The dining room is almost redundant now. In many modern homes there are no separate dining rooms and in many traditional homes the dining room is only used on special days, like Christmas Day, when the whole extended family gathers to celebrate.
Most families eat the majority of their meals in the kitchen. As a result many kitchens are being designed with some form of integrated eating area. This may be an extended worktop (breakfast bar) or a separate table.
The breakfast bar may be level with the other kitchen worktops – at about 91 cm to the top surface – or it may be raised or lowered.
Alternatively, there may be a separate table – either a raised bar table at about 105 cm overall height or a standard dining height – about 70 cm overall height. All of these options need different seating solutions.
These are:
• Standard dining chairs (seat height 45 cm) for the dining table.
• Fixed height bar stools – either 65 cm or 80 cm seat height
• Adjustable height bar stools – seat height varying from about 53 to 80 cm.
Adjustable stools
Adjustable stools are very popular because the seat height can be set to suit the worktop height.
Also, they swivel which makes it easy to sit and face the worktop. On the other hand, some parents find that their children swivel endlessly, which can be irritating.
Fixed height stools
Fixed height stools can be a good option as long as the height is correct. We recommend a difference of about 25cm to 30cm (10 to 12 inches) between the top of the seat and the top of the worktop.
So, a stool with a seat height of 65 cm will be suitable for a standard breakfast bar, level with the kitchen worktops, at about 91 cm overall height.
A stool with a seat height of about 80 cm will suit a raised breakfast bar or high bar table (overall height about 105 to 110 cm).
Dining chairs
Obviously standard dining chairs (seat height 45cm) are suitable for standard dining tables (overall height about 70cm).
Other considerations in choosing the correct seating are comfort, co-ordination and style. Will you be sitting for 5 minutes having a quick snack or will you be reading the Sunday papers for two hours?
Do you want the stools to match or contrast with your décor? Do you want stylish furniture, which makes a statement, or just utilitarian furniture?
You can buy inexpensive bar stools and chairs, which do the job in the short term.
Alternatively, you can invest in high quality Italian barstools and chairs, which have real leather upholstery in 6 colours, thickly padded seats, better quality engineering and stylish design and flair. The choice is yours.
Open plan kitchen / dining areas
Open plan kitchen/dining areas are becoming very popular. There are dining chairs, which match the barstools in style and colour.
Also, your kitchen supplier can supply an extra matching worktop that can be fitted onto a table base to create a totally co-ordinated setting – barstools & dining chairs matching and kitchen worktops and dining table top matching. Sublime!
Thanks to Breakfast Bar Stools for this guest post.
Introducing Beth Ainsworth to our Blackburn showroom. Beth brings fresh ideas and plenty of enthusiasm to kitchen design. Off the clock, I’m most likely in the gym.
We’re passionate about tailoring our designs to fit your lifestyle, so whether you want a space to entertain or a family-centric kitchen to spend quality time together, our designers know exactly how to make your dream kitchen a reality.
When you book an appointment, you’ll be introduced to your personal kitchen designer, who will sit down with you in our dedicated meeting space to discuss what you want for your dream kitchen. Then, when you’re happy with the final design, they’ll become your dedicated project manager as they oversee every aspect of the installation, guaranteeing exceptional customer service as we deliver the kitchen of your dreams.
Our Summer Sale is officially ON! ✨
If you’ve been dreaming about a new kitchen, there’s never been a better time to make it happen. From timeless designs to modern family spaces, now is the perfect opportunity to save on the kitchen you’ve always wanted.
Visit our showroom or link in bio to get in touch to find out more.
AS SEEN ON GEORGE CLARKE’S BEAUTIFUL BUILDS: FROM DATED LAYOUT TO DREAM ENTERTAINING SPACE
When Katherine and Andrew purchased their property, they always knew a full renovation would follow.
With both the outdated kitchen and untouched garden requiring significant transformation, the project soon became part of Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Beautiful Builds – it was an opportunity they felt perfectly aligned with their vision for the property.
While searching for a local kitchen specialist, Kitchen Design Centre immediately stood out thanks to its long-standing reputation, glowing customer reviews and welcoming showroom experience.
The brief focused on creating a sleek, contemporary kitchen that would feel open, social and highly functional, while complementing the wider architectural renovation of the home.
The finished design delivers a beautifully balanced space that combines clean lines with luxurious detailing.
One of the standout features is the striking worktop design. The waterfall edge peninsula creates a bold focal point within the room, while the continuation of the material across the side panels introduces a seamless, premium aesthetic.
Functionality was equally important throughout the design process, with carefully considered storage solutions and high-quality appliances helping to simplify everyday living. Among Katherine and Andrew’s favourite additions is the Neff oven, praised for both its versatility and pyrolytic self-cleaning function.
The completed result is a sophisticated contemporary space that completely transforms how the home looks, feels, and functions, perfectly reflecting Katherine and Andrew’s original vision from the moment they moved in.
More details in our bio
SUMMER JUST GOT EVEN BETTER FOR YOUR DREAM KITCHEN!
You don’t have to keep waiting for your dream kitchen. With flexible finance options on kitchens over £20,000, it’s ready when you are. Spread the cost of your kitchen plans and move forward in a way that works for you this summer.
With our exclusive Quooker offer, when you purchase any Quooker Tap and Tank system with a kitchen over £20,000, you’ll receive a FREE Quooker CUBE worth £1,250, plus free installation worth up to £384, and 4 free CO₂ cylinders worth £70. It’s everything you need to enjoy chilled, filtered, sparkling and boiling water straight from your tap.
And when you step into our showrooms, there are even more opportunities waiting for you, including exclusive savings on selected ex-display kitchens and up to 50% off selected stock appliances. Don’t miss this rare chance to secure something special, with design and value combined.
That said, like all great things, these summer offers are only available for a limited time — once they’re gone, they’re gone!
The kitchen isn’t just a place to cook — it’s the heart of the home.
At our Kitchen Design Centre, we believe your kitchen should be the centrepiece of your house, where style meets functionality and every moment matters. From morning coffees to family dinners and everything in between, your kitchen is where life happens.
That’s why we design spaces that bring people together — beautiful, practical, and tailored to you. Whether you’re dreaming of a sleek modern look or a warm, classic feel, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that truly feels like home.
Visit us today and start designing the heart of your home.
Book A Free Design Appointment
