Whether you have a bar or kitchen counters designed for serving meals, purchasing barstools is likely on your to-do list. After all, you need somewhere to sit while you grab a quick bowl of cereal in the morning or an afternoon snack.
Having a high kitchen counter or bar is convenient for any household. Not every meal needs to be eaten in the formal dining room or at the kitchen table. Sure, sitting in the dining area or kitchen table is ideal when the family is having dinner together. Everyone can share their experiences for the day and enjoy the time they spend bonding.
But when you are eating solo, you just want somewhere you can slide in and out of quickly and easily. A high kitchen counter or bar area is perfect for just this reason. They also come in handy when you’re entertaining guests. You can place snack trays full of appetizers and drinks on the counter for guests as you finish cooking dinner. That way, you can stay engaged with your visitors without interrupting the meal preparation.
For those who have children, it gives them a spot to do their homework. When you’re making dinner, you’re still available to answer questions and help them complete their assignments. Choosing the right seating for these areas is vital to keeping everyone comfortable. Consider all the ways your household will use the space to help you figure out what kind of stool will work best. This article will provide some tips you should keep in mind as you search for the right barstool for your home.
The terms barstool and counter chairs are used interchangeably throughout the furniture industry. Many barstools don’t offer back support, but with their rise in popularity in homes over the past few years, many of them now have backs. The key is to measure the space so that you don’t purchase stools of the wrong height.
The standard kitchen counter height is 36-39 inches, so the stools should range between 24-26 inches high. Bars are typically 42 inches high, so their stools should be between 28-33 inches from the ground. Measure your counter heights to determine which stools you should buy.
What style of barstool are you looking for? Modern stools are sleek and minimalist, which makes them perfect for contemporary homes. A family-friendly cottage barstool works well with a farmhouse design.
The base is another important component of the stool to consider. You can purchase a stool with either a fixed or swivel base. The decision really depends on the needs of your household and their lifestyle. If you have small children, you may want to stick with the fixed base for safety reasons. It’s only a matter of time before they think spinning in the chair is fun, and the risk of injury is too high to take any chances.
But, for elderly family members, a swivel stool can help them get in and out of the counter area easily. Guests will also find the movement convenient as they circulate and engage with one another. You can find a bar stool sale online for fixed and swiveling models.
The material used to construct the stool’s frame is something else you should pay close attention to while on your search. Wood is most commonly used because of its durability and reliability. A good-quality wooden frame will last for years.
Metal is another material that’s often used in homes with industrial designs. Plastic is also a popular material used in barstool frames because it’s lightweight. Choose the best frame for your household. Wood is heavy and may be difficult for the little ones to pull out, so plastic frames may be best for children.
Have you thought about the type of seating you want? There are cushioned wicker and hard surface seats for you to choose from. How the seating is used will determine which you should purchase. Are they being placed at a bar where people will be seated for long stretches of time? If the answer is yes, then cushioned, seating would be the best option to keep everyone comfortable.
When the stools are placed at the kitchen counter, they’ll most likely be used for short spurts of time, so maximum comfort isn’t a big deal. A hard surface or wicker seat will get the job done in this instance.
Upholstery is a great way to express your personality and creativity. You can also inject pops of color to contrast a neutral space and add depth to the design. Bright blue or green seating is striking when placed against a dark backdrop. Yellows and reds also stand out and breathe life into the space.
Animal prints or colorful patterns that play off the other hues in the space are great choices. A zebra print is classic and fun at the same time. Stripes, polka dots, and other fun patterns will keep guests intrigued and helps to break the ice during gatherings.
The upholstery material should also fit your lifestyle. If you want something that requires very little maintenance, is stain resistant, hypoallergenic, and resistant to pet claws, genuine leather is the right choice. If you have your reasons for not wanting genuine leather, faux leather and microfiber are equally durable materials with similar features.
There are a few other features you should look for in a barstool. Models with adjustable heights are ideal for taller or shorter household members and guests. Aesthetically, nailheads and tufting instantly upgrade the piece giving it a more formal appearance.
Textures can also change the appearance of the barstool. Velvet turns it into luxurious seating that works well in glammed-up spaces. Suede is another fabric that gives the stools an upscale look while being durable and stain-resistant.
Don’t compromise your vision when it comes time to decide which design, material, and color to purchase. There’s something out there for every budget, and because stools are usually sold in sets, you’ll find great discounts online.