Kitchen remodeling is always a challenge. Breaking away from an established seating pattern can be exciting and frustrating at the same time but it affords you an opportunity to compare and contrast the options you can use to make a unique kitchen design. This is especially true if you're installing a counter or a pub style table.
A contractor or draftsman's yardstick will come in handy in measuring the height of the table or counter. How many times have you been in a restaurant or bar and the stool seemed to be wrong size for the table or the counter? The yardstick will allow you to accurately measure the distance from the floor to the upper edge or the counter of table thereby giving you an idea of what style and height would be most appropriate.
Wooden Kitchen Bar Stools
For instance if you have a kitchen counter that is 46", the most appropriate stool would be 34". A quick rule-of-thumb is to have a 9-13" gap between the seat and the counter. This will provide a very comfortable seating experience to the average person.
In lieu of a kitchen table, counter top dining space is an aesthetically pleasing alternative. Kitchen counter dining space is usually incorporated in a multi-use island. These islands can be an exaggerated square, oblong or kidney-shaped. The top may be made of wood coated with a polyurethane finish, marble or ceramic tile. They can usually comfortably accommodate two, four or even six people depending on the width of the counter stools.
When designing the counter seating area and counter stools due consideration should be given to the users. In order to feel a part of the overall family dining experience allowances for a lower counter and smaller stools will have to be incorporated to accommodate smaller children. Many manufacturers make these smaller stools in the same style as the normal size counter stools.
For a more European flavor metal stools are usually a good choice. The circular ringed footrest adds to the overall comfort of the stool. Multicolored art deco stools are more reminiscent of a retro look, while thick padded upholstered stools lend themselves to a more elegant look. For a more eclectic look chairs of similar but somewhat different styles can also serve as counter seating.
No matter what the style the stool should be sturdy in design and allow for a 6" to 10" comfort gap between the seated diner and the counter. The design should never overpower the overall décor of the kitchen, but rather complement it. Counter stools add warmth and unique seating possibilities; much more so than the traditional table against the wall with chairs shoved underneath or a large table taking up a large amount of space in the middle of the floor. Keeping the height requirements in mind, the possibilities are endless when creating a uniquely designed eating area using counter stools.