Finding the ideal bar & counter stools can have a big impact on your home in terms of style, function, and completeness. When decorating a breakfast nook, kitchen island, or home bar, these seats do much more than provide a place to rest; they serve as a natural gathering place and are a great way to elevate your home in every sense of the word. If you’re unsure of where to shop from, Serena & Lily would be a great place to start with.
Why Bar & Counter Stools Matter
Barstools and counter stools are hard-working furniture pieces that do double duty in any space. On the functional side, they offer a comfortable spot to sit for a weekday supper, lunch at your at-home desk, or a morning coffee with a friend. But they’re also an opportunity to showcase texture, color, and personality in the dining or kitchen design—they provide a proper place to incorporate that marble, the brass accents, or the soft green color scheme. Plus, they help ground the room and design details like countertops, cabinets, and light fixtures.
For resilient seating that lives up to great style, opt for materials such as solid wood, metal, or woven, making it less likely that chairs will be fussing with such things as scratches and marks left by flip-flops. With an option for virtually any aesthetic in the modern minimalist, coastal counter stool design, you’re certain to find the stool that suits your space.
Sizing and Placement Tips
Getting proper size and height bar & counter stools will not only provide a comfortable seating arrangement but functionality, too. Before you start looking at anything else, you will need to start by measuring the height of your countertop or bar. This will determine if a bar-height stool or counter-height stool is the best fit. Typically, countertops work with stools that have a seat height of 24-26 inches, with taller bars needing stools somewhere between 28-30 inches.
Proper spacing is equally important. Strive for 6-10 inches of space between each stool. This allows enough room to sit comfortably. Space-saving design lovers rejoice! If you’re tight on space, opt for backless stools. They can be stowed away under the counter when not in use.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Home
Of course, since there are so many bar & counter stools to choose from, you should consider what kind of look you’re hoping to achieve in your space. However, keep in mind that the following are popular and flexible options that tend to jive well with several styles:
1. Wicker and Rattan Stools
Materials like wicker, rattan, and other natural fibers bring a soft, tactile quality to a space, imbuing it with a relaxed, light, welcoming feel. Rattan-woven or wicker stools work particularly well in light-filled spaces and those decorated in a casual coastal or boho style. An all-natural bar or counter stool brings a bit of the outside world in, which is ideal for anyone who’s drawn to rural, unprocessed elements in their home design.
2. Upholstered Stools
When you’re hoping to add a foundational, comforting element to your kitchen or dining room, there’s no better option than an upholstered stool. Plush fabric and padded seats create an inviting place to sit for hours on end, giving you one more excuse to invite people to come sit and stay a while.
3. Wood and Metal Stools
Pieces that meld wood with metal are never a poor choice when it comes to bar and counter stools. Wood tones can offer warmth and texture, while metal guarantees stability and a clean, modern feel. This type of stool is a match made in heaven for anyone who appreciates an industrial-inspired or minimal design. Not only are these stools sturdy and rugged, but they add so much character to spaces at home, incorporating a bit of both urban and rural life.
Finishing Touches to Complete the Look
Bar & counter stools are one of the most personal choices we make when it comes to our home’s style — homes are most often as unique as we are, so selecting a stool that best suits our style is important.
Spend some time finding a style and material that works best for your home, and know that a few thoughtful style choices will give the space a finished feel. With these tips and some attention to detail, a pretty kitchen or great room will pull double duty and function as the heart of the home.
