What Is a Countertop Bar in a Kitchen?

Size and Configuration

• Countertop bars can be small, stubby corner units, extend the length of the kitchen or hug a wall opposite the main part of the room. In small studio apartments, they are often an extension of the other kitchen cabinets and serve as the main dining area. More expansive kitchens frequently have countertop bars built in the center of the kitchen or on a facing wall removed from the main part of the kitchen.

Aesthetics

• Regardless of how you use a countertop bar, it should add to the beauty of the kitchen. The counter can match the rest of the kitchen cabinets or be made from materials that complement the other counter colors and textures. Countertop bars are frequently made from natural stone, durable man-made materials, stainless steel or butcher-block wood. The bar can be open under the countertop to accommodate seating on either side or lower storage cabinets. Some countertop bars have two or three built-in tiers so different levels can be used to prepare, serve and eat food.

Convenience

• Whether you use your countertop bar for food preparation or to serve informal meals, it should be convenient for the tasks. If intended for food preparation, locate it near the sink and cabinets that hold pots and pans. Breakfast or snack countertop bars should be near refrigerators, stoves and microwaves to facilitate food preparation and service.

Functionality

• Bars used for eating and drinking need countertops at comfortable heights for bar stool seating. The light fixtures should be suspended high enough above the surfaces for people to easily see each other over the counter. Bars used for reading or homework benefit from light fixtures that have dimmer switches to control the brightness above them. Countertop bars used for food preparation need protective surfaces or easy access to cutting boards as well as drawers for storage of knives and cooking utensils.

Maintenance

• Since countertop bars are often the most used part of the kitchen, it’s best to choose low maintenance materials and keep the surface free of objects and knickknacks that can be easily toppled during frequent wipe downs and cleaning. Countertops with smooth surfaces are simpler to maintain than those with rough surfaces that collect dust and crumbs.