While your kitchen counter certainly makes a convenient spot to exercise your culinary abilities, it can also be used for other purposes as well. Just think about it, if it offers enough surface space to prepare meals on, then it can also make a great area for mingling with guests, having a quick bite, doing homework and so on. While a kitchen counter is indeed versatile, to unleash its full potential, you need some great bar stools. If you’re considering boosting your counter’s functionality and looks, here are some tips to help you pick the appropriate bar stools.

Materials Matter

When choosing the material of your bar stools, consider your kitchen’s overall style. If it’s designed in a rustic or traditional way, like for instance French Provincial, then classic timber bar stools would be an excellent fit for it. Scandinavian kitchens would also benefit from timber bar stools, however, they should have more of a mid-century feel than an old-timey one. On the other hand, bar stools that are a blend of wood and metal are ideal for industrial style spaces. Bar stools that are made of metal or plastic look best in contemporary spaces. Of all these options, what homeowners tend to like the most are wooden bar stools as they are a durable and sophisticated choice.

Find the Right Height

One of the most crucial factors when choosing bar stools is height. You don’t want something that’s much higher or lower than your counter, right? With that being said, measure properly your counter before you go bar stool shopping. The general rule is to leave a 20cm clearance between the surface of the counter and the stool’s seat. This allows plenty of space for people to comfortably sit and use the counter. There are also bar stools with adjustable seats which can be a more convenient solution for everyone.

Consider Comfort

Although bar stools that lack a backrest may look sleek and modern, they aren’t a smart choice in terms of comfort. If you want to stay comfortable whenever you use the counter for long, pick stools with a nice, supportive backrest. For extra comfort, look for armrests as well. If your counter has a bracket underneath, then you might not need bar stools with a footrest. However, if there’s nowhere to place your feet, bar stools with adjustable footrests can be ideal for accommodating people of all sizes.