The Kitchen Counter Stools Compendium

Everything seems to happen in the kitchen. Besides cooking and baking, most families also eat, watch TV, and do homework in the kitchen. While a kitchen table is the most common location for these kinds of activities, in a smaller kitchen the countertops can be a space saving alternative. Think the counter is too high? Well think again. Kitchen counter stools offer a simple solution and make the countertops an accessible and ideal place for both work and play.

Kitchen Counter Stool Options

There are seemingly endless options when it comes to picking out kitchen counter height stools, and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the most popular options, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Kitchen Counter Bar Stools
Bar stools are a classic, and a great way to sit comfortably at your kitchen counters. They are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, from the classic pub stool to elegantly carved wooden designs.

Swivel Kitchen Counter Stools
Being able to swivel is a great plus in a kitchen stool. In a small kitchen, swiveling can make it easy to turn a bit and reach the fridge door or a pantry shelf, and even in a larger kitchen, well, it’s always fun to just sit there and spin.

Backless Kitchen Counter Stools
Give some thought to whether you want your stools to have backs or not. Backed stools are more chair-like and provide more comfort and support, while backless stools are less expensive and more versatile.

Think About Style

Your kitchen stools are a great way to make a statement. Even a rather simple kitchen can turn into a sophisticated one with the right stools. But don’t try to give the room a whole new look. Instead, think about what the feeling is now, and just take it a step further.

Is your kitchen sleek and modern, or cozy country? Have you used bold colors, or warm wood tones? If you have a more traditional atmosphere in your kitchen, then wooden kitchen counter stools are simply perfect. If your kitchen spells out modern in big bold letters, then maybe wrought iron is the way to go.

Whatever type or style of stools you decide to go with in the end, you’ll be glad you made the move. Kitchen counter stools make everything you do in your kitchen easier and more convenient, from giving the kids a place to do their homework to being the perfect location for a midnight ice cream break. And you’ll even be able to sit while washing the dishes! So go on, grab a stool and start enjoying!

Basic counter stools are a reasonably simple piece of carpentry. If you want to build you own counter stool, it can take as little as one afternoon of your week, and you’ll have a fulfilling, useful furniture piece to add to your kitchen or bar. The sense of accomplishment is well worth it. That’s aside from the fact that you get to design the counter stool, top to bottom, all by yourself.

In designing your own counter height stools, you need to decide a few things.
1. What wood and finish would you like? A simple and common choice is oak. Oak is sturdy, attractive, and relatively inexpensive. Do you prefer a dark finish, medium finish, or natural finish? Cherry is another popular and beautiful choice. Perhaps you’ll even consider painting your wood counter stools another color entirely.

2. Do you want these to be swivel counter stools?
Kitchen counter stools don’t need the swivel feature. For some, their slim frame is convenient enough. But the swivel is an added benefit. You’ll decide if the extra effort is worthwhile.
3. What kind of seat, wood or upholstered?
A shiny wood finish looks beautiful, so you may not need upholstery. On the other hand, a leather counter stool is very comfortable and a cinch to clean. The leather is durable, as well. Other fabrics are an option as well. You can even sew or buy removable cushions, if you like.
If you decide on a wood seat, you may also consider seat styles. Some people consider a saddle dish seat more comfortable.

4. Does your counter stool have a back?
Backless counter stools are obviously less work to build, and are stylish enough. They’re great for slipping under the counters, and save even more space. For long stretches of sitting, many people prefer stools with a back, however. Backs also have different versions, like the curved or spindle back.

5. How tall is your stool?
This is one of the most important considerations. Counter height bar stools may sound like a standard height in and of itself, but in fact, the right height depends on the counter you are sitting at! Nine to thirteen inches is usually the space you’ll want between the counter and the top of your seat. Don’t mess this one up!

Details of your design may address seat shape, painting, and wood carving. The basic questions are here, however…find a template, and enjoy that build!