Buying kitchen stools can be more of a challenge than you might imagine. Not only must they be the correct height for your kitchen counter or island, but they also need to match the style and look of your kitchen.
If your kitchen is part of an open-plan living area, you won’t just need to think about the kitchen itself – the dedicated space where you prepare and cook food – but also the rest of the room and furnishings. In this case, it isn’t only functionality that matters, but style as well.
With this in mind, here are some really useful tips for buying kitchen stools that will not only be practical but also aesthetically pleasing in your home.
How Kitchen Design Affects the Need for Kitchen Stools
Not all kitchens need, or can even accommodate, kitchen stools. Typically, it’s when a counter or island has been incorporated into the kitchen design specifically for snacks and meals that we find the need for stools in what is probably the most functional room of our homes.
For stools to work properly, the counter they are used with must have a surface that extends away from any cupboards below it. This is important because when you sit at a counter, you need enough space for your legs and feet underneath. Additionally, the counter needs to be at the correct height for the stool you are sitting on – and vice versa.
When designing a new kitchen, you must ensure that if you plan to use any of the counters as a dining area, the stools are the correct height – neither too high nor too low – and that there is sufficient leg room under the counter. Fortunately, a wide variety of stool heights are available.
Typically, this isn’t a problem with an island unit, whether it’s in the center of the kitchen or located as an extension on one side. However, when cupboard units are incorporated under the island counter, there’s always the possibility that there won’t be enough legroom.
Imagine sitting right next to floor-based units that are only a few inches set back from the edge of the counter. If you try to cross your legs, you’ll likely begin kicking cupboard doors. You could hurt yourself and damage the fixtures. Most walls of cupboards are not intended to accommodate a row of bar-type stools where people will sit – let alone eat or drink. Therefore, it’s important that the design of your kitchen allows the stools to work where they are intended to.
For this reason, if you want to use kitchen stools to eat at counters or simply to invite family and friends to sit with you while you cook, make sure the countertops are both longer and wider than the units below. If there are cupboards, you’ll definitely need to increase the length and width of the countertops even more. This will not only ensure your kitchen looks better visually but also make it much more comfortable for those sitting at the counter.
Stools That Are Suitable for Use in a Kitchen
While you can certainly use any type of bar stool in a kitchen, you need to consider personal function and your own needs (not forgetting the needs of the rest of the family as well). For instance, it might be fine for a local pub to have stools without backs or arms, but padded seats with backs and arms will make the stool much more comfortable. Another important factor is making sure the stools look good in the kitchen. In short – look good, feel good.
When shopping for kitchen stools, you might be overwhelmed by the variety available. Before making a decision, make sure you know what options are possible. Also, check the prices and availability in your area. In today’s world of internet shopping, you might find your options are much greater than you initially imagined.
As you begin researching kitchen stools, you’ll discover they are made from both wood and metal – and both materials come in various types, adding even more choices. On top of that, finishes for both materials vary widely. For example, if backs and/or seats are upholstered, the material could range from genuine leather or vinyl to textiles or even acrylic materials. Each option has its pros and cons, so it’s wise to explore all of them.
Cleaning and maintenance are crucial considerations and should be at the top of your list. The kitchen is a practical room where we cook, even though we often use it for eating and casual entertaining. This means any furniture (including stools) in the room will endure a lot of wear and tear. It will be exposed to heat, steam, cooking smells, and spills – making it more vulnerable than other furniture in your home.
So, choose your kitchen stools carefully.
