Let's Talk Kitchen Counter Stools

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

I have a large pass thru from my kitchen to the living room so it's not a totally open concept. The counter is 64" long and it's 2 step. Higher on the Living room side and counter height in the kitchen.

I wanted to create a cozy space to have coffee and wanted to add a couple of comfy kitchen counter stools. Looking on line there is everything from industrial looks to high end leather bar chairs.

Question is, how many do you have? Do you actually use them? Too uncomfortable to sit for more than a few minutes? Complete waste of cash? ${#emotions_dlg.laugh}$

Thoughts and experiences appreciated!

Fressa · ‎03-20-2012

I had a galley kitchen with a large open pass-true to the dining room in my townhouse. It was an even height on both sides. My thought is that if you purchase the stools then you will use the space. If the stools are going to be on the living room side then I would spend the $ and get a very comfortable high end chair that blends with your living room. If you are placing the stools in your kitchen I would still spend the $ to get a chair that had a nice form fitting back. Nice stools can be repurposed for extra guests so you do get some value from the cost. I find that stools without backs aren't comfy for any length of time. Budget and space constraints usually help eliminate some of the choices. It sounds like you have a large size so I would be considering something like a club or comfy bar chair. Great way to have your coffee.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

I use my counter stools in my Florida condo every day for almost every meal. I own 4 - they were the only pieces of furniture the previous owners left! They are wood with backs and are super comfortable. I did recover the cushions because I hated the pattern left for me.

I do have a dining table and chairs just a few steps beyond that counter. I use it pretty much for holidays only - even most guests say they'd prefer to eat at the counter or on the terrace.

A few years ago friends used my condo while they shopped for their new snowbird home. They loved my stools and wanted similar for their new home. Those chairs then cost nearly $500 - each! I had had no idea of their value when they were left for me!

Snowpuppy · ‎03-09-2010

Thank you for your experiences!

To clarify, yes I wanted them on the living room side which is the higher counter side. I do want to spend the $ to invest in chairs that are good quality. I found some arrow back chairs that are very close in style to my dining chairs.

Millie....what a great find in your chairs!!

mousiegirl · ‎03-09-2010

If you decide to get them, I suggest that they have backs and arms to insure comfort. My SIL has upholstered with back and arms, and they swivel, so are comfortable, but being short, I prefer a chair. I just remodeled my kitchen, making it larger, and bought two small wing chairs for the ends of the table, but moved one to my spot, with a big pillow, and it is fantastic to be able to take a load off and sink into that chair as I work, and be so comfortable.

polowife · ‎03-16-2010

Suggestions on where to purchase high quality bar stools. I have seen several in the Frontgate catalog, but it would be nice to see them in person.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

We sit at our island on stools more than we sit at our kitchen table. None of my stools have backs and I can sit there sometimes for a few hours. We found ours at our local furniture store. Enjoy shopping and hope you find the perfect stools!

"Pure Michigan"

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

We have a couple of antique drafting stools at our kitchen table...not very comfortable just for sitting for long periods, but OK for as long as it takes to eat a meal. They are a part of my DH's "history" though, as his architecture firm is the continuation of one that began at the turn of the last century. So...they'll be staying with us! They definitely have an industrial look, all metal except for the seat, which is maple.

GCR18 · ‎07-03-2013

I don't have stools on my island. It has an overhang on one side. I saw some at home goods and once I got home I decided I'd get them. Went back the next morning and they were gone. I took it as an omen.