It is difficult to determine when exactly bar stools were invented, but for a long time, they were more about the function and less about fashion. During the1950s and 1960s in both Europe and the US, stools became a popular sight in pubs, bars and diners – this is when the stool really started to change its shape, size and style. Over time the fashion within eating establishments filtered into our homes, especially since many of us opt for open plan living kitchen/diners. Islands and bars are common features in many homes and bar stool chairs became staple household items.
What Are the Barstools?
A bar stool is a stool or chair that sits a lot higher than any regular dining chair. These stools are the perfect companion for your kitchen island and breakfast bar. They come in two main types: barstools and bar chairs. Barstools are generally round or square with just a seat and usually no back, or they might have a shallow back which provides slight support, but you can't rest on it fully. Bar chairs, on another hand, are proper chairs (with long legs). They might even have armrests. If you have a spacious home then bar chairs will be great, while barstools are an ideal solution if you want to fit more sitting options around a kitchen island or a breakfast bar.
To pick a perfect high stool, you need to consider its height and width. But, what are standard heights for bar tools? Modern options usually have a height of 60 – 80 cm, but your chair's height will depend on your bench height. According to standards, you should allow at least 25 – 30 cm from the stool seat to the bottom of your bench/bar. In that way, you'll have enough of leg space and you'll feel comfortable (no one wants to lean over the table with squashed legs or feel like a child when not on the right height). There are plenty of bar stool designs with different width. If you need more sitting spaces, then you should go for smaller and narrower width, and vice versa.
Barstool Styles
There are many different high stool chair styles to choose from and you'll need to decide which one will go best with your existing furniture. And in case you're upgrading your kitchen with a bar or kitchen island – well, congratulation – we understand your excitement! It won't be easy to find a perfect piece to fit into your new décor, but these bar stool ideas can help you settle down in a style:
Industrial Bar Stool
Industrial bar chairs are made with a metal frame in black iron, chrome or brass finish. Usually paired with wooden or an upholstered leather seat, these modern high stool chair options are very comfortable, welcoming and sleek. Industrial chairs also have a higher back, more like bar chairs. If you're going to spend a lot of time in one than this chair is a great solution. It will pair nicely with already contemporary styled home, and when your kitchen island has a granite benchtop or a metal frame. But if you have a timber kitchen island then no matter how much you like industrial chair design, it won't match with your interior.
Wooden Bar Stool
Wooden stools are very versatile and they can easily fit into many different home décor styles. Some wooden bar stools for sale are handcrafted with love, meaning that you can find unique rustic pieces which can add a country charm to your home. Made from timber, rustic bar chairs come in varying colours, grains, textures and natural shapes. They are very strong and durable options, but you'll need to take proper care so that they can age beautifully. Avoid contact with heat and liquid, and clean spills fast. In case you use it outdoors, make sure you waterproof it by waxing, oiling or varnishing.
Unique Bar Stool
If you're more into iconic, timeless designs, then you can go for so-called heirloom chairs. The true example of heirloom piece would be a wooden chair with sculptured seat back, angled legs and hand-stitched leather upholstery. For more comfort, it comes with swivel and height adjusting mechanism so that you don't have to worry about the fit.
Another idea that can really make a statement in your home might be bar chairs with bold and bright colours. If your kitchen is in the neutral colour palette then a bold red or sea blue can be an exciting pop of colour. To make it work, you can also choose vases or photo frames in the same colours.
