Stools for the kitchen: types, materials and sizes
The presence of some furniture in the room is a prerequisite for its operation. As for the kitchen, seating is simply indispensable here, in light of which such products are presented in a wide variety. Among this list, it is worth highlighting stools, remarkable for their individual characteristics.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such furniture has been used for a long time in the arrangement of kitchens in living quarters, therefore, over time, it was possible to highlight its positive and negative features.
So, the following points should be attributed to the pluses of stools.
- Functionality. Stools take up a minimum of space in the room, in light of which such options can be purchased for small kitchens. In addition, after use, they can be stored on a loggia, pushed under the table, hidden in a closet, stacked stools on top of each other, which is not always possible with chairs. Modern folding stools are worth highlighting as the smallest and most functional furniture.
- Practicality. Such options will be a real boon for those kitchens where the number of people gathering at the table is often different. You can remove one or more stools quite quickly, and without violating the integrity of the overall interior of the room.
- Variety of options. Today manufacturers produce stools suitable for different designs. Products are presented in different types, can be made from natural or synthetic materials, and are distinguished by a variety of color solutions.
- Reliability of construction... A stool for the kitchen is a reliable option in its design, most of the models are presented in the form of products on 4 legs, which provides them with maximum stability during operation.
- Versatility... Such kitchen furniture will always be relevant and fashionable. Such options go well with other interior items, and can also act as an independent unit in the arrangement of a room.
- Affordable cost... Most of the stools on the market have a more budgetary cost compared to regular or bar stools. In addition, a similar option for arranging a kitchen can be made independently.
But, despite the large number of positive characteristics inherent in this type of furniture, it is not devoid of some disadvantages.
- Stools, especially the stylish versions of the latest generation, will not be comfortable for all people. This is due to significant differences between spending time on a soft chair with a high back and using a regular stool.
- To make some models of such furniture more comfortable, it may be necessary to additionally equip the seat with soft pads.
Views
Today on sale you can find a whole range of kitchen stools, which are classified based on their configuration.
Classic varieties
Such products are represented by products with soft, semi-soft and hard seats. This option remains the most popular in recent years.
Stools of this type are usually made of wood, but the consumer can choose equally attractive and practical furniture made of plastic or metal in any color.
Foldable
Folding stools stand out for their functionality, therefore they are present not only in apartments and country houses, but are also often used in summer cottages. The most common materials for furniture production are lightweight metal alloys, wood and plastic. The selection of raw materials is carried out taking into account the general style of the premises.
Bar stools
They appeared on the market not so long ago, but have already earned a good reputation for themselves. Typically, such kitchen furniture will be required to equip dining areas with a high rack. Usually stools of this type are made on a metal frame, there are also wooden models.
Forged stools with a round stand and the ability to adjust the height are quite in demand.
Stepladder stools
A very original, but still little-used option, which will serve more as a decorative component of the interior. An interesting and functional stool model that will cope with its main task. Besides, such furniture will be useful if you need to get something from the cabinets and shelves located at the top.
Sizes and shapes
Manufacturers make stools in different shapes and sizes. Among the most commonly used models, it is worth highlighting:
- round;
- square;
- triangular;
- rectangular;
- straight;
- concave.
Round stools can be made from different raw materials based on the stylistic orientation of the interiors. Most often, you can find metal options with soft seats made of leather or textiles.
Square models are the classic version that is most in demand. Despite the conservatism of the square stool, manufacturers today offer interesting models made from different types of raw materials, in addition, they can be supplemented with bent forged legs, various variations of the back and seat.
Triangular, rectangular, straight and concave semi-bar models are not so common. Usually they are made for a specific kitchen interior, choosing colors and the configuration of the legs, in some cases the back.
As for the legs, stools come in one, two, three or four legs.
In terms of size, kitchen stools can be:
- high;
- low;
- standard.
The first option is made in such a way that the owner of the furniture during operation can adjust the height of the stool to suit his needs. Such furniture belongs to a universal category, it can be used in different corners of the kitchen, in addition, it is these models that are recommended to be purchased for bar counters.
As a rule, wooden, metal or plastic options stand out for their reliability and stability, withstand high loads.
Low models are a lightweight option that cannot be used as the main seating position at a table due to their minimum height. In most cases, such furniture is purchased for use in a home where there are small children, in addition, it is used as a footrest in the hallway, kitchen or even in the bathroom. As a rule, it is made from wood or polymer.
Standard options purchased for use in conjunction with conventional dining tables. Their sizes do not stand out for any deviations from the usual height of chairs in the kitchen, usually it is 40-50 centimeters.
Materials (edit)
As the main types of raw materials for the manufacture of furniture, manufacturers today actively use three options:
- wood;
- metal;
- plastic.
There are combined designs that can combine two or more types of material. Each raw material has its own individual characteristics.
Wooden furniture considered the most expensive, in addition, it is more aesthetic and environmentally friendly. In most cases, chipboard and solid wood are used in production. The color palette is also quite extensive, so wood stools can be selected for almost any interior.
As a rule, these are stools for alder, oak, pine, dark or light walnut, etc.
Most metal products are a metal frame with a seat made from other raw materials. Such options are also distinguished by their strength, they can withstand serious loads thanks to the base. Usually, for the manufacture of stools, aluminum alloys are used, which are distinguished by their resistance to corrosion.
Plastic will require more careful selection in relation to the interior of the room. Such products will have a lower cost, but they can be used not only as temporary, but also permanent furniture in the kitchen. The assortment of plastic stools contains interesting transparent models that are especially popular in the design of modern interiors.
Seats are usually made of moisture-resistant and wear-resistant textiles, leather, eco-leather, leatherette. The upholstery is usually very easy to replace when needed.
Design options
It is worth highlighting the main directions in interior design using stools.
Classic
Most often, furniture made of wood is purchased for decoration in a similar style, while varieties with carved and curly legs are especially popular.
The color of such stools can repeat the natural shades of various types of wood, there are products of bright colors, calm beige shades.
High tech
For such kitchens, screw metal stools with or without a back are most often used, plastic options for non-standard shapes, bright contrasting varieties, bar stools with and without a back.
Country style
Typically, these kitchens have a combination of wood and textiles. Stools for such spaces can be massive. As a rule, they have a standard square or round shape.
Pop art and grunge
For ultra-modern ideas, bright collapsible plastic models, as well as high bar stools, are suitable.
Selection Tips
To make the interior of the kitchen as harmonious as possible, the selection of stools should be approached thoroughly, taking into account the following features.
- The dimensions of the stools should correspond to the area of the room itself. Typically, the standard height of furniture is 45 centimeters, while the diameter of the seats will be within 50 centimeters. These values can vary up or down depending on the height of the dining table or counter.
- An important nuance is the rigidity of the seat itself. To maintain good posture, you should refrain from using stools that are too soft; if necessary, you can sew the furniture cover yourself. Textiles are not always practical, as they wear off rather quickly and become unusable. It is best to consider leatherette options.
- The material from which the stool will be made must be selected based on the general design of the kitchen or the decoration of the room.
- It is best if the surface of the seats is slightly concave or rounded, which will be more comfortable to use.
- Wooden products can serve in the kitchen for a long time, since they can be repainted in any color so that the stools are harmoniously combined with a new renovation or a furniture set, a dining table.
- If stools will be used not only in the kitchen, it is worth considering folding options, as well as furniture with twist-off components. Such models will be very convenient for kitchens in private houses, in summer cottages.
Beautiful examples
The main feature of stools is their compatibility with any kitchen set. Therefore, a simple style dining area with a corner sofa can be complemented by several seating areas in the form of stools, creating a harmonious atmosphere around the table.
Simple and regular shapes in a room where there is nothing superfluous can be supplemented with comfortable, as well as stylish classic wooden stools, made in the same color scheme with the rest of the furniture.
Such options are distinguished by functionality, in addition, they take up a minimum of space.
The indoor dining area with the help of soft stools in a delicate palette can become a real corner for relaxation, and comfortable furniture will help make your time at the table as pleasant as possible.
For information on how to choose stools for the kitchen, see the next video.