Today an open layout is a hot trend, designers advise to create such spaces to use them as much as possible and to fill the layout with light. As these are usually kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms united, a kitchen bar counter or a kitchen island (if there’s one) becomes a space divider.
Kitchen bar counters are in trend now, and they are often used as an additional eating zone – from breakfast or just a quick meal. If it’s a space divider, it should be carefully incorporated into your interior and highlight it. Let’s have a look how to integrate such a counter into your interior and consider some pros and cons for making one.
![the bar counter is decorated in two different ways, blue from the kitchen side and wood from the outer side to fit the decor The bar counter is decorated in two different ways, blue from the kitchen side and wood from the outer side to fit the decor.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/02-the-bar-counter-is-decorated-in-two-different-ways-blue-from-the-kitchen-side-and-wood-from-the-outer-side-to-fit-the-decor.jpg)
The bar counter is decorated in two different ways, blue from the kitchen side and wood from the outer side to fit the decor.
![bar counter for an open layout kitchen A stylish bar counter clad with geo tiles that echo with the backsplash and wood with geometric stools.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/04-a-stylish-bar-counter-clad-with-geo-tiles-that-echo-with-the-backsplash-and-wood-with-geometric-stools.jpg)
A stylish bar counter clad with geo tiles that echo with the backsplash and wood with geometric stools.
![concrete countertop A concrete countertop is durable and accentuated with colorful mosaic tiles and stylish wooden stools.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/07-a-concrete-countertop-is-durable-and-accentuated-with-colorful-mosaic-tiles-and-stylish-wooden-stools.jpg)
A concrete countertop is durable and accentuated with colorful mosaic tiles and stylish wooden stools.
![awesome wood kitchen countertop A bold kitchen countertop on a kitchen island with a piece of raw edge wood and wine storage.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/08-a-bold-kitchen-countertop-on-a-kitchen-island-with-a-piece-of-raw-edge-wood-and-wine-storage.jpg)
A bold kitchen countertop on a kitchen island with a piece of raw edge wood and wine storage.
Pros And Cons
The main advantage is that it’s a smart space divider that not only divides the space visually but still doesn’t prevent light. This is a very functional piece, which allows breakfasts and quick meals having decorative functions. Besides, such a counter can be used as a bar during a party, the only thing you need is to keep it in the same style and colors as the rest of the space to make its look organic.
The main disadvantage is that such a construction is nice for young people, while children or elderly people can find it uncomfortable to climb tall stools every time. If the space is small and the family is big, it won’t be enough to accommodate everyone. If you want this countertop to be used as a workspace, you should order a lower piece, otherwise it won’t be comfortable to work at.
![the kitchen island with a bar countertop has two parts a cooking zone for the kitchen and a wooden countertop for eating The kitchen island with a bar countertop has two parts - a cooking zone for the kitchen and a wooden countertop for eating.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/13-the-kitchen-island-with-a-bar-countertop-has-two-parts-a-cooking-zone-for-the-kitchen-and-a-wooden-countertop-for-eating.jpg)
The kitchen island with a bar countertop has two parts - a cooking zone for the kitchen and a wooden countertop for eating.
Types Of Bar Counters
There are different types you can try: a traditional counter, which is comprised of only a countertop and with a couple of stools. Such a piece will fit even a small space, and won’t look bulky, which is great. There’s a two-level bar counter that consists of a cooking space and an eating space, the latter is usually higher to hide the cooking zone. Such a counter is great for bigger spaces, and it can really accommodate everyone in the family. Have a look at some examples below and get inspired!
![a large two level kitchen bar counter includes an eating space and a kitchen island and is accentuated with pendant lamps A large two-level kitchen bar counter includes an eating space and a kitchen island and is accentuated with pendant lamps.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/17-a-large-two-level-kitchen-bar-counter-includes-an-eating-space-and-a-kitchen-island-and-is-accentuated-with-pendant-lamps.jpg)
A large two-level kitchen bar counter includes an eating space and a kitchen island and is accentuated with pendant lamps.
![a two level kitchen counter is ideal to fit every decor space the kitchen and the living room around A two-level kitchen counter is ideal to fit every decor space - the kitchen and the living room around.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/20-a-two-level-kitchen-counter-is-ideal-to-fit-every-decor-space-the-kitchen-and-the-living-room-around.jpg)
A two-level kitchen counter is ideal to fit every decor space - the kitchen and the living room around.
![a two level kitchen island with two level for cooking and eating perfectly fits a traditional kitchen A two-level kitchen island with two level for cooking and eating perfectly fits a traditional kitchen.](https://i.digsdigs.com/2017/08/25-a-two-level-kitchen-island-with-two-level-for-cooking-and-eating-perfectly-fits-a-traditional-kitchen.jpg)
A two-level kitchen island with two level for cooking and eating perfectly fits a traditional kitchen.