Bar counter on the balcony

Placing a bar on the balcony has ceased to be something extravagant and rare. But it is also impossible to say that such an interior solution is outdated. There are at least several reasons for arranging a balcony bar, and they may be enough to seriously ignite this idea.

It is fair to start considering this topic by listing all the pros and cons of such a transformation of the balcony space. If the apartment already has a bar counter, there is no need to duplicate the theme, but in the case of an empty balcony with beautiful panoramic glazing, the idea is of particular interest. It is worth clarifying what exactly is meant by the concept of "bar counter".

If this is a structure instead of a balcony block, the meaning is the same, but if it is a tabletop fixed by the glazing on the balcony, on the back side of the facade, it is completely different. And both options are acceptable.

Pros of organizing a rack:

• the possibility of combining the kitchen and the balcony at the expense of the countertop (space saving is a definite plus);
• assignment to the design of the functions of the table (if the kitchen is not the largest, this is convenient);
• additional functions that the rack can perform (mini-bar, for example);
• not the most expensive way to transform the kitchen space.

The disadvantages are rather arbitrary. Repair is a dusty process, costly in terms of time and effort, and money, although not the greatest, is still needed. In addition, a classic bar counter at the intersection of a room and a small balcony can look somewhat cumbersome.

First of all, the owners think over the design project. It helps to organize the space as competently as possible, taking into account all its disadvantages and advantages, functionality and comfort. What options are there:

• a rack instead of the balcony block itself;
• in place of the window sill;
• in an empty space on the territory of a closed / open balcony;
• on the balcony wall.

If the loggia is insulated, and the owners make a combined room in order to increase the footage, then the rack is most often placed in place of the balcony block. This usually happens in the kitchen, but there may be an option in the living room. In this case the rack is designed for a minibar, for example.

There are many options for the materials used, most preferred is wood. Solid wood is an environmentally friendly product that does not negatively affect human health. If you properly care for such a rack, it will not remain stains and other deformations. Other materials:

• Chipboard - an alternative to wood, a material with a lower cost;
• metal - not suitable for all interior styles, but hi-tech, techno, loft will completely "agree" with this decision;
• acrylic - the material is good because it is very malleable to changes, it can take any shape;
• stone (natural, artificial) looks majestic, bright, stylish, but such a design costs a lot;
• glass is a spectacular appearance, but there are some risks in operation (in particular, if there are small children at home).

By the way, projects of a double-sided bar can be interesting. This is the case when the structure goes around the rest of the balcony block on both sides. And, for example, from the side of the room, the rack can be made of chipboard, and from the side of the balcony - from another material. Or the color scheme may vary.

The set should include chairs. In this sense, the main thing is to keep the style. Bright transparent chairs in the style of a pop-art rack made in Art Deco will not work. Or modest typical bar stools with leatherette upholstery will break the aesthetics of the boho style you create in the room.

The bar itself is just practical. Even if it fits perfectly into the interior, like furniture, it can look out of place without additional decor. That's why from the rack and often make a mini-bar with various carousels, rails, designs for glasses and shakers, etc.

Sometimes bar counters are decorated with slate boards, on which, like in cafes and restaurants, menus are written (or even drawn). You can decorate the rack with plants, and the more exotic they are, the more interesting the composition will be. If the counter is located directly on the balcony, and the tabletop takes up virtually the entire length of the balcony space, leave some room there for the wine cabinet.

The bar counter on the balcony is quite capable of being a multifunctional thing. If the width of the tabletop allows, then at the right time it can turn into a working console on which you can put your computer and work a little behind it. In the evenings, you can put romantic candlesticks on the counter, beautifully serve the tabletop and arrange dinners "for two".

The role of a buffet table can also be played well by a counter in a room combined with a balcony / loggia: if it is planned that guests will not sit at the table, but some kind of gastronomic inclusion is necessary, the counter will be very useful.

And for the sake of clarity, we will give the most successful examples of arranging a bar counter on the balcony - how it can be, and how it looks from the point of view of inclusion in the interior as a whole. So, 15 examples for inspiration.

• The photo shows what is commonly called "modern interior". The perfection of lines, materials, as well as the organization of space in its purest form. If an equally impressive view opens up behind the glass of your balcony, you definitely will not go wrong with the arrangement of the bar counter.

• Combined space with a rebuilt balcony block. This counter can be safely called a dining table, because the owners assigned this function to it - and it turned out great.

• The balcony is narrow but bright and cheerful. And the wooden counter is not just appropriate here, it fits perfectly into the interior and made the narrow balcony space functional. This is a great way to start your morning with coffee and contemplation of the panorama of your hometown.

• The owners organized a mini-bar on the loggia. A very nice solution for a very modest footage.

• A balcony with panoramic windows is stylish and modern... And if a bar counter still appeared on it, this is just a 5-plus solution. An example shows how you can love every inch of your home, and how you can be inspired by it every day.

• The owners of the open balcony shouldn't despair either. There are very simple ideas that can bring more joy to your life. Where can you while away summer evenings from the comfort of your home now? Certainly not on the couch.

• A non-standard balcony can sometimes be a success, you just don't appreciate it right away. The owners of this balcony found the opportunity to perfectly organize the corner area.

• Very cozy, light Scandinavian balcony. The solution with a bar counter is simple in execution, but it is this simplicity that does not violate the lightness of the interior. All pieces of furniture are in harmony with each other, decoration and the mood of the room.

• The balcony block was removed, and a laconic bar counter appeared in its place. This is a good breakfast spot and a very good unifying point in the combined space.

• Such examples always show a person's ability to make a very functional, beautiful space out of a modest footage., where there is a place for everything really important for everyday life. Moreover, the elegance of the solution seduces - the rack is very original.

• Balconies are different, as well as the possibilities of their transformation... If you are close to the Swedish philosophy of "lagom", then you will appreciate this example of beautiful in its simplicity and brevity of solutions.

• Wonderful panoramic windows, solid premises and a very discreet design with a bar counter... Nothing superfluous, everything is in the subject, in tune with each other, this is the beauty of such a design.

• If you do not want to make a countertop for the entire length of the balcony, refer to similar solutions... But it is advisable to purchase a worktop from an array, such solidity cannot be repeated by other material.

• Stand for one - and this option will come in handy for someone. A solo stand is a great solution to the problem of one small wall, which becomes functional with such a solution.

• This option is very convenient for large apartments. The stand transforms into a work table, and everything is fluid and elegant. In this case, the structure is located on the territory of the living room.

For information on how to make a bar counter from pallets with your own hands, see the next video.