Page 159 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2022

Seat height is the most critical decision to be made. Get that wrong and it doesn’t matter how good looking a stool is, you will have missed the mark. To determine seat height, begin by measuring from the under edge of your counter to the floor. Subtract ten inches and that is the tallest your seat should be. If the difference between the counter height and the height of your stool is fifteen inches or more, your seat will be too low. Don’t sacrifice comfort for style!
Typical island counters are 36 inches tall, so you should purchase a stool with a height between 24 and 26 inches. Bar counters are most often 42 inches high so you will need a stool 28-30 inches tall. Always look at the measurements, don’t just go by a “bar stool” or “counter stool” label.
There are a wide variety of choices when it comes to stool features and style. Do you want a back? Do you want arms or a footrest? Should the stool swivel? How much seat padding do you need and what fabrics do you like? Let your style
instinct and how you want your stools to function drive your decision making.
Again, size is important to keep in mind when looking at
all the features you want in a great looking stool. Measure the stool seat and add a minimum of six inches to allow for enough space between stools. That will determine how many stools you can accommodate. Arms can add width and if a stool swivels you need to keep leg clearance in mind. Stools whose components will hit the counter can damage more fragile counter edges. Bulkier stools can potentially casue damage to floors when moved around.
If space is a limitation, go back to a practical stool that will fit completely under the counter. Stool materials offer a wide variety of styles and even the simplest stool can pack a punch. Look at creating contrast between your stools and your other kitchen elements like painted cabinets, stainless appliances, and colorful backsplashes. Do you need the warmth or texture of woven upholstery or the wow of a metal frame and molded plastic or a clear acrylic body?
No doubt about it, the kitchen stool has come a long
way from a simple wooden perch. Be prepared to make a significant investment when you shop for a good stool but the higher the quality, the longer it will last and the more likely you will be able to repair it if something happens. It can be costly to have to replace all your stools because one has an issue.
Centuries ago, seating was reserved for royalty. When sitting became commonplace, the throne and elevated seating appeared. Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It is where life happens. Make it a place you love to be every day with comfortable seating that makes everyone feel like royalty.
Holly Harrison has been a licensed interior designer for over 35 years. Shannon Stage has spent nearly 20 years in the giftware industry. Together they own Sassy Bird Interiors in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
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