Should Your Bar Stools Match Your Dining Chairs?

When it comes to choosing the right bar stools, there are a lot of factors to consider, one of which is whether or not they should match the dining chairs. In many ways, bar stools can be a focal point of the space, and they are often used to entertain guests. Thus, it's important to consider the visual impact that these chairs will make. So, should bar stools match dining chairs?

In general, bar stools shouldn't match dining chairs completely, but it's a good idea to have them share some visual commonalities. When bar stools and dining chairs are different, each space:

  • Appears more layered and full
  • Has more personality
  • Is more visually interesting
  • Feels more complete and independent

If you still have some questions about bar stools, how to mix and match them, and what materials are best,  stick around. In this guide, we'll explore the topic in greater detail. Just keep reading!

Amenities in new kitchen include pull down faucet and pendant lighting and dining chairs and bar stools, Should Your Bar Stools Match Your Dining Chairs?

Why Bar Stools And Dining Chairs Don't Have To Match

Here we'll talk more about why matching isn't necessarily the best approach when it comes to choosing bar stools and dining chairs. 

Layered And Full Look

The room will, without a doubt, look fuller by having different-looking seating. When the bar stools and dining chairs are different, the home will have more visual dimension. 

Try out a few different design techniques between the two spaces. Mix the color of the seating but match their shape and texture. You could match certain colors but then utilize a different texture of the material. Or you could match the style but use different textures. With these techniques, your room will look beautifully layered and full.

More Personality

Nobody wants to create an ordinary looking space. One way to avoid this pitfall is by picking out non-matching bar stools and dining chairs. Think of it this way—each seating area is an opportunity to add more personality to your home. So, take full advantage of the opportunity to add maximum personality to your home with different bar stools and dining chairs. 

More Visual Interest

When decorative elements match, the visual interest of the space often suffers. Matching can certainly be a good decorative strategy in certain circumstances, but when it comes to selecting stools and chairs that are likely in different rooms, matching is not a requirement.

There is much more visual interest in a room when the seating arrangements are different. Positive contrast is key to a successful aesthetic. 

Complete And Independent Spaces

Simply put, the dining area and bar serve two distinct purposes. Thus, each space should have its own look. If both spaces had completely matching stools and dining chairs, then the rooms would blend together and you would miss out on this unique design experience. Having different bar stools and dining chairs helps delineate the different spaces in your home.

One way to make sure that the two rooms don't clash is by picking out seating that has similarities. 

Should Bar Stools Match Cabinets?

Once again, use your creative liberty to decide if you want your bar stools to match the cabinets. If you opt for bar stools that don't match, go for a complementary look. Pull from various aspects of the cabinets like the material, color, or even the hardware. 

The barstools and cabinets will stand out independently if they don't match, giving the room more value. 

Complement The Materials

The painted white wood looks stunning in this kitchen. The snowy color is used for both the cabinetry and the bar stools, which creates cohesion in the room.

Maintain A Similar Color

The color of the legs of the bar stools matches the color of the cabinets while the seat cushion color creates contrast. 

Complement The Hardware

The golden color of these bar stools effortlessly matches the golden hardware throughout the kitchen. This helps to tie the space together without looking cheesy. Additionally, this method renders the bar stools one of the dominant focal points of the space.

Can You Mix And Match Bar Stools?

Absolutely! Mixing and matching bar stools can infuse even more visual interest into the room. As long as the stools have something in common, they'll work well in the room. It is essential that the bar stools match the style of the room and the rest of the house.  

When mixing bar stools, one thing you'll definitely want to do is keep a consistent seat height. Pick bar stools that all sit the same way so that seating is kept on a level plane. Other than that little rule, have fun with your mix and match design scheme!

Mixed Metal Frames

The commonality between these bar stools is the use of metal for the frame. However, the metal frames vary in finish and style. This set of bar stools works well together because the colors and metallic finishes complement others throughout the room. 

Matching Color, Varying Style

The color of the three bar stools is the same, but the style of the wooden backs is different. The differing back style infuses the room with more style variation without taking away from the design of the room.

Same Style, Different Colors

While the style of these bar stools is the same, the seats vary in color. The pastel color palette looks calming and cool, yet it adds a nice spark of interest. You could also pick out bar stools with varying seat patterns.  

What Is The Best Material For Bar Stool Seats? 

The best material for bar stool seats is something that looks nice, is comfortable, and can be easily cleaned. The seats should be welcoming to guests and blend in with the room's aesthetic. Since bar stools are a part of the dining experience, it's likely that food or drink will eventually be spilled on the stools, too. You'll want a material that's easy to clean to keep the bar stools looking their best at all times.

The three best materials for barstool seats are wood, fabric upholstery, and leather.

Wood

Wood is one of the most durable materials out there. In the event of a spill, wood cleans right up. It's gorgeous and it comes in many different colors and finishes. Due to its more neutral aesthetic, wooden bar stools will complement just about any style. You can't go wrong with this timeless material for your bar stools.

Crosley X-Back Bar Stool

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Fabric Upholstery

Fabric Upholstery is a classic choice for all seating, and it makes for an exceptionally comfortable bar stool as well. Lucky for you, fabric upholstery comes in a wide variety of color options, so you can find the perfect bar stools for your space. The only downside to bar stools with fabric upholstery is that they can be more difficult to clean in the event of a spill.

Fabric Upholstered Bar Stools

Click here to see more on Amazon

Leather

Leather has become a popular choice for bar stools over the years and for good reason. It boasts a classic and timeless aesthetic, and it's supple enough to offer tremendous comfort. Your guests will certainly appreciate sitting in comfortable leather bar stools.

Leather Bar Stools

Click here to see more on Amazon.

In Closing

We hope this guide has given you some direction in regard to your bar stool purchasing decision. Drop us a comment below to let us know what types of bar stools you add to your home. Before you go, be sure to check out these other home decor guides that might be of interest:

How Tall Should Bar Stools Be [Results By Bar Height]

15 Kitchens With Black Appliances [Photo Inspiration]

Do Dining Chairs Have To Match? [Here's Why Not]

3 Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing this work on home decor and these tips will surely be going to help as we always look for the suggestion to create a better space.
    Keep sharing such detailed work.

  2. I have matching bar stools and dining chairs in a white Uber modern minimal style and it looks fantastic. Every person who has visited my home comments on it. I am proud of how it looks and I put a lot of research and effort into getting it right.

  3. Will tan leather faux counter stool with black steel like legs match upholstered grey dining chairs with dark wood legs in contemporary style match?

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