Helpful Hints for Buying Counter Stools

Counter stools have become more and more popular in recent years as lives get busier and living spaces become smaller or more compact. Using counter stools in a kitchen magically converts unused counter space into a handy breakfast bar or the ideal place to eat a quick meal or grab a snack. Counter height dining tables are slowly becoming the ideal space saving solution when decorating a smaller sized home or dining area, since they tend to take up less space than a standard dining set. Counter height tables or gathering tables use counter stools rather than dining chairs. Not only do counter stools provide extra seating, they also make it easier to gather with family and friends. Now that they have become so popular and there are so many different types of counter stools to choose from, all those options might seem a little overwhelming. The following are some helpful hints to make it easier for you to select counter stools that will be the right height and style for your home.

Before You Begin

Counter stools are typically 24" to 27" in height (as measured by the distance of the seat from the floor) and are intended for use with counters or counter height tables that are around 36 inches high. Counter stools are typically used with kitchen islands, breakfast bars, kitchen counters and gathering tables.

Keep in mind that there is no industry standard for measuring or listing the height of a counter stool. Manufacturers generally measure the stool’s height in one of two ways: the distance from the seat to the floor or the distance from the top of the back of the chair to the floor.

If you want to be comfortable while sitting in a stool at the kitchen counter, seat height is important. There should be at least 12 inches of space between the bottom edge of the counter and the top of the counter stool's seat. By measuring the counter stool’s seat height rather than the chair’s total standing height, it will ensure that a person’s legs will fit under the counter.

To guarantee that you purchase counter stools that will be the right height, measure the counter from the top to the floor. If the counter has a prominent overhang, measure the counter's height from the bottom or underneath part of the overhang. Counter tops are typically 36 inches high. For a counter that is standard height, you will want to purchase a counter stool with a seat height of 24 inches.

Even if the counter is standard height but has a wide overhang, you might have to select a counter stool that is lower than the prescribed 10 to 12-inch range to make sure that there is enough leg room to be seated comfortably.

Decide what features you would like your counter stools to have. Would you like the stool to swivel, have arm rests or a back rest or both or would you be more comfy if the seat was upholstered?

Types of Counter Stools

Standard counter stools range from simple in design to having the appearance of tall dining room chairs. They are available in a variety of styles and materials suited to any number of different types of décors.  Features can include fabric backrests or ones made of wood. Leather counter stools have a classic appearance. Or if you want the leather-look without the upkeep, choose vinyl which is easy to keep clean and is more child-friendly, depending on the type and quality of vinyl. Some manufacturers produce stylish adjustable counter stools that will easily accommodate different countertop and table heights.

Swivel counter stools are practical and convenient, especially if the younger members of the family will be using them on a regular basis. They allow freedom of movement while sitting and eating or sitting and socializing. Depending on the style, model and manufacturer, swivel mechanisms range from manual to gas or pneumatic cylinders to memory return. Swivel counter stools are ideal additions to the kitchen, a recreation room, family room or breakfast nook.

Because of their simple design, some people find backless counter stools more esthetically pleasing, since there is no seat back to obstruct the view of the stool's overall profile. Backless counter stools are available with similar options as other types of counter stools. They are perfect for spaces where there's plenty of leg room but the arms of a stationary or swivel counter stool might interfere with the countertop edge, especially if it has a prominent overhang. They are also perfect for dining spaces that are in main traffic areas, since the stools can be pushed out of the way underneath the counter or gathering table or home bar.

Counter stools with a back resemble a standard dining room chair, but are typically six to eight inches higher. They are available in a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, leather, rattan, and wrought iron. Selecting a counter stool with a back is an ideal choice if you want to add comfortable seating to a dining area, living room, rec room, den or family room. Some interior designers advocate the use of counter stools without armrests if you are specifically purchasing them for a counter or eating area, since arms can restrict movement. Counter stools with a back are also a better choice if young children will be using them on a regular basis, since the back will provide additional support, preventing them from tipping backwards.

Counter stools with arms are the ultimate in comfort and style. They are available in a variety of materials, including wood, metal and leather. Selecting a counter stool with arms is an ideal choice if you plan on using it as additional seating in a games room, family room or rec room. If you plan to use your counter stools at a counter or in a dining area, some interior decorators advise against using them in this capacity, since armrests can restrict freedom of movement. However, there is no denying that counter stools with arms are more comfortable if you plan on sitting in them for any length of time. Counter stools with arms are also a great choice if you have younger children in your family, since the arms will be added protection against falling off the counter stool.

Adjustable counter stools are especially useful if you want to move them around from one area of your home to another for use with counters, bars and kitchen islands that are different heights. Depending on the manufacturer, an adjustable counter stool can be lowered to standard seat height to counter height to bar height, which means that the average seat height adjustability ranges from 25" to 30", and depending on the brand and the model, this range can be greater or lesser. An adjustable counter stool can also be used for extra seating at the dining table.

Counter Stool Construction Materials

Engineered woods are made by gluing multiple wood fibers together using heat and pressure. Since engineered woods are made from recycled materials, furniture made from an engineered wood is more affordable than furniture crafted from real wood. A popular type of engineered wood is medium density fiberboard or MDF, because it is very durable and because it doesn't have grains, isn't prone to warping like genuine wood is. When finished with laminates or veneers, MDF can look and feel like real wood.

Considered to be the most durable material for furniture, genuine wood furnishings are constructed from wood cut from the trunks of trees like cherry, oak or maple. Solid wood furniture is usually more expensive. Choose a counter stool with a protective finish to prevent any permanent damage to the finish.

Wood veneers are produced when thin slices of real wood are adhered with heat and pressure to the piece of furniture. Because it can be applied to any smooth, flat surface, usually made from recycled materials like plywood or MDF, this is a common method for giving furniture the texture of genuine solid woods while keeping costs down. Counter stools with a wood veneer finish have a warm, classic appearance that is long-lasting.

Laminates are produced by pressing layers of materials such as plastic, metal and wood together and then formed into sheets which are then sealed with a thermosetting resin. The sheet is then applied to the piece of furniture, typically made of an engineered wood, as a finish. The laminate can be solid in color, patterned or have a simulated wood grain. A laminate finish is strong, durable and easy to care for.

Fashioning metal into items like furniture and artwork has been done for over 5,000 years. To make metals stronger, two or more are combined together to create an alloy. Typical ores and alloys used to make metal stools are iron, steel, nickel and aluminum. Finishes for most metal counter stools are typically applied by a method called powder coating that electrostatically sprays extremely fine ground particles of pigment or resin onto the surface. Once applied, the metal is then placed in an oven; this gives the metal a highly durable and smooth finish.

Counter Stool Styles

Inspired by fashions, trends and social customs of the past, traditional style is characterized by a very formal and stately feel. Usually in darker woods with lustrous finishes, traditional furnishings are distinguished by detailed carvings, ornate moldings, and leaf or scroll motifs.

As the name suggests, transitional style is the bridge between traditional and contemporary, blending aspects of both styles into one. Less formal in appearance than traditional furnishings, the emphasis is on uncluttered detail. Since transitional style makes use of texture rather than color, palettes are muted or earth-toned. Woods are lustrous with medium to dark finishes. Lines and forms are simpler yet sophisticated, as demonstrated by the use of straight lines contrasted with curved legs.

Contemporary style has a relaxed look and feel, because of its clean lines and the use of geometric shapes. While function is emphasized over form, contemporary furnishings still utilize decorative detail, but it has been simplified or pared down. To create visual interest, often finishes, materials and/or colors are paired or mixed together. Contemporary counter stools can also be simple yet bold by utilizing metal accents and adding a splash of color or an abstract patterned fabric.

Modern counter stools are characterized by polished surfaces and angular forms. Features of modern design are sharp contrasting lines and asymmetrical detailing. The focus of this style is solely on form and function. Metal, glass and acrylic are common construction materials.  Modern style creates the sense of balance, scale and harmony in its use of spatial relationships, color and texture.

Country furnishings are scaled down versions of more traditional furniture styles such as French Provencal, English Country or Colonial. Country style is characterized by milk-painted woods, simple lines and a warm and relaxed feel. It can also include whimsical details like hand-painted stenciling, hand-carved insets and floral motifs.

More Counter Stool Buying Tips

For each counter stool, allow 22" to 25" inches of space, depending on how wide the stool seat is and how much elbow room you need. Keep this in mind when deciding on how many counter stools you will need for the length of your counter or breakfast bar.

You should leave 26" to 28" of space for each stool if it has a seat that is wider than 25" or if the armrests are particularly high or ornate. Some types of swivel counter stools with arms will take up the most space, anywhere from 28" to 32", depending on how much personal space you prefer.

If space is an issue, consider a standard backless stool that does not swivel, since this type of counter stool takes up the least amount of space.

When buying counter stools that will be used on a regular basis by children, consider buying ones made of a thick and flexible vinyl or leather if the children are older. If you prefer ones upholstered in fabric, choose a fabric that is stain-resistant or easy to spot clean.

Some manufacturers will include floor protectors; some don't. If your counter stools don't have any, floor protectors are available at most hardware stores.