Sitting pretty

Adding new counter or island seating in a kitchen is a great way to instantly update the look and feeling of your home.

The choice today is vast, ranging from stools and barstools through to tall leg luxury dining chairs. Choosing the perfect one is not only about the aesthetic; it is so important to find the correct height and quantity when purchasing new stools.

The kitchen is the heart of any home and it’s nice to have a comfortable spot for sitting and entertaining in it while you work away creating culinary delights. And who wants to dine with their food level with their face or have to lean over because their legs don’t fit?

One of the first choices will be to decide if you want counter or bar stools. Yes, there is a difference and it is height. As a rule, bar stools are higher.

Here are a few guidelines to help you make your choice:

Always measure from the floor to the underside of the surface, not the top of the surface.

Some countertops are thicker than others, giving less leg space.

Allow for 66 to 72cm between the centre of each stool so you don’t overcrowd the seating arrangement.

Style depends on personal tastes and the size of your space. In a smaller eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, think about a narrow, backless stool to avoid overcrowding.

Consider an upholstered stool that will add more cushion and comfort.

Think about cleanability. Acrylic is easy to wipe clean, as are leather and metal.