The presence of some furniture in the room is a prerequisite for its operation. As for the kitchen, you simply can’t do without seating, in light of which such products are presented in a great variety. Among this list, it is worth highlighting stools, notable for their individual characteristics.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such furniture has long been used in the arrangement of kitchens in residential premises, so over time it was possible to highlight its positive and negative features.
So, the pluses of stools include the following points.
- Functionality. Stools occupy a minimum of space in the room, in light of which such options can be purchased for small kitchens. In addition, after use, they can be stored on the loggia, pushed under a table, hidden in a closet, folded stools on top of each other, which is not always possible with chairs. As the most compact and functional furniture, it is worth highlighting modern folding stools.
- Practicality. Such options will be a real find for those kitchens where the number of people gathering at the table is often different. One or more stools can be removed quite quickly, without violating the integrity of the overall interior of the room.
- The variety of options. Today, manufacturers produce stools suitable for different designs. The products are represented by different types, can be made from natural or synthetic materials, it stands out with a variety of color schemes.
- Design reliability. A stool for the kitchen is a reliable option in its design, most of the models are presented in the form of products on 4 legs, which provides them with maximum stability during operation.
- Versatility. Such kitchen furniture will always be relevant and fashionable. Such options are well combined with other interior items, can also act as an independent unit in the arrangement of the room.
- Affordable cost. Most of the stools on sale have a lower cost compared to regular or bar stools. In addition, a similar option for arranging a kitchen can be made independently.
But, despite the large number of positive characteristics inherent in this type of furniture, it is not without some drawbacks.
- Stools, especially the stylish versions of the latest generation, will not be convenient for all people. This is due to significant differences between pastime in a soft chair with a high back and the use of a conventional stool.
- To make some models of such furniture more comfortable, you may need to additionally equip the seat with soft linings.
Kinds
Today on sale you can find a whole range of kitchen stools, which are classified based on their configuration.
Classic varieties
Such products are represented by products with soft, semi-soft and hard seats. This option remains the most popular recently.
Stools of this type are usually made of wood, but the consumer can choose no less attractive and practical furniture made of plastic or metal in any color.
Folding
Folding stools are distinguished by their functionality, therefore, they are present not only in apartments and country houses, but are also often used in cottages. The most common materials for the production of furniture are lightweight metal alloys, wood and plastic. The selection of raw materials is carried out, taking into account the general style of the room.
Bar stools
They appeared on the market not so long ago, but already managed to earn a good reputation. Typically, such kitchen furniture will be required to equip dining areas with a high rack. Usually stools of this type are made on a metal frame, there are also wooden models.
Forged stools with a round stand and the ability to adjust the height are quite in demand.
Step Stools
A very original, but so far little-used option, which will serve more as a decorative component of the interior. An interesting and functional stool model that will cope with its main task. Besides, such furniture will be useful if necessary to get something from the cabinets and shelves located above.
Sizes and shapes
Manufacturers make stools in different shapes. Among the most often used models are:
- round;
- square;
- triangular;
- rectangular;
- direct;
- concave.
Round stools can be made from different materials based on the stylistic orientation of the interiors. Most often, you can find metal options with soft seats made of leather or textile.
Square models are the classic version that is most in demand. Despite the conservatism of the square stool, manufacturers today offer interesting models made from different types of raw materials, in addition, they can be supplemented by bent forged legs, various variations of the back and seat.
Triangular, rectangular, straight and concave semi-bar models are not so common. Usually they are made for a specific kitchen interior, choosing color solutions and the configuration of the legs, in some cases, and backs.
As for the legs, the stools are on one, two, three or four legs.
In terms of size, kitchen stools can be:
- high
- low;
- standard.
The first option is made so that the owner of the furniture during operation was able to adjust the height of the stool to fit your needs. Such furniture belongs to the universal category, it can be used in different corners of the kitchen, in addition, it is these models that are recommended to be purchased for bar counters.
As a rule, wooden, metal or plastic options stand out for their reliability and stability, withstand high loads.
Low models are a lightweight version that cannot be used as the main seat at the table due to its minimum height. In most cases, such furniture is purchased for use in a house where there are small children, in addition, it is used as a footrest in the hallway, kitchen or even in the bathroom. As a rule, it is made of wood or polymer.
Standard options purchased for use in conjunction with ordinary dining tables. Their sizes are not distinguished by any deviations from the usual height of the chairs in the kitchen, usually it is 40-50 centimeters.
Materials
Manufacturers are actively using today as the main types of raw materials for the manufacture of furniture. three options:
- wood;
- metal;
- plastic.
There are combined designs that can combine two or more types of material. Each raw material has its own individual characteristics.
Wooden furniture It is considered the most expensive, in addition, it is more aesthetic and environmentally friendly. In most cases, chipboard and an array are used in production. The color palette is also quite extensive, so you can pick up stools made of wood for almost any interior.
As a rule, these are stools for alder, oak, pine, dark or light walnut, etc.
Metal products for the most part are a metal frame with a seat made of other raw materials. Such options are also distinguished by durability, they can withstand severe loads thanks to the base. Usually, aluminum alloys are used to make stools, which are distinguished by resistance to corrosion.
Plastic will require a more careful selection in relation to the interior of the room. Such products will have a lower cost, but can be used not only as temporary, but also permanent furniture in the kitchen. The assortment of plastic stools contains interesting transparent models that are especially popular in the design of modern interiors.
Seats are usually made of waterproof and wear-resistant textiles, leather, eco-leather, leatherette. The upholstery, as a rule, is very simple to replace if necessary.
Design options
It is worth highlighting the main directions in the design of interiors using stools.
Classic
Most often, wooden furniture is purchased for decoration in a similar style, while varieties with carved and figured legs are especially popular.
The color of such stools can repeat the natural shades of various varieties of wood, there are products of bright colors, calm beige shades.
High tech
For such kitchens, screw metal stools with or without a back, plastic versions of non-standard shapes, bright contrasting varieties, bar stools with and without a back are most often used.
Country style
As a rule, in such kitchens there is a combination of wood and textiles. Stools for such rooms can be massive. As a rule, they have a standard square or round shape.
Pop Art and Grunge
For ultramodern ideas, bright collapsible plastic models are suitable, as well as high bar-type stools.
Selection tips
To make the kitchen interior as harmonious as possible, the selection of stools should be approached thoroughly, taking into account the following features.
- The size of the stools should correspond to the area of the room itself. As a rule, the standard height of the furniture is 45 centimeters, while the diameter of the seats will be within 50 centimeters. These values can vary up or down depending on the height of the dining table or counter.
- An important nuance is the rigidity of the seat itself. To maintain good posture, you should refrain from operating too soft stools, if necessary, the furniture cover can be sewn independently. Textiles are not always practical, because they are quickly erased and deteriorate. It is best to consider leatherette options.
- The material from which the stool will be made needs to be selected based on the overall design of the kitchen or the decoration of the room.
- It is best that the surface of the seats is slightly concave or rounded, which will be more comfortable when using.
- Wooden products can last quite a long time in the kitchen, since it can be repainted in any color so that the stools are harmoniously combined with a new renovation or a furniture set, dining table.
- If stools will be used not only in the kitchen, it is worth considering folding options, as well as furniture with screw components. Such models will be very convenient for kitchens in private homes, in summer cottages.
Beautiful examples
The main feature of stools is their compatibility with any kitchen set. Therefore, the dining area in a simple style with a sofa corner can be supplemented with several seating areas in the form of stools, creating a harmonious atmosphere around the table.
Simple and regular forms in a room where there is nothing superfluous can be supplemented with comfortable as well as stylish classic wooden stools made in the same color scheme with the rest of the furniture.
Such options are distinguished by functionality, in addition, they occupy a minimum of space.
The indoor dining area using soft stools in a delicate palette can become a real corner for relaxation, and comfortable furniture will help make spending time at the table as pleasant as possible.
See how to choose kitchen stools in the next video.