A set of great-looking bar stools can really add pizzazz to a room. Many modern kitchens have bars or islands where bar stools would fit perfectly. If you're thinking of buying new bar furniture, ask yourself a few questions first. That way, you'll be sure to choose stools that not only look great, but last a long time, too.



First, be honest about how much use the stools will get. If they're going to be in a high-traffic area where people sit on them every day, you'll want resilient materials such as steel frames with vinyl padding. You can even find commercial-grade stools online. Bar stools that will receive moderate use can be made from more delicate fabrics and woods. If the bar stools are mostly going to serve as ornamental furniture, the materials aren't that important of a consideration.

Next, consider the look you're striving for. If your existing furniture is mostly traditional, you'll want stools that complement that type of décor. If you have an ultra-modern home, choose stools with clean, unique lines. (Of course, if you're redecorating everything, you're free to choose any stools you like.)

Bar stools are great places to entertain guests during casual dinners or brunches. Make sure your guests are comfortable by testing out the stools yourself before you purchase them. Are they sturdy enough to hold a hefty adult? Are they padded enough to provide a pleasurable experience? Are they short enough for petite guests to get into and out of with ease, but also high enough to lift guests up to the counter? You'll want to allow about a foot of space between the counter and the seat. Do you prefer swiveling or stationary stools? Many styles are available in both varieties and come in a range of heights as well.

Your kitchen decoration is one thing to consider when choosing bar stools. Another is the floor that the bar stools will rest on. Choose stools with rubber feet or very blunt edges to avoid marking up your wooden floors. If the stool will be resting on carpet, make sure to choose a design that can scoot around easily without tipping over.

Storage is important, too. Most bar stools are small enough to stay out near the counter without taking up too much space. For super-small kitchens, you should consider purchasing a set of folding stools that can be hidden away when nobody needs them.

What if you've got an outdoor bar or kitchen nook? In that case, you'll want to find furniture that's both easy to clean and resistant to UV rays and moisture. A thick lacquer or vinyl coating should do the trick.

The kitchen table used to be a staple in American homes. Now, bars and bar stools are gaining in popularity because of their space-saving design. If you're ready to line up your guests at the kitchen counter, first do a little research about the various types of bar stools available. You might be pleasantly surprised by the artistic designs and low-maintenance materials that are out there.