Choose the Right Kitchen Seating with a Few Tips from Us!
These smart and stylish kitchen seats will transform the look and feel of your kitchen.
Your kitchen is all set! You have your kitchen cabinets organised. Your countertop is filled with the right appliances. Your pantry is already set. But don't forget about your seating options. If you're working on an open-concept kitchen, like many Singaporean homeowners, it's vital to incorporate the right seating into your area to make it cosy, functional, and inviting.
So how do you choose the bar stools and chairs for your kitchen's eating area? Here is a guide and some tips to help you get out of your furnishing dilemma.
Plan with a Purpose in Mind
What is the purpose of your kitchen seating? This question will help you decide on the size and style of your kitchen furniture. To help you weigh your choices, try answering the following questions:
- How often will you use your kitchen's dining space?
- Do you invite guests often?
- Do you do other things besides dine in your kitchen (such as work from home and study)?
If you consider your dining space a multi-purpose area where you do tasks other than eating and bonding, you might consider getting chairs that are more spacious and conducive to longer hours of seating. Chairs with fabric cushioning will help your back relax while you sit. If you mainly use your kitchen for lounging and simple dining in your compact kitchen, you can start with kitchen stools that you can tuck under the table once you're done.
What kind of chair will suit your needs and style? Once you understand your seating needs, it's time to design it with style in mind. There are various dining chairs, stools, and benches to choose from in brick-and-mortar and online furniture shops. Here are some styles that you can look for when buying your set:
- Wooden kitchen stools that you can easily tuck under your dining table
- Fabric dining chairs with cushions
- Genuine leather dining chairs that bring luxury to your kitchen's look
- Elegant bar stools for casual dining
- Dining chairs with complete backs and armrests for optimum comfort
- Stackable plastic chairs for extra style and space-saving
- Mid-century modern Eames dining chairs
- Upholstered dining chairs with metal leg designs
- Wooden dining chairs
- Scandinavian dining chairs
- Traditional dining chairs
- Dining benches
- Swivel dining chairs that give you the ease of adjusting your position
- Adjustable dining chairs
Whenever you decide what chair style to choose, remember that every type comes with a function and some adjustments that you should consider. A chair with a back and armrests, for example, provides optimum comfort but takes up more space than an ordinary kitchen stool. An upholstered dining chair is also comfortable and stylish but requires extra maintenance. If you love an intimate dining setup, stationary dining chairs are perfect for providing a homey and serene ambiance to your open-concept kitchen.
Select Your Chair's Height and Size
Are your chairs and stools for your dining table or your kitchen island? It's important to establish the use of your furniture before selecting the right height. If you are furnishing your kitchen island, you will need to choose taller bar stools. For dining tables, you can opt for standard seating chairs. Typically, table and bar heights come with specific seating height requirements. If you are looking for seats that are tailor-fitted for your needs, opt for adjustable chairs.
After deciding on the height of your chairs, it's now time to check the weight requirements. This will determine how many chairs you can fit on your table. Wider chairs, of course, take up more space than slimmer varieties, so it's important to assess your space. It's good to maintain a comfortable width based on your weight so you can enjoy eating and bonding with ease. Also, remember to keep a good distance so everyone can move comfortably.
Consider the Chair Materials
Your seating materials will determine how your kitchen will look and feel. There are numerous materials that can take your kitchen from a traditional look to a modern one. Some materials can also add a touch of luxury to your space. But before you dive into the various materials, always check your lifestyle and maintenance so your chairs will look beautiful and be easy to maintain. Although fabric chairs look very comfortable, you should consider whether your dining space is prone to spills because of your kids. In this case, leather will be a better choice since it's easier to clean. To make your kitchen safe for your playful little ones, opt for a solid teak wood chair rather than cheaper styles.
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Kitchen Seating Style Ideas You Can Adopt
Whether you are designing a new kitchen or revamping your existing one, here are some inspiring dining area ideas that will help you achieve yours.
Mini Breakfast Space with Bar Stools
Decorate half of your kitchen island and turn it into a mini dining space where you can enjoy preparing for the day. Add plenty of seating with upholstered bar stools for a cosy effect.
Low-profile Island Table and Dining Chairs
If you're not a fan of bar stools, layer your kitchen island with a lower table that can serve as your breakfast nook. Position some dining chairs for a conducive and welcoming space that can double up as a study or working area.
Mini Banquet with Benches
Short on space? Instead of getting dining chairs, pair your rectangular dining table with dining benches. This will seat more people while making it easier to organise, since you can hide the whole bench under the table once the meal is done. This gives you more space to do other things in your kitchen.
Mix and Match Your Seating Options
Get creative with your dining seats by combining different seating options to accommodate people with different heights and seating needs.
Minimalist Kitchen Layout
Make your kitchen simple and functional with a minimalist kitchen layout. Choose chairs that are simple in colour but great in style. Observe minimal furnishing and efficient storage solutions to keep a clean and uncluttered kitchen.
While most homeowners prioritise style when buying seats, other factors should not be compromised. Buying bar stools and dining chairs requires thorough planning and good judgement about quality to be successful. Once you choose the right pieces for your kitchen and dining space, you will surely create an area where you will not only enjoy meals but also meaningful conversations.