How to Create the Ultimate Kitchen Bar Whether You're Making Drinks or Dining In (2025)

Room Design

Kitchen Design

• 01of 27

  Small Peninsula Bar Counter

  

  If your kitchen includes a peninsula breakfast bar for two, make it more comfortable with high-backed stools. Choose a bright metallic finish for a touch of glam, and include a throw pillow that will encourage you to take your time finishing breakfast.

  Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

• 02of 27

  Galley Kitchen Bar

  

  Position your breakfast bar by the window in a narrow galley kitchen to create a coffee house feel. Hang open shelving on the wall above to maximize storage space.

• 03of 27

  Countertop Extension

  

  Add a kitchen bar onto the end of a countertop or narrow kitchen island. Use a contrasting material to make the bar extension look intentional, like the stone and light wood combo here.

• 04of 27

  Kitchen Island Bar

  

  Use a kitchen island overhang to create breakfast bar seating. Outfit it with backless stools that can be tucked beneath the overhang when not in use to maximize space.
  

  Continue to 5 of 27 below

• 05of 27

  Add-On Breakfast Bar

  

  If your kitchen island lacks an overhang, add a small table the same depth to create bar seating. Paint the table in a dark color to set it apart and pair it with small light wood stools that can be tucked underneath to keep the space looking tidy.

• 06of 27

  Kitchen Cut-Out Bar

  

  Optimize kitchen space with a wall-mounted breakfast counter on the outside of a kitchen cut-out. Industrial style bar height stools will complement shiplap walls and light wood finishes in a farmhouse space.

• 07of 27

  Under-Window Kitchen Bar

  

  Extend the countertop beneath a picture window to create a kitchen bar with a view. This coastal kitchen is finished in blues and whites to reflect the oceanfront setting.

• 08of 27

  Kitchen Bar Pendant Lights

  

  Define the kitchen bar area in a semi open-plan kitchen with a pair of pendant lights. Choose a light fixture with an open weave in natural materials for an airy look.

  Continue to 9 of 27 below

• 09of 27

  Painted Kitchen Bar

  

  Decorate the underside of your peninsula kitchen bar to make it feel inviting. Match cabinet paint or try removable peel-and-stick wallpaper in a colorful pattern.

• 10of 27

  Asymmetrical Bar Counter

  

  Adapt your bar counter to the shape of your kitchen. This asymmetrical bar counter is fit into the corner looking into the kitchen, with enough space to seat three.

• 11of 27

  Mobile Kitchen Island Bar

  

  Add functionality to a small mobile kitchen island with a couple of vintage stools. Use them to create a makeshift kitchen bar or a place to seat guests with a glass of wine while you finish cooking dinner.

• 12of 27

  Hidden Breakfast Bar Seating

  

  For a clean, minimalist look, tuck bar stools the same color as the base of your kitchen island under the countertop. This will make your kitchen bar disappear when not in use.

  Continue to 13 of 27 below

• 13of 27

  End of Island Mini Bar

  

  In a smaller kitchen, place a pair of bar stools at the short end of the island. This will create a place for quick meals without interfering with flow or taking up valuable floor space.

• 14of 27

  Country Kitchen Bar Stools

  

  Infuse your kitchen with country flair by choosing a pair of wooden cross-back bar stools. Hang a chandelier or pendant light over the island to anchor the space.

• 15of 27

  DIY Kitchen Bar

  

  Create a budget-friendly kitchen bar in place of an island in a small space if you don't plan to use it for meals. Position a pair of colorful bar stools on the outside corner painted to match the walls of your kitchen.

• 16of 27

  Three-Sided Kitchen Bar

  

  If you have the space, add bar stools on three sides of the overhang on a large kitchen island. Choose sculptural stools that are stylish and comfortable rather than cramming in as many seats as possible if you only need space for three.

  Continue to 17 of 27 below

• 17of 27

  Semi-Open Kitchen Bar

  

  If your apartment has a semi-open kitchen with an overhang, add stools to make it more functional. Even if you only use them occasionally, it will give your space a more finished feel and provide added seating when you have company.

• 18of 27

  Leather Bar Stools

  

  Introduce a different material when choosing stools for your kitchen bar. Rich brown leather will weather well and add a note of rustic warmth to a neutral modern space.

• 19of 27

  French Rattan Bar Stools

  

  Channel the spirit of a French cafe with black-and-white rattan bar stools. The timeless style will transport you to your favorite Paris watering hole between visits.

• 20of 27

  Rustic Breakfast Bar

  

  Make a rustic reclaimed kitchen island more functional with a small pair of wooden bar stools. Leave them unfinished to complement painted vertical shipboard in a cottage-style kitchen.

  Continue to 21 of 27 below

• 21of 27

  Sheepskin Seat Covers

  

  Warm up simple wood bar stools with textural seat covers. Real or faux sheepskin will add a cozy feel.

• 22of 27

  Black and White Kitchen Bar

  

  Complement a black-and-white kitchen with black bar stools. Square metal stools will create a modern look.

• 23of 27

  All-White Kitchen Bar

  

  Create a streamlined look with a slim all-white kitchen bar with matching countertops and bar stools. This will make the transition between the kitchen and dining room feel seamless.

• 24of 27

  Striped Bar Stools

  

  Turn your kitchen bar stools into a focal point with striped upholstery. A simple black-and-white stripe will complement any style.

  Continue to 25 of 27 below

• 25of 27

  Basement Kitchenette Bar

  

  Make a basement kitchenette more functional with a bar for quick and casual meals. Mix reclaimed wood and metal finishes for a rustic industrial farmhouse feel.

• 26of 27

  Basement Kitchen Wet Bar

  

  Finish your basement kitchen wet bar with seating to define the space from the rest of the room. Install comfortable upholstered stools to create a spot for lingering over a cocktail or grabbing a quick bite.

• 27of 27

  Outdoor Kitchen Bar

  

  Make your outdoor kitchen more functional and inviting by adding a bar counter and stools. Install an outdoor TV above the bar so you don't have to miss your favorite games while you spend time in the backyard.