The dining room is almost redundant now. In many modern homes there are no separate dining rooms and in many traditional homes the dining room is only used on special days, like Christmas Day, when the whole extended family gathers to celebrate.
Most families eat the majority of their meals in the kitchen. As a result many kitchens are being designed with some form of integrated eating area. This may be an extended worktop (breakfast bar) or a separate table.
The breakfast bar may be level with the other kitchen worktops – at about 91 cm to the top surface – or it may be raised or lowered.
Alternatively, there may be a separate table – either a raised bar table at about 105 cm overall height or a standard dining height – about 70 cm overall height. All of these options need different seating solutions.
These are:
• Standard dining chairs (seat height 45 cm) for the dining table.
• Fixed height bar stools – either 65 cm or 80 cm seat height
• Adjustable height bar stools – seat height varying from about 53 to 80 cm.
Adjustable stools
Adjustable stools are very popular because the seat height can be set to suit the worktop height.
Also, they swivel which makes it easy to sit and face the worktop. On the other hand, some parents find that their children swivel endlessly, which can be irritating.
Fixed height stools
Fixed height stools can be a good option as long as the height is correct. We recommend a difference of about 25cm to 30cm (10 to 12 inches) between the top of the seat and the top of the worktop.
So, a stool with a seat height of 65 cm will be suitable for a standard breakfast bar, level with the kitchen worktops, at about 91 cm overall height.
A stool with a seat height of about 80 cm will suit a raised breakfast bar or high bar table (overall height about 105 to 110 cm).
Dining chairs
Obviously standard dining chairs (seat height 45cm) are suitable for standard dining tables (overall height about 70cm).
Other considerations in choosing the correct seating are comfort, co-ordination and style. Will you be sitting for 5 minutes having a quick snack or will you be reading the Sunday papers for two hours?
Do you want the stools to match or contrast with your décor? Do you want stylish furniture, which makes a statement, or just utilitarian furniture?
You can buy inexpensive bar stools and chairs, which do the job in the short term.
Alternatively, you can invest in high quality Italian barstools and chairs, which have real leather upholstery in 6 colours, thickly padded seats, better quality engineering and stylish design and flair. The choice is yours.
Open plan kitchen / dining areas
Open plan kitchen/dining areas are becoming very popular. There are dining chairs, which match the barstools in style and colour.
Also, your kitchen supplier can supply an extra matching worktop that can be fitted onto a table base to create a totally co-ordinated setting – barstools & dining chairs matching and kitchen worktops and dining table top matching. Sublime!
Thanks to Breakfast Bar Stools for this guest post.
TRADITION MEETS MODERNITY IN OUR LIVERPOOL SHOWROOM
In our Liverpool showroom, we’ve masterfully blended the best of traditional and modern design elements to create a unique, timeless kitchen display. This space is a perfect mix of classic elegance with contemporary functionality, and the focal point is the stunning L-shaped island, which serves as both a practical workspace and a social hub. Its clever design seamlessly links into a media wall and presentation area, incorporating the essence of modern open-plan living.
The colour scheme is a sophisticated mix of Concept130 Roma Graphite shaker cabinets paired with Montreal light fine oak handleless units and taupe trim handles. This combination offers a perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, perfect if you appreciate the classics but want something a little more updated.
Standout appliances:
Neff 30cm Wine Fridge
Neff 80cm Induction Hob
Neff Single Oven
Neff Tall Integrated Fridge
Neff Dishwasher
MODERN MINIMALISM AT ITS FINEST IN OUR URMSTON SHOWROOM
Our Urmston showroom display showcases a bold, modern kitchen design that effortlessly blends both form and function. The handleless units create a streamlined, uninterrupted flow throughout the space, perfectly complemented by the ultra-matt black finish on the worktops. This pairs beautifully with the elegant black ribbed-veneered door for the focal wall.
This minimalist design approach offers a chic, contemporary vibe, ideal if you love the clean, clutter-free aesthetic. To enhance this look, we’ve used warm accent colours that break up the monochrome palette, adding a sense of inviting depth and warmth to the overall space. The subtle, extravagant marble panels add a touch of quiet luxury, their natural veining providing visual interest and texture against the sleek black surfaces, especially when lit by warm LED lighting. This fusion of modern materials and timeless elements, such as marble, creates a display that is both stylish and practical!
Standout appliances:
Neff N90 Ovens with premium 6.8” touch screen display and Twist Pad Flex control
Neff Flex Induction Hob
Silgranit Blanco Sink
Quooker Tap
THE BARROWFORD SHOWROOM’S HARMONIOUS AND ELEGANT DISPLAY
In Barrowford, we’ve embraced a calming, earthy palette that combines functionality with elegance. The display features Hampton Ash wood doors painted in a Natural Umber shade, mixed with Scala Olive green flat doors, and completed with a mix of antique brass handles. The warm, neutral tones of the Natural Umber give this kitchen a wonderfully cosy feel, making it a welcoming space for both cooking and entertaining.
One of the key features of this display is the 30mm Vanilla Noir quartz worktop, which stands out with its dark, characterful design. The designer bench seating includes pullout storage to maximise space without sacrificing style. The bifold worktop unit and sliding doors on the island showcase smart storage solutions. Finally, the open shelves add a touch of rustic charm!
Standout appliances:
Neff Collection Oven
Neff XL Fridge Freezer
Quooker Classic Fusion Tap
Double Bowl Tartufo Sink
THE BLACKBURN SHOWROOM’S SLEEK AND MODERN MASTERPIECE
Our new Blackburn display is a testament to a modern, streamlined design. It features a bold black and oak colour scheme, seamlessly blending practicality and contemporary aesthetics. The tall units are clad in a Black Velvet Oak, adding depth and contrast to the sleek black wall units. The Toronto base units and matching worktops are finished in Natural Vintage Oak for a beautiful and cohesive end result.
One of the standout elements of this display is the quirky curved breakfast bar, a unique feature that blends functionality with style. Raised planters behind the bar add a touch of greenery; perfect if you love bringing natural elements into your kitchen.
Standout appliances:
Neff 60cm CombiZone Black Induction Hob
Integrated Design Hood
Neff Fully-integrated dishwasher
Neff Integrated Frost Free Under Counter Freezer
More from the team’s annual trip to Germany to the headquarters of Hacker Rodinghausen showroom.
Staff from all of our showrooms attended to view the new exciting ranges of kitchens and colours that are available from now. They were given a full factory tour & took part in product workshops. It was an intensive 2 x day trip however they had a fabulous time.
Head to our stories for more details or head over to our website to book your free design appointment
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