Dimensions of Kitchen Bars

Picture the Bar Shape

• Figure out how you plan to use the bar to envision the basic shape. Create a large square-shaped bar, for example, if you want to play board games there after dinner. You might want to build a round bar if you will eat most family meals there. A rectangular island bar built for food preparation and eating will work if your kitchen is extremely large.

Decide on Height

• The height of the bar should harmonize with other counter space. Create a bar 6 to 12 inches higher than standard 36-inch countertops, for example. But make sure you want to use the taller stools required for a higher bar top. Also, sketch the new bar space from every angle, because a higher bar may stand out negatively, especially in a small kitchen.

Plan Overhang Depth

• Bar overhang space is a requirement. The typical overhang is 12 inches. If you plan a rectangular bar to seat people on three sides, for example, make the bar 6 feet long by 3 feet wide. To seat people on all four sides, you might make this 6-foot bar 4 feet wide instead. Build the bar at least 42 inches high.

Think Through Unique Shapes

• Odd shapes require thinking through dining space. If you want to create a circular bar, for instance, keep in mind that knee room underneath plays into the picture. Diners seated around a bar might do well with a 12-inch overhang. But, allowing 18 inches of overhang will be more comfortable. Envision a bar 5 feet in diameter but plan the support structure in the middle with care. A large round bar can topple if its center support is not attached firmly to the kitchen floor.

Plan Elbow Space

• Pay attention to "elbow room" needed by those dining at the bar. If you want to plan a bar for six people that is very narrow, you should allow 2 feet of width along the length of the bar for each person. This means you will need to construct a bar 12 feet long, which may not be practical. Using a square shape of 4 feet square or 5 feet square might work better. You can seat two people on at least three sides of the bar and allow for a 12-inch overhang.