Kitchen Island With a Breakfast Bar

What makes a kitchen island a breakfast bar? A 12- to 16-inch countertop overhang that not only provides ample room for the legs and feet, but also enough room for meals and place settings.
Kitchen Islands: Beautiful, Functional Design Options
See All PhotosWhen a kitchen island with a breakfast bar isn't providing a convenient place to catch up on the news or grab a quick meal, it also multitasks as extra countertop space for prep work or homework.
Breakfast bars may be the same height as the island counter, or raised up several inches to block the view of kitchen clutter, like unsightly dishes in the sink, appliances and more.
Just make sure the breakfast bar—and any breakfast bar seating—doesn't affect traffic patterns or disrupt the flow of the work triangle.
A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 24 inches (or as many as 30 inches, depending on the size of the space) of elbow room per diner.