Kitchen breakfast bar stools take the kitchen's visual appeal to a new "high". They appear elegant and chic and are available in a range of designs. Place them in the right spot and your kitchen can look like it's just had a makeover. That was the good news, now here's a dilemma: How will you decide on a kitchen bar stool that's right for you given that there are so many styles in the marketplace? Well, here's a guide that can assist.

1. You should be sitting about 12 inches from the bottom of your kitchen counter to get an easy reach of the glass and pretzels so tantalisingly placed on it. So, measure the distance between the kitchen counter and the ground and pick a barstool that will seat you around 12 inches beneath the counter.

2. Is the bar stool comfortable to sit on? Or, is it a fancy style that looks ultra-chic but is more suited for extra-terrestrials? Choose a bar stool that's comfortable (nice back, adequate sitting area for extra large sizes), unless you like to or want your visitors to fidget about. You also have to determine if the bar stool should have arm rests, a wide back and swivel capability.

3. What's your kitchen theme? Simple vanilla, Mission Impossible? Select a bar stool that blends well with your kitchen style. Or, if you have a plain Jane kitchen and want to jazz it up there are numerous modern choices out there in all colours and designs.

4. What's the primary colour of your kitchen and what colour is your kitchen counter? Go for a bar stool colour that is engaging and contrasting (or even complementary). Standard black bar stools can be great in any kitchen. Be sure to avoid crazy colour combinations, you want them to look stunning yet smart.

5. Which fabric will suit best? Wood, steel, chrome, leather, wood-and-steel combo? This depends on how the kitchen is designed and you are the greatest judge of this.

6. How many kitchen bar stools will you need? The answer to that depends on the size of your kitchen counter. Ensure that you have enough stools and that when placing the stools there can be a sense of comfort. You don't want to be squeezing guests in and out of them.

7. If you're keen to save money, buy bar stools from online home furniture stores. You're going to get the exact same quality, same guarantee, the same stool that you saw in the picture, all at a far lower price. So, unless of course you are made of money, the very best recommendation is to hit the online furniture stores.

8. Buying online does not necessarily mean you have to buy bottom drawer stuff. Do not think low-budget, go ahead and indulge yourself by buying a bar stool that will make an important part of your home look incredible. Look at it as an investment that will add value to your kitchen.

9. Finally, it is always best to purchase low maintenance bar stools that are simple to clean because guests will most likely be dropping food and spilling drinks on themonce in a while.

Well, there you go - 9 effective tips for you to pick the perfect kitchen bar stool. Cheers!