Discover how to design a stylish and functional Breakfast Bar – or entire Breakfast Station – that enhances your kitchen and makes every morning a little bit brighter...
Whether it’s a morning coffee, brunch with family, or evening drinks with friends, a breakfast bar is a very useful space – and done well, it can be a very stylish feature too. Here’s how to create a dedicated space that enhances both functionality and aesthetics...
What is a Breakfast Bar – and how is it different from a Breakfast Station?
A breakfast bar is an extended worktop area with space for seating, ideal for casual dining, meal prep, and socializing.
A breakfast station, on the other hand, is a dedicated storage space – often a freestanding pantry or built-in larder – designed for organizing breakfast essentials like coffee, cereals, and small appliances.
Both options have become kitchen staples in recent years, offering practical solutions for everyday living. Popular styles include:
- Island or worktop extension – A built-in overhang providing seating underneath.
- Custom breakfast station – A designated cupboard or freestanding unit for storing morning must-haves.
- L-shaped breakfast bar – Maximizes seating while optimizing space.
- Split-level breakfast bar – Features worktops at different heights for a dynamic look.
- Peninsula breakfast bar – Extends from kitchen cabinetry into the room, perfect for open-plan spaces.
Why add a Breakfast Bar or Station?
A breakfast bar or station is more than just a trendy feature – it’s a versatile addition that enhances how a kitchen functions. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
- Practicality – Creates a dedicated space for eating, prepping, or organizing breakfast essentials away from busy cooking zones.
- Smart storage – Options like built-in drawers, shelving, or cupboards keep everything neat and within reach.
- Sociable design – Offers a relaxed dining area that takes up less space than a full dining table.
- Versatility – Available in various styles to suit different kitchen layouts and sizes.
- Stylish impact – Can become a standout feature with the right seating, lighting, and finishes.
Breakfast Bar/Stations: Ideas and Inspiration
Here are some ideas and inspiration for creating your ideal breakfast bar/station, including some of our favourites from the Naked Kitchens portfolio…
1) Keep things tidy with a custom breakfast station
A bespoke breakfast station keeps all essentials in one place—think tea and coffee supplies, crockery, cereals, and small appliances.
In the Houghton kitchen, above the beautiful walnut breakfast larder features a coffee machine, cup storage, built-in drawers and integrated door storage – and all neatly hidden away behind elegant Shaker cabinet doors when not in use.
2) Make a useful breakfast nook with an extended island worktop
A simple worktop overhang can provide a handy breakfast spot – ideal for smaller kitchens. In the Hertfordshire Manor kitchen, above, the kitchen island features an overhang at one end with space for two bar stools underneath (the perfect place to chat with friends while preparing and food, as well as somewhere to store your recipe books).
3) Go big with a social hub
In spacious kitchens, a large central island with an integrated breakfast bar can serve as a vibrant gathering space. The Norfolk Vicarage kitchen, above, features a large island with a deep overhang, offering plenty of space for eating and socialising, and creating a lovely focal point.
4) Play with levels for visual interest
A split-level breakfast bar introduces contrast and functionality, offering different worktop heights for varied tasks. In the St Giles kitchen, above, the warm oak of the lower breakfast bar creates a lovely contrast against the deep green panelling.
5) Define different kitchen zones with a peninsula breakfast bar
A peninsula-style breakfast bar – attached to the kitchen wall or cabinets on one side and extending outwards into the room – not only provides seating but also subtly separates kitchen workspaces from dining or living areas.
At Naked Kitchens, we can create bespoke breakfast bars and stations tailored to your space and lifestyle. Get started on creating your dream kitchen.
See also:
Kitchen islands - a guide to different styles and ways to use them
Kitchen peninsulas - Inspiration and ideas for placement and use
Kitchen zones – an alternative to the kitchen work triangle
Unusual kitchen colours – tips, ideas and inspiration
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