Whether youre looking to perch peacefully in a brekky nook or live large with an at-home bar, bar stools offer you endless casual eating, drinking and general sitting opportunities. But before you jump right into setting up your flexible seating space, there are a few things you need to know about how to choose the right bar and counter stool. Read on for our complete bar stool buying guide.
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Its not rocket science, but it definitely poses its challenges! When picking out bar stools, youll need to take into account a few different measurements and select a style youre into. Weve put together a bar stool buying guide to make it easy to choose the right stool for your home.
When it comes to bar stools, the colour, style and feature choices are endless. The only real consideration youll have to factor in is the height of your counter or bar space. In Australia, residential kitchen counters and commercial bars have standardised measurements, which are:
. 90cm for the kitchen bench
. 105cm for a commercial bar
That being said, anything old or DIYd may have different measurements, so its best to grab the measuring tape just in case. Tall tables, kitchen islands and dining tables also all have varying heights.
Take height by measuring from the floor to the underside of the counter or bench. The height of your kitchen counter, for example, will determine how tall your counter height bar stools should be.
Once youve figured out how high your counter or bar is, youre in the best position to choose a height for your bar stool. How high a bar stool should be will come down to counter height, the surfaces intended purpose, and personal preference.
As a general guide, most people prefer between 20 and 30cm clearance between the top of a seating surface and the underside of a table, bench or counter. Remember that counter height is measured to the base of the surface, while bar stool height usually refers to the distance between the ground and the top of the seat. So, if your kitchen counter is 85cm tall, look for a bar stool thats around 60cm high. This should enable you to comfortably rest your elbows on your kitchen or dining surface, allowing you to eat, drink or work with ease.
When working outside of these guidelines, keep in mind that you may lose some functionality of your counter, bar or bench if your stool is either too low or too high.
From large, cushioned and backed bar stools to sleek and minimalist designs, there are bar stools in a whole range of sizes to suit any space. Some may prefer a larger bar stool with more sitting room for comfort, while others may opt for a few narrow stools for a more minimalist aesthetic. Your decision will come down to personal preference.
Youll also need to consider the size of your seating area before settling on bar stools. Keep in mind that chairs will ideally have 60cm of space between them to allow each person to move comfortably. In a 2m wide area, you may be able to fit three smaller sized stools, but only two larger seats.
With height and size covered off, all theres left to do is to get shopping! Select the material, style, shape and colour of your stools and place them by the kitchen counter, bar, island or table. Heres a quick guide for all your styling options.
Whether its polished stainless steel or decorative rattan, your options for bar stool materials are plenty. Match the style of the rest of your furniture or change it up by choosing bar stools in a different material. Here are some common bar stool materials:
. Timber
. Metal
. Rattan or wicker
. Fabric
. Leather
. Plastic or polyresin
Dreaming of a casual Scandi dining space? Or is mid-century style more up your alley? Spruce up your bar or kitchen counter space with bar stools in your choice of decor style. Here are just a few styles to get you inspired:
. Art deco
. Contemporary
. Mid-century modern
. Boho
. Coastal
. Farmhouse
. Hamptons
. Industrial
. Retro
. Scandinavian
Referring to the shape of the seat, bar stools come in a small variety of shapes to suit any preference and style. Weve listed some common shapes for bar stools:
. Round
. Square
. Rectangular
. Abstract
From plush, tall backrests to bar stools with gas lifts, there are many bar and counter stool features to factor into your buying decision. Here are a few questions to ask throughout the buying process:
. Do I want a backrest?
. What colour do I prefer?
. With arms or armless?
. Does it need to be stackable?
. Is adjustable height/gas lift important to me?
. Do I need it to swivel?
If youre buying bar stools for the home, the decision to include or exclude these features will come down to personal preference, but its a little more tricky in a commercial setting. The ability to adjust the height of the stool may be important in a restaurant or bar, where patrons may have vastly different heights. If youll be using it in a business environment, make sure your stool is commercial grade and designed to stand regular use.
Granite is a natural stone prized for its durability, heat and scratch resistance, and wide variety of unique colors and patterns.
Its a popular choice for adding value to a home, though it comes with a cost range of $2,000$4,500.
Granite countertops are available in a wide range of styles and colors. Common choices include:
Granites natural variations mean that no two slabs are exactly alike, offering a truly unique countertop surface for your kitchen.
Quartz is an engineered stone that offers exceptional durability and low maintenance, making it a popular choice for busy kitchens.
Its moisture and stain-resistant and does not require sealing, with a cost range of $1,500$8,000.
Quartz countertops come in a vast range of colors and patterns, from solid colors to those mimicking the look of natural stone like marble or granite.
Popular choices include soft whites, grays, and bold veined patterns that add a luxurious touch to any kitchen design.
Marble is a luxurious natural stone that exudes elegance and timeless beauty.
Known for its unique veining and smooth texture, marble is heat-resistant but requires regular maintenance.
The cost for marble countertops typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
Marble countertops are available in classic shades such as white, gray, and cream, often featuring intricate veining patterns.
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Popular types include Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario, each offering a distinct look with varying levels of veining and color tones.
Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly and versatile option made from layers of plastic bonded to a particleboard core.
They offer a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, often mimicking the appearance of wood, stone, or other high-end materials.
The cost for laminate countertops typically ranges from $800 to $2,000.
Laminate countertops come in an extensive variety of styles and colors, including options that mimic the look of granite, marble, wood, and other natural materials.
From high-gloss to matte finishes, laminate can suit both traditional and modern kitchen designs, making it a flexible choice for homeowners on a budget.
Solid surface countertops are a synthetic material designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone.
Made from a blend of acrylic particles and resins, these countertops offer a seamless look and can be custom-formed to fit any kitchen layout.
The cost for solid surface countertops typically ranges from $1,500 to $6,000.
Solid surface countertops are available in a wide array of colors and designs, allowing for significant customization.
Homeowners can choose from simple, solid colors to more complex patterns that mimic the look of granite or marble.
The materials versatility extends to its finish options, which can range from high-gloss to matte, and its seamless integration makes it ideal for creating a sleek, modern kitchen design.
Concrete countertops offer a high level of customization and durability, making them a popular choice for modern and industrial kitchen designs.
These countertops can be crafted in virtually any shape, size, or color, providing a unique and personalized look.
Stainless steel countertops are known for their durability and sleek, industrial appearance, making them a popular choice in both commercial and modern residential kitchens.
They offer excellent heat resistance and are easy to clean, though they tend to show fingerprints and can dent over time. Costs can be high, depending on the level of custom fabrication.
Stainless steel countertops typically come in polished or brushed finishes, offering either a reflective or a more subdued matte look, which can complement both modern and industrial kitchen designs.
Butcher block countertops bring a warm, natural wood element to kitchens, making them an excellent choice for food prep areas.
They are budget-friendly and can be easily sanded and resealed to maintain their appearance. However, they do require regular oiling and are prone to scratches and stains.
Common wood types used for butcher block countertops include maple, oak, walnut, and cherry, each offering unique grain patterns and color tones that can enhance the kitchens aesthetic.
Quartzite is a natural stone that closely resembles quartz but offers superior heat resistance.
It is highly durable and is often chosen for its ability to withstand kitchen wear and tear.
However, it requires sealing to maintain its quality and can be on the pricier side, comparable to high-end granite and marble.
Quartzite countertops are available in classic shades of white and gray, often featuring subtle veining that mimics the look of marble, making them a popular choice for those seeking a sophisticated, natural stone appearance.
Soapstone is a natural stone renowned for its smooth, velvety texture and antique appearance.
Its a durable material that is non-porous and highly heat resistant, making it ideal for kitchens.
However, it is softer than other stones, which means it can scratch more easily and requires regular oiling to maintain its look. The cost is generally on the higher end, similar to marble.
Soapstone countertops are typically available in darker shades, including deep gray, greenish-gray, and nearly black, often featuring subtle natural veining that enhances their antique charm.
Ceramic tile countertops are a durable and affordable option for kitchens, offering a wide range of design possibilities.
These countertops are heat resistant and easy to clean, making them a practical choice.
However, the grout lines between tiles can stain over time, and the tiles themselves are prone to chipping.
The cost is generally budget-friendly, making it an attractive option for many homeowners.
Ceramic tiles are available in a vast array of styles and colors, including classic white subway tiles, colorful mosaics, and patterned designs that can be customized to match any kitchen decor.
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