Choosing kitchen chairs

When it comes to furnishing your kitchen and dining area, less is almost always more. The kitchen is often referred to as the "heart of the home", and it’s usually the hive of family activity, so the last thing you want to compromise on is space. Sadly, ample space is not something we all have, and if that’s the case it’s time to get creative. Choosing the right kitchen furnishings to suit your room can reveal space that you perhaps didn’t know was available. Our kitchen chairs guide contemplates your seating solutions.

Kitchen seating options

When it comes to size, shape and style, there’s a plethora of options in the kitchen and dining chairs market, with looks and styles constantly evolving to meet the demands of fashion and functionality. Tread carefully, however - always bear in mind what will actually be practical and comfortable (i.e. what’ll make you happier longer term), as opposed to falling for the latest trend.

Obviously, if space in an issue, this has to be factored in; there’s no point opting for the 12-seat banquet table and elaborate chair package to squeeze into your two by three metre dining closet. Common sense, clearly, is king when purchasing any furniture item.

Some possible choices for space-saving kitchen chairs include:

• Stools - this often works best when you have a bar built into your kitchen and dining area. Stools are also gaining in popularity for those who choose long church pew-like tables for their dining furniture. Beware though - after a big meal and some wine it’s nice to recline on a backrest – something stools lack. Stools can, however, be folded in most cases and are great space savers.
• High backed chairs - a great option if you have a dining table or bar bench that can afford the room. They’re comfortable and stylish, and usually very narrow. Although they look quite grand, they generally take up little space.
• Minimalist chairs - these are usually a streamlined heavy plastic in an array of colours and styles.  The point is normally to optimise room and less about making a style statement, but they’re a great space saver.
• Benches - similar to the old fashioned church pew. The upside is these benches can seat several dinner guests; the downside is that there’s a lack of personal space and (sometimes) no backrest for reclining. Benches can be tucked neatly under the table and allow you to avoid tripping over them or remembering to tuck them in when cleaning up.

Consider the space you have, whilst bearing in mind what you’d be comfortable with - there’s no point choosing kitchen stools for your room if you hate sitting on them. Be practical with the space, but also with your preferences – the key is finding the sweet spot between what fits and what suits your style.

Making the most of your kitchen

Cluttered kitchens are anything but fashionable or functional. When you choose chairs and furnishings for your kitchen area, in additional to style and using space well, think also about how your choice will actually look within the space you have available. Whilst open-plan living is a popular choice these days, the whole purpose is to create more space, not fill it up with furniture.

To maximise space in your kitchen and dining room, choose chairs that will fulfil the needs of your family and guests but not act as the overall decorative statement of the room. Careful thought and a little research can go a long way.