a small half wall dividing the open space between a kitchen and a farmhouse dining room

Half Wall between Kitchen and Dining Room: All the Information and Ideas You must Know

Half wall between kitchen and dining room is back in style. That is why, if you are thinking about building a new interior design or just remodeling the old one, it would be helpful for you to know further about this home element just in case that it is the one that you are looking.

11 Half Wall between Kitchen and Dining Room Ideas

If you want to know further about the half wall, particularly the one used between the kitchen and dining room, you are already in the right place. In this post, we will share everything that we know about this home element. Of course, we will also share with you a lot of ideas that we think to be more interesting than the others.

As a starter, it would be very nice to talk further about the definition of half wall itself, so you will know what it is.

1. What Is Half Wall?

Half wall is something quite different from any regular wall in home interior design. If being asked about the definition, we can simply say that it is any wall which height does not reach the ceiling.

When we talk about the height, large variations are available. However, the most common ones are 3 up to 4 feet tall.

Although so, again, we cannot say that those are the standard sizing of a half wall. Everything depends on the location and the purpose or function of the wall itself.

2. What Are the Functions of Half Wall?

There are at least three main functions of the half wall that you must know. The first is as a safety feature. The second is as a privacy feature. The third is as something to define space, which people often consider as a room divider too.

a half wall as a safety rail in a modern hall
a half wall as a safety rail in a modern hall. image © chadbournedoss.com

The function of half wall as a safety feature is visible when its location is on the upper floor near the staircase. In this case, its other purpose is actually as a rail that can protect everyone from accidentally falling from the upper level.

You can see the picture above as an example. It shows a half wall that works as a safety rail in a modern upper hall.

a half wall covering the toilet area in a traditional bathroom
a half wall covering the toilet area in a traditional bathroom. image © georgedavisinc.com

The next function of half wall as a privacy feature in the home interior often appears in a bathroom or in an open bedroom design. The example that we want to show you in the picture above exists in white traditional bathroom design.

As you can see, there is a small half wall between the toilet area and the double-sink bathroom vanity. Something like this may look simple. However, it can give a significant comfort for whoever using the toilet. The most common case often occurs in a shared bathroom, such as a master bedroom that is connected directly to the bedroom area.

a half wall with columns separating the traditional living room and the hallway
a half wall with columns separating the traditional living room and the hallway. image © archerbuchanan.com

The last but not least function of the half wall is to define space. Something like this is often necessary for an open-plan interior. With the half wall, it will be easier for us to know about the primary function of each area in the open floor.

For example, take a look at the picture of a traditional living room above. As you can see, half walls are separating it from the hallway right next to it.

Another impressive detailing that we want you to know from the same pic is that the half walls come with a unique variation in the design. It is none other but the existence of columns that beautifully connect them to the ceiling.

3. The Use of Half Wall in Kitchen and Dining Room Design

a small half wall dividing the open space between a kitchen and a farmhouse dining room
a small half wall dividing the open space between a kitchen and a farmhouse dining room. image © diamondconstructioninc.com

The specific use of half wall between kitchen and dining room is something that also has a relation to the third function that we discussed earlier in the previous subheading. In other words, we can say when a home element like this occurs between the two rooms, it seems likely that the primary function is to define each of the spaces. This way, it becomes clearer about the type of activities we can do in an area and other things to do in the other.

Another noticeable thing you must know is that a design like this occurs mostly in the open kitchen style. It does not matter whether the room connected to the cooking area is only the dining area or also something else like a living.

The best thing about the use of half wall as a space definer between the kitchen and the dining room is that it will not erase the open feel in the entire design. In other words, by using this home element, you do not need to worry that about making the space look smaller or closed.

The last but not least thing that you should not forget is the fact that building a half wall to define the space between the kitchen, and the dining room is that it is quite affordable. In other words, we can say that creating the wall will give you the functions as well as a totally new look in the interior without costing too much cash.

4. Inspirational Ideas You Must Know

Now that we already shared with you about all the information we know, it is time for us to share with you some ideas. Every photo that we are about to share in the following shows something awesome that will possibly inspire you in creating your own design at home.

Free-Standing Walnut Wood Wall in a Small Kitchen and Dining Room

a free-standing style half wall from walnut in a contemporary kitchen and dining area
a free-standing style half wall from walnut in a contemporary kitchen and dining area. image © juliamackdesign.com

Half wall to separate the kitchen and the dining room is available in so many designs and variations right now. The very first example that we want you to take a look at is available in this small interior design.

There are some unique details about this half wall that make us think it is worth sharing with you. The first is the fact that it exists in a free-standing style. It means this half wall is not connected to any nearby walls in the open space.

The second is about the material. It is a walnut veneer that looks coordinating with kitchen cabinetry. It also matches the contemporary interior style really well.

The third is about the fact that this element is not merely a wall. It is also something that covers something else behind it, which seems to be the prep area in the kitchen.

Last but not least is about the fact that the half wall does not make the small kitchen and dining room look cramped. It does not even erase the open feel that makes the place looks spacious.

Kitchen and Dining Room Half Wall with Top

a half wall with top in an eclectic dining room and kitchen
a half wall with top in an eclectic dining room and kitchen. image © 1212architects.com

The next idea is available in this photo of an open style eclectic dining room and kitchen. As you can see, there is a half wall separating both areas.

The detail that is quite different here is the fact that the interior element also comes with a top. A feature like this can make a half wall more functional.

the closer look of the half wall with stone top
the closer look of the half wall with stone top. image © 1212architects.com

If you are curious about the detailed appearance, here is a closer look at the half wall. As you can see, it has a broader stone top on the upper part.

Although it is still quite impossible to use the upper part of this wall as a breakfast bar, you can still use it for something else. For example, you can place a utensils holder or a small decorative indoor plant on it. Besides, you can also use it as a place that will make it easier for you to distribute the foods you cook to the dining area.

A Half Kitchen Wall Connected to a Custom L-Shaped Banquette

a half wall connected to a custom L-shaped banquette in a beach-style open kitchen and dining room
a half wall connected to a custom L-shaped banquette in a beach-style open kitchen and dining room. image © ziebabuilders.com

Here is another interesting design variation of half wall for the kitchen and dining room that we want you to know. Please take a closer look at the photo above.

Here, you can see that the half wall and the custom L-shaped banquette in the dining area are connected to one another, right? A design like this is excellent to choose when you are dealing with space limitations.

By making the seating connected to the half wall, you are maximizing the use of space in the interior. At the same time, you also make it looks like the kitchen and dining room are separated. In other words, you build a sense of space in the interior design.

Half Wall as a Breakfast Bar in Open Kitchen and Dining Room Design

a half wall that also works as a breakfast bar in a traditional open kitchen
a half wall that also works as a breakfast bar in a traditional open kitchen. image © rishermartin.com

If you already have a half wall to separate your open-style kitchen and dining area, you can make it even more functional by adding a top that is way wider than the width of the wall. Doing so will give you a breakfast bar, as you can see in the picture above. Something like this is functional when you need an alternative place in your house to enjoy breakfast.

To create the breakfast bar, of course, it is not enough for you to add top on the upper part of the wall only. You will also need to add some stools, which height is suitable for the height of the half wall.

In the example above, the three stools chosen by the designer looks very attractive. They even have a coordinating color with the kitchen cabinetry.

Half Wall with Built-in Shelf

a half wall with built-in shelf in a small eclectic kitchen design
a half wall with built-in shelf in a small eclectic kitchen design. image © planningpretty.com

To deal with the limitation of space, some people even get creative in designing the half wall that will separate the dining room and the kitchen area. One of the most amazing examples that we found is this one.
As you can see, the half wall becomes a part of the small eclectic kitchen. Instead of being a separator only, it has another function.

Thanks to the unique design with a built-in three-tier shelf. It allows the homeowner to store different kinds of spices for cooking.

A design like this is not only space-friendly. It also gives easy access to all the spices that the homeowner needs in cooking delicious meals every day. In other words, it creates a time-efficient value too.

Half Walls for Creating a Neat Look

half walls on two sides of a traditional kitchen
half walls on two sides of a traditional kitchen. image © maryporzelt.houzz.com

Some half walls are meant for creating a neater look. An example that you can take a look at is available in the photo above.

As you can see, the half walls in this traditional kitchen design decorate both sides instead of one. Something like this can create a neater view if you see it from the dining area because each wall can cover something behind it nicely.

For some people, a neater view is important in the dining area. It is something that can make them enjoy each meal better.

Half Wall with Built-in Shelf for Decorations

an open kitchen and dining room with a large half wall with built-in shelf
an open kitchen and dining room with a large half wall with built-in shelf. image © cgsdb.com

If your open kitchen and dining room is large enough, you can build a larger half wall for defining both spaces. An example that we want to show you here comes with a built-in shelf for placing decorations that can create a more pleasing experience in every mealtime.

With a storage space this big, you can place different items as you like too. Some of the examples are books, dishes, glasses, and many others.

Half Wall with Wood and Concrete Combination

wood and concrete half wall to separate kitchen and dining area
wood and concrete half wall to separate kitchen and dining area. image © cgsdb.com

To create an even more attractive look, you can also combine some different materials for the half wall. For instance, you can use the combination of wood and concrete, as shown in the picture of a contemporary interior above.

The use of wooden material in the design makes it easier for the half wall to blend with other elements in the surroundings. Besides, it adds a classy touch in the design too.

the view behind the wood and concrete half wall
the view behind the wood and concrete half wall. image © cgsdb.com

Here is the view behind the half-wall, just in case you are curious about it. The fact that it is quite tall makes everything behind it not visible from the dining room when you enjoy your meals there.

Kitchen Dining Half Wall with Glass Cabinets and Wine Cellar above It

half wall that comes with glass cabinets and wine cellar as the pairing
half wall that comes with glass cabinets and wine cellar as the pairing. image © sagebuilders.com

The use of half wall in the kitchen dining room often leaves an empty space above it. If you want to maximize the use of space, you can take a look at this photo as a source of inspiration.

As you can see, the wooden half wall here gets a wine cellar and also glass cabinets as the pairing. Details like these are not only beneficial because it gives you extra storage space. It is also excellent in enhancing the decorative value in the room.

Another interesting detail you need to know from this half wall design is the addition of a stone top on the upper part. It makes the wall functional in distributing foods from the kitchen to the dining room effortlessly.

Kitchen Dining Half Wall with Trim

half wall with trim as the detail
half wall with trim as the detail. image © armellasstyleindesign.com

There are so many ways you can do to make the half wall in between your kitchen and dining area looks interesting. One of them is by adding trim at the upper part as done to the half wall in the transitional dining room design above.

The effect that you will get can be various, depending on the type of trim that you choose. In the example above, the white trim creates an elegant visual that matches the interior style as well as the wall paint.

Half Wall with Table Attachment

half wall with table attachment on the side
half wall with table attachment on the side. image © mgerwingarch.com

Here is another design variation that you can use for the half wall. It is none other, but the addition of table attachment that can make the wall more functional.

This design is suitable to use when the half wall you have is too tall to create a table feature on top of it. Besides, it is also excellent to pick when you want to have a rather large table size for the bar or breakfast area.

If you do not want the table to take too much space in your interior, you can choose a folded style instead of the regular one. An item like this is excellent for a rather small place.

5. Closing

From all the information as well as inspirations that we share with you in this post, you finally know that half wall between the kitchen and dining room is a really interesting feature to consider, right? It is something that will not only give you functions but can also enhance the look of the room interior.

Another thing that you should not forget is that adding a half wall in your open kitchen dining area is very recommended. We do love it because it particularly gives a significant impact to the interior design without costing you too much money. In other words, it is an affordable room remodeling that you must try.

Other than the ideas and info that we shared above, do you have any others that might be suitable to add to the list? Share your thought!