Kitchen Workbook: Tools to Pick Kitchen Stools
There's more to choosing a kitchen stool than you may think. These guidelines help remove the guesswork when you're picking a perch
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.
Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »
Picking out stools for your kitchen island or peninsula sounds so simple: Just visit a few shops or browse online, select a style you like and run with it. But there's more to the process than you might think. Arm yourself with these tips to make sure the stools you choose strike the right balance between visual appeal and functionality.
by Camilla Molders
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Determine the style that suits your kitchen. This sounds like a no-brainer, but there are so many stool varieties on the market that narrowing down the options can quickly overwhelm you. To simplify the process, think about it from one of two approaches: You can choose stools that either complement your kitchen or contrast with it.
by Imagine Living
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For example, if you have a cottage kitchen, you might stay with that theme and add white wooden stools with cushioned, skirted linen seats. Or you could inject an industrial note with distressed metal stools from a flea market. Just be sure to remain in the same general family — don't try to pair sleek space-age stools with, say, a formal, traditional kitchen.
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Decide on the proper height. You'll need to allow enough legroom for people to sit comfortably, and the only way to get it right is by measuring. Determine the distance from the floor to the underside of your countertop or other surface, then subtract between 10 and 14 inches. The result is your target stool height.
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Figure out how many you'll need. People perched on the stools will want plenty of elbow room. As a rule of thumb, plan on 26 to 30 inches between the center of each seat. Also, don't place stools where they'll obstruct the kitchen workflow or traffic at parties. That may mean limiting them to just one side of an island or table, or at the very least having a spot to tuck them when they might be in the way.
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| Road test for comfort. Spend a good while sitting in any stool that makes your short list and look for potential trouble spots. Does it cut into your legs at an awkward angle? Do you feel secure leaning back? Is there a logical spot for your feet to rest? If you have the urge to hop down not long after you take a seat, you can bet your guests will do the same. |
by Vendome Press
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Look for easy-to-clean materials. Spills, stains and splashes are inevitable in the kitchen, so choose stools made from materials that can take some wear and tear. Solid or painted wood, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, acrylic, resin and vinyl all resist moisture and oils.
by Case Remodeling
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Stools with caned or basket-woven seats are classic, but you'll have to be diligent about wiping down cracks and crannies. If you go with an upholstered style, treat the fabric with a stain protector to keep it looking its best as long as possible.
by Su Casa Designs
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Check for quality construction. Because stools get pushed, pulled, banged and jostled daily, you'll want to be sure yours are well made. Inspect the joining or soldering; test the backs for stability; make sure fabric is securely attached.
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Invest in the features that are most important to you. Think about the extras that you crave. Do you want the seats of your stools to swivel? Would you prefer a prominent footrest? Don't be tempted to cut corners — in the long run, these finishing touches will make your seating satisfactory for years to come.
More:
A Rainbow of Colorful Kitchen Stools
20 Favorite Modern Bar and Counter Stools
More:
A Rainbow of Colorful Kitchen Stools
20 Favorite Modern Bar and Counter Stools
Comments
Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. The aluminum barstool is great looking and economica price. l
13 months ago · Like
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lemontag I chose beautiful Ethan Allen iron counter stools for my island. They look great but, if I had it to do over again, I would make a different choice. They are verrrrry heavy and are a real pain to move.
13 months ago · Like
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Audrey Hennefer I guess I broke a rule and choose modern stools for a traditional kitchen, but I love them anyway, They're comfortable, easy to clean and fun.... 
12 months ago · Like
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macau Good tip, that thing with subtracting 10-14". But when we were looking, the choices (unless an adjustable) were limited to standard heights for either counter or bar. The counter stools we wanted were eye-tearingly expensive, but we found lovely discounted ones online. I don't care that they're imitation, they are sturdy and I love them. 
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on April 30, 2012.
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