Selecting the Perfect Counter Stool
Choosing the perfect counter stool should always begin with your counter. The kitchen countertop is the center of the world for many, or at the very least the center of your home. Growing up in an Italian Family, I knew that no matter how beautiful your living room, entertainment would always start in the kitchen. As final preparations are made, guests naturally tended to gather around the kitchen counter to mix and snack. So many wonderful evenings will start around your counter! It helps to be prepared with proper seating!
Before you can select materials, your first consideration should be the height of your stools. There are three standard heights for a counter stool: Table Height, Counter Height, and Bar Height. Measure your space to discern what category it requires. Make sure that you leave about twelve inches of space between the bottom of your countertop and the top of the seat, leaving enough room for anyone to sit comfortably and casually. When selecting, you want to make sure you measure your space before you begin your search, otherwise you run the risk of falling in love with a piece that isn’t right for your space.
Next, you’ll want to hone in on materials. This should be first and foremost a question of practicality. Fabrics, leathers, woods, and woven textures are all beautiful in their own way, but each involves a different level of care. Cleanability should not be ignored if you’re primarily using the space as a host, or if your countertop is a breakfast destination for little ones. Woven counter stools like the ones you see above are absolutely gorgeous, but require a much higher level of care than the black hardwood option you see up top. These stools are meant to be a central feature of the decor: they are meant to draw the eye. Now it’s time to consider if that conspicuous choice is right for your vision.
Once you’ve discerned what height you need and what material you’d like to use, its time to consider what style of stool would suit your kitchen best. What is their place in your overall design? For example, if you’re looking for them to disappear, something without a back can be tucked under the island, allowing the other design elements of your kitchen to take center stage. However, If you want your choice to stand out, a worn leather or woven wood will capture the eye more than a low-slung silhouette. I chose the faux leather stools above to reinforce the farmhouse feel of the kitchen. These are inexpensive and stylish to clean, and their utilitarian look lends the kitchen a rustic quality. For the Carraway Project (below) I chose a solid cherry stool with a back, ensuring comfort for lengthy brunches. These stools were upholstered with a stain-resistant fabric; not only will they stand up to heavy use, but an upholstered stool can always be re-covered to suit your kitchen’s changing needs.
With Counter Stools, like many other elements of design, there are a truly dizzying array of options at your disposal. It’s important to choose carefully; after all there’s a good chance you’ll sit on whatever you choose more than any chair in your home. Like many of the other design choices you make, selection should be based on an honest assessment of your daily needs. With these tips in mind, I’m sure you’ll absolutely love your choice.
Happy Designing!