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Bar Stools
Bar stools may well have more varieties and possibilities than any other chair. They are involved in so many aspects of everyday life. Think back on a child propped at the kitchen countertop or breakfast bar, in pajamas, munching cereal, and reviewing homework in anticipation of a busy school day. Recall the favorite corner ice cream shop, swirling left and right on a shining silver bar stool, just enjoying a summer day. And who could forget that tomato-red vinyl cushion seat! Remember that much-needed getaway and the friends you made at the poolside bar. Bar stools are so comfortably familiar in so many settings, this remarkably varied chair is often taken for granted. But then, isn’t that the idea? Something so comfortable and conformable to theme and function that it smoothly melts in with its surroundings?
Location
Bar stools can be found at home. They’re at the kitchen countertop, island,
or breakfast bar. They are in the media room at the bar where you entertain
your friends. Bar stools are outside by
the pool, in your own exotic backyard paradise—or part of that little
vacation spot you can’t wait to visit again. They are at roadside diners,
family eateries, and at your favorite restaurant.
Materials
Bar stools can be made from wood,
metal, bamboo, rattan,
and combinations of materials. Cushions can be soft
leather, nostalgic vinyl, or a variety of stain resistant fabrics.
Styles
Bar stools can be backless for simplicity, or modeled with backs for extra support.
There are some options with modern appeal,
and fantastic, retro models with shiny
chrome tube frames. These memory-joggers have swiveling,
cushy vinyl-covered seats in the brightest, boldest colors you’ve seen.
Bar stools can be floor mounted for extra stability, or lightweight enough for
room to room mobility. They can match the surrounding furniture, or smartly
contrast for bold effect. They offer places to prop your feet—the rungs
on models with multiple legs, or mounted footrests on the single support leg
of the floor mounted varieties. Bar stools come in varying heights; average
heights are 24”, 26” and 30," but they are also available in
extra tall 34” and 36” heights.
Determining the Right Height
Once you know the general effect you want to achieve, make sure you precisely measure the countertop or surface, leaving enough clearance space in between for leg comfort. Keep in mind that regular kitchen and dining room chairs are usually only 18” to 19”; but most kitchen tables are only 28” to 30” high. The average kitchen counter is 36” to 39”, requiring a 24” to 26” bar stool. Taller stools are needed for 40” to 43” counters; you’ll need one that is 30”. And for extra tall counters and surfaces, 46” to 50”, use the extra tall 34” or 36” bar stool. An easy-to-remember tip—you’ll need 9” to 12” between the top of the bar stool’s seat and the surface of the countertop.
Bar stools have been part of home and social culture for a long time. Because they perform their function so perfectly, people will continue to appreciate them for years to come.
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