How A Breakfast Bar Can Look Luxe Even In The Smallest Kitchens

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Having a breakfast bar in your kitchen gives your family a practical space for grabbing a quick bite to eat. Yet the true value of a breakfast bar is far more than that. They carve out moments of connection. Whether it's an early morning catch-up over a bowl of cereal, a pep talk for a difficult day ahead, or a quiet breath to gather your thoughts, a breakfast bar provides the setting. While it needs to be a functional space that adds value to your kitchen, with some clever choices, you can upgrade it to be an oasis of luxury that soothes the soul.

If you're still toying with the idea of creating one in your small kitchen, browse breakfast nook ideas that will take your kitchen to the next level. Playing with curved edges and semi-circular tops can be ideal for fitting a nook into compact spaces and delivering extraordinary visual appeal. An open space below a window calls for a narrow countertop and a couple of Roundhill Furniture Lotusville Vintage Leather Stools as an easy nook solution, while natural light streaming in adds a sense of luxurious warmth and well-being. 

If your existing breakfast bar is looking dated and sad, it's time to upgrade it to an understated, lush space that feels welcoming and refreshing. You'll be pleasantly surprised at the difference you can make by paying attention to the details and switching out some key elements, while still staying true to the feel of your kitchen.

There are three basic elements to consider when designing a breakfast nook: The countertop, lighting, and seating. For an instantly luxurious surface, natural stone such as granite or quartz is a great choice as it lays a sophisticated foundation that you can build the rest of your design around. If you prefer a warm, relaxing tone, opt for natural wooden countertops made from hardwoods such as oak or walnut. For a budget-friendly option, you can always achieve a high-end kitchen with laminate countertops.  

When it comes to lighting the breakfast area, a simple, functional fitting can cheapen the look at the flick of the switch. Even though you're working in a small space, a fitting that gleams, sparkles, or glows with a metallic sheen effortlessly increases the luxe factor. Hang a pendant light such as the Keluoly Modern Crystal Luxury Water Ripple Glass Chandelier and put it on a dimmer switch that allows you to adjust the brightness according to the time of day.

Choose stools that are comfy and practical, but bring in the luxury through textured textiles, fine leather, high-quality metals, or wood. Flawless finishes are sure signs of well-made furniture that should last for years and are worth investing in. Test different types of chairs to find the ones that will fit in your space. Make sure they are evenly balanced, secure, and don't wobble when you sit on them, as this adds to the sense of subtle luxury.

Creating luxury in a small kitchen isn't impossible; it just takes a different way of thinking. If you don't have space for the storage hack that makes your breakfast nook even more functional, or the right layout to include an appliance garage, invest in items that are beautiful enough to live on display. Ditch the hand-me-down fruit bowl and use a glass bowl instead. Decant everything that can't go into a cupboard into stylish stoneware or glass containers, and you'll be well on your way to a luxury nook.

This thought process applies to your appliances as well, so treasure hunt for those that marry practicality with aesthetics. Shop for a kettle that enhances the decor, such as the pure art of the Hazel Quinn Retro X Eduardo Recife Collaboration Electric Kettle, or the classic elegance of the Pugot Gooseneck Electrical Kettle. Retire the old toaster and invest in one that matches the look and feel of the breakfast bar you've created.

As space is limited, there is little room for purely decorative items, so when you do include them, make sure they are gorgeous. Pick the exquisite vase that makes your heart sing and fill it with fresh-cut flowers. Reflective surfaces that play with light all add to the elegance, so incorporate items made from glass or those with mirrored, metallic surfaces. Play with combinations of textures and colors until you can step back and what you see puts a smile on your face!