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Trendey • Ideas by Room • 13 Kitchen Bar Ideas and Design Recommendations

13 Kitchen Bar Ideas and Design Recommendations

13 Kitchen Bar Ideas and Design Recommendations

  • by — Liz Bittar
  • Published on March 11, 2022

  • Updated on March 31, 2025

If your family is like mine and loves to spend time in the kitchen chatting and cooking together, then a bar kitchen is the perfect spot to entertain! You don’t really need a large space, any little nook can be an awesome bar, you just need to accessorize it properly and it will be an inviting space for you and your friends to hang out, watch sports, and have a few drinks while preparing a delicious meal. That’s what interior design is all about: creating cozy spaces that fit your lifestyle and help you make the most use of your house.

Check out the kitchen bar ideas we have selected for you and get inspired to decorate your home bar right now!

1. Build a Basement Bar for Entertainment Spaces

Whether you have a man cave or a family room in your basement, a home bar is a must-have. When you’re watching TV or entertaining, you don’t want to go up and down the stairs to fetch something to eat or drink. So, a wet bar or even a dry bar are essential in a basement.

Modern basement bar with brick wall and shelves of bottles
Source: @bcn_homes via Instagram
Wooden home bar with stools and purple accent lighting
Source: @build_wny via Instagram
Minimalist kitchen bar with metal stools and pendant light
Source: @heidihausdesign via Instagram

Style up your bar by installing open shelves to display bottles and glassware, and mirrored walls, which will make the space feel brighter and bigger. 

2. Versatile Kitchen Bar Countertop Choices for Social Cooking

When you’re entertaining, you don’t really want to be apart from your guests while preparing meals or drinks. That is why a kitchen bar is fundamental. Install an island or a peninsula with bar stools, so you can be surrounded by friends and family while cooking or fixing drinks.

Elegant kitchen with marble island and white cabinetry
Source: @avsonskitchenbath via Instagram
Rustic kitchen bar with stone column and pendant lights
Source: @bearcreekbuilds via Instagram
Chic kitchen bar with stools and a dog sitting nearby
Source: @hoodhomestead via Instagram
Spacious kitchen with island bar and elegant seating
Source: @midulstergranite via Instagram
Modern black kitchen with counter stools and pendant lights
Source: @remodelonpoint via Instagram

Granite countertops have been a homeowner’s favorite for a long time, and it still remains the number one choice in breakfast bars and kitchen counters. Marble countertops are also a hit, even though they need some maintenance. Marble is a porous stone that requires professional sealing upon installation, to help prevent damage. 

Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are the most durable ones. They are very easy to clean, are not susceptible to knife cuts, and won’t chip or crack. Contrary to marble, quartz is highly stain-resistant. Other options to choose from are resin countertops, wood or butcher’s block, laminate, concrete, solid surface, soapstone, and glass countertops.

Solid surface countertops mimic natural stone, but are manmade, and come in a wide variety of patterns and colors. They don’t need to be sealed and won’t absorb stains. Glass countertops are extremely heat resistant and look awesome with LED lights or epoxy resin.

See more countertop ideas for your kitchen here.

3. Curved Kitchen Bars: A Unique Twist for Home Entertainment

A kitchen bar can be the centerpiece of your home if you like to entertain. And if you want this space to stand out, why not have a different and exclusive design? Have a look at this design idea we have selected for you.

Curved kitchen counter with modern appliances and stained glass window
Source: @aristocraftkitchens.bedrooms via Instagram

Curved bars are unique! Differently from a square or rectangular kitchen island, the curved layout allows for people to sit across from each other, like around a table. It’s welcoming and great for hosting guests. With a curved bar, you will hold your parties in the kitchen from now on, instead of the living room.

4. DIY Kitchen Bar Creations: Repurposing Vintage Furniture

If you are the DIY type, why not repurpose a vintage dresser into a cool kitchen breakfast bar?

Attic home bar with cozy seating and warm fairy lights
Source: @_home_madebyme via Instagram
Rustic outdoor bar with industrial stools under a wooden pergola
Source: @barb_knows_homes via Instagram
Live-edge wooden table with teapot set and a patterned rug
Source: @ensigndecoration via Instagram
Home bar with reclaimed wood and wall art decor
Source: @homesweetspaces via Instagram
Sunny garden patio with decking and outdoor lounge area with bar
Source: @theblossom_x via Instagram

Add casters and a wooden top on a sideboard or refinish an old desk into a cool rolling dry bar! You can upgrade a rustic table and transform it into a stylish wet bar, with a wine sink. Add some counter stools and let the party begin!

5. Create a Kitchen Bar with a Half Wall

If your kitchen is separated from the living space, and you don’t want to go through a full kitchen remodeling, open a half wall. Add a countertop and stools and you’ll have your kitchen bar, and the open space feel.

Modern kitchen with marble feature wall and island bar
Source: @etezo.studio via Instagram
Cozy corner bar with wooden countertop and metal stools
Source: @kraigs_diy_creations via Instagram
Kitchenette with patterned wall and pendant lighting
Source: @peacock.haven via Instagram

You will be able to use your kitchen cabinets, so you won’t need extra storage for the bar area. If the space allows, install a wine fridge under the counter.

6. Industrial Style Bar: A Blend of Concrete, Wood, and Granite

If you like the industrial style, think of concrete flooring, open ceiling, and wood elements. Bar stools with a granite countertop and pendant lights are complemented by floating shelves to display glassware and bottles.

Modern kitchen with wooden bar counter and blue stools
Source: @myplace_interiors via Instagram
Rustic kitchen with exposed beams, pendant lights and central bar
Source: @villa.raton via Instagram

7. Transform Kitchen Space into Versatile Bar Areas

Kitchen bar designs can be versatile to suit different needs. You can transform your peninsula into a bar area, with some barstools and shelving for bottles and glasses.

Modern L-shaped kitchen with wooden stools and white countertop
Source: @20211015-khaimchandpanchal via Instagram

That coffee nook can also be upgraded into a bar area for when you have guests over.

Read also: 88 Coffee Bar Ideas

8. DIY Minibar Design with Pallets and Stone Blocks for Cozy Nooks

Pallets and stone blocks, that’s all you need to build a cool minibar, and create a cozy little nook either inside, or outside. Pallet racks on the wall will look awesome with your pallet mini bar!

Sleek black and white kitchen with a minimalist bar design
Source: @aws_anto via Instagram
Modern mini-bar in a kitchen with reflective surfaces and shelving
Source: @chudenksfurnitureinterior via Instagram
Cozy kitchen bar with snacks and unique pendant lights
Source: @dwilisa.esa via Instagram
Compact kitchenette with black ceramic counter, mosaic backsplash and bar with wooden counter
Source: @endras_painter via Instagram

Small spaces can be accessorized with a bar cart and some seating, which include patio chairs in outdoor spaces.

9. Distinguishing Kitchen Islands and Breakfast Bars

A kitchen island and a breakfast bar are very similar, with the exception that you need a 12 to 16-inch countertop overhang for a breakfast bar, to create enough room for seating. A kitchen island, on the other hand, does not have these space requirements.

Spacious kitchen with large island and stone backsplash
Source: @petryfied_woodworks via Instagram
Bright kitchen with high ceilings and bar stools
Source: @zacharyandsons via Instagram

If you don’t have a countertop overhang, there won’t be enough leg room, and seating will be rather uncomfortable.

10. Create an Outdoor Kitchen Bar with Durable Materials

An outdoor kitchen is a great addition to any home and a perfect spot to entertain. Materials that can endure weather conditions, like granite countertops and wood, are ideal for outdoor bars.

Outdoor kitchen featuring brick walls, two white bar stools, and a wooden pergola roof
Outdoor kitchen bar with stone facade and built-in grill
Source: @goodmansfd via Instagram
Modern outdoor kitchen bar with metallic finish and barbecue grill
Source: @lionheart_a_r_t via Instagram

Aluminum and stainless steel elements are also a good call. It’s important to install cabinets in your outdoor bar area, to avoid all the running around from the house to the bar, to fetch things. Wood and stainless steel cabinets are the most common choices for outside spaces.

11. Install a Kitchen Bar in Small Spaces

A comfortable bar with seating area for three should be at least 6 feet long, and about 16 to 20 inches wide for the bar counter.

Warmly lit narrow kitchen with bar seating and brick details
Source: @dwra.lazaridou via Instagram
Kitchen with blue cabinets, patterned floor, a small bar and white bar stools
Source: @my_kabinet via Instagram

If your space is too small for a bar with seating, a bar cart is an option. Or you can create a dry bar with cabinetry and shelving in a cozy nook.

12. Wall-Mounted and Murphy Bars for Compact Areas

You don’t need much for a wall-mounted bar, other than a beautiful wooden slab and some stools.

Chic wall-mounted bar with industrial stools and decor
Source: @designonestepatatime via Instagram
Minimalist window-side bar area with sleek chair and poster
Source: @studioschubert via Instagram
Modern kitchen with geometric light fixture and bar counter
Source: @villa_fasyafrina via Instagram

A murphy bar is also a great solution if you don’t have enough room for a standing cabinet.

13. Create a Rustic or Classic Home Bar

Natural décor and earthy colors complemented by wooden cabinetry provide a rustic feel to your bar area.

Modern kitchen with vaulted ceiling, wooden beams, stainless steel appliances, large island with bar stools, and rustic lighting fixtures
Cozy kitchen bar with wooden stools and pendant lighting
Source: @casa_roccavalle via Instagram
Cozy kitchen with wooden island, black stool, vase with branches, cookbook, and various kitchen items under warm lighting
Source: @cozy_home_in_sweden via Instagram
Wooden kitchen counter with a striped pattern, adjacent to a stove with utensils and a backsplash in a partially tiled area
Source: @hardwoodlumberco via Instagram
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, wooden countertops, grey chairs in bar area, a stainless steel oven, and a fruit bowl on the island counter
Source: @homefifteena via Instagram
Wooden kitchen bar with black chair, a white kitchen with marble backsplash
Source: @ikndesigns via Instagram
Elegant kitchen bar with wooden countertop and black chairs
Source: @thepoolhome via Instagram

Dark wood cabinets, on the other hand, bring a classic touch and casual sophistication to a home bar. White countertops with dark wood cabinets are a perfect contrast, along with stainless steel beverage fridges.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is soapstone a good option for outside bar countertops?

Soapstone is durable and incredibly long-lasting.  Contrary to marble, soapstone is non-porous, so it won’t get stained by rain or bird droppings, which makes it the perfect material for outdoor bars. Another huge advantage is that this natural material also withstands winter temperatures.
It may be prone to scratches, which can be easily removed with light sanding or mineral oil.

Can I have a resin countertop in an outside bar?

Epoxy countertops can be used outside, as long as properly protected. Nevertheless, this type of material should not be exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, which is a downside.

Liz Bittar

Writer

Liz Bittar is a writer/editor, fluent in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese, who has lived and worked in England, the USA, Switzerland, Argentina, and in her home country, Brazil.

Liz Bittar is a writer/editor, fluent in English, Spanish, German, Italian, and Portuguese, who has lived and worked in England, the USA, Switzerland, Argentina, and in her home country, Brazil.

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