When you’re shopping for stools for your home, you’ll likely run into two terms: counter height bar stool and bar height bar stool. If they’re both bar stools, how big is the height difference? If you choose the wrong size, you may end up slouching down at the counter or straining to reach the bar.

This swiveling bar stool creates conversation all around. It comes in a dark espresso finish with plush upholstered seat backs and bottoms. View more bar stools.

Here’s all you need to know to understand the difference between counter height and bar height stools. Don’t forget to browse Fine Furniture San Diego­™ for a curated selection of bar stools and counter height chairs.

Counter Height Bar Stools

Counter height stools are designed to fit the average-sized kitchen counter. This is pretty clear from the name of the item, but what are the nitty-gritty details? How tall is a counter, and how tall should the stool be to fit it comfortably?

On average, a kitchen counter will measure between 34”-39” tall. To sit comfortably at a counter, your stool should measure roughly 10 inches below this. That means a counter height bar stool will measure between 24-29” top to bottom. This will give you enough space to sit cross-legged if you want. It also ensures that your torso is at the right height to eat or drink comfortably.

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Do you want to add organizational space to your home, but you’re not sure how? Maybe you already have plenty of bookshelves and storage bins, but you’re running out of floor and surface space to put them on. Where should you go from here?

Here are 10 helpful tips for adding more organizational space to your home, no matter its size. Think of how you apply these tips to organize your home this weekend.

This coffee table is functional with a lifting top to bring your tabletop close to you and has added storage directly below to keep your items neatly tucked away. Evans Lift Top Cocktail Table

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CC0 Creative Commons via Pixabay

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of arranging one’s dwelling to promote the flow of life energy (chi). The feng shui philosophy supposes that inhabitants derive much of their personal chi from their surroundings. If the energy flow within the environment is enhanced, it will create positive energy within the inhabitants. Home and office transformations based on feng shui principles are said to make occupants more productive, creative, happy, and healthy.

The ancient Chinese recognized five main types of chi energy, each of which served to inspire a different response in occupants of a space. These various types of chi forces are named: tree, fire, earth, metal, and water. Much of these life forces enter a room from the external world, depending on the position of the sun and a building’s windows and doors.  Chi can also be introduced into a room in the form of objects and colors. Occupants can, thus, manipulate a space to inspire a certain frame of mind they hope to achieve.

Below is a chart that shows the five chi energies, how they can be brought into an office space, and the corresponding states of mind they may induce in occupants. It also displays which energy each chi supports or bolsters. Altering an office area in accordance with some of these feng shui principles may enhance a worker’s sense of contentedness and creativity, and, thus, render him or her more productive.

Chi Addition Chart

Just as a person can choose to add different types of chi energy to a space, he or she can also cancel out or diminish various chi energies. When one starts to factor in diminishment, feng shui principals can get kind of complicated. For instance, bringing in too much water chi is going to destroy the effects of fire chi, and it’s going to calm the effects of a metal chi. The chart below illustrates which chi forces cancel out or diminish other chi forces.
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Spanish-style decorating is characterized by open-airy room layouts, rustic furnishings, rich fabrics, iron-work fixtures, colorful tiling with intricate designs, and inviting outdoor areas. During the early 20^th century, Spanish Colonial and Mission architecture experienced a revival, especially in Florida and California, as well as in other parts of the Southwest.

Architects renowned for these styles include Addison Cairns Mizner (high-end residences and resorts in South Florida) and Lillian Jeannette Rice (developed Rancho Santa Fe, California.) While not everyone can dwell in a true Spanish-inspired structure, they can have an interior that achieves the look and feel of a lovely hacienda.
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A well-placed area rug can be a piece of art in a living space. It can set a mood that is tranquil or vibrant. It can convey a sense of coziness or spaciousness. Functionally, it provides of bit of warmth for a home space. Here is a list of several ways an area rug can enhance a home.

Vibrant Pop of Color or Design

A multi-colored or geometric-designed area rug instantly becomes the focal point of a room when it is juxtaposed with solid-colored furniture.

This photo features two Namur Area Rugs (RG1010) placed side by side. Available from Fine Furniture San Diego. Graphic by Colleen Cochran.

Tone Down a Room

An area rug can have the opposite effect, serving to tone down a busy room. If a room has furniture with wild fabrics or highly ornate wallpaper, try toning it down a bit with an earth-colored area rug.

This photo features two Zala Shag Area Rugs (Beige) placed side by side. Available from Fine Furniture San Diego.  Graphic by Colleen Cochran.

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