I’m often asked what to consider when purchasing kitchen island stools, so I’m sharing a few tips today. I’ve also got links below for you to shop a few of my favourite stools, so if you’re in the market for new kitchen island stools, I’m sure you’ll love this helpful blog post. 

Get the right height

There are two common heights for stools, counter height and bar height. Barstools have seat heights that typically range from 28-33″ and work best for counters or bars that are 42″ in height. Most kitchen islands are counter height, and counter stools have seat heights that range from 24-27″ to fit under most standard island counters. When shopping for counter or barstools, be sure to know which one you need. It’s important to know the height from the floor to the underside of your counter, so you can comfortably fit your legs under the countertop when seated on a stool (and if you like to cross your legs, keep that in mind too).

Consider Comfort 

I suggest having a comfy seat because no one likes sitting on a hard surface, so upholstered stools are a great option. With the excellent spill-proof fabrics that are available, there is no need to worry about spills. Another bonus to having upholstered kitchen stools is that they add warmth and softness to the space, which is always a great addition to a kitchen. There are so many hard surfaces in a kitchen (cabinets, appliances, counters, floors, etc.), so take the opportunity to add softness, which will make the room feel more comfortable and inviting. 

Invest in Quality

Good quality is important with all furniture, but even more so with barstools, due to their height and weight disbursement. When you sit on a kitchen stool, all of the weight is up high on a tiny seat atop long skinny legs, so those legs have to be attached well. Also, stools tend to get more movement than larger furniture pieces, as they are continually being pushed in and out from the island. Kitchen stools really need to be made well, or they will start to wobble in no time, and a wobbly stool is not a safe stool.  

Easy To Care For Fabrics

As you know, kitchens are high-spill zones, so I recommend getting fabric that will handle that. Faux leathers and fabrics treated with Crypton are both great options for kitchens. Both are very resistant to spills and easy to clean should a spill occur. Spill-proof fabric will keep your stools looking newer longer, so it is an excellent investment to ensure your pieces’ longevity. You can see how fantastic Crypton fabrics are HERE, where I do a live spill test on CHCH Morning News!

Consider Buying Custom 

I know finding the right kitchen island stool can be challenging, especially if you’re looking for spill-proof fabric options, so you might want to consider going with custom stools. I often order custom stools (like the ones shown in the kitchen above from our Sunnyvale Project) to get the right style, leg colour, and fabric combination. Custom kitchen island stools typically range from $900 to $1200 per stool depending on the style and fabric. If you’re interested in working with us to order custom stools, we’d be happy to help, simply contact the office for more details.  

Shop Counter Stools

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