Going through a kitchen remodel? You’ve chosen the perfect combination of cabinets and countertops and it’s all coming together. But now you’ve got to focus your attention on the smaller, yet still important, accent pieces that seamlessly blend your design together. If you're installing a kitchen island or peninsula bar, you’re also probably in the market for "the perfect" seating option. It’s not just about aesthetics though, comfort is key. Here are some considerations for finding the right furniture for your home.
As you flip through page after page of seating styles and design choices online or in catalogs, use these tips to help you wade through the seemingly infinite selection and find the right barstools for you.
Still, the chair style you select makes a visual impact too. In transitional kitchens, for example, the chair style at the kitchen bar may be the contrast that keeps the kitchen from looking "too modern" or "too traditional," helping your kitchen strike that middle ground. Finding the right balance is key in your search.
High-quality and cozy bar seating isn't cheap, so upgrading what you have may be the smartest and most economical move—it's like the barstool equivalent of cabinet refacing! Plus, refurbishing can be an eco-friendly option. Take a minute to think through what you could do. A new coat of paint with a distressed finish for a little splash of color goes a long way. You could also reupholster choosing a new fabric. Don’t be afraid to roll up your shirt sleeves to get exactly what you want.
A traditional oak bar seat will become a retro showpiece when coated in black or a bold-colored lacquer. That modern wrought iron set will have a softer look by spray-painting it in a lighter shade and reupholstered with soft, textured material. "Today you can buy spray paint-primer combos in a variety of colors, so this DIY project is easier than ever to do," say JT Norman, Kitchen Magic's design specialist. Your kitchen designer can help you think of ways to repurpose the seating you have so it works seamlessly in your new kitchen design.
People should really start shopping for bar seating while blindfolded, going only by sense of feel. What’s the most comfortable to sit on after more than a few minutes? After that criteria is met, you can look at style, color and other features of just the barstools that you feel would be nice to sit on for long periods of time.
For the ultimate in soothing seating, a barstool with a back is the way to go. Sure, the backless option could be funky and fun, but sometimes you need a little support. Take the back higher up for maximum care, or keep it just short enough to get the job done. After a hard day’s work, you’ll enjoy your kitchen downtime more with this kind of supportive seating. Choose quality cushions for additional comfort—with plenty of soft and welcoming material, you may never want to get up!
You’ve got some design room when it comes to the seating in your kitchen. As long as you include comfor as a factor to consider, you’ll make the right decision, whether you go groovy and wild, refined and subtle, or somewhere in between.
If you’re thinking of a kitchen remodel or upgrade, schedule an appointment with a design expert at Kitchen Magic today. Not sure which bar-seating style is right for your kitchen design? Our design gurus will be happy to lend a helping hand.