How to Choose the Right Stools for Your Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most frequent and hard-working rooms, therefore, your kitchen design should meet every aspect of your daily life. Effective kitchen design is the process of combining layout, surfaces, furniture and appliances to form a space that’s easy to use and comfortable to cook in. These days, a lot of modern and contemporary kitchen designs include islands that double as breakfast tables or bars.

Once you have decided whether or not you want a kitchen island, it’s time to focus on choosing the kitchen stools. You need to make sure they coordinate well with the overall design and décor while also being functional and comfortable. There are many different types of stools on the market and choosing the right ones can be an overwhelming task. To help you narrow down your choices, here are a few tips that can help.

How to Choose the Right Stools for Your Kitchen

There are many reasons to buy modern seats and chairs for your home, and when it comes to choosing the right stools for your kitchen, there are two main reasons. Counter seating is getting more popular in today’s kitchens; therefore, these stools often get more use than dining chairs. You can find a wide range of kitchen stools and choose the ones that meet your needs and style.

Choose the Right Height

Make sure you take the right measurements before purchasing your kitchen counter stools. You need to measure the height of the counter from the floor to the underside. It can help you determine the proper stool height, so you can avoid the risk of getting disproportionate and uncomfortable stools that are too short or too tall for your kitchen counter. Once you measure your countertop, double-check the measurements of the stool you are looking at, to make sure it matches perfectly well.

Pick Design Carefully

Kitchen counter stools come in a variety of shapes and designs. Whether you want stools with armrests, footrests, a back or adjustable height, you can find whatever meets your needs and complements your space. Simple backless stools are probably the most common design as they can save some space in your kitchen, while kitchen counter stools with arms are a great choice if you sit in them often.

Kitchen counter stools can be heavy, but a swivel function can prevent you or your guests from struggling to scoot back and forth from the counter. It’s very convenient, but not the most suitable option for households with toddlers. Upholstered stools, on the other hand, can increase the comfort of your kitchen space and add a touch of formality to your counter.

Match the Stools with Your Style

One of the most important elements to take into consideration before buying kitchen counter stools is the style. It’s the most fun part, but can be the trickiest at the same time. If your space has a more traditional charm, you can contrast it with modern pieces. A traditional stool will fit perfectly well in a traditional kitchen, but experimenting with styles can create interest and can easily change the feel and look of the entire space.

Always Choose Durability

Your kitchen counter stools must last for a very long time. Choosing a durable stool can help you save money in the long run as you won’t have to buy new stools very often.

Choose High-Quality Materials

Like any other piece of furniture, when it comes to choosing your kitchen counter stools, material matters. The following are some of the most popular choices lately.

Wood

Wood stools are a solid option that can fit almost any style, from traditional to retro to modern and contemporary. If you want to add some extra comfort, you can choose wooden kitchen stools with an upholstered cushion.

Metal

Kitchen counter stools made of metal usually have a sleek appearance and are very well suited for small spaces and kitchens with modern aesthetics.

Rattan and Wicker

Rattan and wicker kitchen counter stools have a casual and timeless look and are lightweight, so you can easily move them around if needed.

Consider Stool Features

Footrest

If your counter doesn’t have a built-in footrest, then it’s a good idea to opt for a stool with a footrest. When sitting on a kitchen stool, most people will not be able to rest their feet on the ground, which can make them feel uneasy, so a footrest is a great option if you want to create a comfortable atmosphere in your kitchen.

Seat Size

For most adults, wider and deeper seats are more comfortable. But it’s important to choose seat size carefully because if your countertop is narrow, fewer wider stools will fit along with that space. Also, if your countertop overhang is shallow, a deep seat may cause knees to bump the underside and if the kitchen stool has a too deep seat, it may cause the stool to extend too far back from the countertop.

Number of Kitchen Counter Stools

Once you’ve chosen your kitchen counter stools, you need to decide how many of them you need. The length of your countertop or home bar can determine the number of stools you will need. To ensure proper kitchen stool placement, make sure there is enough space between each stool, so you won’t be elbowing the person sitting next to you while dining or drinking.