One of the most exciting things about decorating with bar stools is the fact that you can go in just about any direction in the world. You can choose a nice painted wood with a partially swiveling seat and red checkerboard upholstery for a rustic, country look or you can go in a completely different direction using steel, leather and a high back for a modern, minimalist look. Best of all, you don?t have to go to either extreme to find a look that will endure for years to come. Here are just a few of the important factors you need to keep in mind when it comes to finding the perfect bar stool material for you.

Match your decor

While metal and wood are the two most popular materials for a bar stool, you can find kitchen stools made out of almost anything, such as wicker, wrought iron and more. Every one of these materials is customizable enough to fit into any decor, such as a metal bar stool in a traditional or conservative environment or wooden bar stools in a modern decor. The important thing is to always have your decor in mind when shopping. Sometimes, people can get carried away when they see a look they like, only to realize that it doesn?t match anything in their home. A good tip is to carry around photographs of your home, especially the areas in which you are planning on using the bar stool, as a constant reminder of what your goals are.

Upholstery is important

When you consider what a small percentage of your kitchen stools are actually covered in upholstery, it is amazing to realize how big of an impact that small area has on the overall appearance. A simple switch from modern, black leather covering to a textured white cotton covering can turn any look on its ear. Sometimes, folks who are looking to redo an old bar stool will simply change the upholstery and not even bother to refinish or paint to obtain a whole new look. This is why it is so important that you not only love the material, shape, angle and height of your kitchen bar stools but also the fabric. You can also choose to not have any upholstery at all, but without upholstery, it can be difficult to have padding unless you choose to have one that ties onto the bar stool.

Fine Finishes

Finally, the finish on a kitchen bar stool can completely change the way it looks. Wooden bar stools that have no finish at all give off a rustic, hard working vibe, while white-painted steel stools are sleek, sophisticated and ready for formal occasions. Stain those wooden bar stools a dark mahogany and they are suddenly ready for a black tie event, while unfinished metal bar stools look more at home in the garage or in the basement than they do at the dinner table. The finish you choose will make or break your bar stool, so don?t make this decision without thinking about it first.

All three of the vitally important points made above can influence how your bar stool looks and performs, so be sure you give them a lot of thought before acting.