To keep your fabric bar stools looking their best, clean them regularly with warm soapy water. This will also help you keep on top of any damage they may sustain over time. To effectively clean your bar stool use:

• Warm soapy water and a soft cloth for general cleaning.
• Warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush for tougher grease stains.

Top Tip! A quick wipe down every couple of days will keep your fabric bar stools looking as good as new.

Leather and faux leather bar stools, such as our Scada range, are easy to clean and maintain, which is why many people are drawn to this material. It’s also incredibly durable and easy to keep on top of spills by simply wiping with a non-abrasive cloth and washing up liquid in warm water.

Top Tip! After cleaning, use a small amount of baby oil to keep your faux leather smooth and hydrated.

Velvet bar stools make a real style statement, but many people are put off as they believe the fabric is hard to care for. But it’s not! For best results:

• Begin by using a soft bristle brush to brush the surface of your barstool. 
• Then, mix distilled water and white vinegar in equal parts.
• Use a microfibre cloth dipped in the cleaning solution to blot away the stain.
• Use another clean damp cloth to remove any remaining solution.

Top Tip! Once dry, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to make velvet look as good as new. Fluff up the fibres by brushing in the same direction.

Boucle is a comfy and cosy fabric that’s very much on trend for bar stools. It’s also surprisingly easy to keep clean:

• Use a dry bristle brush to wipe away any larger particles first.
• Apply bicarbonate of soda to absorb and remove any stains.
• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the bicarbonate of soda. 
• Finally, blot with a soft towel to soak up any water.
• Leave to air dry before fluffing the fabric up again. 

Top Tip! Avoid using harsh chemicals on Boucle bar stools.

Wooden bar stools create a totally different vibe in your home with their rustic appeal. They’re generally low maintenance and easy to look after. Simply wipe down your bar stool with a microfibre cloth and non-silicone wood polish, following the grain of the wood.

Top Tip! Avoid using corrosive products and abrasive equipment as these may lift the colour and strip the surface of the wood.

Measuring the height of the counter or bar you are looking to buy bar stools for is vital as this will help you pick the correct size. You want to leave around 30cm (12 inches) between the seat and the counter/bar to ensure there’s enough leg room.

There are four different kinds of stools to consider:

• Counter stools (58-72cm)
• Bar stools (74-82cm)
• Extra tall stools (84-92cm)
• Adjustable height stools (60-82cm)

Top Tip! Adjustable bar stools allow you to use the bar stool at different heights, allowing people to pick a height they feel is most comfortable.

Choosing the correct height impacts your comfort level but there are other considerations worth noting. The level of comfort is an important consideration if you want your bar stools to be a practical and pleasurable place to sit and enjoy meals, beverages and conversation.

A sturdy backrest can really improve the comfort of a bar stool, as can armrests and footrests. Quality seat padding is also essential for increasing comfort. The padding should be strong, flexible, and maintain its shape over time for optimal support. A good level of support helps prevent aches, pains and improves your posture. 

If you have the space and you’re planning on using the bar stools regularly or for long periods of time, then opting for a set of bar stools with footrests can ensure a comfortable seating experience. 

Footrests are important for most bar stools since it is uncommon for them to be low enough for you to place your feet on the ground. A well-positioned, sturdy foot rest allows you to rest your feet and maintain good posture, therefore increasing comfort.

The style of the stool is one of the first things you should consider. With so many different styles to choose from, you’re sure to be able to find bar stools to suit any interior imaginable. Popular styles include:

• Modern Contemporary
• Scandinavian
• Industrial
• Traditional
• Mid-Century

The reason it’s important to carefully consider the style you choose is because the type of bar stool you select can have a big impact on how your room looks and feels as a whole. Whether you opt for complementary or contrasting styles, your bar stools can become a stand out feature.

Backrests on bar stools provide extra comfort and support. They support the lumbar and encourage good posture which makes them a great option when sitting for long periods of time. Bar stools with backrests may be found in a variety of designs including low or high backs, allowing you to select the degree of support that best suits your needs.  

The ideal backrest height will depend on the purpose of the stool, as low back stools are ideal for casual perching and tucking away under the bar or work surface. In comparison, high backrests provide spine support and greater comfort for longer periods of sitting during mealtimes and socialising.

Bar stools with armrests offer more support and comfort for your arms. Where bar stools without arms have a simple design that gives them a clean, open appearance and may be easier to tuck under a bar to save space. 

Armrests have less of an impact on comfort when compared to backrests and footrests, however they can still be nice to have if you want the optimal level of comfort. Bar stools with arms assist in maintaining a more ergonomic sitting position, which eases stress on your neck, shoulders, and back.

Seat depth and width are two more important considerations when it comes to bar stool comfort. The seat should be deep and wide enough to comfortably support the user. Generally speaking, a larger seat allows for better weight distribution and fewer pressure spots. Choosing the right seat depth promotes reduced leg and back discomfort.

The seat depth also depends on how much space you have. The average seat depth is 40cm, but add between 5-12cm for a backrest. Consider the size of your space and whether you want to tuck them under when not in use.

High-quality seat padding is essential for increased comfort. Look for bar stools that have enough cushioning to ensure a comfortable seating experience. Frequently, padding is made from foam or memory foam padding that is able to maintain its shape over time, giving the user a luxurious seating experience and ultimate levels of comfort.

Comfort levels can be affected by the materials and textures chosen too. When choosing upholstery materials, keep in mind things like durability, suppleness, and how easy the material is to clean. Choose fabrics that will withstand wear and tear within your setting as well as something soft and comfortable.

The first thing to consider is which room your stools are for. This will influence the design you choose and the features of the bar stool. Matching the style, fabric and colour to the room decor is important, of course, but also consider which surface you want to place them at. 

Kitchen counters, dining tables, games room bars and breakfast islands vary in height. Therefore location means considering the height and size of a fixed height bar stool as well as colours and fabrics.

In order to relax, turn, eat and drink at your chosen surface, consider how many stools will comfortably fit side by side. The average width is about 42cm, but this increases to around 55cm if the stool has arms. We recommend the space between stools is at least 15cm, but slightly more if they have armrests.

If your space is limited, then opting for a smaller bar stool without armrests and back rests is a smart choice, especially if you’d like to fit multiple stools. For larger spaces, you can choose larger stools with high back rests and comfortable armrests to help fill the space.

Measuring the correct leg room ensures you have space to sit and move, without the feeling of being trapped beneath the counter. We recommend leaving around 30cm (12 inches) between the seat and the counter to ensure enough leg room to be comfortable.

To find this, simply measure from the underside of the counter to the floor and subtract 30cm to give an idea of the height of your required stool. It’s especially important if you order a swivel seat to allow space to turn and get out. A swivel bar stool allows extra convenience and mobility so you can face multiple directions.

Finding the perfect stool for your kitchen doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive as all the bar stools we offer are competitively priced. We offer a large selection of bar stools for all tastes and budgets so it’s always a good idea to compare a number of your favourite models before making your final decision. 

You certainly shouldn’t have to break the bank to find a good set of bar stools. However, it may be worth paying a little bit extra for improved durability and functionality. A high-quality set of bar stools could last for ten years or longer, so it’s a worthwhile investment.

The first thing to consider is which room your stools are for. Are you buying yours for a formal dining room, kitchen-diner, or open plan multipurpose space? Knowing this will likely influence the design you choose and the features of the dining chair. Matching the style, fabric and colour to the room decor is important.

It's important to think about the specific space where they will be placed and how well they integrate into that environment. Consider how you walk around the room and the traffic flow around the dining space. Chairs should allow easy movement without creating obstacles or congestion. As well as suiting the space, choose chairs that you feel will suit your dining table in terms of size and style. Most will choose chairs that complement the table, creating a harmonious look.

Consider what the primary use of the dining chairs is going to be. Are they for formal dining, casual meals, socialising with games nights, or purely more of an aesthetic consideration? Family friendly chairs need to be easy to maintain and clean, so materials like leather or plastic are good choices.

If you’re going to use your dining table as a multifunctional workspace as well then you should think about the ergonomics of your new chair. Finally, entertaining at dinner parties means long meals and deep conversations. You’ll want a chair that is padded and comfortable no matter how late your guests stay!

The style of your new dining chairs is probably one of the first things you’ll consider. Choose a style that complements the overall aesthetic of the room. This may be something classic and formal, or perhaps more practical. With so many different options to choose from, you’re bound to find the right style to suit your interior. Popular types include:

• Modern 
• Scandi
• Industrial

Equally important to style is colour. Are you looking to match your dining chairs to your space or add a bold contrast? With brown, black, blue, cream, green, grey, and pink on offer, there’s plenty to choose from. Some of our customers even choose to mix and match styles and colours for a bold, eclectic look. Read more about dining chair styles on our blog.

Before you start looking, you may already have a budget in mind. This will help you to narrow down your options by looking for dining chairs that align with your available finances. That said, finding the perfect dining chair or your kitchen doesn’t have to be expensive. At Lakeland, all the dining chairs we offer are competitively priced. We offer a selection to suit all tastes and budgets.

Of course, the number of chairs you’ll need plays a part in this. You can either work this out based on members of your family, or measure the space to see how many chairs you can fit. For more advice about this, look at our size guide below. When it comes to budget, keep an eye out for discount codes. However, more important is the warranty that your chair comes with. Ours come with 1 year so you’re also paying for longevity and peace of mind.

Deciding on whether comfort is a priority for you will help when deciding on your dining chairs. For some, comfort of dining chairs is crucial, as it impacts the overall dining experience. If your dining space is more for short, casual meals, then this is less of a consideration. Importantly, durable chairs are likely to maintain their comfort over time. We pride ourselves on the build quality and fantastic materials used on all our chairs, which adds to long-term comfort.

Two other key considerations for comfort include ergonomics and padding. Chairs with an ergonomic design promote good posture which contributes to comfort, especially during longer meals. Armrests and seat height play a big part in this. Thick comfortable cushions add to comfort further. Scroll down to ‘Dining Chair Materials’ to explore padding in depth.

The type of backrest you choose will largely depend on personal preference in terms of aesthetics. With that said, high backrests contribute to ergonomics and general comfort. Though of course these will be larger in size and therefore take up more room.

In comparison, low backrests are great for smaller spaces where you want your chairs to push under and be less visible in the space. Either way, a well-designed backrest that supports the natural curve of the spine will enhance your comfort. As well as considering the height of the backrest, also look at the design for a shape and style that suits your space.

When it comes to choosing dining chairs with arms or those without, here’s a few considerations to help you decide.

Chairs without arms, often called side chairs, make them suitable for smaller dining spaces. If maximising seating capacity is important, then this is the style for you. They also offer a more casual feel, perfect for informal dining spaces or to improve the feel of openness. Furthermore they offer more freedom of movement, which is useful for guests sliding in and out easily. 

Chairs with arms, also known as carvers or arm chairs, provide additional support and therefore comfort. Your dining experience feels more relaxed with space to rest your arms. They are often considered more traditional and commonly seen at the head of the table in more formal dining rooms. If you want a more distinguished look, then these are a great choice, but generally do require more space.

Choosing a chair with extra features can add to their versatility and functionality. If you know that you require chairs to be easily moved around, or used in different settings, to create a flexible dining space, then consider the following:

• Swivel -  practical for larger dining tables where additional mobility is required.
• Reclining - a rocking or reclining mechanism can add to the overall comfort.
• Adjustable height - offers versatility and the ability to accommodate different dining table heights.
• Casters - easy to move around providing flexibility in dining room arrangements.

Think about how the dining chairs you’re interested in will meet your practical needs and how seamlessly they integrate into your lifestyle. Dining chairs with extra functionality offer greater versatility as they adapt to your space and seating preferences.

The first step in ensuring your dining chairs fit under your dining table. In general, a standard dining chair height is around 18 inches from the seat to the floor. Ideally, your dining table needs to be around 30 inches high. This allows for the optimum legroom of 12 inches between the tabletop and the seat. Measuring your dining table before checking the chair dimensions in the product description is a great way to find the perfect size dining chair.

For more information on chair dimensions, read our Ultimate Guide to Dining Chair Size, Height & Width.

The width of dining chairs is important to consider in order to help you find the amount of chairs you can fit into the space and ensure they don’t feel too cramped. Measure the available space at your table to ensure your new chairs fit comfortably and don’t overcrowd the table. The average width of a dining chair is between 16 and 20 inches. With that said, the exact width will depend on the style of the chair so be sure to check the product specifications. Here, you’ll find the full dimensions to help you plan.

For more information on chair dimensions, read our Ultimate Guide to Dining Chair Size, Height & Width.

The space between dining chairs is best when you leave roughly 8-10 inches between chairs. This ensures that they’re not placed too close together and provides your family or guests with a comfortable amount of room to eat and manoeuvre.

If you have a smaller dining table, then opting for smaller chairs will help with a more spacious feel and comfortable eating experience. Of course, larger dining tables can easily fit dining chairs with more space in between but it's still important to measure in order that the space doesn’t seem too sparse. For more advice on space between chairs, read our Ultimate Guide to Dining Chair Size, Height & Width.

Leg room is an important part of planning your dining chairs. As mentioned in dining chair height, ideally you want around 12 inches between your new dining chair seat and the table. To find this, measure your table height and take away 12 inches. The number that’s left should be around 18 inches - the height of your dining chair seat. If you follow this rule of thumb, it's likely that you'll find the perfect height dining chair and ensure your legs don’t feel pinched or trapped beneath the table. All of which ensures a comfortable dining experience.

For more advice on leg room, read our Ultimate Guide to Dining Chair Size, Height & Width.

The type of seat material that you opt for will come down to personal preference, but each offers benefits with wide appeal. The fabric you choose should complement the style of your dining room, so consider the colour, pattern, and texture of the fabric to ensure it fits well with your decor. Also consider your lifestyle and how often the dining chairs will be used. If you have a formal dining room that is used occasionally, you might prioritise style and aesthetics. For daily use, prioritise durability and easy maintenance. We offer a wide range of quality materials including:

• Leather
• Velvet 
• Boucle 
• Metal 
• Plastic 
• Upholstered

All of our chair legs are made from sturdy and durable materials. Generally they are either wood or metal. This provides a supportive base and comfortable foundation. To ensure that these materials don’t damage your floor, we provide either plastic, nylon or rubber floor protectors with all of our dining chairs. Read more about different types of floor protectors for dining chairs on our blog. Something else to be mindful of when choosing dining chairs is their weight capacity. While they are suitable for most people, it’s always worthwhile checking the product specifications for the maximum load weight.

Depending on the frequency of use, you should consider the thickness of the seating pad. If comfort is a primary consideration for you, then the padding of your dining chair is vital. A soft, cushioned surface enhances comfort, helps to distribute weight evenly, and reduces pressure points in order to make sitting for extended periods more enjoyable. So, if you often have longer meals or gatherings, thick padded seats and backrests are for you! For shorter meals or a sleeker look, chairs with low profile cushions or without padding are great.

Dining chairs will encounter regular use and are therefore at risk of spills and marks. The best way to stay on top of this is with regular cleaning to keep them in top condition, rather than allowing dirt to build up. We try to ensure all of our chairs offer durability and easy to clean materials. If choosing a dining chair that offers wipe-clean properties is important to you, fabrics like leather, plastic, and synthetic blends will be more suitable.

For more information on cleaning a range of fabrics, explore our guide on How to Clean Your Bar Stools.