Is 48" too high for a bar/counter?

11 years ago

I'm wanting to open up part of a wall between my kitchen and living area to let in some much needed natural light. My problem is, if I go with a 42" height, my (electric) stove back will stick up over the counter. I could hide it with décor but am a little worried about what it will actually look like. Or I could stop short of actually going behind the stove. If I go with the 48" height to hide it will it look too high. But the opening will be wider, which would be nice. I will only be opening the top part as I will leave the bottom cabinets and new granite top.

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

11 years ago

with out a photo, i'm thinking you have a wall that you can partly open, and if you stop the stove will still be on the wall, and if you keep going the stove will stick up, but if you keep going at an inconvenient height the stove will not stick up but the whole counter will be sort of... high.

i've seen dilemma photos of people having ordered the Wrong Stove and its sticking its silly little back up. they arent pleasant. i'd stop the cut back before the stove and have it at a useful height to sit at work work at or whatever.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

smit2380
11 years ago
48 inches is really high. You would not be able to easily find bar stools for that height. It would be inconvenient as a pass through too. For example. I am just a little over 5 feet tall. That would put the bar at almost shoulder height for me.

Could you trade out your stove for a slide in so it does not stick up?
Related Professionals
Annapolis Interior Designers & Decorators · Lynchburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Lawrence Interior Designers & Decorators · Detroit Interior Designers & Decorators · Newark Interior Designers & Decorators · Orange County Interior Designers & Decorators · San Diego Interior Designers & Decorators · Mesquite Interior Designers & Decorators · Houston Architects & Building Designers · Chillicothe Architects & Building Designers · Aberdeen Architects & Building Designers · Madison Architects & Building Designers · Marinette Architects & Building Designers · Texarkana Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Aberdeen Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
nancyoma
Original Author
11 years ago
@nnigrt, I am definitely leaning towards stopping at the stove. @smit2380, it would have a narrow top and not actually be used for anything. Other than letting light through to the kitchen. I will probably go with stopping the opening at the stove and having it 42" high. I remeasured and that would give me 4 1/2'. And allow all of the living room window light in. Thanks for weighing in! :)
User
11 years ago
Do the standard 40 1/2" wall height with the 1 1/2" counter on top, and get a slide in range. That doesn't solve your need for ventilation though. What is your plan for a hood?
Judy Mishkin
11 years ago
if you are using it as "an interior open window" you might like it fill it with pretty glass... i think it looks better than an odd opening.

find the glass, and then cut the hole to match...
User
11 years ago
This is a lot more complicated and expensive to do corretly than you think. You will need a new range and hood to start. But the first thing you need is a professional's assessment as to whether the wall is load bearing.
steven filanowicz
6 years ago
i am in the middle of this exact renovation. The frame just got finished and i started thinking oh man is this going to work out. I think it will, at least my wife is six foot so she'll be fine but I had some moments of doubt. Only difference is my stove is going into a newly built island not taking over the space where we took the wall down. The wall is already down and its amazing having that open space now. it has been hard to find bar stools, but we just bought a cheap pair on amazon that goes up to 33 inch high we are going to try out. I did the test by stacking stuff on a chair up to the frame and 33 to 35 inches seems like the sweet spot of what the bar would need.
Nancy Says
6 years ago
Update- I opened it up to top of stove back. No barstools or counter as it would be too high for us. Just "window" framed. Opening it up let in so much light. Plus I can now visit with those in living room while I am cooking. Another plus I hadn't realized I would get is seeing our gorgeous treed acreage out our large living room window. Also, we have "double w" trusses so no load bearing walls. 😉 I am so happy I did it!!