This is a question that has been on homeowners' minds for some time now. And while there isn’t necessarily a definitive answer, there are certainly some things to consider before making a decision.
Photo by Laurence Katz on Unsplash
What is a raised bar?
A kitchen counter is a raised flat surface in a kitchen, typically used as a food prep area. Raised counters provide more room, which can be helpful when cooking large meals or entertaining guests as a kitchen bar.
Raised bars are available in various sizes and shapes, so you can find one that fits your kitchen space. If you have a dishwasher, you need to save space, and optimal counter height seating helps.
Is a raised bar height counter going out of style?
Some of the movement away from a raised countertop on a kitchen island or bar top is because of the reduced counter space it offers. A heightened section on a counter top offers benefits, but when space is at a premium, you must maximise your kitchen area.
Counter space with overhang offers window of kitchen opportunity
A reduced level of counter space on offer with a raised bar is an issue for you to consider. A kitchen island with a high bar or breakfast bar with an overhang with seating is convenient, but there are other seating and surface options that save space.
What countertop height is in style these days?
If you're planning a new kitchen, you need kitchen idea plans. With your floor plan, you have many options. Are you looking to add a breakfast bar instead of a dining table? This is a popular option with a large flat surface which adds much more bench space.
Height matters with kitchen design
Whether you have a dining table or breakfast bar, height matters to a kitchen designer. Before you buy bar stools, you need to know your counter height. Counter height seating should be comfortable and stylish.
Countertop seating will save you from standing
One height benches are great in some homes, but in others, a variety of chairs or stools around a table or countertop is better. Whatever seat you have at a good bear heat, as long as your dining or entertaining in style, you create a great house.
Good interior design sets a high bar
If you have adults and children, the same height seats aren't a great idea. You need different options to ensure everyone sees over the counter height. Children sitting at the lower height, with adults taking a seat at the upper counter height makes sense.
Speak with an interior designer about counter height, and maximising open space.
Are there benefits in a raised bar?
Regardless of whether raised bars are in fashion or not, there are benefits to having them over a standard countertop height, including:
- A raised countertop with overhang removes visual clutter, and creates a tidier impression in your kitchen or living space
- You can engage and interact with others without any interference, more so than a kitchen island
- This is a great place to entertain, with room for food and drinks, and somewhere to rest
Want to hide your dirty dishes with good kitchen design?
There’s an argument that some homeowners are opting for deep kitchen sinks at a standard countertop height instead of a raised countertop. Both these outcomes provide you with a space to place dirty dishes, glasses, and cutlery, but these items are hidden from view with a deep sink.
So, if all other things in your house or kitchen are equal, there is a valid reason to do without counter space.
What bar stools do you like?
Bar stools are a great addition, adding more space, and creating bar height seating. Before you invest in stools for a breakfast bar or, measure the bar height, and make sure your bar height counter and bar height seating match.
Seating always matters, so having the best chairs for a table or countertop will save you trouble.
A kitchen island with a raised bar is convenient
Kitchen islands are great for convenience, bringing people together while someone is cooking or preparing food. You don’t want to get in the way of people chatting, but you also need to create space to create dinners or breakfast.
A kitchen island countertop makes space for a deep kitchen sink
A raised bar does lower the adjacent room for food preparation, but it brings some benefits. If you have deep sink space on your kitchen island or kitchen peninsula, a raised bar creates a distinction between areas, helping you avoid a cluttered style or dishes on your countertops.
Countertops in your family room?
While there are many similarities between the family room and a living room, there are differences. Both rooms are great spaces for everyone to mix and socialise, but the living room is grander. If you have stylish accessories or features, they belong in a separate room.
While still possible to be styled appealingly, a family room is more functional. No matter what an interior designer says, the best room depends on your family's needs. If you have children, you want room and spaces to play. It's common for couches or sofas to rest against a wall, creating more floor space.
Do you have breakfast bar seating?
You might have a breakfast bar in your family room. As it’s a room for people to socialise, this makes sense. The breakfast bar is one of the best ways for people to congregate in the kitchen while doing a wide array of tasks.
Having a greater bar height at your breakfast bar here makes sense. Having the lower counter provides storage options, and it keeps things separate. You can prepare a meal on the lower level while young kids’ study, or someone watches a video on their phone at the higher level.
Modern homes work best when they give people what they need to make the most of everyday life. Working around your busy schedule, a higher bar here is ideal.
Shauna
A raised bar gives you a backsplash on which to have electrical outlets, whereas on a counter height you have to have cords hanging over the edge of the island or have those popup electrical outlets, which can get gummed up with food. I have small appliances on my island that I use regularly so this makes it possible for them to stay plugged in. Also if you have a raised bar on an island with a sink, if water gets splashed or spilled outside the sink (such as when you're straining the water from a pot of pasta or potatoes), you only have to catch it running to the side of the sink, not over the opposite side behind the sink which is out of your reach.
Ali
Excellent points!