Kitchen breakfast bar ideas

A breakfast bar in the kitchen is on the wish list for many homeowners. Here’s how you can get the look in your kitchen, no matter the space you have available.

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Argos Home grey breakfast bar including tables and chairs.

Why you need a breakfast bar in your kitchen

A breakfast bar is a versatile addition to any kitchen. They act as a stylish room divider, as well as a great spot for a relaxed breakfast, quick snack or evening drinks.

With easy extra seating and bar stool style chairs, it's easy to see why a breakfast bar is a desirable addition to many kitchens.

Here's some of the creative ways you can get the look in your home.

Breakfast bar ideas

1. Use your kitchen island

If you have a kitchen island, creating a breakfast bar space is easy. All you need is some trendy bar stools to sit flush against the island and you have yourself the perfect place to perch.

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Habitat Joey faux leather bar stool in black.

2. Add side stools

No island, no worries. Kitchen counters can make an excellent breakfast bar space too. Why not try some slimline stools that take up less space, but still provide a great spot to sit.

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Habitat Chicago extending bar table and 2 stools in grey colour.

3. Save space with a breakfast bar table

A freestanding breakfast bar is the best way to get the look if you don’t have an island or worktop space. These tables take up less space than dining furniture as they’re tall and typically made for two.

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Habitat Mickey pair of rattan effect bar stools.

4. Turn it into a workstation

A breakfast bar counter can also double up as a work-from-home station. Just set up a plug point somewhere close and you're good to go.

Argos Home solid wood dining table and 4 chairs.

5. Double up your dining set

Double up space-saving dining sets as a breakfast bar area for all-day seating that doesn't leave you lacking in floorspace.

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A Habitat metal and wood kitchen trolley with indoor planters and kitchen essentials on it.

6. Add a breakfast trolley

Save yourself an early rummage through the cupboards by keeping your tableware essentials at arm's reach.

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7. Position it smartly

Make the most of the sunrise by placing your breakfast bar towards a window. And for darker mornings, why not add a table lamp to lift the doom and gloom?

8. Don't forget the finishing touches

Complete the breakfast bar look with some decorative add-ons, like artificial plants, candles and a new tea pot or cafetière.

Types of bar stool

A white and wooden bar stool in a living room.

Material type

There's more choice than a breakfast buffet when it comes to bar stool construction.

Solid wood is strong, sturdy and perfect for country kitchens, while leather effect and metal stools are a great match for sleek and sophisticated kitchen styles.

You can also get them in plastic, or for something a little more luxurious, velvet!

Style

There's a range of styles to choose from too.

Diner style bar stools offer the most comfort, usually including arm and back rests and a swivel function.

A subtler choice may be a dining chair style bar stool, which you can match up with your dining set up.

For a more casual approach, choose a backless option - perfect for perching.

Colour

Find the colour that matches your kitchen. We have everything from sleek blacks and greys, to rustic browns and creams and soft, calming white.

You could also use your bar stool to inject some personality into your kitchen with a bold red, blush pink or sumptuous teal.

How to measure for bar stools

Make sure your new bar stools will fit comfortably with your new breakfast bar. Get the measuring tape out - you need to measure for:

Seat height: make sure you're not sat too high or too low. Bar stools generally fit into two categories: counter-height and bar-height. Counter-height stools have a seat height of 58-72cm and are ideal for kitchen counters with a height of 89-94cm, while bar-height stools have a seat height of 72-82cm for bars 104-109cm tall. Adjustable bar stools allow you to raise or lower yourself to your preferred height.
Leg room: where's the fun of a breakfast bar if you can barely move your legs? Measure from the underside of the counter to the floor and subtract 25cm for your leg room. The number you're left with is the maximum height for your bar stools.
Distance between stools: you should leave about 15cm between each bar stool to allow room for everyone to sit comfortably at the bar together.