floor is typical for racks in public places, but not always suitable for use at home. Furniture in the kitchen or living room should create a cozy and warm atmosphere, be comfortable and safe to use.
The high countertop is suitable for the bar counter in the living room, the main function of which is to separate the kitchen from the living quarters. An acceptable option is a combined bar counter with worktops, the height of which is 115 and 90 cm, respectively.
A rational solution for a small kitchen can be a compact worktop with console mounting 90 cm high from the floor. It can be used as a dining table. A narrow countertop up to 115 cm high along the wall will help to save space as much as possible. A great option is a lightweight glass structure. The handy version is a small mobile tabletop on wheels attached to a vertical pipe with a swivel ring.
Helpful advice! It is not recommended to install high bar counters in rooms with low ceilings. Due to the contrast in height, it will look ugly in the general interior.
The nuances of determining the height of the bar in the kitchen
Several factors affect the selection of the optimal rack height:
- the growth of people;
- room size;
- functional purpose of the structure;
- additional functions.
When determining the desired height of the bar, the growth of those who will use it plays a role. If the height of the hostess of the kitchen is up to 160 cm, then the height of the rack for easy work and sitting behind it should not exceed 110 cm. For tall people from 175 cm and above, such a rack will not be comfortable to use. In this case, the optimal construction height is from 125 cm.
The design included in the complete set of the finished kitchen set has dimensions that correspond to the height of the rest of the furniture.As a rule, the standard distance from the floor is 86 cm. In this case, the stand, in addition to its main purpose, is used as a working or dining surface.
If the rack serves as a partition and is not included in the headset package, then its height can be 110, 120, 125 and even 130 cm. This height is mainly found in the rack-partitions in spacious rooms. The height of the corresponding bar stools should be between 75-85 cm.
If the rack serves as a kitchen table, its height can be up to 75 cm. This countertop is usually mounted against a wall or near a window. This is the best option for small spaces. A wall rack with a standard height of 110-130 cm will help save space. The width of the structure depends on the available space, and the length is calculated taking into account the norm - 60 cm per person.
Interesting options for combining a kitchen rack
Comfortable to use and original in the construction of a stepped tabletop with a height regulator. It is convenient to stand behind the high counter, and the lowered version serves as a kitchen table, at which you can sit on ordinary chairs.
Another interesting option is a counter in which the countertops are placed at different levels. This model is used in spacious studio apartments. One part of the structure is up to 80 cm high, serves as a dining area and is located in the kitchen, and the other is a bar in the living room. Its height is from 110 cm. A combination of this kind is very practical to use and at the same time looks beautiful.
Between the levels of placement of countertops, it is necessary to take into account the proportionality in the arrangement of objects. The seat of the chair should be located below the level of the table top at an average distance of 30 cm. Therefore, it is better to first purchase chairs, and then buy or custom-make a stand that is optimal in all respects.
In the functional counter, every centimeter is taken into account, therefore, the place under the countertop is often used as a mini-bar, shelves for dishes or kitchen appliances. Therefore, the height of the items intended for placement should also be taken into account in determining the total height of the rack.
What you need to consider before buying a bar counter for the kitchen
The chosen model must be attractive and harmonious, combined with other objects and fit into the overall design. It is also necessary to take into account the price of the rack, which is often an indicator of strength and quality. Furniture is not an option where you should save money.
Helpful advice! Previewing photos of bar counters for the kitchen with prices in online stores will greatly simplify the choice. The sites also indicate the dimensions of the furniture - this indicator must be carefully calculated in advance.
Thus, when buying a bar counter, you should consider the following nuances:
- selection of the required dimensions;
- compliance with the kitchen layout;
- appearance of the model;
- how much is the bar counter.
Calculation of the dimensions of the proposed bar counter
You can buy a bar counter for your home or make it to order. The ordered model can have a height of 70 to 125 cm. Such furniture, as a rule, is more expensive. In mass production, mainly models are presented, the height of which is 105 cm, length - 120 cm and width - 55 cm. At the same time, there is no clear state standardization in the manufacture of kitchen bar counters.
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When calculating the dimensions of the rack, take into account:
- the pose in which people sit;
- average height of kitchen users;
- type of work that is performed while standing.
The calculation of all values for factory models is calculated by specialists, taking into account the anatomical features of people. The height of series production products varies from 110 to 130 cm.The racks in the headsets have heights of 86, 88 or 90 cm.The height of the classic racks is 115 cm, the combined ones are 90 cm.
To calculate the total height, the following indicators are summed up: the height of a typical base near furniture (10, 12 or 15 cm); facade height (on average 75 cm); table top thickness (up to 4 cm). The height of the raised floor, if it is supposed to be installed, should also be taken into account in the general calculations of the dimensions of the proposed structure. For multi-level models, the standard working part of the headset has a height of 86 cm, the bar part of the counter - 115 cm.
Ikea bar counters are popular among consumers, in which consumer tastes and requirements are taken into account. They are one-, two- and multi-level, have backlighting, additional functional elements and a certain stylization. Thanks to these features, a peculiar style of bar counters arose, which is called Ikea.
Bar tables for the kitchen: compactness and functionality
Instead of a bar counter in the kitchen, you can install a bar table. It is much more compact than a regular one and can perform a number of additional functions depending on its design. The traditional bar table is characterized by a small round table top. Ergonomics also lies in the presence of one or two legs, but this is not a fundamental feature. But the table height is standard - 110-115 cm.
An example of classic bar tables is the Bilst model series from Ikea, intended for a cafe, but it is quite suitable for use in a home kitchen. These white tables are highly reliable and easy to maintain. Table height standard - 105 cm, diameter - 70 cm.
A popular model used at home is the tulip bar table. The design has a smooth transition from the table top to the leg, and the base looks like a reflection of the upper part.
Rectangular models are distinguished by the shape of the table top (70x130 cm) and the metal longitudinal base. This table can accommodate 4 people. A more compact model with one leg, the size of the table top is 60x70 cm.
A separate option is a console bar table in the kitchen. It is a table top attached to the wall at a "bar" height of 110 cm. The size of the surface itself depends on the area of the room. This is the perfect solution for a small kitchen.
Helpful advice! The size of the countertop should correspond to the free area of the kitchen, not interfere with cooking and accommodate all family members. Round tables in small kitchens create less risk of injury.
Features of choosing a bar table
For a combined kitchen with a living room, a two-level bar table is suitable. As with the counter, the lower side faces the kitchen and the upper tier faces the living area. The multilevel table can be supplemented with shelves and rails.
Manufacturers offer models with adjustable height. When choosing chairs for such tables, you need to maintain a gap of 30 cm between the table and the seat. An island-type bar table is suitable exclusively for large rooms, as it involves placing a voluminous multifunctional "island" with appliances in the middle of the room.
A bar table combined with a dining table is less common and complex in execution. But such a solution will be ideal for a large family, since the model is characterized by increased functionality.
Thus, before you buy a bar table, you need to take into account that for each specific case, its own specific model is selected, while taking into account the style and design features of the room, the size and purpose of the table, as well as the growth of the owners.
Bar chairs: integral part of the overall design
High chairs are an irreplaceable addition to a bar or table. Models with comfortable footrests look original and are a convenient piece of furniture. Inflated chairs can be of different designs: in the form of a round or square stool, stool, or even a half-chair with armrests. Models can be static size or adjustable seat rise.
For bar stools, as well as for ordinary ones, their own standard sizes are set. The main principle in their definition is ergonomics. The standard chair height is 75 or 85 cm. Some manufacturers can set their own parameters. For example, Ikea has bar kitchen chairs have a height of 63 and 74 cm. First of all, the size of a bar stool depends on the height of the counter. The main requirement is that the height of the table should be on average 30 cm higher.
When designing a project, designers are usually guided by two very important rules:
- From an anatomical point of view, the distance between the table and the chair is comfortable, 28–33 cm.
- The distance between the seat and the footrest should not exceed 44 cm.
Helpful advice! In order to save kitchen space, tall plastic stools can be purchased instead of traditional bar stools. If necessary, they can be compactly placed, one to one, under the counter. Transparent plastic chairs will look very beautiful and elegant in a small kitchen.
Selection criteria for bar stools: height, type, compliance with the dimensions of the counter
The higher the stand, the higher the difference in height between the table top and the chair will be. This is clearly shown in the table:
Construction type | Stand height, cm | Chair height, cm |
Stand free | 110 | 75 |
120 | 75-85 | |
130 | 85-90 | |
Stand built into the furniture set | 86-88 | 60-75 |
90 | 75 | |
Counter serving as a dining table | 75 | 45 |
The height of the bar stool is also determined by the location and function. In the area where the bartender works, the optimal location is at a height of 90 cm, and in the guest area - 115-135 cm.
Industrial models have their own abbreviation in German for marking the height. Marker Th (Tresen Hocker) in translation means a high stool and has a height of 95 cm, designed for a rack with a height of 110 cm. In turn, a low bar stool is denoted by the abbreviation Bh (Bar Hocker). She marks chairs with a height of 95 cm to racks 120-130 cm above the floor level.
The static height applies exclusively to rigid-frame chairs. At the same time, models with height adjustment are quite popular. Their species diversity depends on the type of regulated mechanism.
Gaslift - This is the most popular type, it is based on a swing-lifting pneumatic mechanism. Typical office chairs have such a gas spring device. Height adjustment is carried out by pressing a special lever or button. This design is reliable, but it has certain limitations. This is excessive weight, use at temperatures not lower than 5 degrees. It is better to establish the desired position when no one is sitting on it.
Screw mechanism - an old, simple and reliable technical way of regulating the position of furniture. The height is changed by rotating the seat: clockwise - lower, counterclockwise - raise. The seats of such stools can be made of different materials, and the lifting mechanism must be made of durable metal.
The bar counter will give a stylish look and help create an unusual home interior. In order for the kitchen furniture to be distinguished not only by its special design, but also by its comfort and functionality, it is necessary to approach the right choice of its dimensions, in particular height. The level of the counter and chairs should be appropriate for the height of the people and the preferences of the household. Only on condition of ensuring comfort for all family members bar counter will become a convenient and multifunctional place in the kitchen.