If you are in the process of shopping for just the right set of kitchen stools for your home, you may be surprised at how many different choices you have to make. You first have to decide what material you want your bar stool made out of as well as what height you want your bar stool to be. One of the most important decisions has to do with using a cushioned seat or a bare one. On the surface, this may look like a no brainer, but both sides have their plusses and their minuses.

Cushions

Many people would say that an upholstered and cushioned seat is far more comfortable than one without. Cushions make sitting for long periods of time a bit easier, which could be a factor if you choose to use your kitchen stools in rooms other than the kitchen. When you choose a cushioned seat, you also open the door for upholstery in all of its many forms. You can go with understated upholstery or with something flashier such as leather. You can choose soft foam or even a feather stuffing for added luxury. Best of all, you can change up the upholstery you use every few years to give your bar stool a whole new look and a whole new lease on life.

No Cushions

The no cushion look is becoming more and more popular, and not just in the home. More and more bars are choosing to go with bare wood for several reasons. Primarily, the bare wood look is easier to take care of and easier to clean up after than cushions. Even leather upholstery can stain or be ripped due to clothing or just bad luck. With exposed wood, spills can be easily wiped up, although a good dark stain will also help hide any staining. Although many people may say that a cushioned bar stool is more comfortable, folks with bad backs or with poor posture may benefit from the absence of any cushion. Even if you choose to go without a cushion, proper care is still vitally important if you wish to get the most out of your investment.

The best of both worlds

The removable cushion look is often described as old fashioned and a bit dated, but it can provide the best of both worlds depending on how you are using your bar stool at that moment. Removable cushions often come with ties that secure the cushion to the stool and can be easily removed for cleaning or if someone simply doesn’t want to use it. Best of all, you can make your own cushions out of whatever material you like featuring whatever pattern and fabric you want to use, and these types of cushions can be created on a very tight budget. You can even have matching ones that go with curtains, table clothes or even your counter tops.

Deciding where, and how, you sit is a big decision. Be sure you look at both sides of the cushion or uncushioned debate before making a decision.