$150 & Under Barstool Round-Up
+ 2 Farmhouse Kitchens
How to Choose the Right Barstool
Hi friends! I started Postbox Designs E-Design over two years ago and I was lucky enough to get to work with Remodelaholic as a monthly contributor from the very beginning! Once I month I share an exclusive Mood Board that I create just for the Remodelaholic readers. I try to tackle a different room every month, and this month was all about the barstools!
Recently I realized I have been helping a LOT of client design their kitchens, which usually includes an eat-in island. Not only should a barstool look darn pretty, but it needs to be practical.
Back or backless?
What material (since these will be around food)?
What height?
How many to use? How much room do you need for each person?
All of these questions and more I addressed in this month’s blog post-in fact you can read all 7 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Barstool where I talk about what materials work best, work barstools work well with young kids, and the right size/number of barstools you need.
Budget Friendly Barstool Round-up
I also created an exclusive Mood Board of A Budget Friendly Barstool Round-Up: All of the barstools I selected you can grab for under $150-many for way less. And they are all of mix of different styles, price points, and configurations. You can see the entire source list right here:
Barstool Round-Up Shopping List
7 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Barstool
A barstool is typically a piece a furniture that will get a lot of use and abuse, so you want to think through your lifestyle and needs before purchasing these multi-taskers.
ONE. A barstool should fit your budget.
What I mean by this is I don’t want you to cry when your child spills grape juice on your custom upholstered $800 barstool. Whether your budget is high or low, be sure it is something you can afford to replace or fix. Unless your kitchen is just for looks, barstools are meant to be used.
TWO. A barstool should be durable.
Think about it: these stools are likely to be pushed in and out a dozen times a day. You might eat at your island, cook at your island, work at your island, and host guests at your island. If you choose a painted barstool, look for one with a good finish that won’t easily chip. Look for sturdy ones that can withstand some banging around.
THREE. A barstool should be cleanable.
I’m going to say it:
If you have small children I would not use a barstool with fabric. Ever.
I just wouldn’t. I know you can clean fabric, or scotchguard fabric…but it is going to be a high maintenance chore. And barstools by their nature are going to be around a lot of food and liquid. Honestly, it is setting you up for disaster.
If you don’t have children (or they are older), I would consider using a fabric that is meant for outdoor use (typically more durable and clean up with water), one that is fabric protected, or look for the phrase “commercial grade”. I would also consider a mid to dark fabric or one with some pattern to help hide stains and dirt. Fabrics like velvet or linen typically don’t work well as they can be difficult to clean.
Studio McGee
FOUR. A barstool should be made from a material that works well for your lifestyle.
Typically wood or metal barstools are going to be the less maintenance and the easiest to clean. You might want to consider a more rustic or distressed wood that will hide nicks and dings. If they will get less use you can try a more fragile material like wicker, woven seats, or fabric.
Leather (or a faux leather) is also a great material for a barstool-it is durable and easy to wipe down!
FIVE. A barstool should be the right height.
Typically barstools come in two sizes. You might see the terms “counter height” (which is made for a standard 36” high countertop) or “bar height” (which is made for a raised 42” high bar area).
“Counter height” bar stools will range from 24”-29” in height. “Bar height” bar stools will range from 30”-36” in height. Not only do you want the appropriate scale for the height of your counter, but you also need to allow room for someone to sit in it!
Barstool Round-Up Starting at $25
Now you know what type of barstool is going to work best for you. And you know what material and finish will work best for your family. And you also now know if you need “counter height” or “bar height” barstools and how many you will need.
Now it is time to choose the perfect barstool! I created this Round-Up of barstools-all are under $150, and they start at a mere $25 each. You can find the sources for all of these right here:
Affordable Barstool Round-Up Shopping List
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Designs
And if you need some help with the REST of your kitchen I have you covered as well! I recently worked with this client in Indiana to remodel her outdated kitchen to a Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Design. You can see more of this project right here:
4 Mood Boards to Create a Farmhouse Kitchen
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Mood Boards
Or this one…I helped a client in Colorado who was building a brand new home and needed help choosing all of her fixtures and finishes for her new kitchen. She had her builder’s plan for the layout, but wanted a pro to help her finish the look. Your kitchen is most likely going to be the most expensive room in your home, so you want to get it right…the first time. Kitchen design actually goes FAR beyond just looking pretty-you want it to be functional and work well for your specific needs. You can see more of her project right here:
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen: 2 Ways
If this is your first time here you’re in luck! We are in the middle of the 5 Week Design Jumpstart Program: every week I deliver an email to your inbox with a new room full of designer ideas and tips. Each week I created at least one new freebie to go with it. We have already tackled “75 Ways to Update your Bathroom without a Full Remodel” and “10 Tips to the Perfect Mudroom + Free Locker Building Plans”. And this week is Week #3: it is all about how to “Design the Perfect Playroom + What Items NOT to Waste Your Money On”
You can sign up for FREE right HERE:
I’ll see you back here in a few days…and it is all about the kid’s spaces!
Kristin
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