When it comes to counter stools, size matters. It matters so much that it can make the difference between food in your mouth, food on your clothes or food on the floor. It can make a difference between feeling your face is too close to your plate if you are eating, and too close to your beverages if you are drinking. A counter stool that is too short can also make the difference between feeling the need to constantly stretch your legs and feeling comfortable and relaxed. Width size can make the difference between sitting on the stool and hanging off the stool. Short counter stools can make an adult feel as if they are sitting in a child's seat.
Gone are the days of the "standard" 30-inch kitchen counter stool. In the past this height comfortably accommodated most counters and most people. These days, most designers are instead opting for heights of 45 inches or more. When this is the case, trying to sit on a 30-inch counter stool will be quite difficult, as you will be sitting far too low to be comfortable. So, furniture makers decided to adjust the height of the counter stools to be a little taller, now 34 inches,
The Foot Rail
Adjustable Metal Stool
Determining the height for a counter stool is only one of the comfort factors. Foot placement is also very important so the location of the foot rail must be taken into account before purchasing a counter stool. For a person of average height (using the current standard of 5'10" for an adult male) foot rail placement is usually midway to the floor or halfway between the seat and the floor. It is important to test out the placement of a foot rail. While on first appearances it may not seem so important, if you are unable to reach it, or you have to bend your legs too far to put them on it, this seating option could be very uncomfortable.
The next thing to keep in mind is the height of the chair proportional to the table or counter where you will be sitting. You should make sure there is about 8-10 inches between the seat and the underside of the table or counter. If not, it will be a pinch, literally, every time you, or your guests, try to take a seat, as your legs will be pinched between the countertop and the chair. This will not make sitting at your counter an enjoyable event, and likely will lead you and everyone else avoiding this seating area.
Adjustable and Custom Made Counter Stools
Two viable alternatives to the standard counter stool are the adjustable and custom designed counter stools. Prior to ordering these stools you should contact the manufacturer to see if there is a way to "test drive" the stools, especially adjustable stools. There may be a restaurant supply showroom with floor models of each. A good idea would be to take someone needing the custom seating with you to test for comfort. If the fit is good you can then place an order for a full set of counter stools.
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