In our *old* age, we have determined that comfort is key. One of our first purchases for our current home was a pair of metal counter stools for our kitchen island. While they are cute, affordable, and, yes, even functional, they are gosh dang terrible to sit on.
I actually avoided sitting at the island because it made me feel like a large, perched bird. Just add a toddler on your lap and these slippery metal stools are a recipe for discomfort. They matched our old light fixtures, but since updating those, we needed to warm things up with some chunkier, cushier stools.
We found these backed stools at Kirkland’s. (Oddly enough, they are no longer available at Kirkland’s or on Wayfair, but perhaps they will return someday!)
I was hesitant because of the price ($120 each, on sale) but they are so nice. We don’t buy furniture like, ever, so we may not be bar stool experts, but these chairs are heavy, well-designed, and cooooomfyyyyy! The seats are large enough to sit cross-legged on (as adults do) and the backs are very supportive. The assembly process was somewhat lengthy, mostly due to the gathering of cardboard and recyclable packaging. There were also extra screws to really secure the base to the legs and keep them from getting loose and wobbly. We did add some thread locker to the bolts for extra protection.
I should mention that there is a difference between counter stools and bar stools. Counter stool seat height is typically 24″-29″ and pair well with countertops that are 34″-39″ high. Bar stools have a 30″-36″ seat height and require a 40″-46″ countertop height. These chairs are counter stools (and also, therefore, cheaper!).
With the chair backs visible above the island, the kitchen really feels more rounded and finished. And now I go out of my way to sit at the island, criss-cross applesauce like the lady that I am :-).
Before I take off, I wanted to update you guys on our washable rugs from Target. *sigh* I really had high hopes for these rugs. I featured them on our Instagram not too long ago, so excited about having a machine-washable rug! However, after 2 washes, I have bad news.
Something is disintegrating… I have always washed them as directed (machine wash cold, tumble dry on low) but after the 3rd wash and dry, I started finding these tiny white, rubbery balls coming out of the rugs. I gave it another shot on a 4th wash, making sure to shake out the rugs beforehand, and the same thing happened. These little balls were all static clung to the inside of the dryer, only to be released by vigorous scrubbing and vacuuming. The little devils are maddening and I worry about clogging up the dryer somehow. I won’t be putting the rugs back in the dryer, but may try to air dry them next time. Stay tuned for another riveting rug update!
Amazing content! I’d love to see more ideas for small spaces, especially storage solutions for apartments.