Most interiors of modern houses and apartments are largely combined with each other, creating unique and inimitable colors. The kitchen is also undergoing changes in the interior. More and more people are moving away from the standard design of kitchens; designers are looking for unusual solutions, a certain “zest” of a particular kitchen.
More and more often on the Internet you can see photos of bar stools in home kitchens or in apartments with an open plan.
Advantages of bar stools
Bar stools for a small kitchen will be simply irreplaceable. They save a lot of space; they can be placed on the windowsill, on the kitchen surface, or, if the kitchen is large, on the bar counter.
If there are bar stools in the kitchen, there can be a lot of people at the same time - and no one will disturb anyone.
You can have a party or friendly get-togethers with friends or girlfriends in the kitchen. Cakes, fruits and soft drinks - what could be better?
These chairs are very convenient for quick snacks and breakfasts in the morning.
Yes, many people today choose bar stools not as a decorative item, but based on their functionality. However, what do you need to know when buying bar stools?
Criteria for choosing bar stools
You should not think that bar stools are intended only for public establishments - bars, restaurants and clubs. For some reason, people think that the range of such chairs is limited to uncomfortable nickel-plated seats with sliding footrests. This is fundamentally wrong.
Those who select bar stools for their kitchen are guided by several recommendations and tips for selecting furniture in this category.
Bar stools in the kitchen interior
When successfully combined with a counter, it is considered a relatively new, modern option for kitchen design. Perfect for small spaces, as the dimensions are quite compact.
In more spacious rooms they act as a stylish addition, decoration, if you like. They can very easily divide the kitchen into zones - for preparing food and for eating it.
Can be used to divide into zones
Height and size of tabletop/bar counter
First you need to decide on the size of the tabletop, and based on this, select bar stools.
The standard tabletop height is about 110-120 cm. This means that a bar stool should be no more than 80 cm in height. Most furniture stores offer bar stools of standard height - 75-78 cm.
If you plan to use chairs of this type not only at high table tops and window sills, but also at a regular table, then you should pay attention to models of adjustable chairs.
Bar stools with a gas-lift system are also suitable if you often have guests or household members vary greatly in height.
You must also remember that usually there is about 60 cm of tabletop per person, that is, a third. Therefore, focus on three seats.
Features of solid wood bar stools
The peculiarity of this piece of furniture is its non-standard height. Not all models are equipped with a mechanism that allows you to change the distance between the seat and the floor, so it is important to determine the size of the stand in advance. Typically the value is in the range from 100 to 120 cm. According to ergonomic rules, the difference between the table top and the seat of the stool should be 30 cm.
The number of products depends on the length of the bar counter. There should be at least 60 cm per stool.
The size of the seat is chosen based on the size of the people living in the apartment. Most models have dimensions from 35 to 42 cm, which is less than dining chairs.
There are several points in favor of the purchase.
- Wood is a natural material.
- Depending on the type of wood, you can choose a suitable shade to support the overall color scheme.
- Wood products go well with many interior design styles. They bring a special coziness and are pleasant during direct contact.
- Solid wood models are durable and easy to care for. From time to time it is recommended to carry out treatment against pests and renew the varnish coating.
The design of a bar stool consists of a seat and legs. After use, they can be easily stored under the countertop. But they are not very suitable for long-term use.
A mandatory element is support for the feet, which will prevent numbness in the lower extremities. It also strengthens the overall structure.
The rotating device increases the functionality of the product, but, unfortunately, is not compatible with wooden models.
In some cases, a wooden bar stool can successfully replace a bedside table or a stand for a flowerpot.
Shape of bar stools
It is in the minds of most people that bar stools only come with one leg and a footrest. However, there are different types of such chairs: with armrests, with a back, and on stable four legs. There are not only nickel-plated chairs, but also good-quality wooden ones.
By the way, bar furniture is a little smaller than usual, so classic four-legged bar stools will require more space than single-legged bar stools.
There are also folding bar stools that save work space with a very modest living space. Such furniture will suit any interior, as it is made from very different materials.
Chairs with backrests should be given special attention. The back of the chair serves as support for the back, so bar stools with a soft seat and a high back are suitable for people who often sit at the tabletop with a tablet or laptop.
Half-chairs with soft armrests and backs are perfect for those who like long “get-togethers” with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tripod bar stools look stylish in minimalist, modern or loft interiors. However, such furniture is unstable, so it will be inappropriate where there are small children.
Bar stools for kitchens of different styles
Today it is not difficult to find a bar stool for the kitchen stylized to a specific design. When choosing a model, attention should be focused not only on the style of the kitchen, but also on the bar counter itself, because these two elements create one composition. Therefore, their design must have something in common. This could be the overall color, or the appearance of the metal or wood elements present in the frame. The easiest way to create such a composition is to pair bar stools with chrome legs with a bar counter with chrome elements.
Metal bar stools for the kitchen photo
Bar stools for high-tech kitchens
Chairs with a frame made of chrome-plated glossy or matte silver metal will best fit into a kitchen with a high-tech design. At the same time, their design must have strict forms, without excess decorative and structural elements. The color of the seats should not be chosen in bright shades; traditional cool colors are best suited: gray, black and their various shades.
Modern bar stools for the kitchen
Bar stools for high-tech kitchens
Bar stools for the kitchen
Bar stools for fusion style, pop art
For such kitchens, chairs with the brightest colors and eye-catching designs are selected. After all, these styles can be classified as youth, so the play of colors and funny chair designs are most appropriate here. You can use creative designer models, with non-traditional frame and seat shapes. Bar stools with one leg will fit well into this style, not the standard straight leg, but maybe in the form of a zigzag, spiral, etc. The seats here can also have various shapes, from hearts, semi-ovals, to polygonal shapes.
Photo bar stools for the kitchen
Bar stools for a country style kitchen
Wooden bar stools for a country style kitchen would be most appropriate. At the same time, everything here should be traditional and without any special frills in the design and shape of the frame. The frame must have 4 legs. Wooden parts can be treated with either transparent varnish or painted in white and light colors.
Bar stools for a country style kitchen
Bar stools in country style photo
Bar stools with carvings or with an antique effect will further emphasize the country style in the kitchen.
Wooden bar stools for the kitchen
Bar stools for the kitchen in modern style
The most suitable option in this case would be chairs that have a combination of metal-plastic, metal-glass in their design, or they can also consist entirely of plastic. The appearance of such models is not particularly pretentious, but it cannot be called ordinary either. After all, Art Nouveau style implies the implementation of all the latest achievements in a discreet but fashionable form.
Bar stools for the kitchen in modern style photo
Bar stools for a modern kitchen photo
Also in the Art Nouveau style, such chairs can be made of valuable wood, in a strict and at the same time laconic design
Wooden bar stools for the kitchen
Bar stools for the kitchen will create a modern and fashionable atmosphere in your space. At the same time, they will bring more convenience and comfort to the interior.
Bar stools: selecting material
Let's start with the most unpretentious and inexpensive models made of transparent or colored plastic. Chairs made of transparent plastic will “dissolve” in the interior and will fit perfectly into a small kitchen or studio apartment. Chairs made of colored plastic will become a bright spot and add a touch of freshness to any interior.
But you need to remember that plastic chairs are not suitable for overweight people. In addition, the plastic is very easy to scratch, but in terms of care it is a big plus.
Chairs decorated with rattan or wicker will make your interior a little more country-like.
Bar furniture with seats made of natural/artificial leather or upholstery material should be selected based on the style of the interior and its color scheme. You should pay attention to the filler.
In general, a gel filler is considered the most optimal - it takes on the anatomical shape of the body and quickly returns to its original state. However, most people find it too slippery and prefer polyurethane foam filling.
Chairs with a metal or chrome frame are not the cheapest, but they are the most unpretentious. Yes, and they look very impressive.
Wooden furniture is considered the most durable, stable and durable. Most often they are made of natural wood, without the use of painting techniques, but protection with a special varnish is possible.
You just need to remember that wooden bar stools are not adjustable in any way, so they need to be selected especially carefully.
Which model will suit your interior design?
Modern high-tech interiors can be equipped with chairs made of steel and plastic with a bright design.
If the kitchen is decorated in a neutral color, then we can recommend chairs with a bright design solution.
Loft style, involves the use of various metal chairs
The classic style of the kitchen involves bar stools made of wood, as well as upholstered in leather or other fabric.
For a country or rustic kitchen, wooden chairs, wicker chairs or wrought iron chairs work well.
Price range
Of course, the widest range of bar stools can be found in IKEA stores. Inexpensive chairs can be purchased for around two to three thousand rubles.
More comfortable models with backs and soft seats are more expensive - from five thousand rubles. If you value stability and comfort, then you will have to fork out 12-15 thousand for wooden furniture.
