How to buy bar stools for the kitchen and not miscalculate: 7 tips for choosing

Bar counters from restaurants, cafes and bars have long migrated to ordinary apartments. They are also used to give the interior a certain mood, and as an element of zoning space. Bar counter perfectly separates the kitchen area from the living room. In small kitchens, it is even used instead of a dining table. Following the bar counters, their integral companions - bar stools - entered the apartments. By the way, they are also actively used with kitchen islands. The assortment of such chairs is huge: wooden and plastic, with and without a back, folding, adjustable, in different colors and styles - without preparation, you can lose your head. Going to the store to buy bar stools for the kitchen is necessary with a certain amount of knowledge, and our selection tips will help you find a high-quality and most suitable piece of furniture.

No. 1. Height and size of bar stools

They say that at first almost every person experiences some discomfort while sitting on a bar stool. Such sensations disappear very quickly, if, of course, the chair is chosen correctly. Even a child understands that the bar stool is different from the usual height. But how to calculate the correct height?

• The height of the selected rack is taken as the basis or the kitchen island. From this parameter take away 30 cm (allowed to take 25-35 cm). In this case, it will be as comfortable for you to sit as for a regular dining table, back will be straight, elbows - lean on the countertop. Chairs about 75 cm high are suitable for a bar counter with a height of 105 cm. Most models in stores have a height of 74-77 cm.
• For small apartments often choose racks lower, about 85-90 cm. It is easy to calculate that the chairs should have a height of 60 cm. They are called half-bar. For higher racks 110-115 cm, chairs with a height of 80-85 cm are suitable.
• Footboard should be approximately 45 cm below the seat.
• If the growth of family members differs widely, or guests often come to you, it makes sense to take height-adjustable chair. In such models, the seat rises and falls elementarily. In some chairs even the footrest height can be adjusted. This is the most versatile option. And the only way to choose chairs to a rack of non-standard height.

Seat size bar stools, as a rule, are initially smaller (from 35 cm) than in the usual dining chairs for us. If the rack will be used for quick snacks, then the size of the seat will not cause any particular discomfort. If you plan to use the rack for full lunches and dinners, it is better to look after chairs with the widest seats, about 42 cm or more.

Sometimes instead of bar counters, high dining tables are used. They help save space and look stylish.

As for possible number of chairs, then remember that per seated person must have at least 60 cm of the length of the countertop. So if the bar counter has a length of 120-130 cm, then on one side it will be possible to place two chairs. If there are armrests, a little more space may be needed for chairs.

No. 2. Types of bar stools

Bar stools have long left the category of "sitting on a high leg." It’s easy to find models that resemble more armchairsare equipped with a back and armrests. Although they are incredibly comfortable, sometimes they are not needed. To meet different needs, manufacturers began to produce bar stools of different configurations. They can be divided into the following types:

• backless stools occupy a minimum of space, they can be pushed under the rack - a great option when little space in the kitchen. Sitting on them for a long time will be inconvenient precisely because of the lack of a back. They are ideal for short snacks or for a cup of coffee in the morning;
• high back chair in comfort it is not inferior to an ordinary dining chair. Such models are worth choosing if the rack is used for full meals or even for working with a laptop;
• chair with lumbar back small height is a cross between the two previous options. Sitting is more comfortable than just sitting on a stool, as the back receives little support, but still not so comfortable as to work for several hours;
• half chair with backrest and armrests - this is the maximum comfort. In this at least watch TV! Such products feature a soft backrest with a height of 30 cm, armrests and a soft seat. They are more expensive than analogues, take a little more space;
• folding chairs can be with or without a back, their main difference is the presence of a simple folding mechanism. One movement - and the chair is transferred to one plane, occupying a minimum of space. In this position, the products can be stored in pantry or even between the cabinet and the wall. Ideal for small apartments;
• suspended seats on a retractable mechanism. Several seats at a certain height can be fixed under the counter or kitchen island. When necessary, they are put forward. The main thing is to strengthen everything well. Of course, these are not exactly bar stools in the classical sense, but in terms of convenience they are comparable to folding counterparts.

No. 3. Design features of bar stools

By and large, the bar stool is a very simple design. There are not so many constituent elements: support, footrest, seat, sometimes backrest and armrests. Apparent simplicity often causes errors in the selection. To buy the right bar stool for the kitchen, you will have to spend a couple of minutes and figure out the possible nuances of the design.

Support

• The best option is four-legged chair. It will be as stable as possible, reliable and comfortable. Other options lose to one degree or another.
• Chair on one leg considered a classic. In general, it all started with him in distant America. If you like this option, then choose a model with a very wide leg. The larger its diameter, the better. Only in this case can we talk about sustainability.
• Chairs on three legs rarely stable - it all depends on the particular arrangement of the legs. Better to test the chair in the store. At the slightest stagger not to take.
• there is chairs on two legs. Two rigid supports extend from the seat, which bend and ultimately rest on a round base. It looks interesting, but in terms of sustainability, everything is not very good.
• Custom design It looks very interesting. Legs can be openwork, broken and not only. In pursuit of an unusual appearance, do not forget that the chair should still be stable, and nothing should interfere with the legs when sitting.

Height adjuster, which we have already mentioned, is often found in chairs on one leg. It is enough for the seated person to press the lever and adjust the height. In some chairs with three and four legs, the adjustment mechanism is implemented due to the fact that the seat is twisted and gradually rises up. A bit primitive. Like in old Soviet cast-iron chairs. It is better not to twist the seat all the way - you can fall.

Seat

In the classic version, the seat has round shape. A few decades ago, there were no other proposals. Now there are square, oval and rectangular seats, they can be flat or concave. It is necessary to focus on how harmoniously concrete chairs fit into the interior, and also take into account convenience.

The seat can be motionless and rotating. There are more chairs with a stationary seat, they are stable and just right for the home.

Footboard

To sit comfortably at a height of 70-80 cm, a footrest is simply necessary. Do not take bar stools without it. Such samples, although rare, but, alas, are found. The footboard should be strong and steady. For families with children, chairs where the footrest is adjustable are suitable.

Backrest and armrests

The backrest can be of any shape, like the seat. A comfortable height starts from 35 cm. Choose a shape depending on your own feeling of beauty, combination with other pieces of furniture, but do not forget about convenience.

Armrests can be barely noticeable or full. The second option is more convenient, but it will require more space.

Number 4. The material of the bar stools

What Bar Stools Don't Make Of! Each material is interesting in its own way.

• Wooden chairs differ in strength and durability, can boast a decent appearance, fit into many interiors (first of all, classic, Provence, Scandinavian style, country). Wood may have a natural shade, or be painted white or black. Dense varieties show themselves best: oak, ash, beech. But it is an expensive pleasure. A pine chair will cost less, but occasionally you will have to tighten the screws. Sometimes wood is combined with metal. From the latter they make the basis. More budget items come out. Wooden chairs rarely have a height adjustment, so the size must be determined very accurately;
• Metal chairs made of chrome or brushed steel, forging boasts high strength, reliability and durability. Chrome products fit into modern interiors, forged ones into more conservative ones. Of the minuses, only a lot of weight.
• Bar stools made of plastic and acrylic - The most budget option, although some products can look very cool. Designers like to create unusual chairs from this plastic material. For small apartments, we recommend models made of transparent or translucent plastic. It looks weightless. If the design is correct, then such a product will last a long time, especially if the plastic is combined with metal. In any case, the use of plastic and acrylic chairs is not recommended if the family has people weighing more than 90 kg. Recently, instead of plastics, more durable polycarbonatebut it costs a little more. Plastic chairs are easy to clean, but eventually scratches appear on them.
• Chairs from natural and artificial rattan, vines differ in small weight, esthetics and durability. Braided material combined with metal or wood. This is a great option for interiors in the style of eco and Provence - it comes out cozy and homely.

The seat can be hard, “bare”, without upholstery and filler. Wooden, plastic and wicker seats are a common option for bar stools. These chairs are cheaper and fit for a short sitting. In extreme cases, they can be equipped with a soft pillow of a suitable size and sit a little longer.

The chairs will be much more comfortable. padded and filled. As the latter, they usually use polyurethane foam or a special gel that can take the shape of the body, and then return to its original state. As for the upholstery, there are few options:

• genuine leather upholstery - it is expensive and beautiful. In terms of care, a great option;
• eco leather inferior to the natural counterpart in durability, but it looks natural, but is inexpensive;
• the cloth - a more common option. Chairs with fabric upholstery look comfortable, and due to the color and pattern, you can create a model that fits any interior. Less - the fabric absorbs odors and quickly gets dirty. It is better to choose a fabric with special impregnations.

Material color execution and upholstery should be combined with other pieces of furniture and interior. Chairs should be combined with the countertop, and upholstery, if available, may overlap with other textiles in the kitchen.

No. 5. Bar stool and interior style

Bar stool must be skillfully fit into the interior of the room. He must meet the general mood, style and the selected color scheme:

• in style high tech and minimalism laconic chairs with chrome details, as well as plastic and polycarbonate products will fit in. Transparent products, as well as chairs of black, white and gray colors, other restrained shades are held in high esteem;
• for loft tripod chairs made of wood or metal are perfect, in them usually the seat can also be raised slightly due to the rotating mechanism. Give preference to chairs with a clear shade of industrial style;
• classic style can be emphasized with wooden chairs in natural colors. Upholstery and filler are welcome, as are carvings, patina, decorative furniture studs;
• in style provence fit wooden bar stools, painted white. Fabric upholstery should have a floral ornament or be plain. Wicker chairs can be used;
• for country Choose wooden chairs in a natural shade. Upholstery can be in a large cage or strip;
• modern - it's all bright and bold, so you can take chairs in a contrasting shade and unusual shape;
• Scandinavian style - it is simplicity and a lot of light. That chairs should be concise, light shade, made from natural materials.

No. 6. Bar stool color

Designers are advised to choose chairs, starting from the existing or conceived color scheme. If the kitchen is made in blue-gray tones, then let the chairs be in the given color scheme. A win-win option is white, which will fit into almost any style of interior.

If the kitchen is decorated in white shades, then it is on the chairs that you can put an emphasis, give them the mood of the room. Chairs can be bright and cheerful colors, some even put several chairs of the same shape, but in different shades.

The kitchen should not be too motley, so make sure that the number of shades does not exceed 4-5.

Number 7. A few rules for choosing the right bar stool

Having looked at several suitable options, evaluate them according to the following criteria:

• convenience test can be spent right in the store. It’s enough to sit down and sit a bit. If you are comfortable and there is no suspicion that you are about to fall down, then the chair has passed the test;
• If you are going to put chairs near the working area, do not choose products with fabric upholstery. It is better to prefer the option without upholstery at all, or chairs covered with leather;
• if the bar is the main place for meals, do not stint on half-chairs;
• immediately evaluate how easy care will be;
• Suspiciously cheap chairs are unlikely to be of high quality and will last for years. In terms of value for money, IKEA furniture leads.

If the choice is made correctly, then the bar stool will become your favorite place in the apartment.