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Kitchens are becoming the heart of the household for many families. Besides cooking, the kitchen is now a place to entertain friends, hang out with the family, dine and work.
As kitchens transition into somewhat of a second living room and dining room, new demands must be met. One of the first is seating. Whether you’re eating, drinking, working or just waiting for water to boil, you’ll want a place to sit down and relax. The best way to introduce some seating? Stools.
Bar stools for the counter or an actual bar (if you have one) are fantastic because you can maximize seating while keeping floor space free. They’re ideal for turning your kitchen into a hangout spot where you can easily serve breakfast to the kids, cocktails to your friends or make video calls while cooking.
What to Know Before Buying Bar Stools
Although bar stools are simple (four legs and a seat) you might be surprised at the variety of options out there. Below are some of the factors you’ll need to consider when picking the right bar stools.
Height: Most stools will be marketed as “bar stools” but they really come in either bar height or counter height. Counter-height stools are usually 24 to 27 inches tall for a counter that’s about 35 to 39 inches tall. True bar stools, on the other hand, measure 28 to 33 inches tall and work best for bars that are 40 to 43 inches tall.
Width: You’ll want 6 to 12 inches of space between each counter stool, so measure your space and check the width of any stools you like before buying.
Weight: The heavier the stool, the better. This will offer more stability and a better overall feel. Heavy bar stools are especially good if you have kids, as they’re less likely to tip over if any tots climb up or move around while seated. Most stools are around 10 to 12 pounds with some weighing closer to 15 pounds.
Style: As with any furniture, you’ll want to consider the style of your kitchen or bar area when picking new stools. Four legs and a seat can take many forms with different materials and designs.
Material: The seat material is very important – and not just for comfort or style. Cloth or leather might be comfortable and attractive, but they’ll stain and wear easier than wood or metal. If you have a messy kitchen or bar area (no judgment), go for something that can be wiped down.
