Kitchen Stool Conundrum

Purchasing kitchen stools can seem like a daunting task. There are many things to consider about the height, material, construction and cost of a stool. Some of the most frequent questions we at Interior Mall get are; "What height do my kitchen stools need to be?", "Should my stools match my kitchen chairs?", "Are upholstered stools better than plain acrylic or wood stools?", "Should my kitchen stools have a back or is backless better?" And the ever popular, "How much should I spend on my kitchen stools?" So we decided to help you sort out all the facts and figures to make purchasing new kitchen stools as simple and painless as possible.

Construction: Acrylic, Metal, Plastic or Wood
The type of construction you choose is dependant upon a couple of things. First, what type of look are you going for in your kitchen? Acrylic and Plastic stools offer a contemporary look and feel to your kitchen and are usually great space savers. Wood stools typically provide a more traditional, rustic feel and are a great long term option because of the sturdiness of the material. Metal is a wonderful in between option that can provide both a contemporary or traditional feel depending upon the style and is usually the most affordable option.

Design: Back, Partial Back and No Back
Backing options are an important choice to make when choosing a kitchen stool. Things to consider here are, who will be sitting in these chairs, how often and for how long. Another important thing to consider is how much room you have. If you have plenty of room and plan on using your stools often and for longer increments, a full back stool is probably the best option. This will provide comfort and back support for you and your guests. Many people aren't blessed with giant kitchens though and often need to maximize seating in a minimized space. A Partial Back stool still provides some back support but doesn't take up space like a Full Back stool and has a more modern appeal, while a No Back stool tucks nicely up under bars and islands and can usually be placed closer together to maximize your space.

Dimensions: What height kitchen stool is best for you?
The standard industry rule is to allow 10-13 inches from the bar stool seat to the bottom of the bar, pub or island it will be sitting at. Make sure to allow extra room if the stool you choose has arms as well. You will want to make sure that the arms of the stool fit nicely underneath your table for storing when not in use. Refer to the table below for a quick reference guide on matching your table height with your stool.

Price:
How much you want to spend on your kitchen stools is entirely up to you. Kitchen stools can range in price from $50 - $500. A higher price tag doesn't always mean better quality but as is the case with anything else, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. Things that are worth spending a little more on are non-marking feet, fully assembled, adjustable leg and seat options and high abrasion ratings and stain repellent finishes on fabrics.

Kitchen stools provide a functional place for you, your family and your guests to sit and enjoy meals, catch up over cocktails or even finish up on homework. With a wide array of styles, finishes, constructions and heights to choose from the options are limitless for finding that perfect kitchen stool to complete the look of your kitchen or dining area. As always, check out www.InteriorMall.com for all your kitchen needs.