Sea Grass Bar Stools Complement Coastal Decor
Sea grass bar stools are a popular way to bring a relaxed coastal vibe into kitchens, dining areas and bars. The casual texture and light coloring of sea grass barstools evoke carefree days spent oceanside.
Sea grass bar stools feature seats woven from strong, durable sea grass paired with wooden frames. The natural seagrass material provides visual interest and a touchable texture. Sea grass barstools come in a variety of styles, from traditional wooden frames to sleek metal bases in contemporary shapes. No matter what design you choose, sea grass bar stools add a casual, inviting look perfect for coastal decors.
Styles and Materials
Sea grass bar stools showcase the natural fibers of seagrass in different weave patterns and textures. Seagrass is a sustainable plant fiber harvested from estuaries in Southeast Asia. It is often woven by hand for an organic, artisanal look. Manufacturers also produce faux sea grass made from plastic for increased durability.
Common sea grass bar stool frames are made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and wood. Rattan is praised for its lightweight yet sturdy properties. Teak wood offers durability along with a beautiful finish that enhances the natural sea grass. For a more modern look, some sea grass stools feature metal frames in steel, aluminum, or wrought iron.
Wicker vs Natural Sea Grass
Wicker sea grass uses thinner, more tightly woven strands for a smoother finish. Natural sea grass has a courser, more variated weave with an organic look. While wicker is more uniform, natural sea grass shows off the fiber's raw texture.
Natural vs Faux Sea Grass
Natural sea grass provides an organic, coastal look but requires more care. Faux sea grass is easier to clean and maintain, although it lacks the natural variation. Faux sea grass costs less while natural sea grass is considered more eco-friendly.
Design Elements
From textures to shapes, sea grass bar stools showcase many design elements that allow you to customize your look. Different weave patterns showcase the possibilities of the sea grass material, like a tight herringbone or loose braided twill. The natural color of sea grass offers a light, neutral base that can be left unfinished, bleached, or dyed in hues like black for contrast.
Weave Patterns and Textures
Chunky braided and herringbone weaves are common and highlight the fiber's organic texture. Tighter weaves like wicker have a smoother finish. Different weave densities impact the look and feel - loose weaves are breezy while tight weaves are more tailored.
Colors
Natural tan sea grass fits with most decors. Bleached white sea grass has a beachy vibe. Black sea grass makes a dramatic counterpoint. Some companies offer custom colors through dyeing or painting for added pop.
Shapes
Sea grass can be woven into different shapes for the seat. Round stools with a wrapped edge are common. Square stools with clean lines offer versatility. Creative shapes like curved saddle seats or oval stools provide unique silhouettes.
Choosing Sea Grass Bar Stools
When choosing sea grass bar stools, consider your decor style, space, comfort, and budget. The relaxed texture of sea grass works wonderfully in coastal, cottage, and farmhouse decors. Measure to ensure the seat height fits your counter or bar height. Look for thick, comfortable seat cushions if desired. While prices vary widely, you can find budget-friendly options under $100 per stool.
Style of Decor
With their breezy aesthetic, sea grass stools pair perfectly with coastal, beach, and cottage style decors. They also suit farmhouse, tropical, and bohemian rooms.
Comfort
Look for seat heights between 30-36 inches for comfortable belly/bar height. Thicker seat cushions add comfort but are harder to clean. Some seats have integrated cushioning through layered sea grass.
Durability
Examine thickness of the sea grass and frame construction for durability. Well-made sea grass stools can withstand high-traffic areas. Natural sea grass needs occasional resealing.
Budget
Basic sea grass stools start around $60. Higher-end designer versions can cost over $500. Look for sales to find quality sea grass stools under $100.
Places to Use Sea Grass Stools
Thanks to their versatility, sea grass barstools suit a range of spaces. They work wonderfully around kitchen islands for casual dining and chatting with guests. Sea grass stools add warmth to home bars. Their lightweight profile makes them easy to move outside for patio seating. Creative designers even use sea grass stools as poolside lounge chairs.
Kitchen Islands
Arranging sea grass barstools around a kitchen island creates a relaxed dining nook for quick meals and conversation. Opt for stool with backs to make the space even more comfortable.
Home Bars
Sea grass barstools lend an inviting vibe to home bars. Choose counter-height versions to fit standard bar counters. Round out the look with rope or shell accents.
Outdoor Patios
Thanks to their natural material, sea grass stools work well outdoors. Use them to create a cozy seating area on a covered patio or pool deck. Combine with weather-resistant cushions.
Poolside
Creative designers use sea grass stools as chic poolside lounge chairs. The organic texture makes a refreshing change from typical plastic loungers. Use near umbrellas for a shaded relaxation nook.
Decorating with Sea Grass Stools
Sea grass bar stools shine when paired with other coastal or natural elements. Incorporate beachy accents like shells, ropes, and reclaimed wood. Add pops of color with patterned cushions. Keep lines clean with simple wood or metal bases. Don't be afraid to mix in a few styles for visual interest.
Incorporate Coastal Accents
Enhance the coastal vibe of sea grass stools with decor like carved coral art, driftwood tables, and jute rugs. Aged wood finishes also complement the look.
Add Pops of Color
Liven up neutral sea grass with colorful patterned cushions. Choose patterns like stripes, florals, or abstract prints. Change up colors seasonally.
Pair with Simple Bases
Let the textured sea grass take center stage by pairing it with simple stool bases. Exposed wood looks modern and sleek. Metal bases in black, white, or silver keep lines clean.
Mix and Match
Collecting multiple sea grass stools adds visual interest through varied shapes, sizes, and colors. Arrange in a cluster for an collected look.
Caring for Sea Grass Furniture
Sea grass bar stools naturally lend a breezy, coastal vibe, but they do require a bit of maintenance to look their best. Follow proper care instructions to preserve the sea grass material and prevent damage.
Regular Cleaning
Vacuum sea grass regularly with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and debris. Spot clean minor spills immediately with a damp towel.
Spot Treatment
For tougher stains, gently dab with a mild detergent and water solution. Thoroughly rinse and air dry before replacing seat cushions.
Indoor Storage
When not in use, store sea grass bar stools indoors to prevent fading. Garages, basements, or closets all work for off-season storage.
Re-sealing
Over time, natural sea grass may need re-sealing to maintain its color and smooth finish. Use an approved sealant formulated for natural wicker.
Where to Buy Sea Grass Bar Stools
The coastal chic look of sea grass stools has made them widely available from furniture stores big and small. Big-box stores offer affordable options that are easy to view in person. Specialty boutiques provide higher quality designer versions. Or seek out handcrafted finds from local artisans.
Online Retailers
Major online furniture sites like Wayfair and Overstock have a wide selection of sea grass barstools at varied price points. Sort by customer reviews, prices, and features to find your perfect match.
Big Box Stores
Retail giants like Target, Walmart, and IKEA sell basic sea grass stools for kitchens and bars. While the quality varies, the in-person viewing and easy returns are a perk.
Specialty Stores
Home stores like Crate & Barrel and Pier 1 Imports offer higher-end sea grass bar stools alongside other coastal furnishings. The selection focuses on quality and design.
Local Boutiques
Look for handcrafted, artisanal sea grass stools at local home boutiques, craft fairs, and flea markets. This supports small businesses and finds unique pieces.
DIY Sea Grass Bar Stools
Want to customize your sea grass bar stools? Craft your own at home for a budget-friendly option tailored to your space. Upcycle existing stools by weaving on new sea grass. Or build a stool from scratch using an inexpensive frame and natural sea grass material purchased online or at craft stores.
Upcycling Existing Stools
Give a second life to old stools by replacing the seat with woven sea grass. Look for tutorials online. Carefully remove old seat and glue on new sea grass material.
Making Your Own Frame
Keep costs down by making a simple stool frame from inexpensive rattan or wood. Cut lengths for legs, stretchers, and seat base then assemble. Weave or wrap sea grass around seat base to finish.
Online Tutorials
Find step-by-step DIY sea grass stool tutorials on YouTube, Pinterest, and blogs. Follow along to create your own design customized to your space and style.
Pros of Sea Grass Bar Stools
Sea grass bar stools offer many benefits beyond their relaxed coastal style. The organic texture of natural sea grass brings visual warmth and interest. And sea grass is durable and low-maintenance, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- Natural, organic aesthetic
- Casual, breezy coastal style
- Beautiful texture and visual interest
- Durable and easy to clean
- Withstands high traffic areas
- Relatively affordable and available
Cons of Sea Grass Bar Stools
While sea grass stools have many advantages, they do come with a few drawbacks. Rough natural sea grass can snag clothing if not properly sealed. The light color stains easily and can fade over time. Sea grass also may not hold up well to pets.
- Can snag clothing if not sealed
- Prone to staining
- Fades and dries out over time
- Not ideal for homes with pets
- Limited color options
- Require occasional resealing
It's easy to see how popular sea grass bar stools are. The natural texture and casual style of sea grass stools make them a perfect fit for relaxed coastal decors. While seam grass requires a bit of care, it delivers durability and easy maintenance at an affordable price point. If you're looking to add a touch of coastal charm to your kitchen or bar space, sea grass bar stools are a beautifully textured, carefree option worth considering.