Kitchens these days double up as hubs for impromptu shindigs and family gatherings. So, the seating around your center island or your bar counter need not be purely utilitarian.
Instead, modern homes can use an eclectic mix of colors, shapes and sizes to create a vibrant setting in the kitchen, with the seating being the focal point. Think cool bar stools that bend the rules. Ones that are stylish, funny, futuristic, a tad quirky maybe. But easy to whiz in and out of.
If you are still using those old, frumpy bar stools, then now’s the time to swap them. And here are some tips to help you with the selection.
How many bar stools can fit in my space?
Ensure that there’s at least a foot of space between two stools. If the counter can accommodate only three, then so be it. At least the stools will serve the purpose that they were intended for in the first place.
There’s nothing more ungainly than a row of closely crammed bar stools in a small space. Not only will your guests be jostling for elbow room, but the functionality of the stool will also be severely limited. If you intend to use the island for food prep, you’ll thank yourself for being generous with the available space.
Low back or backless stools are perfect if the seating will mainly be used for entertaining guests. If opting for seats with a high back, ensure that the top of the backrest is not more than four inches above the countertop.
What's the right height for bar stools?
The term ‘bar stool’ these days is used to generalize just about all types of kitchen seating options. So, it’s important that you measure the kitchen island or the bar to narrow down on a stool that’s the right height for it.
- Counter stools are 24 to 26 inches tall and are meant to be paired with standard-sized kitchen counters that are 36 inches tall.
- Bar stools are 30 inches tall and are normally paired with 42-inch-high bar counters or pub tables.
- Spectator stools or stadium stools are 36 inches tall and are paired with 48-inch high counters or islands.
Then there are height-adjustable stools that can be moved around home and paired with multiple surfaces.
What are the different designs of cool bar stools?
The best part about cool bar stools is that there are no rules. From leggy stools, that resemble women’s legs to motorbike stools for man caves, there are tons of creative eye-catching options.
How to style with cool bar stools?
- If you have a rustic kitchen, industrial-styled stools with metal and distressed wood construction are a great choice.
- You can opt for chrome finish for modern or contemporary kitchens.
- A normal backless stool with the seat shaped like a bottle top, for example, looks amazing.
- If you prefer something more conventional, like solid wood, then you can design the stools like individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. When not in use, these can interlink with each other to form a single bench styled seating surface.
- While picking cushions or upholstery, look for removable ones that can easily be washed. Leather, might be pricier than the rest. But blends with almost any type of décor.
Emily HiltonInterior Design Expert