Tips for Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Barstools
A barstool is an often underappreciated piece of accent furniture, and for many people, it ends up as an afterthought at the end of a renovation project when budgets are tight (if not completely spent). I hope that this will help bring it more to the design process forefront as, in the end, barstools really end up becoming a key feature in many renovated kitchens. There’s a surprising amount to consider when determining what type of stool you’ll need for your revamped kitchen.
Let’s start with the basics:
1. Height
Barstools come in varying heights and I’m often asked how tall the stool should be. The key to making the right choice is the height of the seat. Many islands and peninsula counters are designed to be ‘counter height’, meaning that the stools are designed to sit under a standard kitchen counter height, which clocks in at 36” (or 3’-0”) above your finished floor. The seat height will be in and around 24”-26”. If you have a ‘raised’ bar counter, those can reach up to around 42” above your finished floor. The compatible seat height will be around 28”-32” high.
2. Style
Style is a critical element to choosing the right stool, as it’s also a very important part of the story you’re trying to tell about the room’s style. Is the style of your kitchen traditional, modern, industrial, boho or a bit of a mix? The stool you select should reflect this feel as it does become a focal point and often the place where family and friends will gather. It should also have some contrast to it. Give some thought as to what the cabinetry sitting in front of it will look like. For example, if the door panels of the cabinetry are black, consider a lighter coloured barstool that will pop and add some contrast and texture.
3. Function/flexibility
How are these stools going to be used and who will be sitting in them? Do you have young kids that will often be using them? Perhaps something with a back would make sense to avoid falls. How is the clearance around the stools? If it’s tight quarters, you may consider a swiveling stool so that it’s fairly easy to get on and off the stools without getting in the way. Alternatively, you can choose a stool with no back so that they can be tucked out of the way when not in use. If you’re a big entertainer and it’ll be the main eating center, the comfort of the seat will be a very important detail, so sourcing an upholstered seat might be the way to go.
Here are some stool ideas to get those creative juices flowing, just don’t forget to budget for them:
This is a great, budget-friendly stool that packs a lot of punch. The fabric is rich and sophisticated, and the gold frame is a lovely compliment.
This stool from CB2 is so gorgeous I can’t even stand it. It’s minimal and yet manages to be masculine at the same time. I love a footrest on a stool and I also like that the back isn’t too high, meaning it won’t block out or take away from the view of the kitchen.
You can’t beat the value of this stool. What’s also great about it is that it would fit in with various styles from mid-century mod to industrial, all the way to modern. The warm faux leather upholstery is also easy to wipe down and keep clean, making it perfect for families with kids!
Now, I realize that this is by no means an inexpensive stool, but if you’re going for an easy-breezy boho feel, it’s the perfect choice. The natural material will add so much warmth and softness, too! This stool is so gorgeous! It’s also an outdoor stool, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t also be used indoors. It also means that it’s super durable, which can be a major bonus in any well-used kitchen. That’s also why it’s pricey, but if you have room in your budget, it’s a worthwhile selection (Bungalow Rose ‘Gregg’)!
This is a cute, simple, unobtrusive and budget friendly choice. It would work beautiful with a painted kitchen with a soft colour palette. It’s also available in counter height and bar counter height, making it extremely versatile (Bungalow Rose Ouida stool)!
For more great kitchen barstool ideas that will go a long way in transforming the style of your kitchen, contact the interior design experts at Kitchen Gallery today!