

Not only does it help hide cabinets or appliances, it is cohesive and gorgeous.Ī waterfall counter or island was at one time considered being an extreme, modern design choice. This means that the material not only runs horizontal and sits on top of your counter, island or cabinets, but it continues all the way down the sides and to the floor. ‘And if the bar countertop is table height, the overhang should be greater to allow knee room for people seated on chairs.A true waterfall counter or island is defined as continuing your materials with a vertical edge. ‘This isn’t something to compromise on as it will make it uncomfortable to sit at the bar otherwise,’ says Lucy Searle. The overhang of a bar counter should be from around 12 to 15in (30 to 38cm) to allow space for sitters’ knees in front of barstools. ‘Think, too, about how you want to integrate color and texture into your kitchen with the bar countertop, and whether you want your design to stand out or seamlessly blend in.’ How far should a counter bar overhang? ‘It’s important to pick a material that can make a style statement whilst still being able to withstand the demands of a busy kitchen,’ says Lucy Searle, global editor in chief of Homes & Gardens. There are many materials you can use for a bar countertop from beautiful, natural materials such as stone or wood, to those crafted from concrete or with tile. Whilst this is part of the beauty of opting for a 100% real stone surface, it's important to ensure you're happy with the exact piece of stone your bar countertop will be made out of,' says Hege Lundh. 'One of the key considerations to take into account when choosing a real stone surface for your home bar is that each piece is unique and therefore can vary in its appearance. However, take care maintaining an authentic marble countertop to prevent staining from spills and citrus fruits. ‘Carrara marble, with its subtle grey veining, is always timeless.’ For a home bar, it is great for making a statement, especially when paired with wood cabinetry. ‘It’s one of our favorite bar countertop options,’ says Claire Birkbeck, kitchen designer at Neptune. Hege Lundh, Marketing Director at Lundh's Real Stone adds, 'Your choice of countertop will have a direct impact on the overall look of your home bar it will frame the space and be one of the most used parts of the room, so it’s vital to make the right decisions.'īeautiful to look at and cool to touch, marble is highly desirable.

'Also containing pigments and polymers, quartz surfaces are more durable than most natural stone, and impervious to stains and scratches, resistant to heat and easy to maintain,' Melissa Klink, head of design at Harvey Jones. You can find finishes that replicate the look of granite, marble and concretes, so the drawbacks are minimal.

One of the most popular choices of bar countertops, quartz is a non-porous, low-maintenance and long-lasting surface. It is tempting to focus on the area's finished look, but the functionality, durability and ease of cleaning of the bar countertop you choose is a priority, too, because longevity must be a top consideration for anyone remodelling. Choosing bar countertop ideas carefully is a vital part of the home bar design process.
