Chairs and room design
When choosing bar stools, you should pay attention to whether they will harmonize with the interior, equipment and furniture. They don't necessarily have to create a perfect homogeneous composition with them. They can also be selected by contrast, then they will become a spectacular element of interior design. Thanks to this, it will acquire an original and unique look.
Those who prefer a more traditional look to the room will prefer wooden chairs. Depending on the appearance (after all, among the wooden bar stools themselves there are differences in models and patterns), they will fit into an ecological or Scandinavian interior.
Fans of modern design will definitely pay attention to metal bar stools with multi-colored seats covered in upholstery or plastic. Some bar stools have four legs, while others have only one support, the mechanism of which very often allows rotation.
Bar stools are perfect for a modern interior. Of course, for many, they will never be as comfortable as traditional chairs. Children will definitely not like them, as they are unlikely to be able to sit on them without the help of an adult. However, they may gain acceptance among some of the adult household members and guests.
Types of chairs for the bar counter
Seating for bar counters is conventionally divided into stools and chairs. The difference is that the first ones do not have a back. This is an unfortunate decision, since it is impossible to sit on such a stool for a long time, your back gets stiff, although they are the same height and size.
Another criterion that separates bar stools for the kitchen is the ability to fold them. This is important for those rooms where there is a shortage of free space. This solution does not allow turning the kitchen into a furniture warehouse.
Green bar stools in the interior of a bright kitchen
Seat shape
There are many options, from classic to very sophisticated: an asterisk or a tiger stencil. Needless to say, such chairs are not very comfortable; it is better to stick to the classics.
Round chairs are comfortable to sit on and do not cause back fatigue when used for a long time. Furniture pieces of this shape look modern and harmonize well with any interior. They express lightness and mobility.
Square seats are no less common, but have a slightly different concept. Chairs of this shape look solid, they are suitable for unhurried people who prefer vintage interiors. These chairs are considered to be as comfortable as possible, the main thing is that the height is chosen correctly.
Black bar stools with square seat
Number of legs
The classic version is a chair with four legs. It is securely fixed to the floor and does not sway during careless movements of the person sitting on it. Such chairs are large in size, which means they are not highly mobile.
Three-legged chairs are lighter and more mobile than those with four legs. Their appearance is also more dynamic. This option is more suitable for bright and lively interiors.
There are high chairs that do not have legs, but are located on a plate, less often - on some kind of mini-composition made of woven wire or plastic. This is a rather interesting option that goes well with different interiors. However, the mobility of such chairs leaves much to be desired; moving them is frankly inconvenient.
Regardless of the shape of the seat, the stool can be either soft or hard. It all depends on the design style of the room and the desires of the buyer. It is worth noting that those chairs that have soft upholstery cause a feeling of fatigue in the back when sitting for a long time. This can be easily avoided if the chair height is chosen correctly.
Four-legged bar stools with soft seats
Beautiful chair with four legs and a red seat
Chair sizes
The height of the bar stools and, of course, the width of the shoulders are very important. It is assumed that a typical bar table should be between 110 and 120 cm in height. In this case, the height of a bar stool will be between 80 and 90 cm, respectively.
The situation is different with a kitchen island, the height of which is approximately 80-90 cm. Then the bar stools should be 55-60 cm high. As a rule, the distance between the bar stool and the tabletop should be approximately 25 cm.
The optimal seat width for a bar stool is about 40 cm. For many bar stools, especially models with a higher seat, a footrest is often used. To provide comfortable support, it should be approximately 40 cm below the seat.
Wicker chairs
Wickerwork is usually used to make garden furniture. But they also look incredible indoors, bringing a fresh, tropical vibe.
Blue accents add style.
A nice addition to the overall interior.
And such dining chairs will send your thoughts and fantasies far to the suburbs. To a place where it is quiet and calm.
The fabulousness of some design elements.
A satin bow adds solemnity to an ordinary stool.
Personalization
This principle is the result of all the previous ones, which will be different for each person. For some, the most important thing will be functionality, which they identify with plastic chairs. For others, classic design matters, so they choose bar stools with leather upholstery. It is important to carefully review the available options and choose a model that will last for many years.
You can buy bar stools at IKEA or any other furniture store.
Mid-century design
Retro bar seats are simplistic. But because of the bright color, the chairs are sure to be the center of attention.
Thanks to the classic design of bar stools, they can also be placed in a modern kitchen.
Strength and durability can be portrayed delicately and gracefully.
Heavenly charm.
Delicate stools in graphic decor.
Exemplary reliability.
Amazing unusual shape.
Please note that it's not just the chairs that are orange. A delightful idea, isn't it?
Nice match.
Wooden bar stools
Keeping these kitchen bar stools clean will be more difficult than with plastic ones. On the other hand, dirt is just as easy to remove from properly made and preserved wooden bar stools. Stains may be less noticeable here than on smooth plastic surfaces.
Important information:
- wooden bar stools are suitable for both traditional kitchens and ecological, Scandinavian style with a wooden tabletop and other natural elements;
- The advantage of wooden bar stools is durability. They are easy to change if necessary, and after a few years they can be repaired to last even longer;
- chairs made entirely of wood have a hard seat, which can be made more comfortable with the help of special pads;
- Like all wooden furniture, wooden bar stools are quite heavy. Moving them can be problematic for children or older people.
How to choose bar stools for your kitchen interior
Currently, the choice of bar stool models is so wide that choosing the right option for any interior style is not difficult. Of course, there are no strict canons on which bar stools can be used in which interior design. There are always exceptions to any rule, and maybe in your kitchen plastic chairs will look advantageous among the traditional furnishings. And yet, let’s look at some of the features of choosing certain models of bar stools for different stylistic trends.
Bar stools of simple and laconic shape, made of metal or plastic, will organically fit into the high-tech style. Chrome surfaces, gray, black and white shades are welcome.
The classic style will easily take on wooden chairs with backs (with or without soft upholstery, which can be made of fabric, leather or leatherette).
A country-style kitchen will look great not only with wooden chairs, but also with rattan, metal models with wicker or mesh upholstery. In a country kitchen, bar stools can be used not only for a counter or island, but also for a high dining table.
Chairs made of metal, plastic or wood can be successfully integrated into the loft style, it all depends on the materials and shades used in the decoration of the kitchen space.
In the Art Nouveau style, the choice of bar stool model will depend on the context. If the chairs will become the focal point, then it is better to choose eye-catching upholstery with a metal frame. If chairs are not the center of attention, then it is better to prefer soft, pastel shades.
Pop art, eclectic or fusion style will be perfectly complemented by unusual models of bright bar stools. It is in such a kitchen that you can give free rein to your imagination, creativity and your own ideas, and try to independently make or improve existing models of bar stools.
Minimalism in the kitchen strives for simplicity and conciseness. Bar stools of a strict design without excessive decor, simple but functional, will look appropriate.
For a marine style, wooden chairs with a whitewashed base will decorate the interior.
Leather bar stools
Leather upholstery makes the interior stylish. However, some recommend genuine leather instead of eco-leather. The latter does not allow air to pass through, which, in turn, provokes sweating in the summer.
Important information:
- leather stools, depending on the finishing method, can be found both in classic interiors (smooth upholstery) and in glamor style (quilted leather);
- the advantages of leather upholstery are strength, durability and resistance to stains;
- The disadvantage of stools with leather upholstery is the need for care and lubrication. In addition, genuine leather can stretch;
- leather stools are among the most expensive.
If you couldn’t find a suitable option in the store, then you can make a bar stool with your own hands that will suit your preferences.Choosing a chair based on material is not so easy. If affordable price and functionality are important to a person, he should choose a chair made of plastic. However, it must be borne in mind that this will be a short-term solution. In some cases, it is worth choosing a stool made of wood or leather upholstery. They will last longer and add elegance to the interior.
We recommend reading:
Kitchen chairs: a review of the best models, as well as examples of beautiful design and combination of furniture in the interior (100 photos)
- Stools for the kitchen - 150 photos of new designs and combinations in the interior of a modern kitchen
Leather bar chairs
This type of furniture fits perfectly into rooms that have a traditional and elegant design.
Skin color complements the picturesque palette.
A little magic.
Leather chairs will dilute the cold atmosphere.
Choose a skin tone that will match the overall decor.
The ideal border between modernity and classics.
You have the option to choose fun colors.
The shape and texture of the chair fits perfectly into the interior.
Dark shades need to be selected carefully, taking into account the style of the kitchen.
Contrast without disturbing harmony.
Bold decision.
These bar stools are perfect for a wine cellar.
Photos of bar stools
Required qualities
Bar stools for kitchens, photos of which can be viewed on the website, must meet all the necessary requirements for height, seat size, upholstery material and frame part of the proposed furniture elements.
Seat height and size
Stylish bar stools are now available in a huge range of furniture stores. These are stools with and without backs, various seats, with three, four and one massive leg. It is desirable that the distance between the tabletop and the seat be about 30 cm. So, for example, for a bar counter with a height of 110 cm, the seating height should be 80 cm. The presence and shape of the back depends on the preferences of the owners. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the table, it is advisable to ensure there is a high back and armrests for comfortable leaning.
First, decide on the dimensions of the bar counter, and then look for chairs that are suitable in height
The seating area must also be selected based on the size of the household. A small seat will not allow you to fully relax without experiencing discomfort. It is also necessary to pay attention to a high bar stool, to provide for the presence of steps on the legs for convenience during seating. If there are children or short people in the family, using high chairs is not recommended. Relatively wide chairs with four legs are considered to be the most convenient to use. To save space and quickly clean the room, chairs without a back are suitable, which can be easily pushed under a table or bar counter.
Calculate the number of seats based on the fact that to comfortably accommodate one person, at least 60 cm of tabletop is required
Frame material
Furniture stores have an assortment of tables and chairs made from various materials. When choosing, you should give preference to practical models that will fit well into the interior.
- The primacy rightfully belongs to the metal base. Galvanized stainless steel, chrome-plated and wrought iron, solid aluminum and other metal alloys are used for production. In the interior of the kitchen, such chairs, bar counters and tables with metal legs look especially elegant and meet all the requirements of the functions assigned to them. The chairs are very durable, easy to clean and practically do not wear out. If one of the family members is a person of impressive size, the choice of metal products will be the most correct. Such a bar stool will not bend under heavy weight and will not break. To be completely sure, you should consult with the seller regarding the maximum load on the chair.
- Tree. Classic wooden bar stools for the kitchen are a very stylish and practical addition. This environmentally friendly, durable material has not gone out of fashion for many centuries. The wooden legs and backs of the chair can be adjusted to any of the styles by painting them, covering them with stain, varnish, or aging them to look like antiques. It should be remembered that wooden kitchen furniture requires special care. To extend their service life, it is necessary to regularly dry the chairs and tighten the fastening screws on them. In the production of wooden furniture for kitchens, wicker and rattan are also used. Wicker chairs or chairs are light in weight and easy to use, but often require additional covering.
- Plastic. A modern kitchen chair can be made of plastic. This material is quite durable, washes well and does not require drying. Bar stools are lightweight, easy to use and meet the aesthetic requirements of many styles.
Metal bar stools are the most durable and unpretentious
Bar stools made of wood are beautiful and pleasant to the touch
In addition to traditional furniture, represented by chairs, stools and armchairs, products on wheels and folding bar stools are useful in the kitchen. They can be taken out to supplement the number of seats when guests arrive, and can also be taken to another room when they are not needed. Such original design designs allow you to significantly increase the space without cluttering it with unnecessary furniture, as well as use a portable product for relaxing on the veranda or in the courtyard of a private house. You should pay attention to the presence of protective covers on the legs of absolutely all products for planting, which will protect the floor covering from damage.
Plastic chairs are the cheapest and easiest to clean
Seat upholstery material
There are many options for upholstering kitchen bar stools. The main requirement for this kind of furniture is invulnerability to moisture, soot, grease and corrosive odors. The best choice in this case is natural or artificial leather. It is easy to clean, does not rub to holes, does not get wet and does not leave greasy stains on the surface. The disadvantage of this material is that it is particularly attractive to pets, who happily sharpen their claws on it. But if the pets are well-mannered and the owners have enough money, then leather upholstery will last a long life without losing its original beauty.
High chairs, armchairs and stools upholstered in tapestry are well suited for bar tables. This dense material, woven from cotton or woolen threads, is resistant to abrasion, does not stick to the skin on hot summer days, and also has an original pattern or ethnic ornament. The disadvantage is increased sensitivity to a humid environment and a high level of contamination with the impossibility of quick cleaning. The tapestry covering of bar stools absorbs foreign odors, so it is recommended to periodically dry clean the furniture.
Leather goes well with a metal or wooden frame
The same applies to fabric upholstery for chairs, of which there are now a huge variety. There are both natural and synthetic fabrics on sale that cannot be quickly cleaned, since they are firmly attached to the furniture frame. An alternative is removable seats in the form of pillows or poufs, which can be removed, washed or cleaned when dirty. Coverings in the form of replaceable covers will also be a good solution.
Half-chair
Of course, this is the most convenient option for a bar stool if you plan to use it every day. In addition to the fact that such chairs most often have a soft back, the height of which is at least 40 cm, they also have a soft seat and armrests.
Their only drawback is their fairly high cost. Compared to previous options, they will cost you at least twice as much.
Design Tips
When choosing chairs for the bar counter, you need to decide not only on the style, color, materials and price, but also on the functional load that is planned for maximum convenience of the household. If the kitchen is small or does not require frequent use, you can limit yourself to stools that easily slide under the countertop. This way, the space will be free from furniture clutter, and there will be enough seating for a comfortable tea party or meal with a few household members. Folding chairs are suitable for these purposes; if necessary, the required quantity can be taken from the pantry.
When buying high chairs, it is advisable to pay attention to the footrest at the base. Firstly, it will be much easier to climb onto such a chair, and secondly, constantly dangling legs without support can negatively affect your overall well-being. Fashionable plastic transparent furniture will fit perfectly into the interior, but do not forget that it is not very practical. These chairs cannot support more than 100 kg and can crack or break off if a hard object is dropped. If the house is used to frequently receiving guests, swivel chairs would be appropriate at the bar counter, allowing a person to get closer to the table.
For adjustable chairs, check whether the height of the footrest varies, otherwise your legs will dangle in the air when you raise the seat
A kitchen chair is a necessary piece of furniture, without which it is extremely inconvenient to be in the kitchen. Let buying chairs and decorating the interior help you spend time comfortably with your family and friends.
Color combination of bar stools with other elements of the kitchen interior
In order for bar chairs for the kitchen to look harmonious in the interior, you need to take into account color combinations.
Modern bar stools can look completely different.
- If the style involves the use of finishing materials and furniture in natural colors, then the chairs should be selected according to the same principle.
Wood, plastic or metal are most often used as the base.
- Bright and catchy colors are suitable for modern styles, such as hi-tech, loft, modern and others. This is explained by the fact that furniture made of plastic will look appropriate in them, which cannot be said, for example, about the classic or French style.
It is better to choose metal legs, even if the top is made of plastic.
- It is important to consider the color palette of the entire furniture set. Stools may not be matched tone to tone, but should be combined and not create sharp contrasts.
The range of design possibilities is practically unlimited.
- To create a complete color ensemble, you can make color intersections. For example, the textile upholstery of such a chair will be combined with the rest of the textiles in the room, and the color of the chair frame will intersect with the color of the furniture around it.
An eco-friendly option is wooden chairs.