Generally accepted standards for bar stool height, rules for its selection

Increasingly, modern kitchens are equipped with bar counters. This interior solution not only looks stylish, but also has certain functionality. A bar counter will solve the problem of a dining area in a small kitchen or zone a studio apartment. The bar area is complemented with special chairs.

Bar stools for the kitchen are not like ordinary ones. With just their appearance, they attract attention and make the kitchen interior more modern. It’s easy to choose furniture to suit any set and style, but first of all, the product should be comfortable. In this article we will highlight the variety of types of bar stools and help you make your choice.

Height selection

Bar stools are not the most common option, since not everyone likes their height. It is this that becomes the determining parameter when choosing. The first step is to determine the height of the counter, and then select chairs in accordance with it. In the future, this will play a certain role in saving space, since the correctly selected size will allow you to slide the chair under the tabletop.

Height is the distance from the floor to the seat. Sizes vary depending on the preferences of the owners and the dimensions of the bar counter.

The following types are distinguished:

1. Low – 60-70 cm high. They comply with generally accepted sizing standards and are considered the most comfortable. This is explained by the fact that usually the height of a bar counter for home use is 85-100 cm, and the distance between the tabletop and the seat should be 30.

2. Tall – 90-95 cm high. Typically, full-size racks with a height of 100-115 cm are installed in large and spacious kitchens. This design requires appropriate chairs with increased leg heights.

3. Folding – height adjustable. This option is convenient because it will suit a person of any height. It can be used to make either a high chair for a free-standing counter or a small stool. Folding chairs for a bar counter in the kitchen are considered a universal option, as they are also suitable for the dining table. The option is convenient for a family with children. High chairs are dangerous for small children, and they will not be able to sit on such a seat on their own.

Attention ! A model where not only the height of the seat is adjustable, but also the position of the footrest is considered universal. Thanks to this, the seat can be easily adjusted to the individual characteristics of a person and fit comfortably on it.

Standard dimensions according to GOST

GOST is a state standard that specifies the basic consumer requirements for products regarding their quality and safety. The size of the height of a bar stool according to GOST is determined taking into account the anatomical characteristics of a person and the position in which he most often sits, as well as the distance from the floor of the tabletop. According to GOST 17524.2-93, the standard height of bar chair seats is:

• 85 cm - such products are marked with the designation Bh (short for the German BarHocker, which means “high”). Designed for bar counters with a height of 130 cm;
• 75 cm - such chairs are marked Th (TresenHocker translates as “low”). Ideal for 110 cm high racks.

Their width and seat back angle (if any) are also specified in the relevant standards. However, they play a less important role. In addition to its size, what distinguishes a bar stool from an ordinary one is the presence of a footrest, without which it is inconvenient to use.

Before purchasing, you first need to decide where and for what purposes the bar counter with chairs will be placed, and only then proceed to choosing the dimensions of the furniture.

Varieties

The variety of products is great, and each type has its own characteristics. To choose a suitable model, consider the existing options.

By type of construction

There are three types here:

1. Stool. Everyone knows what it looks like - a chair without a back. The bar stool differs only in the height of the legs. Sometimes it is equipped with a low lumbar back, which provides support, since it will not be possible to sit on such a chair for a long time. The backrest usually reaches 30 cm. Bar stools are not suitable for comfortable eating, but they are quite suitable for short-term gatherings over a snack.

2. Standard design - the most common model. It has a backrest and a rigid or semi-rigid seat.

3. Half-chair - the most convenient type. Thanks to its design, it ensures a long comfortable pastime. Kitchen bar chairs have a high soft back and seat, as well as armrests for a more comfortable position. A semi-chair is not a cheap option, but it will undoubtedly justify its price.

According to the shape of the seat

Now you can find a seat of absolutely any shape or turn to a designer for help. The traditional shape is a circle. But modern developments have gone further, offering chairs with rectangular, square, triangular and other seat options.

The shape of the back also varies: if desired, it can be made curly by developing an original design. The main rule is compliance with the interior and, of course, convenience.

By height

We described above how to choose the height of a bar stool. Let us add that this parameter depends on the type of bar counter. It can either stand alone or be connected to a kitchen set.

By type of legs

There are four types:

1. On one leg. A bar stool with one leg is considered a traditional model. The fashion for it began in America, where this chair was invented. The product has not lost its popularity to this day and is often found not only at home, but also in various establishments. When choosing a chair, you need to pay attention to the width of the support. It should approximately match the size of the seat, this ensures stability.

2. With two legs. A chair with two legs is a must-have attribute of a high-tech kitchen. The product looks modern and stylish, but is not very comfortable. The design of the chair is not particularly stable, so it is not suitable for families with children.

3. With three legs. The choice of a bar seat on three legs also needs to be approached responsibly. Incorrect positioning of the legs can make it unsteady, so the product should be tested before purchasing.
4. With four legs. The most comfortable and reliable option for a classic-style kitchen is a four-legged bar stool. In addition to high stability, it is convenient.

Designer models

Designer models are distinguished as a separate type. Modern interiors are often decorated with unusual and original chairs, which, in addition to their practical role, also play an aesthetic role. Products are made to order, taking into account the personal preferences of the owner and the style of the kitchen.

But do not forget about common sense, since any piece of furniture should first of all be comfortable to use. Make sure that the structure stands firmly on the floor, and that the unusual shape of the legs or various decorations do not interfere with sitting.

Size options depending on the type of model

Standard bar stools are stable structures with high legs with a seat and footrest. All of them are divided into several types:

1. Bar stools themselves are similar to regular ones, that is, they have a back. They can be either on four legs (both standard sizes are popular) or on one with adjustable height. The depth of their seat according to GOST is at least 42 cm, width - 38 cm or more. The backrest is considered such if its upper edge is more than 32 cm above the seat. They are very widely used in catering establishments and at home.
2. Bar stools are compact, fit under the bar counter and do not take up extra space. Their seat depth is 30–36 cm, so they are not comfortable enough for home use; more often they are the choice of a mini-cafe. The distance from the seat to the floor depends on the dimensions of the stand.
3. Bar half-chairs - with backrest and armrests. The most convenient option for spending a long time at the counter. Most often, their height is adjustable, and the seat width is larger than that of chairs or stools. They are good not only for cafes or bars, but are also used near reception areas in hotels, private clinics and other similar establishments. They are purchased less frequently for home furnishings, since ordinary kitchen chairs are cheaper and look more comfortable.

There is another category of furniture - semi-bar stools, or so-called hawkers (a smaller copy of bar stools). The only difference is in dimensions; in half-bar stools the seat height is 60–70 cm. They are popular in billiard rooms and restaurants. They are rarely purchased for home use.

Chairs

Stools

Half-chair
Manufacturers offer the following types of furniture:

1. Height adjustable - suitable for any rack size. They are especially convenient if they are used by children and adults. Expensive models are equipped with a gas lift system, while cheap ones are equipped with a backlash mechanism. The rotating mechanism of some models adds comfort.
2. Solid - without the possibility of changing any characteristics, design, appearance. If purchasing a chair with height adjustment is problematic, it is better to choose a good quality, comfortable one-piece one. Moreover, the range of sizes of such models is quite wide.
3. Folding - folding into a flat design, and therefore very convenient for storage. They are usually used in small kitchens for entertaining guests. In terms of dimensions, these are usually not the largest models.

In addition to GOST dimensions, modern furniture manufacturers produce bar stools with a seat located at a distance of 0.55 m to 1 m from the floor. As a rule, such models are ordered individually.

In general, when using a bar stool, comfort largely depends on the correct height of the bar stool rather than on other characteristics - design or style. As for the latter, the dimensions of the product also do not affect it. Any stylistic options are possible - from country, classic and traditional to high-tech, loft or art deco.

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With height adjustment

Folding

Whole

Bar stool design

When choosing a bar stool for the kitchen, study its design in detail, as the comfort of the product depends on it. An incorrectly selected chair will not provide the expected comfort and will be a waste of money, so it is useful to know all the nuances.

The design consists of the following elements: support, seat, footrest, backrest and armrests. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

1. Support – these are the legs and their location. It is the support that is responsible for the stability and strength of the furniture. Reliable support guarantees a comfortable pastime and convenience. The most durable models are chairs with four legs. Another support element is the footrest. It must be equipped with chairs with four and three legs. The footrest is a footrest in the form of a transverse rail. Swivel bar stools have a ring-shaped footrest that provides firm foot support in any position.

2. The seat of the chair can be made hard or soft depending on the model. Bar chairs are equipped with soft seats, making it much more comfortable to sit on them. Hard seats should not be chosen for dining chairs. You won’t be able to sit on them for a long time, and eating should be measured and leisurely.

3. A backrest is also provided in some versions of bar stools. Backless stools are a great addition to a small kitchen because they can be pushed under the countertop. To organize a comfortable dining area with a bar counter, preference is given to comfortable chairs with backs. This model ensures the correct position of the back.

4. Half-chairs, as a rule, are supplemented with armrests. This option is suitable for a spacious kitchen, since chairs take up a lot of space due to the inability to push them in. A bar chair with armrests provides doubly comfortable gatherings with friends or long conversations with the family.

Peculiarities ! If the bar stool allows you to adjust the seat height, then the footrest should also be adjustable. So, when changing the position of the seat, support will be maintained under your feet.

How to choose bar stools based on your kitchen interior

In order for the selected models to delight you with their convenience and appearance, you need to take care of a number of important nuances. Which ones? The following will list the main selection criteria that you should pay attention to before purchasing the model you like.

The variety of bar stool designs is amazing in its quantity.

Choose height and size

The height of the chair will depend on the height of the bar counter. These two indicators must correspond to each other in order for it to be comfortable to sit on such a product. To calculate the required height, you need to measure the distance from the bottom of the countertop to the floor. You need to subtract 20-25 cm from the resulting indicator, and then you will get the required height.

Buy chairs with a reserve, a couple of pieces more than there are family members.

Important! This method of calculation is not suitable for models with gas lift, since they are equipped with a special mechanism that allows you to adjust the height.

Measure the height and length of the bar counter and remember that the people sitting behind it should still have room to move.

Select the material (wooden, metal, transparent, etc.)

When choosing furniture, it is extremely important to pay attention to the material from which it is made. Each material has its pros and cons. In addition, certain materials will be suitable for a certain interior style. Let's look at some of them.

Bar stools gradually moved from catering establishments to ordinary kitchens.

Natural wood. It is difficult to imagine something more traditional; this material is always in demand. A wood product can be of any shape. Wooden chairs have several advantages:

1. aesthetics;
2. durability;
3. environmental friendliness;
4. strength and reliability.

Comfortable, functional and stylish bar stools are becoming increasingly popular.

The product can be painted in different natural shades, such as wenge, vanilla, light walnut or chestnut. That is why choosing wooden furniture in accordance with the style of the space will not be difficult.

Modern bar stools can look very different.

Stainless steel options boast their durability and resistance to mechanical damage. The metal frame allows for the ergonomic design of the chair and is particularly durable.

You can be sure that sitting on such chairs will be very comfortable, and caring for the product will not be difficult.

Plastic options are also popular. Their main advantage is light weight. They are mobile and practical. Thanks to the characteristics of the material, it is possible to choose a model with a truly spectacular appearance. If you want more bright colors, you can choose furniture made of impact-resistant plastic.

In addition to their quality characteristics, they are also distinguished by their color saturation.

Additional information: Regardless of the chosen material, chairs can have soft upholstery. The seat of the product can be soft, semi-soft or hard. In the first two cases, a filler is used.

Choose a convenient design (with or without backrest, folding)

When choosing a bar furniture model, you need to take into account various design features. The model can be made with armrests and backrest or without both. If the counter plays the role of a dining table, it will be more convenient to use seats with a back and armrests. It will be comfortable to sit on such a stool, even if the meal is long.

If you don’t plan to have long gatherings at the counter, then products without additional amenities may well be suitable.

It also plays a role, will the stools be stationary in one place or are they planned to be taken out periodically if necessary? In the second case, the best option would be to purchase folding stools, which, if not needed, can be stored folded and not take up space in the kitchen.

The number of their types is so wide that it is very difficult to choose the first time.

Bar stool material

The bar stool frame is made of various materials. The durability of the product and wear resistance depend on this.

The following materials are used in modern production:

1. Tree - durable, environmentally friendly and therefore expensive option. Solid oak is most often used, as it has high wear resistance. Wooden bar stools add a special charm to the interior and perfectly complement eco-style, Provence, country, Scandinavian and classic style. If necessary, the model is painted or varnished to give the desired texture. Disadvantages of wooden seats: they are not height adjustable and require tightening of fastening parts.

2. Metal popular in modern interior design. Metal bar stools fit perfectly into a high-tech or modern kitchen. The material is durable and strong. Furniture made of high-quality metal can withstand a lot of weight. The products are made entirely of metal or combined - with soft seat upholstery. To prevent the legs of such a chair from damaging the floor covering, it is worthwhile to provide special attachments.

3. Plastic – the lightest and easiest-to-maintain material. Plastic bar stools are inexpensive, but their strength is not the highest. Increasingly, it is being replaced with a more wear-resistant material – polycarbonate. It is resistant to temperature changes and fireproof, which is important for kitchen furniture. Plastic chairs look impressive and will decorate the kitchen in a modern style. They are also ideal for families with children, as they are easy to clean from dirt. The disadvantage of plastic is instability to sunlight and low strength.

4. Glass is the most unusual option for kitchen furniture. You should not be afraid of it, since modern production creates products from high-strength glass, which is not afraid of high temperatures and pollution. Glass bar stools will be the highlight of any kitchen. They will add sophistication and unique style to the interior, making the room lighter and more spacious.

The range of upholstery materials is also wide. The following raw materials are used for seat upholstery:

1. Textile - the most budget-friendly, but not practical material for the kitchen. Over time, the design on the fabric fades, the color fades, and dirt is firmly ingrained.

2. Genuine leather looks expensive and tasteful. The price is appropriate. However, a leather seat is perfect for kitchen conditions. The material is durable and easy to maintain.
3. Eco-leather is a worthy replacement for natural material. It is not inferior to it in properties and is more affordable. However, there is a high risk of purchasing low-quality raw materials, which will quickly tear and lose their presentation.

The quality of the upholstery is responsible for the comfort and appearance of the chair. High-quality and beautiful material will turn a bar stool into a work of art that will decorate the kitchen.

Reference . The seats are decorated with various fittings to give a unique style. There are various filler options, such as gel. This unusual material adapts to the shape of the body of the person sitting.

Chair material

The materials from which bar stools are made are very diverse. Let's look at them.

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Steel.

Steel for chairs can be chrome-plated or matte. Chairs made from this material will last you a long time.

Plastic

Plastic is easy to care for and lightweight. Its disadvantages include the fact that the plastic is easily damaged, and is also not designed for people with large weights.

Wooden chairs

Wood is pleasant to the touch and fits organically into any interior.

Wooden chairs do not have swivel or lifting mechanisms, so the height should be selected carefully.

Rattan

Chairs woven from wicker will lighten the interior of your kitchen, making it light and relaxing.

Leather chairs

These chairs contain gel filler inside. It is comfortable to sit on them, like in a chair, because it takes the shape of the body.

Some chairs use polyurethane as a filler.

Bar stools in various interiors

A bar counter with matching chairs will fit into any interior, the main thing is to choose the right design and style. Although this furniture is associated with modern trends in design, it will not be superfluous in a classic interior:

1. Vanguard . A style that combines the most unusual and unexpected solutions. The unusual shape of the chairs is about him. Bar stools will fit perfectly into such an interior, and if they are made in an unusual shape, they will enliven the kitchen.
2. Art Deco. This style in itself is capricious, but in the end the interior turns out amazing. The combination of simplicity and luxury creates the perfect tandem. Bar stools will fit perfectly into such a kitchen as an element of modern simplicity.
3. American style. In such an interior, bar stools will be more than appropriate. The birthplace of the product is America. When choosing, you must take into account the tenets of style: simplicity, naturalness and comfort. The seats should be harmoniously combined with a calm range of colors and natural materials.
4. Baroque . A style that requires attention to the smallest details. Chairs must be selected in accordance with the general concept, so wooden ones with a carved back or metal ones with beautiful fabric upholstery are best.
5. Country. A style that embodies simplicity and comfort. Such a kitchen will be perfectly complemented by wooden bar stools made of noble material. To prevent the design from seeming too boring, you can play with the shape of the seat or the colors of the upholstery. The ideal option would be fabric with a checkered or striped print.
6. Loft, minimalism and modern. Bar stools in modern styles look the most harmonious. The most commonly used materials are metal and glass. In a loft or minimalist interior, it is better to stick to simple shapes and calm colors. However, if the kitchen is made in light colors and looks monotonous, you can dilute it with colored plastic bar stools. Art Nouveau loves bright colors and unusual solutions. Here you can dream up, but it is worth remembering a harmonious combination. If the kitchen is made in flashy colors, chairs made of transparent plastic will help calm the riot of colors.
7. Provence. This style loves natural materials, so preference should be given to wood upholstered in fabric. Decorate bar stools by adding small scuffs to them. This will create an antique effect and give the interior more charm.
8. Eco and Scandinavian style. These two directions are similar. They support the principles of simplicity and naturalness, so laconic bar stools will fit perfectly here. Preference should be given to light colors.

Bar stool: an elegant alternative to a chair

Stools differ from chairs in the absence of a backrest and the presence of a footrest. Such furniture looks interesting with rectangular counters with a laconic design.

There are several types of stools: with one, two, three or four legs. There are models on figured supports with soft leather seats. Such specimens look great in combination with stone counters.

Seats on stools can be round, square, triangular - it all depends on the imagination of the designers. However, you should not combine several radically different options in the interior of one room.

Bar stool in the interior

Color selection

The color of bar stools for the kitchen is selected individually. The choice depends on personal preferences and style direction. Most often, color refers to the upholstery, since color solutions for frames are quite scarce. The upholstery material attracts attention.

Upholstery allows you to show your imagination and play with design options. It can echo the color of curtains, textiles or lamp shades. Designers advise choosing bar stools in a color that matches the decorative elements in the kitchen.

Important ! To liven up a monochromatic kitchen interior, add colorful chairs. Choose the colors correctly so that the shades are harmoniously combined and complement each other.

White is the base color. White bar seats will fit into any style kitchen. It is much more difficult with bright colors, as they require appropriate design. Black and red bar stools will perfectly complement the interior in a modern style, for example, hi-tech or modern.

One of the most popular options today is transparent chairs. This is a win-win option for any kitchen. They look unusual and stylish. Such furniture will lighten the interior and add weightlessness to it. The products are made from plastic, so they are easy to care for.

Basic selection rules

People often pay the main attention to the appearance of the product, forgetting that furniture, first of all, should be practical and comfortable.

When choosing a bar stool for your kitchen, follow these rules:

1. The material must be of high quality and durable, regardless of price. Do not skimp and buy a product that is too cheap - most likely, it will not last long. It is better to overpay and purchase a high-quality and reliable product.
2. To maintain correct posture, it is necessary to maintain a distance of 30 cm between the table top and the chair.
3. It is worth considering the height of all household members and frequent guests. For convenience, choose a universal option – a product with adjustable height. Such furniture will provide comfort to everyone.
4. Consider the size of the room. If the kitchen is small, choose stools, and if it is spacious, choose half-chairs. Also, the dimensions of the room influence the choice of upholstery material. In a tiny kitchen, all work surfaces are nearby, so it is better to choose leather or leatherette upholstery to make it easier to care for.
5. Decide on the function of the bar stools. If they complement the dining table, the seating should be soft.
6. The stability of the model is determined by the number of legs. The most stable chairs with four legs. If there are children in the family, choose them.
7. When choosing a design and color, be guided by the style of the interior. The kitchen should be pleasing to the eye as it is a gathering place for family and guests. Poorly selected furniture can ruin the entire interior.