As a great accessory to the right kitchen counter, a bar stool can add a touch of liveliness by complementing your home’s unique identity. Ideally, furniture of the right type speaks much louder than what you do about your overall lifestyle. For instance, you can set one in front of your kitchen counter for casual meals such as quick breakfast before work or light refreshments.
However, it is important to mention that picking the right pieces for your kitchen counter play a big role. Bar stools have been around us for decades now and the procedure of choosing the right piece has changed rapidly given that they come in different designs, styles, sizes, finishes, prices and colors. The following are some of the things you need to look for in a bar stool if you want make the right choice regardless of your kitchen’s décor.
1. Consider the stool’s height
Height is one of the most crucial considerations that play an important role in ensuring that the bar stool you pick best suits your sitting comfort. For example, picking a bar stool that’s too short means that your arms will not rest on the kitchen’s counter comfortably. On the other hand, if it is too high, your legs will not fit comfortably under the counter. It is recommended that you select a bar stool whose height is 10 to 12 inches below the kitchen counter.
2. Arms or Armless, Back or Backless?
Choosing a bar stool which has arms or is armless, with a back or backless depends on how frequently you are going to use your bar stool. For instance, if you intend to use the bar stools frequently or for long periods of time dining on the kitchen counter, then you should typically select the one with arms and backs to enhance comfort and decrease stress on your back and shoulders.
3. Material and finish
Different bar stools are made from different materials most of which are either wood or metallic. For instance, wood bar stools are offered in a few stains or painted colors but you should look for the ones with chip-resistant finishes. Metal bar stools on the other hand are also available in dozens of finishes. However, you should choose a stool that’s powder-coated and baked on finish to enhance the stool’s durability and resistance to cleaning products. It is important to note that the material that make up your kitchen’s counter bar stools greatly impact on the quality and price of the stool.
4. Style and design
Just like any other home accessory, stools have numerous features which you should put into account. In this case, some bar stools swivel while other are static. While choosing the right stool for your kitchen, you will realize that such stools come in different styles and designs depending on aspects like the number of legs and also some stools have relatively large center and wide base. Also, consider stools with footrests to increase your sitting comfort if you plan on using the stools for relatively longer durations.
Check if you need added cushions or paddings in the stool. If you are buying bar stools for ornamental aspects in your kitchen, you may pay more concentration to style and design than the functionality.
