Counter Height Tables And Chairs Sets
3 Tips For Choosing the Right Counter Bar Stool
By Randshan J Saldin
The ambiance of your counter makes a big difference on how your guests see you - And your bar stools make a big difference in contributing to the overall vibe of the room. Choosing the right bar stool is crucial in creating a great atmosphere. Read on to learn exactly how to do that.
The Basics: Height and Number
The first and most important thing to do is take note of how high your counter is. Also, how high are other chairs if you already have other chairs.
There's nothing worse than buying bar stools only to later find out they're the wrong height. Measure out how high you want your bar stools to be before you start shopping.
Also count out how many bar stools you want to purchase. It helps to have a number in your head because bar stools are often sold in sets and you should know exactly how many stools you want.
Next Step, What It's Made Of
There are many options when it comes to bar stools. Wood and metal are both very popular, but there are also plastic and other materials to choose from.
Wood is great if you want a more classic kind of look. It feels more natural than any other material.
Metal has many different colors and many different designs. It will go great in any more modern feeling environment.
In general, choose what you want your bar stools to be made of based on how the rest of the room looks. If everything else is made of wood, get the wooden bar stools.
Bar Stool Options
Finally, once you've chosen how many you want, the height and the material, then it's time to go through the many options available to you.
Some of these options include:
Arm Rest: Arm rests give a more majestic or old fashioned vibe to the chair. It can make it more comfortable for people to rest their arms.
However, it can make it a little awkward to talk to people next to you.
Back Rest: Should you have a low back rest on the chair or should you go with a backless design?
Swivel: Swiveling makes it easier for people to talk to whoever they want to talk to, though it's slightly more expensive than stationary chairs.
Upholstery: Upholstered stools can really add a classy vibe to the atmosphere. They tend to be slightly more expensive, so it does come down to how much you're willing to invest.
If you choose to get upholstered counter bar stools, then the question becomes whether you want a soft and plushy bar stool so people can rest, or just a slightly cushioned bar stool so that your guests are more comfortable than if it were just a plain surfaced stool.
As you can tell, there are quite a few options to choose from.
Where to Buy a Great Bar Stool
If you buy a bar stool at a retail store, chances are you're only going to have a small selection to choose from. It doesn't make sense for them to stock up on a pile of bar stool designs, as they have overheads to pay.
On the other hand, if you shop online you'll be able to browse a very wide selection of bar stools and choose the perfect one for you.
You'll also pay less, because they don't have to bundle rent and other overheads into their pricing to recoup costs.
Buying a Bar Stool Made Easy
Measure the height, determine how many stools you need, decide what kind of materials you want them made of and choose what design qualities you want. Then go to an online retailer selling reputable brand furniture and make your purchase!
December 4, 2010
1:57 am
I think the black, white, and red is going to clash with the table. The walls are neutral which is good but the red and the mahogany may not look best. Maybe try a deep fuschia instead. I have a similar color wall and table and I stayed away from blk and wh. I currently have champagne and fall colors and its so warm and welcoming. Good luck! You can always return the items if you don’t like them. Go to bhg.com, they have a ton of inspiring ideas.
December 4, 2010
12:07 pm
Does anyone know who sells pub set (1 counter-height table and 8 chairs) in a traditional style? e:Queen Anne
in Northern Ontario?
December 4, 2010
5:49 pm
check this home furnishing directory for products.
http://www.creativehomeinterior.com
December 4, 2010
6:28 pm
This type of set is hell for shorter people, older people, and anyone with weak or bad knees. When it comes to furnishings, function as opposed to form warrants much more consideration than it usually gets. As previously said, cutting the legs down to size is a practical solution. If you want to maintain some semblance of ‘distinctive’ form in your dining area, and fill the empty space above the table, look for a distinctive vase or bowl in which to create a striking floral arrangement. Perhaps a decorative bowl with a floral “frog” in it to hold a tall branch or single stem, with smaller floral or wood pieces arranged to hide the hardware. Alternatively, if there isn’t a light fixture above the table, one might help with your design aspirations…perhaps a mobile, or create a table centerpiece of varying height candles.
December 4, 2010
8:07 pm
do u like or hate counter height dining table set and why?
I have counter height dining set and I liked it because it is distinctive from the regular table. Now I begin to notice the not so nice view under the table with too much chair legs. I wanted to know what is your opinion if it is just me that think this way. How can I change my thoughts about it or get a new dining set?
December 4, 2010
8:10 pm
Dining Room Decorating-Table and Damask linens?
I am planning to decorate my new apartment dining room. The walls are a light beige/tan color, the trim is white. My table is a square counter height mahogany brown wood set, with 4 chairs. I am thinking I would like to do a black and white “damask” design table runner, with deep ruby red as an accent color for placements. My question is, is the black and white damask design going to be mis-matched with the mahogany brown table? Should I try for a different color damask design table runner? Thanks for your opinions!
December 4, 2010
10:17 pm
Family Christmas present – gathering table?
Our current dining set is over 14 years old. Solid glass table and 6 chairs. We have 2 kids, ages 10 and 15. Thinking of getting a counter height “gathering” table with chairs instead of the full size dining table. Any one have any experience with these. I like the idea of a leaf to add more space as needed.
December 4, 2010
10:29 pm
Hey, I like that idea! I’ve never had one, but if my kids were still home, I would do that!
December 4, 2010
11:04 pm
What is your opinion of having a counter-height dining table?
I’m searching for a dining furniture set for my home which would include the table, chairs, and some sort of buffet or hutch. I’ve seen a few sets where the table is counter height and the chairs are actually “bar stools.”
Does anyone have experience using these higher dining tables and chairs? And what are your opinions of them? Are there any benefits or shortcomings when compared to traditional dining furniture?
December 4, 2010
11:31 pm
I had a breakfast bar with bar stools and it was practical in the mornings and at lunch time as could get the food put out on the bar in a hurry. But i would never want to sit down to a family meal at the breakfast bar. It was an effort to get on the stools and down again.