How to Pick Out the Right Bar Stools - Our Guide

How to Pick Out the Right Bar Stools - Our Guide

Sep 09, 2020Accents Home

Sitting at a restaurant bar can be expensive and uncomfortable, but fortunately, you can replicate a comfortable bar experience right in your own home! Finding the perfect bar stool can complete your home bar experience and make it the perfect place for you and your guests to relax.

Home bars are great casual spaces in which you can entertain your guests. Picking out the right bar stool can mean the difference between your guests staying for just one drink or ten. If you want to know how to get the right kind of seat for your bar, follow these simple steps:

  • Measure the height clearance
  • The most crucial step in matching your bar stool to your counter is to get the height right. Unlike the dining table, people tend to lean over the bar and rest their elbows on the surface. This doesn’t necessarily mean poor table manners; it just means that your home bar is a less formal setup that invites casual conversations. You need the stool to be high enough to reach the bar, but low enough to have adequate clearance from the counter’s bottom side. The clearance allows you to slide into the seat with ease and even cross your legs if you choose.

  • Match the cabinetry
  • One way to identify the right stool is to match the cabinetry with the frame of the stool. If you have dark chocolate cabinetry, look for stools that have a similarly tinged frame. Suppose you want a chair that is a different material than the cabinetry, choose a colour that complements, rather than clashes. Don’t pair medium-stained wood with dark cabinets. Instead, try brushed steel or light-coloured metal bar stool frames.

  • Look for adjustable features
  • One way to choose comfortable seating is to get stools that allow the user to adjust the height to their preference. Hydraulic lifts let customers increase or decrease the height while seated to get into the optimal position.

  • Pick sturdy materials
  • Any chair you buy for your home should be comfortable as well as durable. In bar stools, sitting at an elevated height also requires that it is sturdy enough to support the weight without toppling over. Some designs may look visually appealing, but they may not offer the stability you need. 

    Consider also that the seat itself uses a material that is easy to clean up. Absorbent upholstery may not be the best choice for home bars since you may spill dark coloured drinks like wine and liquor that can be challenging to remove. Opt instead for leather or a faux alternative that acts as a cushion but will make cleaning up spills easier.

  • Give it a test sit
  • Before you settle on any bar stool, be sure to try it out for yourself. Visit the showroom to give it a test sit and feel the differences each seat has. If you are buying furniture online, inquire about a return policy so you can exchange the seat if it doesn’t live up to your expectations.

    Conclusion

    A good bar stool can be both a functional piece of furniture and a decorative accent. It should look appealing next to your home bar, but substantial enough to allow your guests to sit comfortably for hours. Keep these guidelines in mind when picking out your bar stools, and the only problem you will have is how to get the party guests to leave after a long night at your home bar. 

    Shopping for high-quality home decor is easier with our line of upscale yet affordable pieces. Visit our showroom or buy furniture online at your convenience. Get your stylish upgrades from our collections today!


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