Choosing the Right Bar Stool for Your Home

By Matt Allan

Bar stools are a great decor tool and can be used in many places in the home. Originally only found in commercial settings, bar stools of all sorts are now manufactured for residential settings. There is now a bar stool that will fit into any decor.

Bar stools generally come in two standard heights. There are 24 inch bar stools and 30 inch bar stools. Sometimes the 30 inch version is referred to as a 29 inch stool. The proper height of bar stool depends on the height of the bar, counter, or table that it is meant to serve. The higher stools are generally matched with full sized bars or bistro tables. Commercial establishments generally only use the 30 inch models.

The lower bar stool is primarily suited for homes. The shorter stools are well suited for all members of the family including children and those with slight mobility problems. You can often find 24 inch bar stools pulled up to breakfast bars. These bars are a relatively new house design element. The use of these bars expands beyond eating breakfast. They are used for socializing, doing homework, eating, and reading the paper.

There are generally two different types of bar stool seat. Some seats are fixed in place and do not move while other seats have a turning mechanism and are called swivel seat bar stools. The choice of seat will depend on your needs and each has benefits. The swivel seat bar stool is clearly more convenient. The swivel seat mechanism doesn't require you to move the bar stool legs when getting off or on the chair. This in turn limits the wear and tear on the floor beneath the seat. The fixed seat bar stool requires slightly less lateral space and can be considerably less expensive.

Lastly, think about whether you prefer to have a back on your bar stool. Bar stools with backs are more comfortable as they can provide some back support. If you intend to spend limited time in the bar stool then back support might not be required. Backless bar stools are cheaper and have a lighter feel. Backless versions are less overpowering and do not look or feel cramped in small spaces. Backless bar stools can be tucked under the table when not in use further minimizes the air space they take up.

As you can see from the foregoing, there are lots of options when it comes to choosing a bar stool. I have not even touched on all the different options. Think carefully about what you need and your budget. Think about whether a fixed seat will suit you or a 24 inch bar stool might do the trick, or whether you need a backless bar stool. - 33383

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