Introduction
Cozying up with a warm drink while sitting on a barstool is an ideal way to relax at home. However, cold and uncomfortable metal or wood barstools can detract from the experience. That’s why barstool cozies are such a brilliant idea – they add warmth and comfort to your seating.
Barstool cozies slip over the top of your barstool to envelop it in soft fabric. This provides insulation against the cold material of the stool and gives you a comfy place to rest. Barstool cozies have many advantages that make them a fun and functional home accessory.
Benefits of Barstool Cozies
Add Softness and Warmth
The main appeal of barstool cozies is how they increase the comfort of hard barstool seats. The soft, padded fabric creates a cozy feel and provides insulation against cold surfaces. This makes your time sitting at the counter or bar much more enjoyable. The warmth and softness barstool cozies add transforms an ordinary stool into a comfy place to lounge.
Protect Against Damage
Uncushioned barstools can also damage softer surfaces like wood or tile floors. The friction of the stool legs can lead to scratches or dents over time. Barstool cozies add a protective buffer between the stool and floor to prevent this damage. The fabric helps the stool glide smoothly without marring surfaces. This preserves the look of your floors.
Add Style
Barstool cozies come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials. This makes them a simple way to incorporate your personal style into any space. Coordinating your barstool cozies with your existing decor is an easy DIY project to give your home a fresh new look. The ability to switch out cozies for different holidays or seasons also keeps your space feeling current.
Provide Safety for Kids
Hard barstools can be uncomfortable and even dangerous for kids to sit on. Barstool cozies give little ones a safer seating option with their soft padding. The fabric also helps keep kids from sliding off the stool. This prevents falls and injuries. So cozies are a great childproofing option for families.
Customizable and Interchangeable
One of the best things about barstool cozies is that they are removable and interchangeable. You can easily take them on and off to clean or switch up styles. Being able to customize your stool with different cozy covers is a fun way to match any mood or occasion.
Materials for Barstool Cozies
Barstool cozies can be constructed out of various materials, each offering distinct advantages:
Cotton
100% cotton cozies offer breathability and a soft hand against the skin. Cotton is a natural fiber that is both durable and comfortable. Choose cotton cozies for maximum comfort.
Fleece
Fleece cozies provide incredible warmth and softness. This synthetic material traps body heat efficiently. Fleece withstands washing well and holds its shape over time. Select fleece cozies to stay toasty.
Chenille
Chenille fabric has a soft, deep pile that feels plush and luxurious. It is velvety on one side and tufted on the other for a unique texture. Chenille attracts dust so requires frequent washing but provides indulgent comfort.
Faux Fur
For a fun, playful accent, faux fur barstool cozies can’t be beat. The long pile creates an eye-catching, shaggy effect. Faux fur feels delightfully soft and cushy. Spot clean only as the material is delicate.
Polyester Spandex
Stretchy spandex blended with polyester makes flexible, form-fitting cozies. The blend contours smoothly to the shape of any stool. These easy-care cozies maintain both comfort and structure after repeated launderings.
The best material for your barstool cozy depends on your priorities like softness, easy care, durability, or style. Evaluate the benefits of each to select the perfect fabric.
Making Your Own DIY Barstool Cozies
Crafting your own barstool cozies is an easy, thrifty home project. Follow these steps:
Determine Dimensions
- Measure diameter of stool top and height
- Add 2-3 inches ease for a comfortable fit
Choose a Fabric
- Soft, stretchy fabrics work best
- Cotton, fleece, spandex blends are good options
- Select a color/print that fits your decor
Cut Fabric Pieces
- Cut a rectangle length 2X the stool height
- Width should equal the stool diameter plus ease
Sew Cylinder Shape
- Fold fabric in half lengthwise with right sides together
- Sew along the long edge, leaving an opening for turning
- Clip corners, turn right side out
Add Elastic
- Attach a length of elastic through the top hem
- Elastic should fit snugly around stool top
Finish Edges
- Topstitch around the top and bottom edges
- Use binding or hem fabric at the opening
Adding embellishments like ribbon, trim, embroidery or iron-on appliques can give your cozies a personalized, crafty touch. Enjoy creating cozies as unique as your style.
Purchasing Barstool Cozies
While making your own barstool cozies is a fun DIY project, purchasing premade ones can be more convenient. Here are some tips for buying barstool cozies:
- Search online marketplaces like Etsy for handmade, customizable options
- Visit big box stores for affordable, mass-produced cozies
- Check measurements of your stool against any size charts
- Look for stretch fabrics with elastic that will fit a range of sizes
- Feel fabric samples for softness if purchasing locally
- Machine washable, durable fabrics are easiest to care for
- Select patterns and colors that will complement your existing decor
- Purchase multiple covers to switch up looks seasonally
- Read product reviews to learn about quality and fit
- Check return policies in case sizing isn’t quite right
With some savvy shopping skills, you can easily purchase stylish, high quality barstool cozies to enhance your home. Mix and match to find your perfect fits.
Caring for Your Barstool Cozies
To get the most enjoyment from your barstool cozies, be sure to care for them properly:
- Check fabric tag and wash per instructions to avoid damage
- Wash in cold water and air dry to prevent shrinking
- Avoid bleach and fabric softener which can break down fibers
- Use a garment bag when washing delicate fabrics like chenille
- Spot clean with a damp cloth for simple stains
- Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling or fuzzing on the fabric surface
- Store cozies away from direct sunlight which can fade colors
- Smooth out wrinkles and store folded when not in use
- Check elastic regularly. Replace if it becomes stretched out.
- Mend any holes, tears or seams that come undone right away
With some basic maintenance, your barstool cozies will maintain their comfort, fit, and appearance for seasons to come. Keeping them clean and damage-free ensures you’ll enjoy them for years.
Styling Barstool Cozies in Your Space
Barstool cozies are a quick and easy way to incorporate color, texture, and pattern into any room’s decor. Here are some styling tips:
Match to Your Decor
- Choose cozies in colors and patterns already found in pillows, curtains, art etc for a cohesive look. Repetition of key tones pulls the whole space together.
Coordinate With Table Setting
- Echo placemat or napkin colors in your barstool cozy for a unified dining area. Contrasting hues can also look bold and eye-catching.
Use Neutrals as a Base
- Natural cotton or tan cozies create a warm, inviting foundation. Layer on pops of color through accessories like throw blankets.
Swap Out Seasonally
- Use light, pastel cozies in spring and summer. Transition to warm tones like spice orange or ruby red in fall and winter.
Mix and Match
- Collect multiple patterned cozies and rotate them. Or pair a colorful pattern with basic black or white for balance.
Add Texture
- Fuzzy chenille or faux fur cozies add coziness and create dimensional contrast next to sleek stools.
Pull Inspiration from Nearby Rooms
- If your living room is blue and green, echo those tones in the adjoining kitchen or bar space.
With a little creativity, barstool cozies can be used to enhance and unify the look of any area in your home.
Ideas for Using Barstool Cozies
Barstool cozies aren’t limited just to stools. Get creative with these ideas for ways to utilize barstool cozies throughout your home:
Chair Cushions
Use barstool cozies as removable cushions to add comfort to dining room chairs, desk chairs or patio furniture. Just check measurements first.
Draft Blockers
Put cozies over the legs of furniture like couches or beds to block drafts on cold days. They’ll keep your floors warm too.
Makeshift Pillows
For overnight guests, quickly whip up pillows by stuffing cozies with towels, blankets or even t-shirts. Use hair elastics to secure ends.
Armrest Covers
Cover hard wooden chair armrests with cozies for padded comfort. Just be sure to check widths against your chair dimensions.
Furniture Sliders
Protect floors from heavy furniture like buffets or hutches by slipping cozies over the legs before moving them.
Camera Lens Covers
Sew a drawstring into a cozy to create a simple lens cover for your camera to protect it from dust and scratches.
Mic Cover
Prevent microphone pop and distortion by outfitting mics with a handmade fitted cozy before recording audio or videos.
With some resourcefulness, barstool cozies can be purposed for all kinds of handy jobs around your home. Get creative with these multi-use covers.
FAQs
Can I put barstool cozies in the washer and dryer?
Check fabric care instructions, but most barstool cozies can be safely washed and dried on cool/low heat settings. Use garment bags for delicates.
How do I know what size barstool cozies to buy?
Measure the diameter of your stool seat top and height. Compare to size charts, allowing 2-3 inches ease so cozies fit comfortably without being too tight.
What fabrics are best for barstool cozies?
Stretchy, soft fabrics like cotton, fleece and spandex blends adapt well to stool shapes. Chenille and faux fur look luxe. Check for durability and washability.
Should barstool cozies be tight or loose fitting?
Cozies should fit snugly without bunching or sliding to stay put on the stool. Elastic helps create a secure fit that moves with you.
Can I use a hand towel or dish cloth as a makeshift barstool cozy?
Pinching a towel over the top of a stool can work temporarily but won’t stay in place well. Invest in fitted cozies for a secure solution.
Where can I buy affordable barstool cozies?
Big box stores, online marketplaces like Amazon and craft retailers like Etsy all offer barstool cozies at varying price points to suit any budget.
Should I get separate barstool cozies for indoors vs. outdoors?
Yes, outdoor cozies should be made of weather-resistant, easy-care fabrics. Indoor cozies can utilize more delicate textiles if they won’t get wet.
How do I wash sequined or embellished barstool cozies?
Hand wash only and line dry embellished cozies to prevent snagging delicate trim in the washer and dryer. Avoid excess heat.
Can I use a stool cozy on a bench cushion?
You may be able to if the dimensions match closely. Measure both the width and length of your bench prior to purchasing cozies.
What is the best way to store barstool cozies when not in use?
Gently fold or roll cozies before storing in a dry, breathable place like a linen closet or chest. Keep away from direct sunlight.
Conclusion
With their soft, comfy fabric and fun patterns, barstool cozies are a quick and stylish upgrade for any space. Choosing cozies made from soft, quality materials that match your decor transforms ordinary barstools into comfortable places to lounge and relax. With proper use and care, barstool cozies provide lasting comfort and style. Smartly coordinating and styling your cozies creates a pulled-together look in any room. Get creative with these multi-purpose covers to add both form and function throughout your home. Give barstool cozies a try for an easy update that makes spending time together at home cozier.
