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Help with seating!

last year

We’re have an open concept kitchen/great room with a10’ x 5’ island with seating on two sides.

Question:
Do I buy 6 bar stool chairs? Sounds like a lot of chairs. I would like backs so I’m thinking a mid rise back. So it doesn’t dominate the island. Do I get two stools for the end? Can you mix them? Any suggestions on styles? It’s a new build southern style transitional, with some modern elements.
There’s also an eight foot dining table adjacent to the island. For this table I was thinking of purchasing a Bench for the window side and buy chairs for the other side. Any thoughts on bench seating? We’re mostly 2-4 ppl but when extended family comes, I’d like to have comfortable seating. Are benches comfortable.

I don’t want the kitchen to be a sea of chairs!

Comments (7)

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    Your plan says the island is 10’x4’ rather than 10’x5’. Consider reducing the island size to have 4’ walkways (rather than 3’8”). That is measured from counter edge to counter edge or appliance handle .

    Will the island have 10’ of undercounter space for seating or will it be less due to island end panels, island legs, etc.?

    Will the chairs be full size, swivel, etc.?

    Is this your only spot for eating meals or do you have a nearby dining room or kitchen table?

    5 chairs may be too many. My 10’3” x 4-1/2’ island is more comfortable with 4 full size chairs. 5 would be too tight to easily get in/out or to make conversation. I can fit 2 on the end but only bring out the extras if needed. But I have a nearby kitchen table and large dining room that are regularly used.

  • last year

    Thank you for your response. Great questions.
    Yes, you’re correct. The island is 10‘ x 4‘, I think it’s a little over 4 feet actually, it’s a new build and it’s not in place yet. We do have a dining area next to the island. With respect to the island, I would like to do four seats on one side, and on the end that is cantilevered there is room for two seats.
    My question is should I get six chairs at all match? Seems like a lot of chairs. Perhaps, two stools for the end seating as they could be tucked under the cantilevered end? I prefer a mid back to full size chair, only because I think it would have a more sleek appearance and be sufficiently comfortable. I haven’t purchased the chairs yet, but I am open to suggestions. I think swivel makes good sense. The island has been designed specifically to accommodate two people comfortably on one end and four people along the length of it. And yes, there is cabinetry under the backside of the island which actually I had a question about. Some people say it’s good to have those as push to open, but then I’ve read other people say that sometimes they get opened accidentally so perhaps it might be better to have a pull tab at the top of those cabinet doors on the back of the island.?
    what are peoples’ thoughts on that?

  • last year

    Your ideas sound great. 4 swivel chairs and two stools work well for my similar size island so they may work well for yours too. I went with a full-back chair which is comfortable but I think a mid-back chair would be less obtrusive and what I would buy now instead.

    By cabinets on the back of the island, if you mean on the side with the chairs, I did the same. Mine are custom at ~15“ deep with one adjustable shelf. I keep some of my less frequently used baking dishes, etc. in them.

  • last year

    That’s very helpful DesignFan. Thank you! Yes obtrusive was the word I was looking for.

    Yes also to the 15 inch deep cabinets on the back side of the island. Do you have pushed to open? Knobs or pull tabs?

  • last year
    last modified: last year

    I have knobs for the cabinets under island. Knobs or pull tabs would likely work equally well. I didn’t want push to open in case of accidental opening.

  • last year

    You’re not a fan of bush to open? Is that because people may accidentally kick them open? Is that a real thing?