Picking out stools for your kitchen island or peninsula sounds really easy: Just stop by a few stores or surf online, pick a style you prefer and run with it. But there is more to this process than you may think. Equip yourself with these recommendations to make sure the stools you select strike the right balance between visual appeal and functionality.
Camilla Molders Design
Determine the style that suits your kitchen. This appears to be a no-brainer, but there are many stool kinds on the market that narrowing down the options can easily overwhelm you. To simplify the procedure, think about it from one of two approaches: You can select stools that complement your kitchen or comparison with it.
Imagine Living
By way of instance, if you’ve got a cottage kitchen, you may stay with this particular theme and include white wooden stools with cushioned, skirted linen seats. Or you might inject an industrial note with distressed metal stools from a flea market. Just make sure you remain in the same general family — don’t try to pair glossy space-age stools with, say, a formal, conventional kitchen.
Marla Schrank Interiors
Pick on the proper height. You’ll want to allow enough legroom for people to sit , and the only means to have it right is by simply measuring. Determine the distance from the ground to the underside of your countertop or other outside, then subtract between 10 and 14 inches. The result is your target stool height.
Melaragno Design Company, LLC
Learn how many you are going to need. People perched on the stools may want plenty of elbow space. As a guideline, plan on 26 to 30 inches between the center of each chair. In addition, don’t place stools in which they’ll block the kitchen workflow or traffic . That may mean limiting them to only 1 side of an island or island, or at the very least having a place to tuck them whenever they may be whatsoever.
John Kraemer & Sons
Road test for comfort. Spend a good when sitting in any feces that makes your brief list and search for potential trouble spots. Does it cut to your legs in an awkward angle? Do you feel safe leaning back? Can there be a logical place for your feet to rest? If you’ve got the need to hop down long after you choose a chair, you can bet your guests will do exactly the same.
Vendome Press
Look for easy-to-clean materials. Spills, stains and splashes are unavoidable at the kitchen, so select stools created from substances that can take some wear and tear. Strong or stained wood, aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, acrylic, resin and vinyl all resist moisture and oils.
Stools with caned or basket-woven seats are classic, but you are going to have to be diligent about wiping down cracks and crannies. If you go for an upholstered fashion, care for the cloth using a stain protector to keep it looking its best as long as you can.
Su Casa Designs
Assess for quality structure. Because stools become pushed, pulled, banged and jostled every day, you will want to be sure yours are well made. Inspect the linking or soldering; check the backs for equilibrium; make sure fabric is securely attached.
Invest in the features that are most important to you. Consider the extras that you crave. Would you want the seats of your stools to swivel? Would you prefer a prominent footrest? Don’t be tempted to cut corners in the long term, these finishing touches will make your seating satisfactory for years to come.
More:
A Rainbow of Colorful Kitchen Stools
20 Favorite Modern Bar and Counter Stools