Relax in Style with High-Back Rattan Bar Stools
When decorating a coastal, beach-inspired home, every detail counts. The right furnishings and decor transport you to paradise with elements reminiscent of sand, surf and sun. Beach themed bar stools incorporate breezy textures, tropical colors, and natural materials into lounge-worthy seating ideal for casual gatherings with friends. Read on as we explore how high-backed rattan bar stools can infuse style and comfort into your tropical oasis.
Rattan 101: A Primer for Beach Decor
With its breezy, woven texture reminiscent of palm trees swaying in ocean breezes, rattan is a natural choice for coastal living rooms, kitchens and patios. But what exactly is rattan, and what makes it so perfectly suited for beach house style?
What is Rattan?
Rattan refers to several hundred species of climbing palms native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Australasia. To create rattan furniture or wickerwork, artisans use the long, solid stems of rattan palms, which have a solid inner core and rough outer skin. The stems can be left bare, stained or painted for a variety of effects.
Why Use It for Coastal Furnishings?
With its natural, textural look, rattan lends breezy style and comfort to beach-inspired spaces in many ways:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to clean
- Withstands humidity well, perfect for coastal climates
- Contrasts beautifully with driftwood, shells, reclaimed wood and other coastal materials
Rattan Furniture Styles
From whole rattan stems to woven wicker designs, rattan lends itself to a variety of furnishing styles:
- Wicker: Interwoven rattan cores form the supportive base of many wicker patio sets.
- Frames: Many rattan furnishings use wood or metal frames for support, wrapping woven rattan around the sides and surfaces for texture.
- Weave Patterns: Loose rattan weaves have an ultra-breezy style, while variations in tight and loose patterns add visual interest.
Now that we've covered the fundamentals of this breezy, beach-ready material, let's explore why high-backed bar stools should be on your list for tropical kitchen updates.
Choose High-Back Bar Stools
Standard bar stools provide counter seating, but high-backed stools bring ergonomic and aesthetic advantages that transform basic seating into a stylish statement.
Ergonomic Benefits
High-backed bar stools allow you to relax in comfort with extra support:
- Lumbar Support: Contoured backs improve posture and ease lower back strain.
- Head Rest: Built-in headrests allow you to recline comfortably for conversing or dining.
- Arm Rests (Optional): Armrests provide places to rest elbows or grips for easy lowering onto the stool.
Flexible Height Options
From counter height for dining to bar height for drinks, adjustable legs let you customize the fit:
- Counter Height: The standard counter stool height falls between 34-36 inches.
- Bar Height: Tall bar stools range from 40 to 42 inches, perfect for outdoor bars.
Swivel vs Stationary
Both stationary and swiveling high-back stools have coastal style. Choose based on your needs:
- Swiveling: Rotating as you sit makes conversation and interactions more comfortable.
- Stationary: Fixed stools take up less space and easily tuck under counters.
Now that we've covered the many relaxation-friendly benefits of high-back stools, let's explore how woven rattan frames can bring breezy coastal style to your kitchen or patio bar.
Stylish & Soothing Rattan Bar Stools
From natural hues reminiscent of sand and driftwood to pops of ocean blue and chartreuse, rattan bar stools make a stylish statement. First, consider your frame options:
Woven Rattan Frames
Rattan's versatility allows for endless looks from ultra-natural to vivid and modern:
- Natural tan stain keeps rattan's original honey color.
- Dark walnut stain contrasts beautifully with light upholstery.
- Bright whitewash opens up small spaces with light colors.
Upholstery Options
From breezy linen textures to colorful tropical prints, upholstery options for the seat, back and arms complete your look:
- Coastal textures like seagrass and textural linen upholstery
- Ocean-inspired patterns with tropical foliage prints or batik looks
- Beach glass colors in sea glass green, sky blue and sand hues
Unique Touches
Special details give your rattan bar stools distinct coastal personality:
- Mixing loose and tight weave sections adds visual interest.
- Driftwood accents complement woven textures beautifully.
- Beachy accents like carved coral motifs, sea shells or reclaimed wood offer artisanal details.
- Nautical accents such as carved compass or rope tie details speak to coastal heritage.
With so many options for achieving the perfect high-backed rattan bar stool for lounge-worthy style, let's explore ideas for putting them to use in your beach house.
Decorating with Rattan Bar Stools
From kitchen islands to specialty bars, high-back rattan barstools serve both form and function. Consider these ideas for stylish staging:
Kitchen Island Statement
As the heartbeat of coastal kitchens, islands take center stage. Create cozy seating areas with barstools:
- Anchor stools at each end, facing inward for conversation.
- Float stools randomly for relaxed vignettes.
- Separate with pendant lights overhead.
Home Bar Focal Point
Draw guests with high-backed rattan seating facing your indoor or patio bar:
- Line stools along one side for gathering.
- Spotlight shells and driftwood artwork behind the bar.
Patio Bar Extension
Integrate indoor and outdoor living spaces by lining weatherproof rattan barstools along outdoor bartops or counter spaces:
- Use stain-resistant Sunbrella fabrics to withstand weathering.
- Coordinate colors with surroundings for visual flow.
Now that we've covered both stylish form and function for high-backed rattan bar seating, let's explore some favorite sources for bringing coastal comfort home.
Find Your High-Back Beach Bar Stools
From upscale boutiques to big box bargains, stunning high-back rattan barstools await at a variety of retailers. Here are some top places to shop:
Top Brands & Boutiques
- Crate & Barrel: Timeless designs like the Kenton Backless Bar Stool .
- Serena & Lily: Boutique designer style, like the woven Malibu Bar Stool .
- Beach decor boutiques for one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces.
Prime Online Retailers
- Wayfair: Over 2,000 bar stool options with coastal vibes.
- Overstock: Affordable home furnishings, including the Christopher Knight Malmo Swivel bar stool.
- Etsy: Unique handmade and vintage finds like this Gray Washed Woven Seagrass stool.
Budget-Friendly Big Box Stores
- Target: Stylish designs for less, like the woven-back Kovacs Cane Back Barstool .
- Walmart: Everyday low prices on casual classics like the Mainstays Swivel Bar Stool with Adjustable Height .
Whether you seek trend-setting high-end designs, affordable everyday relaxation or unique vintage and handcrafted finds, the perfect high-back rattan bar stools await coastal-inspired spaces.
With their airy look and feel, high-backed rattan bar stools are perfect for beach living. As a versatile, wear-resistant material ideal for weathering coastal conditions in stride, natural woven rattan accented by driftwood, shells or beach glass makes an artisanal statement indoors or out. So pull up a seat and relax - your tropical oasis awaits!