Kitchen Ideas for a Bar Stool Wall

Bold Color

• You can create a distinct area for your breakfast bar by painting the wall behind in a shade that contrasts with the other walls in the room. If your kitchen walls are a pale, neutral shade like white, cream or tan, try a bold, rich shade for the wall behind your bar. Red is an ideal option because it creates a warm, cozy feel and stimulates the appetite as well. Alternatively, try a golden shade to brighten the space or a cobalt blue to create a peaceful spot for your morning coffee. Terra cotta, plum and sage are also attractive options.

Faux Finish

• While adding color is the simplest way to make the wall behind your kitchen bar stand out, you can also use texture to create a distinct look for the area. Painting the wall with a faux finish is a fast, easy way to add dimension to the wall with nothing more than paint. You can choose from a variety of faux finish techniques, but two of the most common are ragging and sponging, which involve applying paint to the wall with a rag or sponge to create a textured finish. Use any color for your faux finish, but for the most subtle look, use the same color as the rest of your kitchen walls. Opt for a contrasting shade if you want a bold, dramatic look.

Wood Paneling

• If you prefer a rustic look for your breakfast bar, wood paneling is an ideal option for the wall behind it. Paneling adds a warm look that works well with an earth tone color palette. For the most rugged look, leave the paneling with a stained finish that allows its natural grain to show through. However, for a country look, use beadboard paneling and paint it with a crisp white shade to give the kitchen a bright, airy feel. You can pair it with gingham or checkered cushions on the stools to finish off the look.

Metal Tiles

• For a bold, modern look, consider adding metal tiles to the wall behind your kitchen bar. The metal surface reflects light, so it’s an ideal option if you want to make your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious. You can use pressed tin tiles that have a decorative pattern imprinted on them or go for a more industrial look with ribbed metal panels. Metal tiles work best when the other walls are white, but you can use bright shades like red, blue or yellow as accents throughout the kitchen to brighten the space further.