Kitchen Bar Stool and Chair Options

Today's kitchens are gathering places. Make sure yours has comfortable places to seat your guests.
Large Kitchen Island With Eat-In Breakfast Bar

Large Kitchen Island With Eat-In Breakfast Bar

This black and white kitchen features black subway tile, plenty of storage via white cabinetry and a large island where dining can take place.

This black and white kitchen features black subway tile, plenty of storage via white cabinetry and a large island where dining can take place.
By: Gina Hannah

Kitchens are the heart of our homes. Whether you're prepping ingredients for a family meal or entertaining guests, the kitchen is where people congregate. Having the right kitchen bar stool and chair options is crucial.

Kitchen Seating Options: Ideas for Chairs and Stools

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The key determining factor in what type of seating you'll have depends on your kitchen's layout. If the room is spacious, with a center island or bar, you'll have a wide range of kitchen or bar stools from which to choose. Let your decorating style lead you in your search for stools that will be the right fit. Larger eat-in kitchens may have room for both a bar and a dining table. If so, you can coordinate or complement the styles of your bar stools and chairs based on your decorating style.

When choosing bar stools, consider a few things: Do you want chairs with backs? How tall do they need to be? How many do you need or have room for? Do you want the stools to swivel? Do you want a style that blends with your kitchen's decor, or something that contrasts? What size will you need to ensure the look is proportional to your bar and the rest of the room?

Ask yourself similar questions when choosing kitchen chairs. Think about what meals will be eaten in your kitchen. Will these meals be more casual, with most of your entertaining done in a formal dining room? Do you have children (who can be messy)? Do you want these chairs to match your kitchen table, complement it or provide contrast? You have many choices, from contemporary metal to chairs with soft, fabric-covered cushions for seats.

Another option for an eat-in kitchen is a banquette. This built-in piece of furniture can turn a corner of a large kitchen into a cozy eating nook. You can have a banquette along just one side of your table, or three sides, depending on your kitchen's design. You can also create the look of a banquette by sliding at least one bench under a side of your kitchen table.

If your kitchen is small, you can still provide seating, at least for your workspace. If you don't have a kitchen island, try a rolling cart that is tall enough to be a work surface. You can choose a simple stool with a round seat that is lightweight enough to be moved out of the way when necessary. You can also use a folding stool that can be tucked out of the way when it's not in use.

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