Bar Stool Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Ones
Finding the right size is easy.
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel or simply refreshing the space, the right bar stools can complete your kitchen design. Bar stool designs come in a wide range of styles and colors to complement the other colors used throughout your kitchen. Our guide will walk you through different design considerations, such as matching fixture finishes or contrasting cabinet colors, to help you pick the right bar stool colors to suit your space.
1. Consider the Color of Your Kitchen
Before choosing bar stool colors, it's important to take a look at your kitchen and pick out the tones that draw your eye in. Consider the cabinets, the island, the floors, and the walls to see if there are any outstanding shades. Look for any common hues, such as similar wood tones or coordinating tile, to find the main colors that create the palette. Choosing shades that already appear in your kitchen will help ensure the bar stool colors feel cohesive.
Next, think about the kitchen design you'd like to achieve. Are you looking for bar stools that add a bright pop of color to the space? Or do you want to find bar stools that blend seamlessly into the overall design?
Tip!
If you're looking for kitchen design ideas, read our guide 23 Kitchen Ideas to Upgrade Your Next Remodel to find inspiration.
2. Create a Contrast
Bar stool colors are the perfect opportunity to create contrast and balance out the other elements of the kitchen. As an easy rule of thumb, pick bar stools that are the opposite shades or style of the island but connect with other pieces in the kitchen. In the example above, the metal-and-leather bar stools juxtapose the brightly colored island but match the finish of the pendant lights above. The industrial-inspired silhouette and dark colors ground the light and airy kitchen without feeling out of place.
If you're looking to add a pop of color to your kitchen, bar stools are a great way to make an eye-catching statement. Not only do bar stools come in plenty of vivid colors, they're much easier to swap than cabinets or countertops. Pick a pair of painted metal stools for a bold and streamlined design, or opt for an upholstered set for a bit of texture and softness. In the example above, the chartreuse seats bring bright color while the wood legs complement the open shelving and hardwood floors.
While white kitchens are a classic choice, colorful cooking spaces can be just as stylish. When choosing bar stool colors to go with bold cabinetry, opt for neutral hues that pop against the bright kitchen. Lean into shades of white, gray, or beige to brighten dark-toned cabinets, or opt for deep espresso brown or black to stand out from lighter-hued cabinets.
Choosing the same finish for your bar stools as your light fixtures or hardware is a great way to create a cohesive kitchen design. This also helps balance the space by using matching finishes above and below the countertop. In the photo above, we love how the gold finishes throughout the kitchen warm up the cool gray cabinetry and crisp white backsplash tile.
For bar stools with metal legs, try to match the finish of the cabinet hardware, wall sconces, or faucet. This ensures that the bar stools match elements of the design even if the seat has a contrasting color.
Whether your kitchen is full of soothing neutrals or bold hues, wood brings warmth and natural appeal to any kitchen. Choose bar stools with wood legs and an upholstered seat for a cozy look, or go for a set of stools with metal frames and wood backs to add the right amount of industrial style. Try to find a wood tone that matches other hues in your space, such as the color of the cabinets, shelves, or floors. This will help you avoid clashing the bar stool colors with the floors, keeping the space coordinated.
Look to the color of your countertops for another way to coordinate bar stools to your kitchen. Whether you have quartz, marble, or butcher block, matching the color (or material) of your countertops to the tone of your bar stools builds a cohesive design. Try to pick out the primary color of the countertops to find a compatible match for your stools. We love how the gray bar stools in the photo above match the swirling white-and-gray marble countertops.
Tip!
Check out our guide What Makes the Best Bar Stools the Best? to learn more about bar stool designs and features, and read our guide Bar Stool Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Ones to find the best bar stool sizes.
