We moved into our home 5 years ago and the first thing on my to do list was to purchase bar stools. You see we now had a wonderful, large open kitchen to work with. The counter is L shaped and quite spacious. Counter height bar stools would be the perfect addition.

With 3 kids ages 3, 5, and 8, mealtimes were always a lot of work and sometimes stressful. There was so many little chores to do like setting the table and cleaning it after meals. Taking the dishes to the counter and loading the dishwasher. Cleaning the counters and getting all the crumbs and particles from the chairs and the floor took a little time too.

I thought it would be so much easier if the kids could eat right at the kitchen counter sometimes. So I started looking for some cheap counter stools. I found that they were not so cheap, especially online and at the local department stores. We had just gotten into our new home, so the budget was tight.

I was looking for at least three stools and I was not prepared to spend $75 or more per stool. I discovered many styles of stools made of metal or wood. There were several choices in design too. Did I want backs on my stools or footrests at the bottom for support? The list goes on. I was tempted by the 30" swivel bar stools, but decided that would probably end up in disaster.

The height was a big factor. If you are looking for a stool you have to be sure it is the right height for where you are planning to use it. Too tall and it will be awkward to try and sit and eat. Too short and you won't be able to reach the counter. It is important to take measurements with you when you go shopping so that you can be sure the stool will work.

I was out on a shopping trip at Walmart when I saw the perfect stools for my kitchen. I just happened to look down the furniture aisle and there they were. I never thought Walmart would have something I liked and for such a great price too. They were only $25 each which meant I was only spending $75 for my entire bar stool purchase. This was fantastic. I didn't thing Walmart would offer good quality, but I was wrong. These were wooden saddle seat stools with a cherry finish. They were very nice looking and were comfortable too.

I took the stools home after purchasing them and found that I had definitely made the right choice. The fit perfectly with the rest of the kitchen decor and the dining room. They did not swivel so they would be safe seating for the children. The height turned out to be exactly what we needed to be comfortable at the counter.

When we had guests over, they all made nice comments about the stools. They wanted to know where I got them and when I told them, they couldn't believe it. They were all excited about the price too. Many of them went to Walmart searching for those stools. They wanted a good bargain too.

I think I hit the jackpot that day. The kids can eat comfortably at the counter and the sink and dishwasher are right there for easy clean up. It makes mealtimes less stressful and more enjoyable. Everything is faster and easier and not such a mess. This has been our favorite purchase since we moved in.