Start your day off the right way with a cozy breakfast bar and kitchen island combination. A dining space attached to your food prep area allows you to effortlessly converse with friends and family while whipping up amazing dishes. Simply add comfortable stools to your kitchen island breakfast bar, and settle in for a morning coffee, cereal, pancakes, or gourmet brunch.
Farmhouse Kitchen Design
Depending on the unit's design, it may have a foldable extension to create a breakfast bar or feature a work surface that protrudes slightly from one side. These units are especially beneficial for those living in smaller homes and apartments with no dining room.
When selecting your kitchen island breakfast bar, first consider its dimensions. How much room do you have available? For smaller spaces, consider a kitchen island with a drop-leaf breakfast bar. If you have slightly more space, choose one with a solid breakfast bar for added stability. Freestanding kitchen islands with casters can be moved if needed as well, providing the counter space wherever you need it.
The average height of most breakfast bars is approximately 42" but this can vary slightly. You need chairs or stools to tuck neatly underneath that height when not in use. Also, the standard size of a breakfast bar overhang is around 18," which will allow for ample legroom and dining space.
You also need to consider what material the breakfast bar is made of. Since this is the surface you will be enjoying coffee and meals on, you need to choose durable, stain-resistant materials, such as quartz, granite, stainless steel, or sealed and painted solid wood.
Also, consider your kitchen layout. Where will it make the most sense to position your kitchen island and breakfast bar? You want to keep its seating away from the stove and possibly certain doors. Where you place your new kitchen island breakfast bar depends on your kitchen's shape and how you plan to use it most.
Finally, a breakfast bar comes in handy even when not in use by providing additional counter space to work on or use as temporary storage. Below are ten choices for adding one of these kitchen islands with a breakfast bar to your home.
A classic farmhouse design with beadboard paneling, this kitchen island is solidly built with hardwoods and given a hand-rubbed distressed look. Its countertop is crafted out of maple finished solid wood and features a 10.5" drop leaf breakfast bar. When fully extended, the breakfast bar extends the countertop surface to a full 26.5" for additional food prep or casual dining.
Maple Kitchen Island
Crafted with a solid, sturdy wood base with a weathered finish, this traditional kitchen island is designed with a continuous countertop and breakfast bar. Encased in the countertop on the food prep side is a black granite inlay, while the breakfast bar surface is solid wood. This kitchen island set comes complete with two stools at the ideal height.
Traditional Kitchen Island Set
Contemporary design with marble countertop, this kitchen island features clean lines and a distinctive urban style. A second surface, nestled under the upper countertop, pulls out to create a breakfast bar. Two stools are included and fit neatly underneath. The compact design saves space in smaller kitchens. While the unit weighs slightly over 200 lbs., you can still move each part easily due to the sturdy lockable wheels.
Marble Kitchen Island Set
Designed with a distressed oak finished countertop and antique brass hardware, a flip-up breakfast bar adds 11.5" to this kitchen island's overall surface area. A clear coat finish protects the sustainable hardwood top from wear and tear. Additional features include adjustable shelving on each end, two cabinets, and two drawers for ample storage.
Distressed Oak Kitchen Island
A stylish gray kitchen island with brushed nickel hardware and a distressed oak surface provides ample food preparation space. An extendable drop leaf adds a breakfast bar creating a cozy, homey look and feel to the kitchen. Plenty of storage space can be found with its side shelving, drawers, and lower cabinet. Two farmhouse-style chairs are also included.
Deep Gray Kitchen Island Set
This multipurpose unit is ideal for a studio apartment or compact dining space. The unit is made from solid pine that can be stained or painted to suit your interior decor style. It features two stools that slide discreetly under the worktop when not in use, two drawers for storing utensils, two towel racks, and a drop-leaf table that extends the total surface area to 29.5" long. It also comes with four casters that swivel 360° so you can move the island anywhere in your home.
Rolling Island Kitchen Cart
Grounded by a solid wood base, this kitchen island's surface is made of stainless steel for easy cleaning and maintenance. The countertop extends beyond the base to provide a permanent breakfast bar. Two square, backless stools add a modern touch to the design. Storage space includes five drawers, two cabinets, a built-in spice rack, and a towel bar. Full assembly is required.
Kitchen Island Set with Stainless Steel Top
Crafted out of solid and engineered wood, this kitchen island provides an 11" drop leaf for creating a breakfast bar. The surface has a vintage oak finish to complement the bright white base. Three shaker-style cabinets offer ample storage with both vertical dividers and adjustable shelves. Antique pewter towel bars protrude from each end and two chairs are included to complete the set.
Vintage Oak Kitchen Island Set
Unique natural wood grain color variations create a one-of-a-kind look on this kitchen island surface. Its further distressed look is created by wood scoring and rub-through techniques. The black finished base comes with three drawers and three adjustable shelves for exceptional kitchen organization. One side includes knee space for casual dining at the extended breakfast bar.
Black Kitchen Island Set
With its high gloss black exterior and podium base, this kitchen island adds an elegant European design to any modern space. A laminated ceramic top extends with a drop-leaf to form a convenient breakfast bar.
Gloss Black Kitchen Island Set
