Blog>Ideas>Breakfast bar ideas and trends to optimise your morning routine
Last updated: 9 November 2023
Breakfast bar ideas and trends to optimise your morning routine
Finding the right breakfast bar to suit your kitchen layout can seriously transform the functionality of your kitchen. These communal, welcoming hubs are a great addition to any kitchen design, with both space-saving storage solutions and heaps of character. Read on as we take a look at all the trending breakfast bar ideas.
For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. So, adding a breakfast bar can turn a kitchen into a family-friendly, welcoming hub with space-saving storage solutions and heaps of character.
Small galley kitchens significantly benefit from adding a versatile place to eat and entertain. You can even help children with their homework while you cook or gain a multi-functional desk for remote working!
Pull up a stool and peruse our favourite kitchen breakfast bar ideas below.
What is a breakfast bar?
A breakfast bar is a counter space taller than the kitchen counters. It's often attached to an existing wall or counter, like an extended worktop or kitchen island, with undercounter seating for non-formal dining.
There are many ways to design a breakfast bar. Why not add a full, purpose-built breakfast bar if floor space isn't a problem? Or, double up a kitchen island or countertop as a breakfast bar.
Is it a good idea to have a breakfast bar?
Incorporating breakfast bar ideas into your kitchen design is a compact way to add seating and practical storage while freeing up counter space.
To reiterate, homeowners love breakfast bars as they create a home hub that draws family members and guests in. Plus, you're more likely to start your day with a healthy breakfast when you have somewhere to eat it (other than the sofa).
Breakfast bar ideas for small kitchens
Do you have a small or narrow kitchen full of wasted potential? Yes? Then, utilise your kitchen to the fullest with the vast variety of breakfast bar ideas. You're bound to find something to suit your small kitchen below.
1. Wall-mounted breakfast bar ideas
Wall-mounted breakfast bars are an excellent choice for a sturdy and stylish dining space, available in any material to match your kitchen design.
Take a look - what this kitchen loses in size, it makes up for in style. Using the same rustic oak for the counter and worktops in combination with modern white cabinets creates a stunning sense of old and new.
The homeowners have utilised every bit of space to their advantage. Installing the oven and extra cabinets behind the wall-mounted breakfast bar also creates additional functionality.
If you think you'd benefit from the help of a kitchen designer, read our guide, 'kitchen designers near me.'
2. Breakfast bar ideas for long kitchens
This L-shaped peninsular design is a fresh, clean breakfast bar option that adds seating without losing space. Look at the curved counter, steel-look legs and ultra-modern dish stools; the result is chic and contemporary.
In addition, the inset mood lighting adds to the minimalist and modern kitchen vibes.
Check out our kitchen island ideas for more inspiration.
3. Dual-purpose breakfast bars
Look for a breakfast bar idea that adds multiple functions to your small kitchen; 2025's trend is multi-use furniture.
Ask what you need your breakfast bar for. Does it need to offer storage solutions? Does it need to accommodate a new place for your hob or sink? Next, work out your dimensions to decide what your breakfast bar can accommodate.
This gorgeous neutral country cottage kitchen with vintage accents boasts a versatile breakfast bar design. Adding a breakfast bar that extends from the wall and shares the adjoining kitchen worktop means it can be used as a kitchen counter, storage space and the perfect seating place for meals, work or study.
Read our favourite rustic kitchen design ideas for inspiration; they're perfect for farmhouses and cottages.
4. Steal some space
Steal some countertop space to convert into a breakfast bar when you need budget-friendly breakfast bar ideas. Pop a stool or two where you have room at the end of a worktop, and hey presto, you have an instant breakfast bar.
Another cheap breakfast bar option is to add a worktop overhang when you want to lengthen a worktop. You can use the same worktop material for a seamless blend or a contrast to define the dining area. The white kitchen island/breakfast bar contrasts nicely with the oak counters and wall cabinets.
After more small kitchen solutions? Don't go anywhere before reading our space-saving kitchen ideas.
5. Cut into corners
Have you considered installing a peninsular-style breakfast bar with seating in an empty corner space?
This homeowner uses every available space and adds clever seating by joining up a peninsular breakfast bar with the corner of the worktop and wall space. Although breakfast bars are usually taller than the counter, this kitchen design welcomes a versatile dining table plus a breakfast bar combo.
It's always best to use an experienced carpenter with the know-how and tools to get the same stunning results as this kitchen.
Read on to find a carpenter near you, or pop your postcode into the box below to find a carpenter today.
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Fresh breakfast bar ideas and designs
Breakfast bars are available in many styles, designs and finishes; it's easy to find a breakfast bar to suit your kitchen. Delve into the top choices for 2025.
1. Curved kitchen islands offer a fun aesthetic
Curved designs are great for saving space. They're also appealing because they add character and interest.
Semi-circle breakfast bars or ergonomically curved peninsula designs are all fun and functional options that make your breakfast bar the main feature and meeting point of a home.
Add hanging lights above the bar for a classic look, or incorporate LED strip lighting to create mood and depth. Why not get inspired by these statement-making black-and-white patterned kitchen tiles and shiny black countertops?
Find more kitchen lighting ideas here!
2. More curved breakfast bar ideas
For awkwardly shaped kitchens that need some wow factor, go for a straight-angled curved breakfast bar that fits around the edges of your kitchen layout. Not only is this a contemporary look, but it also lets you separate your large breakfast bar into usable zones.
This large kitchen island allows for a hob at one end, a sink in the middle, a food preparation area at one end and plenty of space for dining.
Curved bars also offer a great entertainment space while you potter around cooking or making cocktails for your guests.
Got the kitchen island bug? Don't go without checking out our inspirational kitchen island ideas.
3. Modern kitchen breakfast bar ideas
Even in 2025, grey isn't going anywhere as a contemporary and chic kitchen design idea.
Matching cool grey kitchen cabinets with matching breakfast bar, marble counters, and white metro tiles is a simple but effective kitchen design. Adding wooden floors, stools, and simple white and copper lighting softens the grey breakfast bar.
Working a breakfast bar into your kitchen layout is easier with more space. However, even smaller kitchens can benefit from the right design and placement. Clean lines, soft textures and lots of light make any home hub stand out.
4. Worktop breakfast bar ideas
Mix and match your materials to make your breakfast bar the key kitchen feature.
The wood of these stools and raised countertop matches the wood of the kitchen cupboards, bringing this look together while drawing attention to the main elements.
If you'd like more worktop ideas to inspire your kitchen design, chop your way through 2025's trending kitchen worktop ideas.
5. Raised breakfast bar ideas
For large kitchens with lots of wasted space - join your breakfast bar to a worktop or kitchen island to add extra counter space and seating.
Combining chic black cabinets with a sleek white kitchen island/breakfast bar over a rustic oak dining table is visually stunning. The raised counter, gorgeous hanging lights, and modern bar stools separate the informal breakfast bar and dining area.
Don't forget, these breakfast bar ideas aren't for novice DIYers. If you want to create a kitchen layout as impressive as this, call in a trusted carpenter.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
6. Utilise your U-shaped kitchen
This moody but marvellous kitchen is a perfect example of transforming a U-shaped kitchen into a huge breakfast bar.
You can create a versatile and visually stunning kitchen by doubling up the counter space with a worktop extender and matching bar stools. Add a small raised counter and hanging lamps directly over the chairs to delegate your dining zone.
Check out our more stunning U-shaped kitchen inspiration.
7. Make it marble
Are you looking to combine a kitchen island into an island and breakfast bar? All you need is an island with a section of empty counter space or an overhang, plus some bar stools.
What makes this breakfast bar idea shine, apart from the classic white counters and bronze accents, is the stunning marble countertop. Don't be afraid to go extra with your kitchen design like these homeowners have; add some plush stools and a wine fridge at the end of your island.
8. Wrap it up with a kitchen island wrap
Consider using a kitchen island wrap-around covering to create clear distinctions in your kitchen design. As you can see from the impressive modern kitchen, wrapping the top and one side of your kitchen island defines your new seating area.
Moreover, you can combine similar materials to your kitchen cabinets for your other island sides with matching chairs. This creates cohesion and contrast for a visually exciting breakfast bar idea.
9. DIY breakfast bar ideas
Peninsular and wall-mounted breakfast bar ideas are a perfect DIY option for large and small spaces. For longer or narrower kitchens, include a shallow breakfast bar design along one wall for an ergonomic and stylish design element.
You can create a fuss-free or fancy breakfast bar depending on your skills and time. Check out the ingenuity of this compact but useful breakfast bar. All you need are some wooden crates, paint and a large piece of timber to create a DIY breakfast bar. Oh, and don't forget the DIY skills!
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Use our how-to guide to make your kitchen island.
10. Pick a peninsular bar that pops
Opt for a peninsular design that attaches to a wall to transform an L- shaped kitchen layout into a horseshoe or a U-shape without losing space.
Peninsular breakfast bars are similar to a kitchen island but are fixed to one wall. You'll only have access to three sides, but it's an excellent choice for long and narrow kitchens.
Consider natural woods with neutral countertops to add warmth and spaciousness. But don't be afraid to make it stand out by switching up the colours. We love the pop of blue that brightens up this grey kitchen.
Be bold and check out our colourful kitchen ideas.
Are you ready to make your kitchen a versatile, stylish, fun place to eat? Have you considered hiring a trusted tradesperson to help design, fit and maximise your breakfast bar?
Whether you need a kitchen designer, carpenter, or kitchen fitter, we have many home-owner-reviewed professionals who can help.
Fill in the box below to arrange an informal chat today.
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