Today, bar stools are no longer associated exclusively with drinking establishments. They have gained wide popularity. Now high-legged seats can be found in the kitchen of an ordinary apartment. Even in the dining area of a small studio of 18 square meters, chairs fit well into the environment and add functionality to the room. As soon as the idea arises to purchase a bar counter for the home, the question immediately arises of which chairs to choose for it in the kit. To make the right decision, you should familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of such a piece of furniture. This will help to take into account all the nuances and choose exactly what you need.
For what purpose is a bar stool purchased?
If everything is clear with bars, then the question of the need for a bar stool or even several in an apartment remains open. In what cases is it relevant or even necessary, and when is it better to abandon an eccentric idea?
If you want to remove the wall between the kitchen and the room, then the bar with chairs will perfectly cope with the function of a partition separating the cooking area from the living room. You can replace the dining area with a narrow countertop and a couple of chairs, freeing up additional space. The sizes of bar stools for the kitchen are very different: from a low design without a back to a massive high stool with a footrest. Depending on the goals pursued, they look for the chair that best embodies the design intent.
GOST requirements for bar stools
Now, when furniture can be easily ordered to your measurements in a private workshop, there are chairs of various sizes. However, there are some standards that most manufacturers adhere to. And not only because it is convenient and makes it easy to arrange bar counters and chairs from different sets with each other.
The dimensions of the bar stool according to GOST are 85 and 95 cm. Products 95 cm high are marked Bh, which means BarHocker - a high bar stool translated into Russian. Chairs 85 cm high are designated Th (TresenHocker) - a low bar stool. The former are used for bar counters with a height of 130 cm, and the latter for counters with a height of 110 cm.
When calculating these numbers, we used data on the average height of a person, the most comfortable sitting positions, as well as the optimal ratio of the height of chairs and countertops.
What should bebar stool
The dimensions of this piece of furniture depend on the height of the stand. Therefore, you should first decide on its parameters, and only then select the seats. The stores offer bar counters of various heights: from 100 to 160 cm. As a rule, each option fits a certain model of chairs.
For bar counters, which are located in living quarters, namely in the kitchen, the height is 85-90 cm. the surface of other elements. To divide the room into zones using this design, it is recommended to choose higher models.
When buying a bar, you should start from your own feelings: try to stand next to it, sit on a chair - you should be comfortable.
How tall should a bar stool be?
Standard sizes of a bar stool fluctuate in the range of 75-85 cm. This figure depends on the height of the counter. When choosing, you should be guided by ergonomics: chairs, if possible, should fit easily under the table top. This approach helps to save space in the kitchen. If there are children in the house, it is advisable to purchase chairs that they can sit on without assistance. To ensure maximum seating comfort, you should choose models that have no more than a 30 cm difference in height from the bar.
Selection of bar stool designs
The seat, legs and footrest arethe main elements that make up a bar stool. Dimensions, design, availability of armrests - it all depends on how the piece of furniture will be used. If you want to put chairs on top of each other or slide under the table top, freeing up space, it is better to choose a model without a back. But such chairs are not suitable for long gatherings, since it is inconvenient to stay on them for more than an hour. Therefore, if the bar counter is a place for many hours of gatherings, minimalist stools will be out of place.
In addition, you can purchase chairs with adjustable seat height. Such a piece of furniture is easy to install at the desired height, depending on the needs. An important nuance that must be taken into account when buying a bar stool: the size and location of the footrest should allow you to comfortably sit on the chair, no matter what height it is adjusted to. Otherwise, the product will not be as convenient to use.
Models made of wood, metal and plastic: what to choose?
The most popular furniture option for the bar area is a bar stool made of wood. The size and design of such products can be very diverse. Wood is a malleable material from which you can make both a laconic stool and a massive chair with a carved back. Wooden stools will look solid and cozy.
Another option for products made from natural material is a wicker bar stool, the seat size of which is slightly smaller than that of a regular wicker chair. These pieces of furniture are made fromvines, rattan or reeds. Models made of wicker material are perfect for a country house or summerhouse.
Plastic chairs are a good choice for a modern kitchen. They are practical, light and resistant to bad weather, making them suitable for outdoor use. They are easy to wash and carry from place to place.
Metal chairs are durable and stable, while models upholstered in fabric or leather are ideal for long gatherings in the living room. Such a chair is difficult to overturn, but it is worth remembering that it can leave marks on the flooring, scratch the parquet.
Nuances to keep in mind when choosing chairs
Some bar seat models are equipped with a swivel mechanism. This can be very convenient if you not only sit at the bar, but also act as a bartender. The swivel chair allows you to easily reach the table with ingredients without being distracted from the conversation.
The footrest is another detail that a bar stool cannot do without. Its dimensions and height may vary, but it must be strong enough. The footrest is used not only to comfortably position the legs, but also as a support.
Chairs can have three or four legs, or even one, equipped with a large weighty base that increases the stability of the structure. To prevent the product from damaging the floor covering, protective caps made of rubber or othermaterials that protect the floor from scratches.
Cafe chairs
If chairs are purchased for a bar counter in a cafe, the choice should be made based on functionality. For a room where crowded events are planned, stackable options are suitable, which are convenient to stack on top of each other during cleaning.
The sizes of bar stools for cafes are selected depending on the height of the counter. If the bar area is not separated from the resting place for visitors, it is better to purchase chairs made in the same style so as not to disturb the harmony of the interior.
Having determined for yourself the purpose for which bar stools are purchased, what functions they will perform, and also what height the bar counter will be, it is easy to choose exactly the option that best fits into the surrounding space and will be most convenient to use. With the help of bar stools, you can not only free up space and visually divide the room into zones, but also give the kitchen a little charm of a cozy bar.
