If you’re in the midst of a kitchen remodel, choosing the right seating for your new kitchen bar is one of the final, yet crucial, touches. You’ve already nailed the perfect combination of cabinets and countertops, and now it’s time to think about the smaller details that will tie your design together.
When it comes to your kitchen island or peninsula bar, finding the ideal seating is about more than just looks—comfort matters too. Here are some tips to help you pick the right furniture for your home. And if you need a little extra guidance, experienced kitchen design contractors near you are always a great resource.
How to pick the right bar or counter stools for your kitchen?
We’ve all been there—finally sitting down after a long day, only to find ourselves stuck in an uncomfortable chair or barstool. It’s not exactly the relaxing break you had in mind.
As you browse through countless styles and design options, these tips can help you navigate the endless choices and find the perfect bar stools for your space.
Make Both Form and Function Work for You
No one wants to sit on an uncomfortable, hard chair. That’s why when you’re choosing bar stools for your home, comfort should be your top priority. But style matters too. In transitional kitchens, the right bar stools can provide the perfect contrast, keeping your kitchen from feeling “too modern” or “too traditional.” Striking the right balance between comfort and style is essential in your search.
Repurpose
Do you have comfortable seating in your kitchen right now? It’s easy to feel the urge to swap out the old for something new, but remember, new doesn’t always have to mean brand new. With a little creativity and effort, you might be able to transform what you already have into something fantastic.
High-quality, comfortable bar seating can be pricey, so upgrading your existing stools might be the smartest and most budget-friendly choice—it’s like giving your bar stools the same treatment as cabinet refacing! Plus, refurbishing is a great eco-friendly option. Take a moment to consider what you can do: a fresh coat of paint with a distressed finish can add a pop of color, or you could reupholster it with new fabric.
Give Your Stools a Fresh New Look
A traditional oak bar seat will become a retro showpiece when coated in black or a bold-colored lacquer. That modern wrought iron set will have a softer look by spray-painting it in a lighter shade and reupholstered with soft, textured material. “Today you can buy spray paint-primer combos in a variety of colors, so this DIY project is easier than ever to do,” say JT Norman, Kitchen Magic’s design specialist. Your kitchen designer can help you think of ways to repurpose the seating you have so it works seamlessly in your new kitchen design.
Think Comfort, Then Style, for Barstool Seating
We’ve all experienced it: you walk into a friend’s house, gladly accept a glass of wine, and settle in at the counter to chat while they finish making dinner. But within minutes, your back starts to ache, your legs dangle uncomfortably, and you realize the footrests are just not in the right spot.
When it comes to shopping for bar seating, comfort should be your first priority—almost like shopping blindfolded and relying solely on how it feels. Find a stool that’s comfortable to sit on for more than just a few minutes, and once you’ve checked that box, you can focus on style, color, and other features that suit your taste.
Consider the Back and Cushion Options
While backless options can be stylish and fun, sometimes you just need that extra support. Opt for a higher back for maximum comfort, or go for a shorter one that still does the job. After a long day, you’ll appreciate the added support as you unwind in your kitchen. Pair it with quality cushions made from soft, inviting materials, and you might find yourself reluctant to get up!
Are accent chairs necessary?
Are you looking to make a bold statement, or would you rather have your chairs blend subtly into your design? Each approach has its pros and cons. A bold, stylized chair will stand out but might be harder to integrate into future kitchen designs. On the other hand, matching colors and styles too closely can make your barstools fade into the background. Sometimes, striking a balance between the two is the best approach.
How to create contrast in your kitchen?
If you’re mixing and matching cabinet colors or countertops around the island and the perimeter, it’s important to think about how you want your seating to fit into the overall design. Do you want the chairs to match the island, creating harmony there while adding contrast elsewhere? Or would you prefer them to blend seamlessly with the entire room? As long as you include comfort as a factor to consider, you’ll make the right decision, whether you go groovy and wild, refined and subtle, or somewhere in between.
Searching for reliable kitchen design contractors near you?
If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel or upgrade, schedule an appointment with a design expert at Kitchen Magic today. Not sure which bar-seating style is right for your kitchen design? We’ll be happy to lend a helping hand!
