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Finding the Right stools for You
Stools are versatile and a necessary addition to any living room, kitchen area or elsewhere in your home. A sofa or reliable lounge chair might nab all the credit, comfort-wise, but don’t discount the roles that good antique, new and vintage stools can play.
“Stools are jewels and statements in a space, and they can also be investment pieces,” says New York City designer Amy Lau, who adds that these seats provide an excellent choice for setting an interior’s general tone.
Stools, which are among the oldest forms of wooden furnishings, may also serve as decorative pieces, even if we’re talking about a stool that is far less sculptural than the gracefully curving molded plywood shells that make up Sōri Yanagi’s provocative Butterfly stool.
Fawn Galli, a New York interior designer, uses her stools in the same way you would use a throw pillow. “I normally buy several styles and move them around the home where needed,” she says.
Stools are smaller pieces of seating as compared to armchairs or dining chairs and can add depth as well as functionality to a space that you’ve set aside for entertaining. For a splash of color, consider the Stool 60, a pioneering work of bentwood by Finnish architect and furniture maker Alvar Aalto. It’s manufactured by Artek and comes in a variety of colored seats and finishes.
Barstools that date back to the 1970s are now more ubiquitous in kitchens. Vintage barstools have seen renewed interest, be they a meld of chrome and leather or transparent plastic, such as the Lucite and stainless-steel counter stool variety from Indiana-born furniture designer Charles Hollis Jones, who is renowned for his acrylic works. A cluster of barstools — perhaps a set of four brushed-aluminum counter stools by Emeco or Tubby Tube stools by Faye Toogood — can encourage merriment in the kitchen. If you’ve got the room for family and friends to congregate and enjoy cocktails where the cooking is done, consider matching your stools with a tall table.
Whether you need counter stools, drafting stools or another kind, explore an extensive range of antique, new and vintage stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021The most comfortable bar stool is a matter of preference. There are many different types of bar stools for your house, and many different comfy versions have been developed over time. To select the best one, we suggest thinking about height, weight, design and fabric so you can find the best set for your preferences and budget. Shop a collection of antique, vintage and contemporary bar stools from some of the world’s top dealers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021The height of a bar stool is typically around 28 to 38 inches tall. This is because bar tops are usually around 40 to 42 inches high, so bar stools need to be under this height in order to provide ample leg room.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, bar stools are taller than counter stools. The average height of counter stools is 24 inches, and they are best suited for counter height tables and kitchen islands. Barstools are typically an additional five to six inches taller to fit the height of traditional bar counters. Shop a wide selection of bar stools and counter-height stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024The difference between bar stools and counter stools comes down to height. Bar stools are usually between 28 and 32 inches tall to provide comfortable seating at bars and bar-height tables. To pair with kitchen counters and counter-height tables, counter stools are normally 24 to 27 inches tall. Find a large collection of dining stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A standard bar stool will sit around 29 to 32 inches high, and extra-tall bar stools will sit around 33 to 36 inches high. To ensure the best fit for your space, measure the height of the bar or table you want to accent. Shop a wide selection of bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2023Whether saddle bar stools are comfortable is largely a matter of personal opinion. However, some people find the curved seats featured on these stools supportive because they conform to the body's contours. Find a variety of saddle bar stools on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 25, 2019
Since counters are generally 34 to 39 inches high, counter stools should be 24 to 27 inches tall; bars are 40 to 46 inches from the ground, so bar stools typically stand 30 to 36 inches tall.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Counter height bar stools are stools that typically have a seat around 24 inches to 27 inches high and are designed to provide seating along a bar or at counter height tables. On 1stDibs, find an array of counter height bar stools from top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The comfort of a rattan bar stool is really a matter of preference. Some styles are crafted with a back or cushion for additional comfort, while some may support the addition of a cushioned seat. On 1stDivs, find a range of rattan bar stool styles to suit any preference.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023The best wood for bar stools is largely a matter of personal preference. Walnut, oak, cherry and birch are commonly used materials. On 1stDibs, find a selection of bar stools from some of the world's top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To identify Marcel Breuer bar stools, start by examining the frame. Genuine models will usually feature smooth, welded ends. Most reproductions have end caps instead. You can also look for a sticker that bears the model name on the underside of the seat. On 1stDibs, find a range of expertly vetted Marcel Breuer bar stools.
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