The modern kitchen isn’t just an area for prepping meals—it also doubles as a dining area, often making the kitchen island an essential feature. Homeowners planning to add one during their kitchen remodeling project have to choose between a counter-height and bar-height kitchen island.
Which of the two is more functional? Well, the short answer is that it depends on the layout of your kitchen. In this post, we elaborate on each option’s pros and cons.
What’s the Difference?
A bar-height kitchen island is just another term for an elevated kitchen island. A standard counter-height kitchen island is about 36 inches high, while a bar-height kitchen island is six inches higher.
In general, bar-height kitchen islands are better suited to open-plan kitchens. If, however, you have kids or have a multigenerational family in your home, you might want to choose a standard counter-height kitchen island.
More About Bar-Height Kitchen Islands
Homeowners who frequently host friends and family tend to prefer open-plan kitchens, as the open space makes it easier to entertain guests. Open-plan kitchens are perfect for casual get-togethers but not for more formal gatherings. If you want to give your open kitchen a more formal atmosphere, a bar-height kitchen island can serve as a visual divider separating your kitchen from the rest of your home. As an added benefit, a raised countertop can hide clutter or dirty dishes near the kitchen sink.
More About Counter-Height Kitchen Islands
One of the disadvantages of having a bar-height kitchen island is the raised seating, which is roughly 30 inches off the floor. This makes it harder for kids and older adults to be seated comfortably. That’s why a standard counter-height kitchen island is a better choice for large or multigenerational families. To improve your family’s dining experience, you can consult the kitchen remodelers at DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison about your options for ergonomic built-in seating.
Another advantage of a counter-height kitchen island is its clear line of view, which highlights certain kitchen features like a marble or granite kitchen countertop. It’s the same reason why some homeowners install new kitchen countertops when installing counter-height kitchen islands. Granite and marble are the usual choices for countertop materials, but if you want your kitchen to stand out, you can install lave or porcelain countertops.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Madison offers a wide range of professional remodeling services, including bathroom remodeling and kitchen cabinet refacing. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (608) 535-5995 or reach out online! We serve homeowners in Middleton, Maple Bluff and DeForest, as well as all surrounding communities.
