The size of a bar stool is paramount when choosing the right stool, particularly when you are limited for space. With a smaller kitchen the last thing you would want is your bar stools getting in your way when you’re trying cook your Sunday roast. There are several things to be considered if your space is limited for example, whether the stool has a backrest, the size of the base and the size of the seat and also, the amount of stools you require. These are all contributing factors that need to be taken into account when selecting the perfect stool for your kitchen or bar area.
A bar stool with a backrest for example, would take up considerably more of the open space in your kitchen as it may not be so easy to tuck under your worktop as one without. Similarly, arms on your bar stool could cause it to jut out from the bar taking up more room. This being said, these features may be a priority for you and there are stools available that are both compact and have a backrest for example; the Mimi. Stools with no backrest obviously take up less space, as they can easily be tucked away completely, under your breakfast bar therefore taking up none of your valuable, extra space. A stool with arms would also tend to be wider than one without as it obviously increases the overall seat width. This may be important when considering how many stools you require.
The amount of stools you need and the space you have along your breakfast bar is also very important. You always need to consider the fact that with a swivel stool you will need space for the swivel action to work, and to allow enough space for you to easily get on and off the stool comfortably. We would recommend a 10cm to 15cm gap between each stool to allow this, a compact bar stool may be required to allow you to fit the desired number in your space. The circular bases on stools tend to range from about 38cm up to around 50cm. Stools with a 50cm base tend to be larger ones and generally have arms so it is probably to steer clear of a stool with a large base in a small area.
A four legged stool, for example the Cube, would also be suitable if you were limited for space. As there is no hydraulic the width of the base does not need to be so large and the way that the weight is distributed means stools with four legs can be more compact. The cube also benefits from not having a backrest so it can be easily tucked away. Another fixed height stool that is very compact is the Zizi again this has no arms or backrest and a seat width of just 34cm, perfect for a small kitchen or breakfast bar.
Another time when you may consider a compact bar stool is if you want one for occasional use. This could be stored neatly in a corner, cupboard or anywhere out of sight. If it is an occasional stool you are looking for it may also be worth considering the weight of the stool, to ensure it is easy to move, this is another reason for choosing a compact stool. Again a stool without a backrest would be suitable here as not only would the width be smaller but the height.
Compact stools are available in a range of finishes; ABS, acrylic or faux leather. A minimalistic image is increasingly popular so the acrylic seats would be perfect, as they are not only are they small and compact but they have sleek and smooth finish. The ABS allows you to have vibrant, contemporary colours but still have a small seat and the faux leather suits a more traditional kitchen so whatever taste or style you have it is still possibly to get a small stool to suit.