All about loft-style bars

The bar counter is a popular design solution. Such a piece of furniture goes well with urban trends, so in a loft-style kitchen, the counter will look quite appropriate and help save space. The variety of models allows you to choose the perfect option for any interior.

Although the bar was originally an attribute of clubs and other establishments, it quickly took root in modern apartments. Several factors contributed to this.

• Small size. Compared to an ordinary table, the counter takes up much less space, and since many people live in studios or one-room apartments, the issue of saving space is relevant for them.
• Aesthetics. Recreating the atmosphere of a bar at home is not a bad idea. In such an environment, it is more pleasant to relax, and friends will appreciate the solution.
• Convenience. The counters are in demand not only among young people and lovers of bar paraphernalia, but also among business people who spend almost all their time at work. If you hardly eat at home, then a large table is useless.

The design is an elongated tabletop on supports. In this case, the space under the counter can be used to install kitchen appliances or storage systems. Some models already have built-in drawers. The racks are often quite tall, so you will need matching chairs with long legs to get comfortable. If your apartment has a combined kitchen-living room, then the countertop can be used as a zoning tool, visually dividing the working area for cooking and the resting place.

A loft-style bar counter usually implies a rather laconic design, the absence of unnecessary decor. Massive and even rough shapes are often used. It is better to choose the colors in accordance with the general color scheme of the interior.

There are different types of designs, which allows you to find suitable furniture for both a small kitchen and a spacious room. The options differ in shape, placement and equipment.

• Island racks. They are located separately from the headset, and free space is saved around. Although these furnishings stand apart, most often they are made in the same style as other kitchen furniture. This allows for uniformity in design. This option is suitable for spacious rooms. The shape can be different - there are U-shaped, L-shaped, rectangular or semicircular models.

• Built-in racks. They are a continuation of the kitchen unit, the worktop can protrude in any direction. Often she uses the inactive area near the window, allowing you to ergonomically use the space and admire the view while having breakfast.

• Racks-partitions. The optimal solution for studio apartments or combined rooms. Such interior items allow you to divide the space, highlighting the cooking area and the dining room. The countertop is often mounted directly against the wall and parallel to the rest of the furniture.And also for zoning, you can use corner options, which are a continuation of the kitchen set.

• Level racks. They are not independent objects, but are installed on an existing surface. In fact, this is an additional platform on supports, which is located above the workplace. With this in mind, you need to purchase chairs with long legs, corresponding in height.

• Mini racks. Suitable for small kitchens where every centimeter counts. Often these models are folding or retractable, so after lunch you can remove them so that they do not interfere with movement. The length of such tabletops is designed for 1-2 people.

The characteristics and cost of different models can vary markedly. The material chosen for the countertop plays an important role in this.

• Chipboard. The most affordable option. The material is a board, pressed from wood chips, laminated on top. Such products allow you to embody a variety of design solutions, since the surface can imitate wood and stone, it is also possible to apply original prints. Chipboard material is quite resistant to temperature and moisture, but it is not very durable, so its service life is not the longest.

• Acrylic. This modern material allows you to create furniture with quirky shapes and curves, as well as a glossy surface. If you wish, you can make a platform with an imitation of a stone. In addition, acrylic products are easy to clean, withstand high levels of humidity and do not lose their attractive appearance for a long time.

• Stone. It will look beautiful in the interior, but such a solution is not cheap. In addition, the stone post is quite heavy, so it needs strong metal supports. And also the surface requires special care, the use of certain cleaning agents.

• Glass. Modern production methods make it possible to obtain more durable varieties of this material, so there is no fear of accidental damage. The surface can be transparent, colored or patterned. It should be borne in mind that such a countertop will need to be thoroughly wiped, since stains are especially noticeable on it.

• Wood. Natural wood gives the kitchen a special coziness, and the solid wood counter will really be original. With the right processing, this material will last a very long time, it is durable and resistant. However, the cost of such an acquisition will be considerable.

The loft style has certain features, so the furniture should harmoniously fit into the environment. The interior usually bears the imprint of an industrial space. - rough concrete or brick walls, open communications, large windows and high ceilings.

There are various branches of this style, for example, ecoloft, where wood and stone prevail, or a futuristic loft with hi-tech notes. The bar counter will perfectly fit into such an interior, maintaining the atmosphere of creative negligence.

With regard to execution, the general form should be concise. Strict geometric lines, the absence of pretentious decor are welcome. You can use artificially aged surfaces, in this style they will look appropriate.

It is desirable that the tabletop be in harmony with the kitchen set in texture and color. Although you can choose other combinations, for example, choose a bright counter to match the refrigerator, or make it a separate accent, dividing the room into parts. The surface itself can be wooden, glass or stone, glossy platforms are also allowed.

Furniture should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable. That's why when choosing, it is necessary to choose the right rack dimensions:

• one person should have at least 600 mm of length, keep this in mind if you are used to dining in a company;
• the width of the countertop is from 300 mm, the best option is 500-600 mm, otherwise it will not work out comfortably;
• the height can be different, there are models from 86 cm - this is the level of a standard kitchen set, and classic bar racks usually have parameters of 110-130 cm.

• A small counter with a glossy black finish will help define the border between the kitchen and the living room. The minimalistic design blends well with the loft-style interior.

• Lighting is an equally important design element. With its help, you can also place accents and highlight areas. The light fixtures above the bar immediately grab your attention. You can pick up original metal models that fit well into the environment.

• A wooden stand combined with a workspace is an interesting find. It is not only convenient, but also original, the very texture of wood becomes a bright accent in the room.

• A rack-partition is a good option for zoning a space. The combination of brickwork and wood is quite in the spirit of a loft. Despite the maximum simplicity and even roughness of the design, it looks very stylish.

• The island model is suitable for a spacious kitchen. It is large enough to be a comfortable alternative to a regular table. And also it can be used as an extra workspace during cooking. Lamps from above will not only be an original decor, but also additional lighting.

• The small model will fit even in a small kitchen or studio apartment. The metal frame matches the wooden table top. Despite the minimalism and simplicity of the product, there is a place for storing wine bottles and two shelves.

The following video talks about 9 kitchen mistakes with a bar counter.