10 ideas for a bar counter in the interior

Lighting plays an important role in the design of any apartment, performing the function of zoning and decor at the same time. Lamps above the bar counter not only allow you to focus attention on a stylish piece of furniture, but also provide a comfortable stay for guests and household members. Modern design techniques allow you to experiment with the general concept of the room, bring your wildest fantasies to life, making your home a real work of art. Bar lamps are presented in a wide range by Russian and foreign manufacturers, but choosing the right lighting fixtures correctly is not as easy a task as it might seem at first glance. Experienced experts will help you understand the classification of lamps and advise current options for designing a bar counter.

Depending on the style of the room, lamps above the bar counter can be compact or large, discreet antique or bright, attracting attention.

Functionality and features

A high and narrow table with original chairs on long legs “modernizes” the interior and adds dynamics to it. In apartments it is not installed for its intended purpose - it is used not only for conversations over a glass. The bar counter can be:

A full table. This option is suitable for a small kitchen and a small family. In this case, the dining table is simply not placed, and family members eat at the bar counter.
Additional work surface. When guests are seated in the living area, it is convenient for the owners to cook while chatting with friends.
Additional wardrobe. There are models of bar counters with blank walls, inside of which you can place a storage system for kitchen utensils.

For a large studio kitchen, an appropriate option is to have both a bar counter and a dining table. You can gather your family around the table, and the bar counter serves for a quick breakfast or snack. In addition, many mothers note that it is convenient to feed the baby at a high table.

But the most important purpose of the bar counter is space zoning. It is both physically and thematically the boundary between the dining area and the living room. To emphasize the division of space into two zones, designers use various techniques: multi-level floors (the kitchen and bar counter are located on the “podium” just above the living room), multi-level ceilings (the border runs just above the bar counter), arches or crossbars on the walls, and most simple – different wall designs. You can also lay out the floor in the kitchen with tiles or laminate, and lay a carpet right behind the bar counter - this will further emphasize the boundaries of the zones.

Materials used and rack dimensions

In most cases, the height of the bar counter varies from one meter to 120 centimeters. In order for it to be possible to conveniently prepare food, cook food or eat it on its surface, the width of the counter should be 50 centimeters or more. It must be taken into account that when eating, the counter must accommodate not only the dishes with food, but also the plate and cutlery. In order to sit comfortably at the counter, you need to use special kitchen chairs with backs or stools with high legs. The advantage of many models will be the ability to adjust the height. Thus, for each person you can choose the optimal height, taking into account his personal height and other nuances.

For the manufacture of a bar counter, various materials can be used, both the cheapest and affordable for everyone, as well as expensive, exclusive ones. Various wood species, chipboard, plastic or metal can be used as raw materials. Stone is also a popular material; it can be either natural or artificial. In some cases, the bar counter is made of plasterboard or glass; in addition, there may be combined options.

Different materials can also be used to decorate the counter, but often tiles, stone or brick are used here. When decorating, you need to take into account the configuration of the stand, its main purpose and location; in addition, it is important that it fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen-living room, creating a single picture.

If you give preference to quality and long service life, you should pay special attention to natural stones such as quartz, marble and granite. At the same time, there is a drawback of such materials - their high price, however, it is worth noting that it is worth it. If you don’t have a lot of money, but want to use externally high-quality material, then marble can be replaced with Corian; it is externally identical, but the price is much lower. Wood is also a good material, its service life is shorter, but wood can add zest to the interior and give the style a special status with pronounced lines.

How to illuminate the bar counter

If the apartment is undergoing modern renovations, then most likely the kitchen will be done in this style. Often in large kitchens they make bar counters, the design of which can be very diverse.

Choosing general lighting for the kitchen is not so difficult; it is more difficult to decide on lamps for individual zones. To highlight the bar counter with light, you should decide on the type of lighting. The following types of lamps are used for bar counters:

Hanging.
Spot.
Track.
LED Strip Light.

The first type of lamps is the most common and most suitable. Thanks to its design, the length of the pendant can be adjusted with your own hands. Pendant lamps above the bar counter are often made on cables, due to which it is possible to choose the most comfortable height of the lampshades. Such lamps can be attached to plaster or chipboard panels, or directly to the ceiling.

Spotlights are usually called spotlights. The main advantage is that they are small in size, do not need to be adjusted in height, and have high quality lighting for the area in which they are located. They provide direct light and can be used in both classic, modern and high-tech styles.

Such lamps use different lamps (incandescent, diode, fluorescent, halogen). Point rotating spotlights are also available. With such devices you can adjust the lighting angles. Also, such lamps can be combined with a metal bracket, the bar of which comes in different shapes.

Track lights are an unusual design of lamps consisting of metal bars that conduct current, to which the lamps are attached. It’s time to set track lights at a certain angle and change their location. Lamp tires are flexible and hard. The first ones can be twisted and given different shapes. It is possible to assemble and install such a lamp with your own hands; this work is not too difficult.

If you use an LED strip to decorate the bar counter, the design will be very original and effective. Such a tape can not only additionally illuminate the room, but also decorate it. This tape is not noticeable when turned off and is very easy to install. In addition, LEDs are produced in various colors, which gives even more opportunities in the implementation of conceived ideas. You can control the lighting of such an electrical device using the remote control. You can increase the lighting power and change the shades of light by pressing just a button on the remote control. Such tapes are often used to decorate countertops, the bottom of wall cabinets or ceiling cornices.

Neon lights

The luminous bar counter, photos of which are presented on the website, is a novelty by modern designers. Previously, such a design could only be seen in nightclubs and bars, but today it is possible to admire it at home. The LED strip can be placed anywhere on the bar counter. In addition, it will not fail even if several lamps burn out. You can adjust the lighting using a special control panel. Glowing parts can be of different colors and shapes at the request of the customer. Neon tape easily creates fancy patterns and inscriptions. In addition to the spectacular decor, such lighting can provide good illumination of the workplace. It can be mounted into a countertop, facade, top panel, etc. An illuminated bar counter will become the highlight of any interior, attracting the admiring glances of guests.

The LED strip is easy to install, hardly noticeable when turned off and can have different shades of light.

Bar counter in the interior of the kitchen-living room

Today, bar counters are especially popular in studio apartments.

They are not just a functional element for the home, but also play an important role in separating the living room and kitchen.

Thereby replacing bulky doors and partitions that only take up useful space.

The positive aspects include:

The design is multifunctional. It can complement the dining table and even replace it completely if the family is small or rarely gets together;
due to its compactness, it can be used even in small spaces;
a wide range of colors, many models and a variety of configurations allows the design to be used in almost any style. But the best are loft, hi-tech, modern and minimalism;
We must not forget about the mobility of the stand. If necessary, it can be moved to the right place and used for its intended purpose;
the ability to use the bar counter as an element of room zoning.

Kitchen-living room with bar counter
Like any stylistic device, the use of such furniture has its drawbacks:

structures are most often tall. Therefore, in order to sit at them, it is recommended to use special chairs. They are not very comfortable. Only people from 15 to 40 years old will be able to stay comfortably;
even if used, no more than three people can sit behind it for its intended purpose. If the family is large, then dinner may take a couple of hours.

A bar counter is an item that is appropriate in any interior style.

Choosing the optimal location

Depending on the location of the bar counter, its main types can be distinguished:

Stand against the wall. This interior element is installed along the wall or under the window. Well suited for kitchens with small space, which will save valuable meters. Such a rack can replace a kitchen table; if the window sills are located high, then the rack can be combined with them. As a result, the useful surface will increase, and during lunch you will be able to see the view from the window.
Combined. This option is optimal and most used in the domestic kitchen. The kitchen work surface is combined with the bar counter and slowly flows into it. In this case, the design is “L”-shaped (in more rare cases, “P”-shaped).
Ostrovnaya. The best option for a large kitchen-living room. Such a stand can contain a hob or workspace, while completely changing its main functional purpose.
Partition. Also a popular option for a kitchen-living room, capable of zoning the space, separating the relaxation area from the kitchen.

An important nuance is lighting. Regardless of the type and type of partition, it must have individual lighting. Thanks to spotlights, the partition will better zone the room and create an interesting highlight in the design of the kitchen-living room.

Features of using chandeliers depending on the size of the kitchen

Standard domestic kitchens are characterized not only by small sizes, but often by critically low ceiling heights. To create comfort and harmony in such a room, designers recommend focusing on the following recommendations:

If the ceilings are too low, it is better to completely abandon ceiling lamps in favor of small but stylish sconces. It is advisable to replace bright direct light in a small room with diffused light coming from several sources. For the visual effect of higher ceilings, light is used aimed at the white ceiling, as well as placing long lamps with soft light in the ceiling cornices. Hidden lamps visually expand the space, but emphasize the unevenness of surfaces

Therefore, when using this method of lighting, you should pay attention to the quality of the ceiling and walls. Photo: Original solution: three small pendant lamps above the sink

Photo: Original solution: three small pendant lamps above the sink

In the case of selecting a lamp for a kitchen with a large area and high ceilings, designers note an excellent opportunity not only to use any lamps, but also to combine them at your own discretion. Usually one or two pendant lamps are not enough for a large kitchen, so designers use several models for different areas: for example, a luxurious lampshade for the dining area and laconic lamps with diffused light for the work area.

A well-chosen pendant lamp is a guarantee of creating a cozy atmosphere there, conducive not only to cooking, but also to communication

To make the kitchen interior harmonious and stylish, you need to pay sufficient attention to choosing the lamp model that will highlight the dignity of the room

Types of ceiling lamps

To decorate a bar counter, the best option is pendant ceiling lamps. Today, manufacturers offer a wide selection of such lighting devices, so it can sometimes be difficult to decide on a model.

There are two types of pendant lamps: ceiling-mounted and pendant. The first ones are mounted directly on the ceiling. The latter have chains and tubes of various lengths, with the help of which they are fixed to the ceiling. If the bar counter is open, that is, it does not have shelves or high holders for glasses, choose a pendant version of the lamps. If there are additional structures above it, it is better to give preference to ceiling lighting.

Types of pendant lamps

In modern design, pendant lamps are the best way to divide the kitchen into functional areas and illuminate every corner. In this case, a variety of devices are used - from classic chandeliers to exotic loft-style lamps. The number of lampshades, their shape and method of placement can be completely different.

Chandeliers

This is the most famous, widespread and long-used type of lighting structures. Most often, a single chandelier is used, which is hung in the center of a small kitchen or used to illuminate the dining table. But you can combine a couple or even several chandeliers if the space allows. You just need to take into account that chandeliers, especially classic ones, take up quite a lot of space, so you need to correlate them with the size of the room and the overall style of the interior.

Instead of pendant lights, two crystal chandeliers are used, which gives the kitchen a formal look.

Modern manufacturers produce pendant and ceiling chandeliers. The first are lampshades of various types and styles, suspended on cables, cords or chains. The second is a flat lampshade located under the ceiling and suitable for small kitchens.

A ceiling chandelier will be the best option for low ceilings

Lamps on cables

The idea of hanging a lamp on a cable dates back to the Middle Ages and has recently been actively used in design. The cable is pulled between the walls, cables and additional hangers for lampshades are attached to it. This design requires a significant area, so it is often used in shopping centers or country houses. Rough lamps on cables look great in modern interiors, for example, loft or hi-tech.

Cable systems can be positioned vertically or horizontally. The vertical type of suspension visually reduces the ceiling, but is lighter and more practical compared to mounting heavy forged chandeliers on chains. The advantage is that the cables allow you to lower and raise the lampshade to the desired distance. It is recommended to use LED lamps.

Lamps on cables zone the space well and highlight a certain area

Horizontal cable systems are also called string systems. To place them, a ceiling height of at least 2.7 m is required. The strings can be attached to walls, ceilings or special racks on the floor. Halogen or LED bulbs are used as light sources. The lampshades are easy to move along the strings, rotate, changing the direction of the light beam.

Lamps can be moved along strings

Pendant lamps

In modern kitchen interiors, these devices act as an alternative to a chandelier and are most often placed above the countertop or in the center of the room. A fashionable solution has become to make a bar counter in the kitchen, above which a hanging group will look more than appropriate. Such lamps do a good job of dividing a room into functional spaces, especially if the kitchen is combined with a living room or dining room.

In a small kitchen combined with a living room, lamps above the bar immediately divided the space into zones

Pendants can be single, double, triple or have a larger number of shades. Above a large dining table, a linear composition looks impressive when the lampshades are located strictly in one line. Pendant lamps are especially relevant in high rooms and go well with interiors of any style.

A group of several pendant lamps located on the same line allows you to effectively illuminate a large dining table

Lampshades are most often made of glass or textiles. Depending on the form they are:

spherical;
trapezoidal;
teardrop-shaped;
rectangular;
square;
triangular, etc.

Number of lamps

Single lamp. This option is perhaps the most popular and in demand among designers. Single, for example, spherical lamps will look great above a bar counter, decorated in both retro and modern classic styles. In addition, single lamps are easy and quick to install and have a lightweight structure.
Double lamp. It is recommended by many designers because of the ability to “play” with lighting. By hanging a double lamp above the bar counter at different heights, you can illuminate the space to advantage.
Triple lamp. Three or more lamps in a bar counter lamp are best chosen by owners of large, spacious kitchens. The light from such a lighting device will be diffused and soft. Triple bar chandeliers are considered one of the most popular today. Manufacturers offer models in high-tech, country, minimalism, etc. styles.

At what height and where to hang sconces

At first glance, a simple question deserves separate consideration. The correct selection of height and location for sconces not only provides comfortable lighting, but also allows you to visually adjust the perception of the kitchen.

You choose the height at which it is best to place the sconce

For example, if you want to highlight the dining area as a separate section of the room, you can hang two sconces along its edges and a small chandelier or ceiling light in the center. Thus, the dining table will be visually separated from the rest of the kitchen by light fluxes.

The sconce allows you to visually delimit the table

In a room with a complex configuration, sconces allow you to simplify the distribution of ceiling lighting. Place a small lamp in each area of the kitchen. For darkened niches, choose more powerful models.

Sconce allows you to shift the focus to certain areas of the kitchen

You can correct a low kitchen by completely abandoning the chandelier. In this case, it is better to use small flat-shaped sconces located around the perimeter of the room at equal intervals. This way the room will appear visually higher and more spacious, and comfortable lighting will make your culinary work easier.

Sconces installed directly above open shelves look unusual. Firstly, this provides additional dispersion of light - it becomes less bright and tires the eyes less. Secondly, you get lighting for the shelves and you can see everything that is on them.

Sconces over shelves

In addition, you can install sconces in those places that you want to visually highlight with lighting - above the bar counter, kitchen corner, sofa. Such a light accent will highlight the selected element of the interior, but will not overshadow the rest of the kitchen components.

Sconce over the bar

The sconce visually highlights the table

Semi-closed sconces with a luminous flux directed upward visually raise the ceiling, and with a luminous flux directed downwards, they lower it. This way you can smooth out the imbalance of the kitchen with too low or high walls.

By directing the light flow, you can visually change the height of the kitchen

If we talk about the optimal height, then it is 1.7-2 meters from the floor level. In this case, the light will softly diffuse throughout the kitchen and will not blind you when turned on. In addition, from the point of view of oculists, this height is considered to be as gentle as possible for vision.

If you are installing a wall sconce above the dining area, place it so that it is slightly higher than the head of the person sitting (based on the tallest member of the family). In this case, the risk of touching the sconce when sitting or standing up is minimal.

As for switches (if you've opted for a wall-mounted option), place them where everyone can easily reach them—a switch that's too low or too high can cause inconvenience.

Lamp design

Bar lamps, as well as the lighting of any of the studio areas, must correspond to the overall design of the apartment. This applies to both the stylistic concept and color scheme. For example, in a kitchen in a rustic Provence or country style, bar chandeliers, fragile and elegant, will look completely ridiculous. In this case, it is worth choosing lamps with a wicker lampshade or made of rattan. LED lighting of the bar counter in a classic interior will also cause confusion among designers. Remember that each item should have its own place and its own setting.

Also pay attention to the practicality of materials, since it is difficult to avoid grease and soot in the kitchen. Give preference to lampshades made of plastic, metal, glass, which are easy to use and easy to clean.

In the loft style, you can do without a cover at all and simply hang the light bulbs above the bar counter, especially if it has the shape of an island and serves as a full-fledged table. Hanging wires will only emphasize the casual street atmosphere. Bar lamps in a retro kitchen can be represented by pendant lamps with metal shades, but only in neutral shades. For high-tech, modern, and minimalist styles, a neon or LED strip is suitable, which can be installed around the perimeter or at the top of the bar counter. It will go well with chrome parts, newfangled appliances, and glossy surfaces.

Lamp shades can be made of wood, metal, glass or textiles - it all depends on the style of the room

A large room needs lighting in each zone. This is not only a way to divide space, but also saves energy in the future. As for a miniature kitchen, a bar counter can be a real salvation, eliminating the need to install additional lighting sources. It will be enough to illuminate the apron and bar counter - and there is no point in a chandelier. If the bar counter is a continuation of the headset, it is advisable to provide spot lighting for both structures at the top and bottom. Firstly, it is practical for the housewife (since the work area in this case is brightly lit), and secondly, it will visually combine two important elements.

Using a bar counter in a kitchen with limited space

At first it may seem that in a kitchen where there is practically no free space, a bar counter will become superfluous and inappropriate, but this is not at all the case. In a small kitchen, it is a unique find; it is also ideal for people living without children or for those who live alone. This interior element can be used both as a dining table and as a bar counter for evening gatherings with friends over delicious cocktails.

Advantages of using a bar counter in a small kitchen:

Saving space due to their small dimensions, chairs can be easily hidden under the counter and free up a couple of additional square meters.
If the counter is equipped with shelves, then you can store kitchen items and utensils here, hide dishes or other small items used here.
It is best to use a stand that will be combined with the work surface and be its logical continuation.

Even small rooms can easily accommodate a two-meter kitchen with two or three chairs. This option is enough for several people to sit comfortably here. In a small kitchen, it is better to use laconic, compact furniture (for example, transparent plastic chairs), which will avoid loading up the space.

Arrangement of lamps in separate zones

Illumination of the work area with LED strip

In addition to general lighting, the kitchen needs lighting in individual areas. Zoning allows you to save electricity and make every corner accessible.

Work area lighting

The work area is a critical place in the kitchen. Lighting is the key to cleanliness and safety. If the workplace is located under wall cabinets, the lighting is placed on their bottom or an LED strip is glued to the wall

It is important that the light does not hit your eyes, but shines down onto the work surface. LED strip meets this requirement

They use spot LED spots. Rotating designs make the light in the kitchen directed in the desired direction.

Dining area lighting

Dining area lighting is an important part of interior design and comfort. The light should be diffused and soft

A table located near the wall is illuminated using wall sconces, their number depends on the size of the area.

Lighting above the island-table in the kitchen is provided by a ceiling chandelier or separate pendants. It is interesting to use devices that adjust in height - they are lowered during lunch and dinner and raised at other times.

Additional lighting

Decorative lighting is used to add personality to the room. To visually increase the size of a small kitchen, place an LED strip on the wall above the cabinets, and illuminate the base with the strip or spot spots.

Some housewives use lighting in kitchen cabinets. This is convenient in the lower deep compartments. They illuminate the upper cabinets with transparent glass doors, placing beautiful dishes in them.

How to zone a kitchen using lamps?

Even small kitchens need a variety of lighting. One ceiling chandelier is not enough. You can additionally install lamps on the walls, mount spotlights on the ceiling, highlight a work area, and also decorate a dining table, a seating area with a sofa, a bar counter or an island with pendant lamps. Luminous furniture and other elements make the interior unique, making it comfortable to spend time with family and friends.

For good kitchen lighting, you need one lamp for every four square meters. In this case, it is desirable that the lampshades or lampshades be matte. This will make the light soft and diffused. But modern design techniques, an abundance of all kinds of lamps of various shapes, sizes and styles allow you to experiment and bring original ideas to life. Therefore, you can not limit yourself to ceiling light, but add many other types of lighting to it.

Another rather big disadvantage of monotonously planned light is the presence of shadows in the room, which are created by switched-on lamps. This is inconvenient, especially if the shadow falls on the work area while cooking. This means that even at the design planning stage, it is important to determine exactly where the kitchen set, table, bar counter will be located, and then proceed to placing lighting fixtures.

For convenience, you can divide the kitchen into several parts and illuminate each separately: general light, dining area, cooking area. If the room is small, then one ceiling chandelier will act as general light and illuminate the dining table. For the work area, it is better to additionally install spotlights or LED strips under wall cabinets.

For a table with chairs or a comfortable sofa, you should use pendant lamps or chandeliers. Their appearance should emphasize the style of the interior. They will easily create a cozy homely atmosphere in the kitchen.

If the room is quite spacious, for example, a living room-studio, then you cannot do without central general light. Usually this role is played by a chandelier or a large ceiling lamp.

For comfortable lighting, it is better to use a light bulb with a warm yellowish light.

The bar counter is very popular now. This is not surprising, because it can be used as an additional work surface or as a dining table. Also, a bar counter is often used to zone a room; it harmoniously complements the kitchen set and can serve as a bright accent of the interior, so auxiliary elements for it should be selected wisely.

Illumination is often provided by spotlights that can be built into a suspended or plasterboard ceiling, or into a chipboard or MDF panel above the counter. A luminous lamp or lamp will give the room an original look and individual character.

Lighting as zoning

Bar counters in the kitchen came to domestic apartments from America, gaining enormous popularity among the population. This design is a kind of luxury item, making the room more glamorous and fashionable. Thanks to different configurations, the structure was able to fit even in the smallest Khrushchev building. Moreover, it provided housewives with additional space for storing kitchen utensils, drinks and food. As for the studios, here the bar counter solved the zoning problem

When combining the kitchen and living room, the division of space is very important, especially when autonomous zones are allocated: work and guest. Each of them needs full lighting, because one chandelier and sunlight are very little for a spacious room

Pendant lamps are the most successful option for individual lighting of each area in the kitchen.

Before starting the repair, you should decide on the location of the lamps, since after finishing work it will be problematic to move the wiring and sockets

In addition, it is important to know the location of the shadow so as not to stand with your back to the light source. This may cause some inconvenience when cooking.

Soft diffused light is more suitable for a recreation area. These can be floor lamps, sconces with matte shades, or just a chandelier in the center of the room.

The work area should be well lit, so give preference to spotlights along the apron and built-in lamps in open shelves. Above the table, pendant lamps and halogen lamps would be appropriate. The LED strip along the perimeter of the ceiling looks very impressive. If the structure is suspended and made of plasterboard, the effect of a “floating” ceiling occurs. To zone the space, you can also equip a podium, that is, raise the kitchen area in the apartment

Just note that the height of such a structure should not exceed 20 cm, otherwise the risk of injury will increase. Lamps can be installed along the podium

Lampshades or shades above the bar counter should accentuate this main area of the kitchen

Types of lampshades for diffused light

Since a lamp above the bar counter, which provides diffused light, is the best option, it is worth talking about the types of lampshades. In most cases, bar counters are installed in the kitchen, so tempered glass shades are the best choice. They have a low level of fire hazard, excellent light transmission and are very easy to maintain.

Spectacular and bright lampshades made of fabric or paper are not suitable for a kitchen bar counter. They are highly flammable and difficult to maintain as they accumulate dust. Plastic lampshades will be just as unsuccessful. They not only melt easily, but also quickly lose their initially attractive appearance.

How to choose a sconce for the kitchen

Choosing sconces for the kitchen is not only based on appearance. We have put together a few recommendations for you that will help you find the perfect lamp - one that performs its functions and is not particularly difficult to maintain.

Buy lamps from reliable companies. You shouldn't try to save money. Firstly, low-quality sconces quickly fail. Secondly, they can create a fire hazard. However, this advice applies to all lighting fixtures - regardless of their type.
Avoid fabric elements on sconces. They quickly become dirty, and it is quite difficult to clean grease and dust from them. Don't make life difficult for yourself.
If you purchase sconces with wooden parts, make sure they are varnished. This way the lamp will retain its appearance longer, and it will be much easier to wash off dirt from it. For sconces with metal parts, for the same reasons, choose models where the metal is coated with a special mastic.
It is better not to hang sconces with chrome or gold plated elements above the work area. They show any dirt, so you will have to clean them frequently.
Classic sconces with glass, plastic, and crystal elements are also not the best choice for the work area. Firstly, when heated, thin parts may simply crack. Secondly, they will quickly become covered with a coating of fat, which is quite difficult to wash off.
If you prefer open sconces without a diffuser, the lamp should be matte. This way the light will not be too bright and irritate your eyes.
For the work area it is better to choose sconces with cool shades of lamps, and for the dining room - with warm shades.

For the rest, we recommend being guided by your taste and not forgetting about the general style of the room - there are enough sconce options to choose one that suits any interior.