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How to Brighten up a Dark Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the house. It’s where we prepare our morning coffee, make the kid's packed lunches, bake birthday cakes, and host dinner parties for our nearest and dearest. Yet most of us make do with a small, dark kitchen in the back of the house – a design remnant from the days when it was the domain of the servants. "Nowadays, home cooking is becoming more and more popular, and the kitchen has become an important social hub, as well as a highly functional room. Therefore, it's now more important than ever that even the smallest kitchen is welcoming, comfortable and bright." Sky lights, French doors and statement chandeliers can add a lot of much-needed light, but these are not exactly cheap options. A full kitchen renovation can cost anything from £3,000 to £170,000 - as referenced by the Mail Online in November this year - well above most people’s DIY budget. Luckily we’ve come across a few clever tricks which can help perk up small or dark kitchens for the same price as a few takeaways… 1) Add a flash of bright colour Brushed Steel Breakfast Bar Stool Orange If your kitchen is decorated in a neutral palette of grey or beige colours, it may seem darker than it really is. When there is little variation in the hues of your furniture, cabinets, shelving and appliances, your eye is drawn to the shadows and dark corners, making the room feel darker and smaller. A few bold and bright kitchen stools can lift the whole look of the room. All eyes will instantly be drawn to this pop of colour, making everything else seem brighter as a result. Co-ordinate your brights by matching a few different pieces – for instance, a row of orange kitchen stools could match a bold orange teapot and collection of funky orange placemats. This will give your kitchen a professional ‘designed’ look, as well as brightening the room as a whole. 2) Make a feature of fresh produce Vintage Swivel Stool Light Wood Artists have been immortalising fruit bowls for centuries, so there must be some aesthetic value to an attractively displayed bowl of fresh produce! Invest in a beautiful fruit bowl and keep it topped up at all times with a variety of fun and unusual fruits. Pineapples always look great in these displays, as do dragonfruit, starfruit, lychee and mangoes. Or why not try colour blocking with similarly coloured items? Fill a wire bowl with fresh lemons, limes or oranges for a bold (and delicious!) design statement. Or arrange seasonal fruits and vegetables together to make a zesty and eye-catching table-top centrepiece, ensuring the whole kitchen feels fresh and light. 3) Keep walls white Paris Bar Stool Blue Fabric It’s the oldest trick in the book, but that’s because it works! White walls reflect the light and can make even the darkest space feel infinitely brighter. Plus, they go with everything! Paint at least two coats of good quality white paint on the walls so you end up with an opaque and creamy finish. And why not consider carrying on the paint job to update open shelving or cupboards as well? When the morning sun hits the white walls of your kitchen, you’ll feel like you’ve woken up in the sunny Mediterranean! 4) Opt for backlighting LED technology has revolutionised the way we use our lighting, making uplights and backlights more affordable than ever before. Tiny LED bulbs can be fitted across countertops and even inside dark cupboards, bringing a subtle, warm light into those shadowy nooks and crannies. You can even choose from a range of different coloured LED bulbs. Try blue lights for kitchens which are decorated in cool shades of chrome, black or white, or go for yellow-tinged lights in kitchens which follow a warmer or more neutral colour palate. LED bulbs last for years too, so you won’t need to replace your backlights for a while. 5) Channel some flower power Shimmer Translucent Stool Smoked Cut flowers tend to be displayed in prominent places such as the hallway, dining room or bedrooms. But why not create a regular flower display in the kitchen too? Choose light and bright flowers such as hydrangeas, carnations or peonies, and arrange them in a glass vase, making sure to change the water every couple of days. The natural radiance of the flowers will make the room feel airy and fresh, with brightly coloured petals sure to draw attention. Or why not take a practical approach to your kitchen display and keep sprigs of raw parsley or coriander in little glass mason jars? Your herbs will stay fresher for longer, whilst infusing your kitchen with a nicely natural look.
Radiant Orchid: Colour of the Year 2014
Wherever you look, colour is everywhere – nothing and no one escapes it. But did you know there was such a thing as a globally recognised Colour of the Year? Launched annually by worldwide authority on colour, Pantone, it influences everything from furniture, interior design, fashion and textiles, to print, graphics, advertising and digital technology. Whether choosing paint swatches when redecorating, or simply in selecting the font colour on your computer, you’ll no doubt have come across Pantone before. Best known for their ground-breaking ‘Pantone Matching System’, this landmark standardised colour guide helps designers, companies and individuals alike not only recognise and accurately match colours, but explore and communicate them effectively. Gathering a cabinet of colour experts, Pantone leave no stone unturned as they scour the world for inspiration, perusing the different shades and hues used in everything from popular culture and the arts scene, to geographical landscapes and much-loved travel hot-spots. Whilst past colours have included a spectrum of shades from Emerald Green to Blue Iris, 2014 sees the selection of Radiant Orchid as this year’s key colour trend. From Cadbury’s chocolate to Hallmark greetings cards, the purple family – from violet to mauve to lilac - is renowned for inspiring creativity and imagination. Radiant Orchid is no different, a charming shade sure to inspire innovation with its enchanting and alluring aesthetic. Whilst the ‘radiant’ is down to the beautiful sheen and undeniable vivacity it displays, the ‘orchid’ lends an exotic warmth that sets it apart from the rest. Magnificently modern, it exudes a fresh versatility that’s much sought after. With a mystical complexity it contains various undertones which allow it to combine harmoniously with a multitude of other colour variations. Ideal for use in interior design, it can be successfully blended with both warm and cool shades, from reds to yellows to greens. A strong solid colour, its bold beauty will also add a spark to simple, plain or neutral interiors. With a cool confidence and elegant intensity, it’s ideal for revitalising its surroundings without overwhelming them. What’s more, Colour of the Year is not restricted to one field or genre. Whilst popular in furniture design, Radiant Orchid also featured heavily on the catwalks earlier in the year, filtering across the clothing lines of some of the biggest names in fashion. Furthermore, its attractive adaptability means it’s not just limited to any one season, but will flourish all year round. Popular Purple Products Padded Crescent Bar Stool Purple Glam Bar Stool Purple Velvet Lush Brushed Steel Bar Stool Purple In keeping with this current colour trend, we’ve introduced a plethora of perfectly purple products to our ever-expanding range. The Lush Brushed Steel Bar Stool Purple is a fabulous example, upholstered in fashionable faux leather with chic stitched detailing. Radiant Orchid Pinterest Board So, what do you think of 2014’s Colour of the Year? Want to embrace it in your home? Why not check out our Radiant Orchid Pinterest board for plenty of innovative interior inspiration.
New Products: Revival of Four-Legged Stools
Once upon a time, the first stools were built on legs from readily available materials like wood. With the advancements in modern technology however, the market moved toward single stem designs with the addition of the gas lift mechanism and 360 swivel capabilities. Yet recently interior trends have seen a revival of four-legged models, much in demand due to the matchless stability that a box frame delivers. Though made popular by classic, country and rustic styles of décor, there has been an influx of traditionally designed models with a cool contemporary twist. Mustang Bar Stool Antique Slate Many of our bar stools with legs, whilst keeping their timeless and traditional structure, have incorporated upcoming modern materials for a spectrum of striking new styles. As seen in the Hero, Havana and Wenge, each new model brings something fresh to our ever-expanding range of bar stools. With strong welded frames that deliver optimum solidity and robustness, they’re fixed at kitchen worktop height, making them the perfect addition. Hero - with a stylish stackable design With a sleek mirrored chrome frame that’s renowned for its hardwearing and scratch resistant surface, the Hero Stackable Kitchen Stool is a contemporary take on a classic design. Boasting ultra-modern chrome square edging, the elevated backrest promotes an enhanced sense of space, whilst the curvaceously shaped seat cuts a lavish silhouette, wider at the front then tapering to the rear. Padded for comfort, it’s upholstered in a plush faux leather, a characteristically low maintenance material that has an easy, wipe clean surface that makes it ideal for busy kitchen environments. Exceedingly versatile, the Hero will suit a whole host of interiors with the choice of black, cream, green and grey seats. Set on the traditional four-legged frame, dual-purpose bracing bars connect the legs, enhancing stability whilst doubling as a supportive footrest. Completed by protective plus that help minimise damage to floors, the Hero comes ready assembled for ease of use. Hero Green Hero Grey Hero Black Havana - with a comfortable high backrest A traditional structure with a trendy up-to-date design, the Havana is available in an array of classically neutral shades of faux leather: black, cream and grey. Sculpted from a polished chrome frame that’s welded for added strength and durability, it reflects its surrounding environment for a chic minimalistic effect. Whilst the padded seat and ergonomically high backrest ensures a comfortable seating experience, the subtly curved shape of the back delivers a highly fashionable look, whatever angle you look at it. Reinforcing bracing bars join the legs, offering extra solidity whilst simultaneously acting as handy footrests. Great for wherever you choose to use it, the Havana Bar Stool includes protective plugs on the underside of the feet to care for your floors, and is remarkably easy to assemble coming in just two parts. Havana Black Havana Grey Havana Cream Wenge - with a wooden finish metal frame Last but not least the Wenge Bar Stool is designed to impress, crafted from a welded metal frame but with a brand new dark wooden finish. The enduring core strength of the metal makes the elegantly tapering legs possible, such a minimal slimline structure not feasible from mere wood. Yet with a beautiful walnut grain appearance you’re left none the wiser, effortlessly delivering the best of both worlds. Its generously padded seat and high backrest supply premium comfort, upholstered in a plush faux leather in a cornucopia of classic colours: black, brown, cream, white and grey. Like the two previous stools, it includes supportive bracing bars that double as a footrest, plus protective plugs to help reduce the chance of floors from marking. A cut above the rest, Wenge delivers high-end style on top of outstanding substance. Wenge Grey Wenge White Wenge Brown Whatever you’re looking for in a bar stool, the Hero, Havana and Wenge show just how far four-legged models have come, incorporating a variety of state-of-the-art materials for some pioneering new designs. (May 2015 - Please note, the Hero, Havana, and Wenge Stools have now been discontinued, however the Pacino Stool makes a great alternative.)
Does Fashion Influence the Stool and Chair Industry
It's fair to say that the influence of the fashion world on the furniture industry is undeniable. This is exemplified in the fact that the latest styles of clothing and fashionable colours now appear to diffuse straight from the runway and into our homes through furniture such as bar stools and chairs. Many attribute this immediate ripple effect to the growth of the internet and our new accessibility to social media, which offers the opportunity to both instantaneously witness and supply the upcoming trends. In previous years, it was widely accepted that the runway trends and colours would generally take about six years to slowly filter their way into our home decor. More recently this is believed to have reduced to around a two year delay, as designers would tend to plan and produce the items in anticipation of later release within high street or department stores. However, the current advancement of online stores has meant that the time between product design, manufacture and point of sale has been dramatically reduced. Therefore, the current fashion trends now have the opportunity to have an overwhelmingly immediate influence on available furniture items. This is demonstrated when looking at the colour chart above, which summarises the on-trend colours for Spring/Summer 2014. It clearly distinguishes a number of bold colours, most notably a bright orange and purple. Looking at current interior style, as well as the popularity of our new furniture items featured in each of these shades, it appears that the two worlds have indeed collided with substantial impact. Additionally, like clothing fashions, furniture also appears to have a cyclical nature in which previous styles are recycled and updated in a unique way. This can be witnessed in products like our Cosmo Dining Chair, which embodies a funky retro shape, but provides a contemporary edge as it is offered in some on-trend and vibrant shades of green, orange and crisp white. Cosmo Green Cosmo White Cosmo Orange With this in mind, here at Atlantic Shopping we pride ourselves in our ability to supply the very latest trends of bar stools, dining chairs and other furniture. From colour to design, we're in touch with both the newest products embedded in recent fashion as well as more classic designs that epitomise timeless style.
Best of British Furniture
Since the triumph of the London 2012 Olympic Games along with the Royal Wedding and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the theme of ‘Best of British’ has maintained its popularity in a wide range of contexts. Interior design is one example of this, and it's difficult to avoid the vast array of stylish rooms that have employed this look in recent times. From cushions through to dining chairs, an increased amount of designers and high street shops have been incorporating British inspired designs and items into their lines. One of the most beneficial components of this theme is that it can be embraced within a room as much or as little as you like. If you wish to obtain a room that makes a bold statement, the red, white and blue colour scheme famously associated with Britain can be fully employed on walls and throughout all elements of the decor. However, within minimalist or neutral interiors the patriotic concept can easily be achieved through the simple addition of a co-ordinating splash of colour, or a funky accent piece featuring a Union Jack or quintessentially British image. With this in mind, we've decided to embrace this trend and put together our own mood board on how you can incorporate this style into your home. We've utilised a number of our own products, such as the Gloss Coco Bar Stool White, as well as a variety of soft furnishings. What's more, we've created a fabulous Best of British Pinterest board. This features a balanced blend of scene shots, related products, and unique interior ideas that can be used to help inspire anyone looking to add a hint of Blighty to their home. Now we’ve shown you some of our ideas we’d love to know... how would you decorate your British inspired room? Shop All Bar Stools
10 Breakfast Bar & Kitchen Island Designs: Ideas, Layouts & Advice
Originally published 18 May 2012 · Updated 21 October 2026 A breakfast bar or kitchen island can completely change how you use your kitchen. Whether you're looking for somewhere to enjoy a quick breakfast, entertain friends or create additional worktop space, choosing the right layout makes all the difference. From simple rectangular islands to curved counters and space-saving peninsulas, we've explored ten breakfast bar designs to help you find the best fit for your home. Each design offers something different, with its own advantages when it comes to seating, storage, movement and everyday practicality. Before settling on a particular style, it's worth considering the size of your kitchen, how many people you'd like to seat and whether your breakfast bar will also be used for food preparation or dining. Choosing the Right Breakfast Bar Height Before exploring the different layouts, it's important to consider the height of your breakfast bar. Most standard kitchen worktops and islands measure approximately 90cm from the floor, although individual kitchens can vary. A stool with a seat height of around 65–70cm is generally suitable for this type of counter. Raised breakfast bars are often taller, sometimes measuring around 100–110cm. These usually require higher seating, while lowered dining extensions are designed for standard dining chairs instead. Our breakfast bar stools collection includes a variety of designs suited to different kitchen settings. As a general guide, aim for approximately 25–30cm between the stool seat and the underside of the counter, allowing comfortable legroom. Always check the actual measurements of both the worktop and stool before making your choice. How Much Space Do You Need? The amount of space available will influence both the shape of your breakfast bar and the number of stools it can accommodate. As a starting point, allow around 60cm of counter width per person, with additional room where larger stools or armrests are involved. It's also important to leave sufficient clearance behind the seating. Around 90cm can provide a useful starting point for a walkway, but more space may be needed where people will regularly pass behind occupied stools. The exact requirements will depend on your kitchen layout and how the area is used. Consider the worktop overhang too. This provides room for knees and legs beneath the counter, helping to create a more natural seated position. The appropriate depth will depend on the worktop height, construction and support requirements. 10 Breakfast Bar & Kitchen Island Designs From compact kitchens to spacious open-plan interiors, there are plenty of ways to incorporate a breakfast bar. Here's a quick overview of the ten layouts we'll explore. Design Best Suited To Rectangular Simple, versatile kitchen layouts L-Shaped Larger kitchens and open-plan spaces T-Shaped Sociable seating and entertaining Curved Statement kitchens and group seating Circular Conversation-focused seating Peninsula Kitchens without room for a freestanding island Elevated Extension Separating dining from food preparation High Table Flexible and compact dining areas Lowered Extension Dining-height seating and family meals Custom-Made Unusual layouts and individual requirements 1. Rectangular Breakfast Bar The rectangular breakfast bar is one of the most familiar kitchen island designs, and for good reason. Its straightforward shape works with a wide variety of kitchen layouts, offering additional worktop space and a convenient place to sit. Seating can be positioned along one side or at the end of the island, depending on the available space. The clean, straight lines make it particularly easy to coordinate with existing cabinetry, whether you're planning a contemporary kitchen or something more traditional. Advantages Rectangular islands make efficient use of available space and can be adapted to suit both narrow and more generous kitchen layouts. Larger designs can incorporate storage, appliances or a sink, while the simple shape generally makes worktop installation more straightforward. They also offer plenty of styling flexibility. A rectangular island can blend into the surrounding cabinetry or become a focal point through contrasting colours, statement worktops or carefully chosen bar stools. Disadvantages When all the stools are positioned along one side, guests face in the same direction, which can make conversation between seated people less natural. Depending on the design, a long rectangular island may also interrupt movement through the kitchen if there isn't enough space around it. 2. L-Shaped Breakfast Bar An L-shaped island combines two rectangular sections at a right angle, creating an extended work surface with a distinctive layout. It's particularly effective in larger kitchens and open-plan spaces, where the island can help define the cooking area without completely separating it from the rest of the room. Breakfast bar seating is typically arranged along the outer edges, allowing the two sections to serve different purposes. One side might provide additional preparation space, while the other becomes a casual dining area. Advantages The additional worktop area can be particularly useful in busy kitchens, providing room for multiple people to prepare food or work on different tasks. An L-shaped island can also accommodate several stools, making it a practical choice for larger households or those who enjoy entertaining. In open-plan interiors, the shape creates a natural boundary between the kitchen and adjoining living or dining areas. Disadvantages The corner requires careful planning, particularly if seating is positioned along both inner edges. Stools placed too close together can restrict legroom, while the overall footprint may interrupt walkways in smaller kitchens. It's worth planning the seating arrangement and circulation space before committing to the design. 3. T-Shaped Breakfast Bar For a more unusual layout, a T-shaped island combines a main kitchen unit with a perpendicular extension. The projecting section often becomes the breakfast bar, creating a distinct seating area while keeping it connected to the main workspace. This design can be particularly sociable, allowing stools to be positioned on opposite sides of the extension so guests can sit facing one another. Advantages The T-shaped layout creates a clear distinction between food preparation and dining. The central island can accommodate storage and kitchen appliances, while the extension provides a dedicated place for meals, conversation or everyday activities. With seating available on both sides, it's an appealing option for families and those who regularly welcome guests into the kitchen. Disadvantages A T-shaped island generally requires a generous amount of floor space. The projecting section can create additional obstacles when moving around the kitchen, particularly if stools are pulled out on both sides. The design works best where there's sufficient clearance to maintain practical routes between the main cooking areas. 4. Curved Breakfast Bar Curved breakfast bars introduce softer lines to the kitchen, offering an alternative to traditional rectangular islands. The curve might be incorporated into one end of the worktop, run along the seating area or form part of a larger U-shaped design. As well as creating an eye-catching feature, a curved counter can influence how people sit and interact around the breakfast bar. Advantages Seating arranged around the outside of a gentle curve allows guests to turn towards one another more naturally than they might along a completely straight counter. The rounded shape also introduces a distinctive architectural feature, particularly in spacious contemporary kitchens. Curves can be used to soften the appearance of an island and create a pleasing contrast with straight-edged cabinetry. Disadvantages Curved worktops often require specialist fabrication, which can increase the overall cost and limit material choices. Deep or unusually shaped surfaces may also be less convenient for food preparation, particularly where parts of the worktop are difficult to reach. 5. Circular Breakfast Bar A circular breakfast bar makes a distinctive centrepiece, introducing a dining-table feel to the kitchen. Some designs feature a completely round island, while others incorporate a circular extension attached to a conventional worktop. Rounded seating arrangements encourage conversation, making this an appealing option for kitchens where socialising is just as important as cooking. Advantages Circular layouts allow seated guests to face towards one another, creating a more conversational atmosphere. The rounded edges also provide an attractive contrast to the straight lines commonly found throughout a kitchen. A circular extension can be a particularly effective way to introduce an informal dining area without changing the entire island design. Disadvantages A large circular island can occupy a considerable amount of floor space once the surrounding stools and walkways are taken into account. On particularly deep designs, the centre of the worktop may be difficult to reach. Bespoke curved cabinetry and worktops can also be more expensive than standard rectangular alternatives. 6. Peninsula Breakfast Bar A peninsula is similar to a kitchen island but remains connected to a wall or an existing run of cabinetry at one end. This makes it a practical alternative for kitchens that don't have sufficient room for a completely freestanding island. Depending on the layout, stools can be positioned along one or both sides, creating a useful dining area while keeping the worktop connected to the rest of the kitchen. Advantages Peninsulas make effective use of existing kitchen units and can provide additional worktop space without requiring the same circulation area as a freestanding island. They are particularly useful for creating a visual divide between the kitchen and an adjoining dining or living space. The straightforward shape can also make it easier to coordinate materials and finishes with the surrounding cabinetry. Disadvantages Because a peninsula is attached at one end, movement around the kitchen is more restricted than with a freestanding island. The available seating may also be limited by the position of cupboards, appliances and nearby walkways. Choosing stools that fit neatly beneath the counter can help keep the surrounding floor space clear when the seating isn't in use. 7. Elevated Breakfast Bar Extension An elevated breakfast bar features a raised seating surface positioned above the main kitchen worktop. This creates a two-level design, with one area dedicated to food preparation and the other intended for dining or socialising. The change in height can make the breakfast bar a distinctive feature, particularly when contrasting materials or finishes are used. Advantages A raised extension clearly separates the seating area from the main worktop, allowing guests to sit away from the immediate food preparation surface. It can also help conceal some of the activity taking place on the lower counter when viewed from the dining or living area. The additional height creates visual interest and can work particularly well in larger kitchens with generous ceiling heights. Disadvantages Elevated counters require taller stools, so it's important to check the seat height carefully. Higher seating may also be less convenient for some users, particularly young children or people who find climbing onto stools difficult. The raised section can reduce the amount of continuous worktop space available, and its construction may require additional support. 8. High Table Breakfast Bar A high table offers a simple alternative to a built-in breakfast bar. Rather than incorporating seating into the kitchen cabinetry, a freestanding table provides a dedicated place for casual dining, drinks or everyday activities. Available in a variety of shapes, materials and finishes, high tables can complement both contemporary and traditional kitchens without requiring a complete redesign. Advantages A freestanding high table can be an economical and flexible option, particularly for smaller kitchens or rented homes. Many designs have an open underside, allowing stools to be tucked away and helping the room feel less crowded. Depending on its size and construction, a table may also be easier to reposition or take with you when moving home. Disadvantages Unlike a fitted island, a high table generally doesn't provide integrated cupboards, drawers or space for built-in appliances. It may also offer less preparation space than a substantial kitchen unit. Check the table's stability and intended use, particularly if you plan to use it regularly for tasks beyond dining. 9. Lowered Dining Extension A lowered extension brings dining-table height seating directly into the kitchen island design. Instead of using bar stools, the lower surface can accommodate conventional dining chairs, creating a practical alternative for households that prefer seated meals at a standard table height. These extensions are often positioned at one end of the island, although they can also form part of a T-shaped layout. Advantages A lowered extension is ideal for homes without a separate dining room, combining food preparation and dining within one connected area. Standard dining chairs can provide an alternative to elevated stools, particularly for those who prefer a more traditional seating position. It also creates opportunities to coordinate dining chairs and bar stools within the same kitchen, using complementary colours, upholstery and frame finishes. Disadvantages The lower surface reduces the amount of continuous worktop space available and may interrupt the flow of the main preparation area. The change in height also needs to be carefully incorporated into the overall design. If you intend to use adjustable stools rather than dining chairs, check that their minimum seat height is suitable for a standard dining table. 10. Custom-Made Breakfast Bar If none of the traditional layouts quite suits your kitchen, a custom-made breakfast bar offers the opportunity to create something tailored to your space. This might involve combining straight and curved sections, incorporating an unusual seating arrangement or designing around existing architectural features. Bespoke designs can be particularly useful in kitchens with awkward corners, unusual dimensions or specific storage requirements. Advantages A bespoke breakfast bar can be designed around your exact requirements, from the number of seats and available worktop space to the materials, storage and overall appearance. This allows you to make better use of challenging layouts while creating a distinctive feature. You can also combine elements from several different designs, such as a rectangular preparation area with a curved seating extension. Disadvantages Custom-made islands often involve higher design, fabrication and installation costs. Specialist materials and unusual shapes may also increase lead times, particularly where additional structural support is required. Working with an experienced kitchen designer or installer can help ensure the finished layout is practical as well as visually appealing. Choosing Bar Stools for Your Breakfast Bar Once you've settled on a breakfast bar design, the next step is choosing seating that complements both the counter and the surrounding kitchen. Start with the seat height, making sure there's sufficient room between the stool and the underside of the worktop. Then consider the amount of space available for each stool, particularly if you're planning to seat several people along one side. Backless stools can be a practical choice for compact kitchens, as their low profiles often allow them to tuck neatly beneath the counter. Designs with backrests and arms create a more substantial seating arrangement, while gas lift bar stools offer adjustable height for counters within their specified range. Materials and finishes also play an important role. Wooden frames can complement natural worktops and traditional cabinetry, while metal designs suit a wide variety of contemporary interiors. Upholstery colours can either coordinate with the kitchen palette or introduce a contrasting accent. Find the Right Breakfast Bar for Your Home The best breakfast bar design is one that works with your available space and the way you use your kitchen. A simple rectangular island might provide everything you need, while an L-shaped or T-shaped layout could offer more room for entertaining. For smaller spaces, a peninsula or freestanding high table may be the more practical choice. Whatever layout you choose, taking the time to consider seating, clearances and everyday movement will help create a kitchen that's both attractive and easy to use. Once you've found the right design, explore our range of breakfast bar stools to complete your kitchen.