Tips for Choosing the Right Bar Stool
| | One of the quickest and most stylish ways to change the look of your living space is to add bar seating. Not only is a bar area a great way to save space, it is also a great way to show off a bit of your personal style. With so many amazing bar stools to choose from today, selecting the perfect stool can be overwhelming. Follow these simple tips for making sure that you get exactly the bar stool you are looking for.
- Measure twice, buy once. The most important step in buying bar stools is measuring the seating area in which your new stools will be placed. Bar stools come in a variety of heights and proper measurement will ensure that your guests are not too high or too low. A good reference is to have 10 to 13 inches of space between the stool seat and the bottom of the counter or table. This will provide enough space to comfortably sit, cross your legs and swivel.
- Seating for how many? After determining the proper height for your bar stools, you must consider how many stools you would like to house. A good reference for stool spacing is about 30 inches from mid-seat of one stool to mid-seat of the next. This will leave enough room for swiveling and for getting on and off comfortably. Of course, this measurement changes depending on the stool you are buying. For example, a stool with arms will take up much more space than a stool without arms. Always measure your space and plan on leaving several inches of space between each seat.
- Think about your décor. After deciding on how many stools you need and the proper height of the stools, you can begin to think about the style you would like. There are so many types of stools on the market today; finding one that fits your particular needs should not be a problem! Some questions to ask yourself to help you narrow down your search are: 1) Do I want stools with arms? 2) Do my stools need to swivel? 3) Do I want a back on my stools or will backless fit better? 4) What material do I prefer, wood, metal, plastic or another? 5) What is the general décor of my home: country, modern, traditional, rustic? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you get started in the search for the perfect bar stools.
- Quality versus price. Because many bar stools have moving, swiveling parts, there can be some maintenance involved in owning them. The better the quality of materials, the less maintenance is needed and the safer your guests will be. Stool legs should be checked for tightness periodically and hardware should be of the highest quality. Also, think about the surface material you are buying. Classic leather seated stools may require specific cleaning methods as opposed to a retro plastic seated stool which can easily wipe down to clean. Whatever the material you decide on, quality is important.
Adding a bar space can enhance the ambiance of your home in a stylish and easy way. Whether you are looking for a special place for breakfast, a gathering area for friends, or a space-saving way to add some pizzazz to your home, bar stool seating can add that touch to your home that you’ve always been looking for.
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