You may need to upgrade your current seating situation with your kitchen bar, or perhaps you are building a completely new setup. Shopping for the best bar stool for your bar, should not be difficult. You can find many good selections at online retailers, too. Here are some things to remember when you shop new seating for your bar.

Finding the Right Size

Never assume that you have a standard height countertop, as these things can vary a great deal. Size is very important when it comes to bar seating. The first thing you need to do is measure the height of the counter from the floor. The seat of your chair should be approximately one foot (30 cm) below your counter. For example, if your bar counter is forty two inches (107 cm) from the floor, a thirty inch (76 cm) seat height would work well.

Make sure and check the overhang of the top of your counters, as a substantial overhang can limit leg room. If the overhang is substantial, consider a slightly lower seat height. This will allow for extra leg room.

Finding the Best Design

There are two basic designs that you will need to consider. One will have a back on the seat and the other will not. If you have older guests or if someone has back problems, you might want to have seats with support for the back. Backs can be a very good choice for households with young children too. Footrests are another consideration when you have guests that sit for very long.

Your new seats can either swivel or be stationary. Seats that turn around can make it much easier for guests to sit at the bar. It is also more convenient to simply turn around and talk to others. Yet, it you have young children, swivel chairs can be an attractive thing to play with, and this can cause injuries.

Choosing Materials

Two basic material options are metal or wood. If you have a contemporary or modern home, metal is an excellent choice. However, if you have a more traditional home, wood may be the better option. Metal will be easy to care for and you might consider metal chairs with adjustable heights. This will allow smaller guests to sit comfortably.

When You Shop Online

Make sure that you take exact measurements as it will be harder to return things if they are the wrong size. You will have to ship the items back to the sender. However, there are some definite advantages to shopping for bar stools online. You may find a very large selection and prices may be considerably lower than local retailers. Online retailers have very few expenses, and can afford to charge less for their merchandise.

Summary

When you shop online for bars stools it is important to get the right measurements. Measure the exact length from the floor to the counter and deduct about one foot or thirty centimeters from the height. Determine if you need stationary or swivel seats and if they need back support. If you have a traditional decor, consider wood, but metal will work better for modern design. When you shop online for the right bar stool, you may find a better selection and cheaper prices than from local retailers.