SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

How to Choose Your Counter or Bar Stools

There are thousands of choices when considering counter or bar stools. 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. No one wants to eat with their food level with their face or have to lean over because they’re legs don’t fit. Here are a few guidelines when selecting your new counter or bar stools.

There are thousands of choices when considering counter or bar stools. 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. No one wants to eat with their food level with their face or have to lean over because they’re legs don’t fit. Here are a few guidelines when selecting your new counter or bar stools.


What’s the Difference Between a Counter and Bar Stool?

 

A standard counter stool measures between 23 and 28” from floor to seat, while a bar stool is taller, measuring between 29 and 32” from floor to seat.

HAYNEEDLE

HAYNEEDLE

 

How Do I Know if I Need Counter or Bar Stools?

 

In order to determine whether you need a counter or bar stool, make sure to measure from the floor to the underside of you counter or table. You need to allow 10-12” for leg room, so be sure to subtract this from your surface’s height.

Pro Tip: Always measure to the underside of the surface, not the top of the surface. Some counter tops are thicker than others or have aprons that can take away from your leg space.

For example: If your surface is 36”H to the top and 34.75” to the underside, subtract 10” from 34.75” and your counter stool should sit roughly at 24.75”.

 
 
 

How Many Do I Need?

 

It may feel like you can eyeball an estimate for how many seats you need, but be sure to carefully measure to ensure that you are not overcrowding or leaving your space too bare. As a general rule, there should be around 26”-28” between the centers of each seat. If your table or counter is up against a wall or outside edge, be sure to include at least 14” between the last seat. No one wants to bump their elbow into the wall each time they pick up their fork!

 
HAYNEEDLE

HAYNEEDLE

 
 

What Style Should I choose?

 

This depends on a few things, including your personal tastes and the size of your space. If you’re working with a smaller eat-in kitchen with a breakfast bar, you may want to choose a narrower and backless stool to avoid weighing down the space. Stools with larger seats and backs can be cozier and can fill a larger space nicely, but if too big, they can make the room feel crowded. In this instance, consider choosing something of smaller proportion that is airy and visually light weight with slim legs. If you plan to sit in your counter or bar stools for long periods of time, consider an upholstered stool that will add more cushion and comfort.

Pro tip: Think about clean ability when selecting materials for your stools. Acrylic is a great option as it is easy wipe able. Leather or faux leather can also make for easy clean up. Don’t be afraid of white fabric, as long as it’s bleach cleanable, like a Perennials or Sunbrella fabric! Love the look of the stool, but the material is not practical? Have the stools reupholstered with your favorite bleach cleanable fabric or easy clean leather!

 

My Top 3 Favorite Stools Right Now

 

 
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Need help finding the perfect stool for your space? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
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SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow SJI Features Sarah Schwuchow

My Top 5 Favorite Coffee Tables Right Now

Ah, the coffee table. A jack-of-all-trades. It holds our knickknacks, our takeout dinners, occasionally our feet, and - of course - our coffee. It is a vital piece of furniture that can change the whole atmosphere of the room. Here are the top 5 coffee tables that I’m crushing on right now!


Ah, the coffee table. A jack-of-all-trades. It holds our knickknacks, our takeout dinners, occasionally our feet, and - of course - our coffee. It is a vital piece of furniture that can change the whole atmosphere of the room and ground the space. Here are the top 5 coffee tables that I’m crushing on right now!


Raj 1 Coffee Tables from Casa Spazio

 

I am all about the metal Y bass and the translucent glass tops. Casa Spazio offers several different heights to create nesting tables, which are perfect to fill in a large living room. They are also a great option since they don't add visual weight. This pair are perfect!

 

Teak Root Table from Jayson Home

 
 
 

I love the organic and raw composition of this table!  It’s made of sustainable teak wood harvested in Indonesia. The top of the table is sanded and polished, while the sides are unfinished, producing a unique, statement making coffee table.

 

Drum Storage Coffee Table from West Elm

 

Love the hidden storage! The antique brass and bronze finish is just gorgeous. Mixing metals is hot! The 32” diameter is a great size for most living rooms.

 

Allure Attraction Cocktail Table from Theodore Alexander

 

Stunning! Marble and channeled upholstered sides makes a dramatic contrast of hard and soft elements. With an almost 48" diameter, this table is just asking to be styled with brass metallic accents and a nice pile of books!

 

Vestale Cocktail Table from Roche Bobois

 

Love the forms and shapes of this elegant table! It has the perfect mixture of elements, from the ash bases to the finished aluminum cup.

 

 
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Need help finding the perfect coffee table for your space? Schedule a design consultation today!

 
 
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