Elegant bar stools until recently weren’t a thing for an ordinary apartment. Now, when bar counters, kitchen islands and bar tables are in great demand, these bar stools have begun to conquer apartments and houses. The range of such chairs is huge: wooden and plastic, with and without a backrest, folding, adjustable, in different colors and styles – without preparation you can lose your head to choose one for your needs. Going to the store to buy bar stools for the kitchen requires a certain amount of expertise, and our selection tips will help you find a high-quality and most suitable piece of furniture. Questions such as: How to buy bar stools for the kitchen and not make a mistake? What height and what material should you choose the chairs from? We will deal with all the issues.
Tip 1: Estimate the height and size of bar stools for your counters
They say that at first, almost every person experiences some discomfort while sitting on a bar stool – which is true! Such sensations disappear very quickly, if, of course, the chair is chosen correctly. Even a child understands that a bar stool is different in height from a regular one. But how to calculate the correct height? Let’s see!
- The height of the selected counter or kitchen island is taken as a basis. From this parameter just estimate that the height of your ideal bar stool should be 30 cm less than that of your counter or table.
- The size of the seats of bar stools comes next, as is correct, is initially smaller (from 35 cm) than in the dining chairs we are accustomed to. If the counter will be used for quick snacks, then the size of the seat will not cause any particular discomfort.
- Tip: If you plan to use the counter for full lunches and dinners, it is better to look for bar stools with the widest possible seats, about 42 cm or more.
Tip 2: Consider different types of bar stools
Bar stools have long left the category of “sitting on a high leg”. It’s easy to find models on sale that are more similar to chairs, equipped with a back and armrests. They may be incredibly convenient, but sometimes there is no need for them. To satisfy various needs, manufacturers began to produce bar stools of various styles and types. They can be divided into the following types:
- Stools without a back take up minimal space, they can be pushed under the counter – a great option when there is little space in the kitchen.
- Chair with a high back is as comfortable as a regular dining chair. Such models are worth choosing if the stand is used for full meals or even for working with a laptop – best option!
- Chair with a lumbar back of small height is a cross between the two previous options. Sitting is already more comfortable than just sitting on a stool, since the back receives a little support, but still not so comfortable that you can work for several hours – depends on your need.
- Half-chair with back and armrests – this is maximum comfort. You can watch TV in this! Such products are distinguished by a soft back with a height of 30 cm, armrests and a soft seat. They cost more than their analogues and take up a little more space.
Tip 3: Design features of bar stools
By and large, a bar stool is a very simple design – to be brutally honest! There are not so many constituent elements: support, footrest, seat, sometimes back and armrests. Apparent simplicity often becomes the cause of mistakes when choosing. To buy the right bar stool nz for the kitchen, you will have to spend a couple of minutes and understand the possible design nuances. Let’s have a look:
Support of the bar stool
The best option is a chair with four legs. It will be as stable, reliable and comfortable as possible. The remaining options lose to one degree or another.
- A chair on one leg is considered a classic. If you like this option, then choose a model with a very wide foot for your comfort. The larger its diameter, the better. Only in this case can we talk about sustainability – yup!
- Chairs with three legs are rarely stable – just imagine a donkey with three legs! Therefore, please consider testing the chair in a store. If there is the slightest hesitation, do not take it. You’ll thank us!
- There are chairs on two legs. Two rigid supports extend from the seat, which bend and ultimately rest on a round base. It looks interesting with respect to style but not stability.
- Custom design looks very creative. Legs can be openwork, broken and more. In pursuit of a unique design or appearance, do not forget that the chair must still be stable, and nothing should interfere with your legs when sitting.
Tip 4: Bar stool material is of utmost importance!
What are bar stools made from? Each material is interesting in its own way. And when we say that the material is of utmost importance – bring a notepad and write it at the top!
- Wooden bar stools are strong and durable. These boast a decent appearance, and fit into many interiors (primarily classic, Provence, Scandinavian style, country). The wood can have a natural shade, or be painted white or black.
- Metal bar stools made of chrome or brushed steel, forgings boast high strength, reliability and durability. Chromed products will fit into modern interiors, forged ones – into more conservative ones. The only downside is the heavy weight – which you can live with, right?
- Bar stools made of plastic and acrylic are the most budget-friendly option, although some products can look very cool. Designers love to create unusual chairs from this plastic material. For small apartments, we recommend models made of transparent or translucent plastic. It looks weightless and elegant!’
Tip 5: Bar stool and interior style go hand in hand
Keep in mind that the bar stool must be skillfully integrated into the interior of the room. It should correspond to the general mood,style and the chosen color scheme:
- The high-tech and minimalistic style will fit bar stools with chrome parts, as well as products made of plastic and polycarbonate.
- To achieve a classic style, wooden bar stools in natural shades are recommended.
- For countryside, choose wooden chairs in a natural shade. The upholstery can be large checkered or striped as you like it.
- For a modern look– everything should be bright and bold, so you can take chairs of a contrasting shade and unusual shape.
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Conclusion:
Bar stools from restaurants, cafes, and bars have long evolved to ordinary apartments. They are used both to give the interior a certain mood and as an element of space zoning. The bar counter perfectly separates the kitchen area from the living room. In small kitchens it is even used instead of a dining table. Following bar chairs, their integral companions – bar stools – entered apartments. By the way, they are also actively used withkitchen islands.
