Rustic Bar Stools

By Philippa Baker, 11th April, 2012

With the hustle and bustle of the modern age, it’s easy to lose touch with nature. Exuding pastoral charm, rustic bar stools are a style-savvy way of maintaining that connection with the simple things in life. The organic appeal of these popular products resonates with customers who value the understated elegance of natural furniture. Crafted from traditional materials, namely wood, they possess a recognisable country look that’s much sought after. We offer both classic designs as well as those with a slightly more modern styling, so you’re sure to find something to suit your interior.

Hand Plane Wood Manufacture

Characteristics of a Rustic Bar Stool

These much-loved designs all have several key attributes. With an emphasis on natural materials, the majority of the stool should be made from wood, as seen in the Oslo, pictured. Fixed in height, their traditional four-legged frames are crafted from dependable solid oak, or solid wood with a natural oak finish. For your convenience the majority are set at kitchen worktop height, making them the ideal addition to a countryside home.

Whilst some designs are backless for a simple and unimposing aesthetic, others possess a solid wooden seat and backrest for that extra support. But whichever you prefer, they're undoubtedly defined by their organic textures and natural finishes – the more you can see of the grain, the better. They exhibit a modest and sometimes neutral look for a cosy rural feel, rather than a fancy, polished or enhanced sheen. With a timeless ambience, they’re known for evoking the warmth of the past.

"If you prefer a more modern look, some models introduce another material into the mix. A leather seat pad can be added to a wooden seat for comfort, however it’s vital that the stool has a wooden backrest to maintain its rustic look. Alternatively, some designs pair a plain wooden seat with a fixed height cast iron frame with an antiqued finish."
Oslo Oak Stool in Traditional Kitchen

Oslo Oak Bar Stool

Get the Country Look

Often found in country cottage or farmhouse style kitchens with oak cabinets and exposed beams overhead, rustic bar stools will enhance the pastoral charm and natural, organic feel of a room. Ideal for shabby chic styled homes, designs like the Knightsbridge will look great alongside a gingham tablecloth, distressed wooden worktops and burlap accent decor.

English Countryside Cottage

Yet they can also be used in sleek, modern interiors as a striking contrast, the juxtaposition of old and new materials creating a fashionable eye-catching aesthetic. If a room has an excess of metallic appliances, for example multiple brushed steel or mirrored chrome surfaces, it can sometimes appear a little cold and impersonal. In such environments, wooden bar stools are ideal for lending depth and character, softening and warming up highly polished kitchens that can sometimes verge on clinical.

Need some ideas? Take a look at our favourite rustic bar stools:

For more interior inspiration, check out our Country Chic pinterest board. Or, if you like what you see, why not browse our full collection of bar stools below.

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