Ico Traders Journal
The Wire
Wire kitchen stools are perfect for young familys as they can be wiped down easily

Choosing the kitchen stool that’s right for you

If you get it right, your stools will work hard and look good for years to come.
Here’s how to make the best choice for your space (and your lifestyle).

Kitchen stools aren’t just somewhere to sit. They’re part of your daily rhythm. Morning coffee, lazy brunches, late-night chats, and everything in between. So choosing the right kitchen stool matters. It’s about finding that perfect mix of comfort, style, and function.


1. Measure Your Bench Height First

Not all stools are created equal. Before falling in love with a design, make sure it’ll actually fit.

  • Kitchen counters (around 90cm high) = Counter height stools (65-68cm seat height)

  • Bar counters (around 105-110cm high) = Bar height stools (75-78cm seat height)

Tip: Allow 25-30cm of leg room between the stool seat and the underside of your bench for comfy sitting.


2. Consider How and Where You’ll Use Them

Ask yourself: is this stool going to be used for quick breakfasts, long dinners, laptop work, or a glass of wine with friends?

  • For everyday use? Comfort is key.

  • In a busy family kitchen? Go for durability and easy cleaning.

  • Have small children?  Look for stools that have multi level footrests.

  • Indoors and out? Choose something weatherproof.

At Ico Traders, our Addington Stool is a customer favourite - it’s slim, strong, and suited to both residential and commercial spaces. Bonus: it has a footrest for adults and higher one for small children.

Material

Best For

Pros

Powder-coated steel

Modern homes, busy kitchens, families

Strong, easy to clean, colour options

Stainless steel

Coastal homes, outdoor bar leaners

Rust-resistant, sleek, durable

Upholstered

Loungier sit-down meals, lower-use spaces

Comfy but may need more maintenance

Wood & timber

Traditional or rustic styles

Warm aesthetic, less forgiving to spills

We lean toward powder-coated steel with or without a mix of timber, or stainless which is lowmaintenance and built to last. Plus, steel is recyclable, which helps keep things circular.


5. Match the Style to Your Space

Your stools don’t have to blend in, they can add a sculptural moment to the room. Look at:

  • Line and form - Sleek vs chunky, curvy vs angular

  • Colour - Go bold for contrast, or tonal for cohesion

  • Finish -  Satin powder coat for a crisp feel, or matte powder finish for that modern edge

And don’t forget: cohesion doesn’t mean “matchy-matchy.” You can mix materials or colours if the overall tone and silhouette works together.


6. Buy Fewer, Better

Choosing a great stool that can live in multiple spaces over time means you buy once and buy well. A stool that starts in your kitchen might move to a home office, the garden bar, or studio.

Our advice? Invest in pieces that are timeless and versatile, they’ll keep earning their place in your home.


Final Thought: The Best Kitchen Stool is the One That Works for You

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to stools. 

At Ico Traders, we design stools that are functional, beautiful, and built to move with you. Because the best furniture isn’t just about where you sit, it’s about how you live.

© 2025 Ico Traders | All prices are in NZD
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