A COUNTER CHAIR CHECKLIST
Counter chairs / bar stools / counter stools / bar chairs.
Whatever you want to call them, we’re unapologetically picky when it comes to choosing them.
Our non-negotiables:
comfortable but minimalist
not too bulky but with a back rest
with legs rather than a solid base
If you want to know our reasoning behind this must-have criteria, read on…
NO.1 MUST-HAVE FEATURE
Comfortable but Minimalist
Ahhhh, the old ‘form over function’ wrestle. A continuous bone of contention in the furnishing world.
When you end up choosing something that’s beautiful and sculptural…then quickly realise that it won’t ever do the actual job it was created to do.
We do believe that there’s a middle ground, it just takes a bit of hunting around to find the right pieces.
The Stockholm based Afteroom Studio designed the ‘Counter Chair Plus’ that we’ve chosen as our Holy Grail. It has the light padding needed to please the derriere, plus the velvet adds to that feeling of comfort. The open space between the seat section and the back rest - only interrupted by one slimline tube of steel - allows the form to shine without compromising on the function. You still have a seat, you still have a back rest, you still have a beautiful piece of furniture.
COUNTER Chair PLUS
by AFTEROOM
Upholstered in ‘City’ Velvet
Colour Code: CA7832/020
Black Steel frame
Prices start at £439
Available from Chaplins
NO.2 MUST-HAVE FEATURE
Not Too Bulky but With A Back Rest
Unless you’re fortunate enough to have a lot of square footage in your kitchen, usually a breakfast bar is nearby to a thoroughfare of some sort. Anything too big and bulky will stick out and eat into the walkway, making the space feel smaller than it is.
You could say a simple tall stool is the answer as it can be tucked right underneath the bar, but hands up who actually enjoys teetering on the edge of one? The left bum cheek trying to make a break for it, the other desperately grabbing on. Much worse if there’s nowhere to rest your feet - cue your legs aimlessly swinging around into the ether, like a toddler.
Talking of which, if there’s an actual toddler sitting on the stool, a back rest will provide that bit of added security and peace of mind for when they’re eating their ham sandwich.
THE ALL IMPORTANT BACK REST
Practical but slimline, so it doesn’t take up half your kitchen
NO.3 MUST-HAVE FEATURE
With Legs Rather Than A Solid Base
This one’s not just a visual preference but a practical choice too.
We’re referring to the stools that have a base in the shape of a tulip. Mostly found in shiny chrome.
We believe the one thing that particular design was invented for was to collect dust. And lots of it.
(Special shout out to any dog owners who’ll say they attract fur like a moth to a flame.)
Unless you enjoy being on your hands and knees with a microfibre cloth every day - NO JUDGEMENT IF YOU DO - steer clear of a solid base.
As an aside but still very relevant, they’re also so heavy and unwieldy. Moving one to get a vacuum cleaner under the breakfast bar is a bigger struggle than shifting a wardrobe. A fully stocked one.
So that’s our round up of what we look for in a counter chair.
An area where we can pretend we’re at a Michelin Chef’s ‘Pass’, drooling, deserves only the very best.
WE ALSO LOVE…
INVESTMENT
Jonathan Adler
Caprice Counter Stool
£900
SPLURGE
Rockett St George
Mink Faux Leather Bar Stool
£245
STEAL
Barker & Stonehouse
Archer Bar Stool
Was £129
Now £99
