Such an element of decor, like a bar counter, came toto us from the West European countries and America and represents, in fact, another kind of working space (working surface or kitchen table). Especially in small-sized apartments, they usually prefer to put a bar counter instead of a dining table. In addition, for many, this piece of furniture is associated with luxury and prosperity, so it certainly tries to squeeze even into tiny spaces. About how comfortable and stylish it is in the material Woman's Day.Photo:Getty ImagesMany interior designers advise combining the kitchen and dining area, but on condition, of course, that the room allows this without damaging the other rooms. And in order for the combined space to be not only stylish, but also comfortable and functional, experts advise not to forget about the main zones, which are very conveniently separated from each other by a bar counter. However, before choosing such a system, think about the fact that the entire interior of the kitchen-dining room is not built around this element, on the contrary, the bar counter should harmoniously fit into the overall space and support the main concept of the room. However, before acquiring a bar structure, familiarize yourself with all the pros and cons. The advantages are that this is a multifunctional addition to the living room, which will allow you to divide the room into two independent zones. In addition, it is not necessary to install this structure in the middle of the room, it will fit quite organically in the corner, the main thing is to support it with additional elements so that it does not stand out from the overall style. Another definite plus is that this piece of furniture can replace a bar (very convenient during a friendly get-together, for example) and a dining table, which can easily accommodate a large number of guests. Types of bar counters: * classic, * single-level, * two-level (not suitable for a small and low room), * island counter. Of course, the bar counter also has its disadvantages. For example, such a design is more suitable for young energetic people, while others (including children) will find it quite difficult to climb onto high chairs every time. In a small space, it will not be possible to install a full-fledged counter, so it is unlikely that you will be able to accommodate the whole family behind it. However, for 1-2 people, this solution will be quite comfortable. It should be remembered that the standard height of bar counters is 110-120 cm. But if you want this design to serve as an additional work space, then you should order no higher than 90 cm. As for the width, the minimum size is 30 cm, but a more optimal (and comfortable) width is considered to be 80 cm. And do not forget to complement the bar counter with additional lighting and suitable bar stools.