Good Bones' Creative Barstool Idea For A Small Kitchen Space

If you lack seating in your kitchen, steal this creative solution from "Good Bones" star Karen E Laine. In her own home, she had to get clever with her use of space. Her cozy galley kitchen offered limited areas to gather, prompting her to come up with an unconventional arrangement. She chose to install fold-out barstools to save floor space and create visual interest. Laine tells HGTV, "One of the ways to make a space seem larger is to not have items on the floor. If things can float, it looks more spacious."

These compact seats are also known as swing-out barstools because they are bolted to the counter and can be swung outward and tucked away when not in use. Her kitchen counter allows space for two seats, but you can add more according to the length of your countertop. In addition to the practicality, these stools create a rustic, industrial appearance, which is key if you're searching for a functional solution that still adds style. Plus, this small kitchen idea can make your space seem bigger while creating an additional area for eating and socializing.

There are pros and cons of adding suspended seating to your kitchen. You'll want to take into account several considerations before installing your swing-out stools. First, determine whether your countertop can withstand the weight of suspended seating. You can choose to have your island or countertop installed with fold-out barstools in mind, or hire a company like Seating Innovations to add reinforcements to prevent any damage to your existing kitchen. To maximize the weight capacity, consider installing barstools that are made of sturdy materials, like these $450 cast iron stools from Amazon, which can support up to 850 pounds. 

When installing the stools, keep in mind your goal for use when determining the desired height. For example, Benchcrafted recommends measuring your overhang so that it hits your torso when seated if your goal is to write, type, or eat at your countertop. Ballard Designs notes that typically, the seat of bar stools should hover at approximately 28 to 30 inches from the floor when corresponding with a countertop that reaches 40 to 42 inches high. If you want more flexibility with the height of your fold-out stool, opt for an adjustable variation like this one from Etsy for around $300.