How to pick the right bar stool
- 28 Feb 2023
Pull up a pew — We’re talking all things bar stools!
They’re the unsung hero of the home, an absolute essential in any open-plan kitchen/living room. So how come we don’t spend more time talking about bar stools? The right one can absolutely make a room — choose the wrong one, and you’re in all sorts.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some things to consider when purchasing your bar stool.
Block winners from 2022, Omar and Oz, went for a sleek practical black stool, and didn't they look impressive against that huge bench space! Shop the boys kitchen products here.1. Measure up first
Make sure you have a clear idea of the dimensions of the bench you’re working with — you don’t want your seats to be too low, or to sit too snugly under your countertop.
In Australia, most kitchen benches are 90cm high — you’re going to want to choose a bar stool that sits around 25 cm below this so you've got room for your legs. Most bar stools are a similar height, so you can be pretty sure they’ll work, but don’t take a risk and measure, measure, measure!
Tom and Sarah-Jane quickly become the couple to beat in The Block 2022, taking out more wins than any other team these two meant business, it came as no surprise they went home with the win in kitchen week, take a look back at their stunning kitchen.
2. Think about who’s going to be sitting there?
This might sound obvious, but when choosing the right kind of bar stool, have a think about who’s likely to be using them the most — this may dictate whether you opt for a fabric option, or think about something more hard-wearing, wipeable, or durable.
Obviously if you’ve got kids, you’re going to want to go for the latter!
3. What look are you aiming for?
You want your stools to gel seamlessly with the rest of your living/kitchen decor, slotting seamlessly into your aesthetic. If you’re designing around a coastal/simplistic look, then timber bar stools work really well.
Living in an inner-city warehouse apartment? Opt for something industrial looking, or with a metal base.
4. Will you be working from your benchtop?
If so, then make sure your bar stool has a back on it. This is super important — perching up high can play havoc with your posture, so making sure you have a comfortable/ergonomic option is vital.
When Ronnie and Georgia use a product it's almost guaranteed to become a trend...and that is exactly what happened with these TH Brown Danish Stools.
Did we mention they've also had a moment with 2021 Block winners Mitch and Mark , as well as with Block 2022 winners Omar and Oz, coincidence... I think not! Did we mention they come in a range of colours and timbers?
5. Colour-match to your surroundings.
When choosing a bar stool, colour is important. Pick out a highlight hue from the rest of your room — say from a curtain or cushion — and look to replicate it if you're working with an upholstered option.
You might also like to reference the shade of your splashback or kitchen cabinetry — cool, eucalyptus greens are very in right now. Not sure what might work? If in doubt, timber is your friend.
We are in love with Eucalypt in 2023, paired back with earth timbers and it really is a match made in heaven, shop our green colourway stools for a splash of fun. Why not grab yourself the Angela Hawkey "Eucalyptus Leaves" artwork to tie back to your new stools!
In a Block first Scott Cam renovated a house in 2022, he was lucky enough to have our head Block Shopper, Sarah Armstrong help him with styling, and woah did these two give us a masterclass in colour matching! Take a look at the kitchen here.
6. Make them moveable
Kitchen benches are a high-traffic area, so consider how easy it will be to clean around your stools once you’ve purchased. Big heavy timber options may be tricky to move around, and given you’ll be sweeping often, this may get irritating.
If your stools have thick legs, they may also get stained from mopping, so keep this in mind, or make sure you stack them away before doing your floors.
