Light and comfortable modern stools are a good alternative to bulky and massive chairs. They take up little space in the kitchen and fit perfectly into almost any interior. Thanks to their design features, the stools will look great both at a traditional dining table and at a bar counter.
This product, made of high-quality material, can serve for a long time. It is comfortable to sit on, and if necessary, the stool can be easily pushed under the table. Few people know that the ancestor of the stool is an ordinary bench, which over time was transformed into a small, light and compact seating structure.
Everyone knows what a classic stool looks like - it’s a small chair that has no armrests or back, about 45 cm high. However, modern manufacturers offer a huge variety of models, so choosing the option that best suits the kitchen interior is not difficult.
Using stools in the kitchen - advantages and disadvantages
The main argument in favor of stools is their functionality. They take up very little space, making them great for even the smallest kitchens. Due to their compactness, the stools can simply be stored on the balcony and used when necessary.
If you need to save even more space, you can simply buy folding stools that can be easily hidden even in a regular closet. Stools are a very practical purchase; they are ideal for use in homes where the number of people having dinner and lunch is constantly changing (the whole family gathers in the evening, guests often come, etc.).
Currently, you can purchase stools for any interior - from classic to the most modern. The products are highly durable and long lasting, never go out of style and are inexpensive compared to traditional chairs.
Despite all the positive characteristics, the stool also has some disadvantages. People who are used to sitting relaxed on soft chairs with backs may find it uncomfortable. In addition, the stools have hard seats - but this problem can be easily solved by using special soft pads. Overall, the stool is a very practical and functional product.
Is it worth choosing a stool: the pros and cons of such a purchase
Having assessed all the advantages and considered the shortcomings of the thing, we decide to buy or look for another option. Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of stools as kitchen furniture.
Pros:
- modern manufacturers vying with each other to offer a variety of models: one more interesting than the other;
- stools are easy to fit into the design of any kitchen;
- The sizes of the products are small, they can be easily hidden under the table, freeing up the passage;
- It is easier to wash a stool than a chair;
- Basically, such products are light in weight.
There are pluses, but there are no minuses. It is much more comfortable to sit on a chair than on a stool without a back.
The most popular materials for making kitchen stools
To produce modern stools, not only traditional wood is used, but also metal and plastic. All such designs have their own characteristics and positive characteristics.
Wooden stools are the most expensive option. They are distinguished by their aesthetic appearance and durability. Currently, for the production of stools, they are increasingly using not solid wood, but laminated chipboard.
In this production, formaldehyde resins are used. Due to the simplicity of the design, and if you have the materials and tools, you can even build such a product yourself. A stool made of natural wood will look appropriate in a classic interior; it will emphasize the respectability of the kitchen and make it more comfortable.
Wooden stools can be used not only in city apartments, but also in country cottages with a corresponding interior. The color palette can be different: wenge, sonoma oak, alder, dark walnut, etc.
Metal stools - as a rule, only the base and legs are metal, and other materials (for example, plastic) are used for sitting. Stools of this design are highly durable and can easily withstand heavy loads. Structures made of aluminum are not subject to corrosion. The seat of such a product can have any color and shape.
Stools with soft seats can be made of metal or wood. Provide maximum convenience during operation. The upholstery for the soft seat can be made of textile or leatherette. Over time, the upholstery may become unusable, but it can be easily replaced.
Selection principles
A large assortment of this furniture can make it difficult to choose. You can use ready-made examples of interior design, look at photos of kitchen stools in design projects on websites. This will help you find the best options for your specific situation.
When choosing stools, several criteria are taken into account:
- correspondence of style and shade to the kitchen interior;
- specifics of operation;
- personal requirements for convenience.
These products can be part of the background or interior accents. For the most part, models are chosen that harmoniously combine with the dining table and furniture fronts. You can use the game of contrasts, make the stools bright accents, diluting the monotonous, inexpressive atmosphere.
A stool can be an accent in the kitchen interior
An important point is the specifics of operation. If the products are auxiliary furniture, folding stools for the kitchen will be an ideal option. These models are preferred if they will be used for loggias, cottages, and trips out of town.
You need to take your own preferences into account. This furniture should provide proper comfort during meals. If standard products do not meet your personal idea of convenience, you should purchase stools with a backrest for the kitchen. The range includes compact models that can be placed in a small room.
The stool should provide comfort during meals
Increasingly, owners of modern apartments are furnishing stylish, comfortable studios that combine a kitchen with a living room or dining room. In such cases, a necessary condition is proper zoning that separates the workplace. If the element separating the sitting and cooking area is a counter, bar stools for the kitchen become its optimal complement.
Properly chosen kitchen stools guarantee comfort and attractiveness of the interior.
Popular shapes of stools
Kitchen stools are made in a variety of shapes - they are round, square, triangular, which allows you to more economically use space in a small kitchen. There can be three, four or more legs (five or more legs, as a rule, take on a stylistic load). High stools for bar counters have recently become especially popular.
Square stools are the classic and most popular option. Such structures are made from different materials, with bent or straight legs, soft or hard seats. Can be used as additional seating or as the main seating area. Most often, such products are installed in kitchens, the interiors of which are made in modern styles.
Round stools - like square ones, they are made of different materials. Models that consist of a metal base and a soft seat made of artificial leather are very popular. Round stools are more suitable for modern interiors.
High stools - modern manufacturers offer models that can be independently adjusted in height. These are universal products that save space in the kitchen when space is limited. They can be easily moved from place to place and can be used as stools for bar counters. Easily withstand high loads thanks to a well-thought-out design.
Low stools are light and compact, but cannot be used as the main seating areas, since they are not suitable for a regular dining table in height. Often such stools are purchased when there are small children in the house. As a rule, they are made from solid wood or chipboard. Low plastic stools are used in the bathroom.
Plastic stools
Plastic products are widely used in the design of catering establishments. High popularity is due to:
- low cost;
- durability;
- low maintenance requirements.
These models are inexpensive and do not require large purchase costs. This material has maximum resistance to any influences and retains its properties for many years. Modern manufacturers offer original, attractive plastic stools for the kitchen, which allows them to be used in home interiors.
Plastic stools do not require maintenance
A significant advantage of such products is their huge range. Stools are available in various designs and a wide range of colors. The assortment includes children's models and plastic folding stools for the kitchen.
The material is easily molded, which allows you to give the furniture any desired configuration. The model range includes laconic products, original stools, designs in different design styles. You can buy plastic kitchen stools with metal supports.
Plastic allows you to give any configuration
Popular stool designs
Folding stools - they are very easy to use, reliable and functional. These stools are made from a variety of materials: it can be traditional wood, as well as lightweight and durable aluminum. The choice in favor of one material or another depends on the style chosen by the owners when decorating their own home. When folded, they take up very little space, so they can be stored on a balcony or closet and used when necessary.
Bar stools have come into fashion relatively recently and are an excellent addition to bar counters. An excellent option is a high stool on a massive metal leg with a round stand. Wooden models are made with four legs. High stools, depending on the style, can be used in a wide variety of interiors.
Metal in the manufacture of stools
One of the main materials in the production of kitchen stools is metal. Its strength allows you to give the furniture resistance to stress and ensure a long service life. All-metal products are rare. For the most part, the material is used to create a supporting structure that must withstand the main loads.
Metal goes well with wood, plastic, and panel materials, which makes it possible to produce stools in a wide range. The base from it can have a variety of configurations. It could be:
- laconic traditional design with 4 legs;
- base with complex decor, including forged elements;
- original design form.
Metal is used in various designs. It is often used in folding stools for the kitchen and bar models.
Metal will ensure long service life
Various alloys are used in production. For the most part, rolled steel is used to make the base. It has high strength and resistance to stress. Anti-corrosion protection allows you to withstand difficult kitchen conditions. It can be regular or powder paint, chrome alloy. Aluminum can be used to create stools with a back for the kitchen and traditional models. This metal is resistant to corrosion and has minimal weight.
The metal stool is highly resistant to stress
The metal seat can hardly be called comfortable. Therefore, the material is not usually used for these elements. A plastic or wooden structure can be attached to a metal base. You can buy a kitchen stool with a soft seat and a metal base to ensure proper comfort.
Soft seat for comfortable rest
Choosing stools for the home depending on the interior style
Stools, like any other furniture in the house, must be in harmony with the style of the room, and not cause dissonance. When choosing products in a store, you should take into account all the features of the home’s interior. In some cases, it is recommended to purchase custom-made stools according to individual parameters.
Wooden stools with curved carved legs will look best in a classic interior. They can have a natural wood color, as well as brown, beige or black. Wooden stools in white, beige, and light blue are ideal for interiors in Provence and shabby chic styles. For a rustic-style interior, it is recommended to choose the simplest wooden stools - they do not have to be elegant, on the contrary, massiveness is encouraged.
Metal stools with round seats will fit perfectly into all modern interiors. When arranging a kitchen in a high-tech or minimalist style, you should choose simple metal products of standard height.
The color of their seats should match the overall color scheme. For example, if the kitchen is furnished in gray tones with red color accents, then the seats of the stools can also be red. When decorating a kitchen in a loft style, or when arranging a kitchen-living room, designers advise choosing high (bar) stools.
Design Features
Today, buyers are offered a wide range of similar kitchen furniture. But all these products have one thing in common. Their design solution includes two key components: legs and a seat. The difference between the models lies in the design, material of manufacture, and price. However, the essence of the application remains the same.
Reference! When buying a stool, you should take as a guide the circumstances in which it will be used, and personal preferences regarding ergonomics and comfort. It must match the style of the kitchen and the owners themselves.
The stool has the following advantages:
- ease of operation (do not require any special care);
- versatility (fits well into any interior style);
- saving space (products can be stacked on top of each other or pushed under the table if more space is needed);
- neutrality (do not spoil the atmosphere);
- wide range (furniture stores offer products for every taste and budget).
How to choose the right stools for the kitchen - expert advice
In order for stools to become not only an important functional part of the interior, but also its decoration, you should adhere to some basic rules when choosing them:
- The size of the stool should directly depend on the size of the kitchen itself. The optimal height of the product is 45 cm, with a seat diameter of 50 cm. However, when choosing stools, it is best to take into account the height of the dining table.
- You should not buy stools with overly soft seats, they will have a bad effect on your posture. The seats should also not be too hard, as sitting on them will be uncomfortable. If necessary, you can buy or sew special pads that are attached to the legs of the stool.
- The choice of product material should depend on the style of the kitchen interior, as well as on what material predominates in its decoration.
- Textile seats can quickly get dirty, tear and become unusable. More practical are seats made of leather or leatherette, which can simply be washed if necessary.
- It is important that the stools match perfectly with the dining table, not only in shape, but also in color. The material of manufacture must also match (except for cases where the interior style involves combinations of different textures and materials).
- The surface of the seat should be slightly concave or rounded, then it will be more comfortable to sit on the stool.
- If you use special lubricants, the service life of the stools can be significantly extended.
- If for some reason you get tired of the color of wooden stools, you can repaint them by choosing any shade.
When choosing stools for the kitchen, don’t be afraid to use your own imagination. Even such a simple and familiar product can be extraordinary and original. With the help of new stools, you can change and decorate the interior of the kitchen, and the mood of your household and guests will depend on their convenience.
If you have the appropriate experience and knowledge, you can even build stools yourself - this will be a good reason to be proud of your friends. Properly selected products will become a real highlight of the kitchen, something that distinguishes it from many similar rooms.
Types of stools for the kitchen: how such products differ from each other
Any piece of furniture can be classified according to different parameters. We offer the optimal division according to the type of structure, base and shape of the seat.
Various design features
In general, a stool can be described as a combination of support and seat, combined with each other. Any design will differ in material, size, style, design.
This piece of furniture differs from a chair in the absence of a back, which significantly reduces the comfort of sitting.
Classic and folding
A classic among designs is a regular product with four legs and a square seat. The design of even classic products can be very different from each other, striking in its originality.
Classic: four legs and a seat PHOTO: dekoriko.ru
The peculiarity of folding models is quick assembly and the same easy folding. Guests arrived - took out the stools, laid them out, left - quickly put away the compactly folded product.
Slide and spread: easy and simple PHOTO: servants.witchforum.ru
Bar and step stools
The bar variety is similar to a regular stool, having high legs with a footrest, but without a back and armrests. The seat can be any shape. This is a durable design for a stylish kitchen, suggesting that the owners have already moved away from the ancient, boring interior.
Don’t worry that such a stool is unstable PHOTO: pinterest.ru
The stepladder is designed for greater functionality; it is a place to sit and a convenient mini-ladder for household needs. The models are designed in such a way that no tools are needed to use the ladder; it folds up easily.
There may be several steps, it all depends on the type of product and its dimensions PHOTO: lmbd.ru
Important! The model is potentially dangerous, as a small child can easily fall from it.
Stool legs
Conventional models have 4 legs, but don’t lose sight of interesting designs with two, three and five “limbs”. In addition, the base can be represented by a flat disk with a vertical stand.
Straight legs and angled legs
The inclination of the legs will not play a role in stability, since the manufacturer will never put on sale a product whose legs are not able to support the client’s weight.
Straight supports look monumental, stable, suitable for country and minimalism. If they are not carved or without elegant decor, then for the classics they choose a different style of product.
Standard, but elegant PHOTO: e-katalog.ru
Inclined legs look more elegant; the angle will not allow the structure to be fragile.
Advice! Inclined models are more stable than straight ones.
It’s simple, but this tilt visually makes the product more decorative PHOTO: mismebel.by
Flat disk with vertical stand
There are also other models that have one strong vertical stand that supports the structure on three legs.
Option for a modern kitchen PHOTO: welding-russia.ru
Difference in seats
The seats can be hard, semi-hard and soft. The hard one is more familiar, but not particularly comfortable.
Semi-rigid models have an elastic pad of 1-3 cm, while soft ones have a material pad of more than 5 cm.
It’s more pleasant to be on a soft seat, especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen PHOTO: svoimirukamimebel.ru
Square and round
The shape of the seat is represented by the geometry of a circle or square. This is a matter of taste and style of the room. If clear lines are important, then a square is preferable, but a round shape looks softer and more comfortable.
Even a simple square shape can have decorative variations PHOTO: donnamebel.ru
Round stools can also be soft, hard and semi-rigid PHOTO: v-interere.ru
Transitional shapes are possible between these shapes: square with rounded corners.
Concave model
There is also a comfortable seat design; its shape is somewhat reminiscent of a bowl. It is very comfortable to sit on, and in appearance it is a very interesting model.
Beautiful, thoughtful design and excellent seat PHOTO: de-light.ru
What are stools made of?
The following materials are used in the manufacture of stools: Wooden. The advantages are environmental friendliness and beautiful appearance. Wooden products create comfort and peace. The price of wooden stools depends on the type of wood, the most expensive being beech furniture;
Metal. The surface of the stool (frame) treated with chrome is able to withstand kitchen conditions and withstand heavy loads. Negative point - due to the significant weight, pieces of furniture can damage floor coverings if rubber or plastic caps are not used;
Plastic. The weight of the stools is insignificant and they are easy to handle. However, their service life is short-lived, since the top layer of the products changes under the influence of ultraviolet (solar) color.
There are also combined stools. Thus, the legs of the IKEA (Marius) stool are made of metal, and the backing is made of plastic.
How to correctly say stool or tubaretka? this is a chair
Firstly, the seating area must be large enough to accommodate people of different sizes. Secondly, a soft coating that is pleasant to the body and highly wear-resistant is desirable. Thirdly, a comfortable chair should have a wide back, on which you can lean your elbows when you relax. I personally don’t consider chairs with iron or wooden backs, consisting of one crossbar, to be comfortable; moreover, I have never seen anyone lean on these “backs.” That is, a chair is a chair, but everyone sits on it like a stool.
I hope everyone has already understood that the comfortable chair
more appropriate in large kitchens or, I would even say, in dining rooms. It will take up a catastrophic amount of space for a small kitchen. You will have nowhere to turn around, you will constantly stumble over them, cursing the day you made this rash purchase.
Stools
The main property of a stool is practicality. They take up much less space and easily slide under the table and stack one on top of the other. Easier to transport to any corner of the room. In small kitchens, tables are usually placed against the wall, so you can lean on it and no backrest is needed. A good alternative to any support. In stores you can find any shape and design of this furniture to suit your taste. According to the criteria, stools are not inferior to chairs. However, in huge dining rooms, they will look poor and unsightly.
Based on the above, it becomes clear that stools have more advantages. They have a variety of designs to suit any kitchen, the same soft seats and good durability. Suitable for small spaces.
History[edit]
Creation of stools and getting to Europe[edit]
The first stool was invented approximately 2.5 thousand years ago by the ancient Egyptians. At that time it was a symbol of wealth. Such stools are still found during excavations of tombs.
Then, after the conquest by Rome, the stools came to Europe. But unfortunately, people there had already invented chairs, and no one took stools seriously. This offended them greatly; they tried to attract attention, but nothing happened.
First chair-stool war (853-875)[edit]
The harbinger of this destructive war was the Europeans' dislike for stools and reverence for chairs. At first, several underground gangs were created with stools, which quietly dismantled the chairs while the owners were not at home. Then the gangs began to unite and create entire armies. This did not go unnoticed, and the chairs began to prepare for defense.
The first blow to the chairs was made in 853 in Germany near the city of Frankfut. Further throughout Germany, where the Government of the International Stool Association of the Rhine (abbr. PITAR) was created.
The stools fought their way through the Alps to the capital of the stools - Turin. And five years later they finally got there and captured it. But the chairs did not give up, so already in 875 peace was signed.
Reformation[edit]
Like any European country, PITAR decided to reform.
The army was renewed, the navy was created, all sorts of buildings needed by the people appeared, and most importantly, the Book of Rights was created, which stated all the rights of stools, and also that every stool has nothing in common with chairs.
Second Chair-Stool War (1378–1406)[edit]
You probably already understand why this conflict occurred.
The chairs learned what was written in the Book of Rights and declared war on PITAR. The war began intensely; the stools were often attacked in different places and were constantly unable to break through the defense of the stools. The war went on but there were no results, when suddenly the people got tired of seeing chairs and stools destroying each other. People began to prevent them from fighting. But the chairs fanatically continued to attempt attacks. For which both the stools and chairs received a blow in the back. The Europeans began to break down the troops of the warring parties.
Finally, in 1406, peace arrived in which people respected chairs and stools equally, and they did not fight each other.
The entry of stools into the USSR[edit]
Years passed, and the world began to turn into war. But it ended, and Soviet soldiers brought home trophies from Europe, including stools. That's how they came to us. But unlike Europe, we have only grown to love them more over the years.
