Montreal interior designer Paule Bourbonnais knows the value of a good kitchen stool. She has two teenage daughters, who, after school, often pull up to the counter. “They do homework and I cook dinner,” she says. “It’s been like this since kindergarten.”
For the past 10 years, Bourbonnais has had X Stools from Italian brand Alma. The seat and back are one piece of moulded plastic, no cushion. The curving, scoop shape acts as something of a cradle. “People think comfort is all about upholstery,” she says. “But the ergonomics are more important – the way the seat meets the back. A flat seat with a pad is still pretty hard.” (In general, a back-to-seat angle of 105 degrees works well.)
While Bourbonnais recommends the X Stools, she doesn’t repeat them in clients’ homes. “I pick something different for every project,” she says, noting a near dizzying variety of options on the market, including different heights, materials and options such as armrests and swivels.
Tommy Smythe, co-founder of Toronto’s TOM Design, understands why there are so many styles. “I always say that a kitchen counter stool is kind of like eggs,” he says. “People are very particular with how they like them. If fact, stools can be as tricky to pin down as sofas and beds.”
Smythe suggests a smart place to start: picking the right height. “A kitchen counter stool is not a bar stool,” he says. “A bar stool is taller, so you really have to measure and make sure that you’re getting something that fits your space.” In general, he says, a bar is 40 to 42 inches off the ground, with stools that are 28 to 34 inches tall, whereas a kitchen counter is 36 inches off the ground, with stools that are 24 to 27 inches.
To further narrow down the options, Smythe asks his clients a long list of questions about their preferences and habits.
If someone needs a place to perch briefly with a glass of wine, Smythe says a sleek, backless option is adequate. “That’s your photoshoot counter stool,” he says. “It doesn’t interrupt the sightlines, looks great in a showpiece kitchen. But people who are going to sit there on their laptop for two hours need a soft landing – a back, maybe arms and a cushy seat.”
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The issue with armrests, like swivels, is that they can take up precious space. “They don’t necessarily improve comfort,” says Bourbonnais. “Armrests can be bulky, and swivels need room to operate without knocking into a neighbour, so they can require a longer counter.”
While Smythe notes that a good stool doesn’t have to be expensive – “I’m a fan of IKEA,” he says – they should be well engineered since they are in daily use. “A metal footrest might be nice, so it doesn’t scuff and look dirty after a while. And they shouldn’t be too heavy. People get angry if their stool is 150 pounds and they are struggling to pull it in and out.”
Then there are materials. According to Vancouver designer Kelly Deck, who will be speaking alongside Smythe at Vancouver’s Interior Design Show at the end of September, leather is a durable, easy-to-clean choice. “It is undeniably practical, particularly for families,” she says. “Leather has a way of reading heavy, though, so I keep the frame fine to counteract that.”
Wood can also work well. “It can be surprisingly comfortable especially if it has a soft, rounded edge,” says Toronto designer Shirley Meisels. “They are practical because they are easy to wipe clean and generally not as bulky as upholstered stools.”
Fabric can be a bit “tricky if you have little kids or messy eaters,” according to designer Sarah McBean of Toronto’s RW Interiors. “But ultimately, the best thing to do is to test-sit the stools and see what works best for you and your bum.”
When shopping for kitchen stools, look for options that match your lifestyle.
Six buys to try
Alta Swivel Counter Stool
The Alta Swivel Counter Stool has been described as the Switzerland of stools for its versatility. Made by Vancouver-based brand Article, its simple, white oak legs and cream-coloured seat work in both contemporary and traditional kitchens. $439
Montrealaise Stool
The Montrealaise Stool, from Gatineau, Que.-based furniture maker ref., is named for a city but has a certain, country house charm. The spindle back, tapered legs and smooth seat are all handmade using traditional techniques. Made to order with either white oak, walnut or maple. $844
Slow Mornings Stool
The Slow Mornings Stool, from Vancouver-based Sundays, is minimal with thoughtful touches. The low-back rest, with a padded leather cushion, profiles support as does the moulded wood seat and metal foot rest. $550
MacKenzie Custom Stool
The MacKenzie Custom Stool, from Winnipeg-based EQ3, appears backless for a clean, modern profile. But the moulded foam seat with a short back improves the sit-ability. The upholstery is customizable with over 100 fabric options, including leather. Available in both bar and counter heights. $399
Lyndoe Bar Stool
The Lyndoe Bar Stool, from Toronto maker Mary Ratcliffe, is ideal for avid collectors of high-end design. This low-slung option is exquisitely produced by hand with a durable leather seat while the sculptural form, fashioned from either ash or oak, is just beautiful to behold in showpiece kitchens. $3,090
Glenn Stool
Ikea’s Glenn Stool is a practical option for a family kitchen. The moulded plastic seat and chrome footrest are designed for easy cleaning. It’s also lightweight and stackable so can tuck away when the floor below needs to be swept and mopped. $120