Adding a breakfast bar to your kitchen can create a cozy nook for morning coffee, after-school snacks, or casual meals. Whether you’re looking to extend an existing counter, create a divider between rooms, or maximize a blank wall, we’ll explain how to build a breakfast bar tailored to fit your space and style.
Planning Your Breakfast Bar
Consider the following factors when designing your space.
Determining the Ideal Location
The location of your breakfast bar will depend on your kitchen’s layout and available space. Popular options include the following:
- Creating a room divider between the kitchen and living area
- Extending from an existing counter or island
- Utilizing an empty wall for a shelf-style bar
Make sure your location has enough space for comfortable seating and foot traffic. We recommend leaving at least 42 inches of clearance around the bar for easy movement. Remember, even if you have enough room to walk, you may need to fit appliances, furniture, or even a wheelchair through the space at some point.
Choosing the Right Height and Depth
The average bar height is 42 inches. You want to keep your bar between 36 and 42 inches high so that your barstools can comfortably fit under it. Aim for 10–12 inches between the seat and the bar top.
We recommend a bar top at least 24 inches deep for adequate eating space.
Selecting the Style
Choosing the right style for your breakfast bar helps it blend seamlessly with your kitchen. You can opt for a modern, sleek design with clean lines, or go for a rustic look with natural wood finishes. Think about the overall theme of your kitchen and select materials and colors that complement it. You want your breakfast bar to look like it’s a part of the original kitchen design rather than an afterthought.
Tools and Materials for Building a Breakfast Bar
Before starting your project, gather the following tools and materials:
- 2-by-6 lumber for support
- Bar top material (wood, laminate, or solid surface)
- Construction adhesive
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Paint or stain (if desired)
- Power drill and screws
- Safety equipment (goggles, gloves, dust mask)
- Saw (circular or table saw)
- Stud finder
Building an Extension Bar
One popular breakfast bar style extends from an existing wall or counter, supported by a pedestal at the other end. Follow these steps to create a sturdy and attractive extension bar:
- First, create a support system using the 2-by-6 pieces by screwing them together to form an I shape. Mount one end of the I to the wall and secure the other end to the pedestal. Paint, stain, or finish to match the top.
- Once you’ve finished the base support, mark a small line 42 inches from the floor at each stud in your supporting wall. Use your level to ensure they’re even. Also, make a center mark on the side of the pedestal that will face the wall.
- With someone assisting you to hold the base in place, use your drill to secure one end to the studs with two screws, one above the other, on each side of the central piece.
- Next, screw the other end of the base to your pedestal, lining up the center mark you made with the center board.
- Run a bead of construction adhesive along the top edge of your base. Center the bar top in place.
- Once the bar top is where you want it, screw in place from the underside. Make sure no screws poke through the top of the bar.
Alternative Breakfast Bar Styles
If an extension bar doesn’t suit your space, consider these alternative breakfast bar designs. Each style has unique benefits and can be customized to fit your kitchen’s layout.
How To Build a Wall-Mounted Breakfast Shelf
A wall-mounted shelf is an excellent option for narrow spaces or when you want to avoid floor supports. This design is sleek and clean while maximizing space. Here’s how to make one:
- Choose decorative brackets or corbels that can support the weight of your bar top. If your bar is more than four feet long, use at least three supports.
- Locate wall studs and mark lines at 42 inches from the floor, using a level to ensure they’re even.
- Securely attach the brackets to the wall studs using appropriate screws.
- Place your bar top material on the brackets, centering it carefully.
- Screw the top to the brackets from underneath for added stability.
Creating an Island Extension
If you have an existing kitchen island, you can extend its countertop and create an instant breakfast bar. Follow these steps:
- Measure and plan for an overhang that extends a few feet beyond one side of the existing island base.
- Purchase a new countertop that matches or complements your current island top.
- Install support brackets underneath the overhang area for added stability.
- Secure the new countertop to the island base and to the supports according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Selecting a Ready-Made Island
If you’re not handy or want something temporary, consider buying a ready-made island on wheels. You could also try a kitchen center and breakfast bar.
