A Guide to buying Kitchen Stools

 

You have finally decided that the kitchen just has to be rejuvenated, but the budget is small and you are not sure what you are going to do? It is not as hard as it sounds, and something as simple as updating your kitchen stools might be a good start to refreshing your kitchen. Depending on your needs, there are many things you might like to consider if you’ve decided to go ahead and buy new kitchen stools to brighten your kitchen area.

 

There are no hard and fast rules about what you can and cannot do, however important questions are; what is the overall look you are going for? , and what type of kitchen do you have now?  The important considerations are thinking about the overall look you would like to achieve and the environment in which the kitchen stools will be placed.   Whether your home is a period style bungalow, modern architect designed home or traditional wooden home there are countless options that will suit these diverse styles equally as well.

 

The industrial look and the metal retro stools have been en-trend in more recent times.  These metal kitchen stools are both strong and hardy, and perfect for young families.  If you are going to use these stools outdoors, then you will need to ensure the chairs have been galvanised first so that they are protected from the weather and will not rust.   If you have younger children, you may want to consider getting a kitchen stool with a back for safety.

 

It is important to get the height right on your kitchen stools, and the seat height is determined by your bench height.  Most kitchen benches and island benches are around 90cm high to the top of the bench surface.  To ensure that there is adequate space for your legs to fit under the bench to comfortably eat and drink at the bench, you will require kitchen stools with a height of around 61cm – 67cm.   Higher bar stools measuring 70cm-76cm are really suitable for old fashioned drinking bars which are much higher and have a bench height of around 1.0 – 1.1 metres.   Another consideration is that small children will be better with a higher seat height at the higher end of the recommended range, at about 67cm.

 

Smaller Kitchen Stools at around 45cm high are basically used for extra seating at your dining table when guests drop by.  These handy sized stools are ideal if they can be stacked when not in use, so they can be kept out of the way.  Another useful function for the low stools is for use as a side table or small coffee table, or even as a bedside table.   There are loads of bright colour combinations available to add that splash of colour to the all-white kitchens that have dominated our domestic spaces recently.

 

Danish style kitchen stools and bar stools have become very fashionable in the newer restaurants and bars in Sydney and Melbourne.   And likewise at home, these styles work well if you have exposed beams or floorboards.   Natural timber colours provide a more rustic finish, whereas darker stains suit the more modern home.   If the bar stool has elements of stainless steel, then again these types of Danish bar stools will enhance the more modern space.

 

The popularity of Replica bar stools in Australia has introduced a plethora of new designs and affordable kitchen stools for the home furniture market.  The choices are now greater, and the options available in terms of seat height and finish is now broader than ever.   Do not be overawed by all these options, stick to the style that captures your eye and ensure the stool is practicable and comfortable.   Remember to check the height of your bench before purchase, and ensure that the stools are well constructed and made from durable materials.

 

Last, but certainly not the least, ensure that you ask your retailer on cleaning and maintaining your new kitchen stools.    Many modern options use plastic and natural timbers, which really just require wiping down with a soft cleaning cloth.     Leather products require annual cleaning and conditioning, to ensure the hide does not loose moisture and cracks. 

 

I hope this guide to purchasing bar stools and kitchen stools has been useful, and I look forward to reading your comments and thoughts.