French Country Counter Stools
Buy the best french country counter stools selected and recommended by interior designers. By Emily Hilton.
For lovers of French country kitchen furniture design, we have a collection of French country bar stools for your viewing pleasure. They are sturdy, gorgeous in design and style, and will accent your kitchen beautifully, especially if you have already added other French country items to the space. See collection for more details in our French country bar stools.
French Country Counter Stools
Buying Guide
Emily Hilton
Interior Design Expert
Emily is a young, talented designer, whose professional interests gravitate towards kitchen and dining spaces. She prides herself on her attention to detail, obsession with functionality, and appreciation for craftsmanship.
Kitchen Islands these days serve as an excuse to cram as many barstools as one can under them. Petite, armless, lab-styled stools often jostle for space under the overhang. The question is, can you sit on these and grab a quick bite? Sure.
But can you work on them for hours at end, prepping for that baked Alaska flambé? Even worse, can six people sit next to each other on these stools comfortably? Most definitely not.
That’s why vintage furniture, like the classic French Country Barstool still finds takers. It brings in a sense of leisure to an otherwise busy setting. The ornate gilded designs lend drama to just about any décor theme. And there is an equal emphasis on comfort.
But with tons of minute nuances to sift through, shopping for these is never easy. Here’s some help.
French Country Barstools are inspired by the classic Louis Chairs. Be it the curved (Louis XV) or rigid (Louis XIV) upholstered seatbacks, the cabriole or S-shaped legs, the motifs, fluting and stunning scrolls. This gives them, a slightly wide footprint which might limit the number of stools that you can set at the counter.
Having said that, a lot of modern day reproductions club the classic French design with contemporary styling. So, it’s completely possible to find a backless and compact French country barstool. There are designs with low backrests, with armrests and with swivel mechanisms as well.
Measure the dimensions of the kitchen island/counter and the space under it. Decide on the number of stools that you would like to place and then narrow down on a design that can be accommodated in that space.
Vintage French Country Barstools were usually handcrafted out of solid wood. Always check the condition of the wood while buying one of these.
- It’s common to find a few minor dents and scratches. But double check for signs of rot.
- Has the frame weakened? Does the chair wobble?
- If it’s upholstered, chances are that it might need a fresh set of clothes.
- If you are buying new furniture, you can find French styled barstools made of other materials, like aluminum, wrought iron, steel and plastic.
- Metal is a lot easier to maintain and clean. And a coat of paint in a distressed finish will give it the look of wood.
- For a contemporary take on the classic design, opt for a chrome finish on the metal frame.
While comfort is subjective, you can pick barstools depending on the people who will be using it and the purpose that it will chiefly be used for.
- If the stool will be placed at a kitchen island and used extensively for cooking prep, it is recommended that you opt for one with a cushioned back and armrests. This will ensure that you don’t get up with a sore back and a painful derriere after a while.
- If it will be placed at the bar counter, then even a backless design will work just fine. In this case, focus on the seat cushion and the swivel mechanism. The plusher it is, the better.
- Footrests on the stool will make it easier for children and elders to hop on to it.