Top Tips for Barstools

You may use a barstool for a side table or even plant stand, but we think it’s best used as a perch in the kitchen. We have come a long way from iceboxes developing into fridges, wood stoves to ovens and kitchen working areas into breakfast bars, large islands and wide peninsular benches; so barstools are now a logical addition.

The kitchen, often called ‘the heart of the home,’ is an essential communal area, bringing friends and family together around the preparation of food. While we could never replace the traditional dining area, the kitchen bench provides  an informal setting that is both functional and friendly. Choosing the right barstool style will add a degree of comfort and complement your kitchen décor.

“Home is the heart of life. Home is where we feel at ease, where we belong, where we can create surroundings that reflect our tastes and pleasures.” Terence Conran

There is a lot to choose from when it comes to bar stools. You could start with minimalist wooden stools or the cushioned seats with backs. Imagine how stunning a line of well-chosen barstools will look once lined up under your breakfast bar bench. We must mention that when it comes to selecting your barstool design and material there are a few features to consider.

Firstly, how high is high enough? Or too high? Or too wide? So many questions. We have the answers - amongst all the various features a barstool can incorporate, height is possibly the most important factor. Generally, barstools have a seating level of approximately 650mm high and breakfast bars are typically 900mm high, but don’t get caught out - they aren’t always. 

To be certain you get the right height, measure from under the bench down to the floor. The seat of a barstool should fit snugly underneath with about 200mm of clear space. This leaves ample room for legs, between the seat and the bench. Barstools with a back look best if they peak above the bench rather than fitting under it. But you are the captain of your own ship so do what suits your aesthetic best.

How many are enough? As with height, a key consideration is to measure how long your bench is because it’s directly relevant to how many barstools will fit side by side. Make sure you leave enough space (around 200mm) between the barstools so once everyone is seated, it’s not overcrowded. Hot tip - when you’re looking at different designs, remember to make allowances for arms, backs and padding. They tend to take up more room than backless, round or swivel barstool designs. Ultimately, it's your personal choice that counts. 

Once you’ve sorted the height and how many barstools you need, it’s time to consider the many and varied options of material, colour, design and added features that make each barstool unique. For example, a well-placed footrest in the front adds comfort and some barstools can be adjusted to different heights making the selection process even easier. 

But there are still so many to choose from! This is where we come in! We have carefully chosen a selection of barstools that accommodate traditional and contemporary kitchens and we think you will just love them!

The Halo is a resilient classic with several material and colour options. It’s plush and comfortably padded seat is designed as a luxuriously casual perch. The durable polyblend fabric offers superior colourfastness and better stain resistance.

If you’re looking for the fresh finish of natural wood, consider the Fuji barstool, an evergreen option for spacious kitchen areas. Available in lighter oak or darker stains for a classic European flavour, it has an ergonomically contoured seat and smooth solid legs capped with stoppers to protect flooring.

Add the distinctive styling and a vintage finish of the Haus bar stool to your home. It’s contoured seat ensures bottoms are comfortably "housed" and its zippered cover makes for a tight and tailored fit. Sitting on a brushed metal base the Haus bar stool comes in traditional colours to suit a range of interior décor.

A true bar stool, the Datsun has an industrial style with a vintage theme. Available in an extensive range of colours, it features an uniquely stitched padded seat reminiscent of the iconic Datsun.

If you’re looking for attention to detail, the Liva Bar Stool offers stitched styling on solid oak legs. Padded with a high back and linear lines, it features black bolts just below the base to give it a modern edge, plus felt feet stoppers to provide protection on polished floors.

The great thing about Barstools is that they can blend in with your existing décor, add an accent or stand out as a centrepiece. Whether you need a set of 2 or more, the right size, shape and textures can enhance the flow of your kitchen and how it is used.

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