Kitchen and Dining Furniture at Easy Life Markets
Kitchen and dining furniture covers the pieces that make cooking, storing food and sharing meals easier: bar stools for a counter or island, pantry cabinets, sideboards and buffets, compact kitchen racks, and wine racks. Easy Life Markets sells every item in this collection directly, and each product page lists the size, materials, options, current price and availability.
What should you buy? Start with the problem you want to solve. If the worktop is cluttered, add a rack or a pantry cabinet. If plates and glasses have nowhere to live, a sideboard or buffet gives them a home and a serving surface on top. If your kitchen has a counter or island but nowhere to sit, a set of counter height stools fixes that. Our current range is focused on seating and storage, and we add more pieces over time. The guide below explains each type, the measurements to check and how to choose.
What This Collection Covers
Kitchens and dining rooms share one job: getting food from the cupboard to the table. The furniture that helps with that falls into a few groups.
- Counter and bar seating. Stools sized for kitchen counters or higher bar tops, with or without backs and arms.
- Tall kitchen storage. Pantry cabinets with doors and shelves for food, small appliances and cleaning supplies.
- Sideboards and buffets. Waist-height cabinets for tableware, linen and serving dishes, with a top for serving or display.
- Racks and small storage. Tiered wire racks for spices and jars, and countertop wine racks.
- Dining tables and chairs. The centre of a dining room. Browse our tables collection and chairs collection for pieces that pair with the storage here.
This page sits inside our home and garden collection. Many of the cabinets also appear in our furniture collection and the storage and shelving range, since they work in more than one room.
Types of Kitchen and Dining Furniture
Counter Height Bar Stools
Stools let a counter or island become a breakfast bar, a homework spot or a place for guests to sit while you cook. The most important number is seat height. Counter height stools suit standard kitchen worktops. Bar height stools suit taller bar tables. A stool that is too tall leaves knees pressed under the counter. A stool that is too short puts the counter at chest height.
Backs and arms add comfort for longer sits but take up more space and need more room to slide in. Our set of three counter height bar stools with wrap-around back and arms and a 25 inch seat is built for regular use at a kitchen counter, in white with black metal frames.
Pantry Cabinets
A pantry cabinet is a tall cupboard for food and kitchen supplies. It works as a stand-alone larder where built-in cupboards are short. Look for adjustable shelves so tall cereal boxes and short tins both fit. Pull-out shelves bring items at the back to the front, which means less forgotten food. Our 71 inch kitchen pantry cabinet with pull-out shelves in walnut is an example of this style.
Sideboards and Buffets
A sideboard is a low cabinet that stands against a dining room wall. Traditionally it held serving dishes during a meal. Today it stores plates, glasses, table linen and board games, and the top holds lamps, plants or a coffee station. Doors hide clutter. Glass doors show off glassware while keeping dust off. Drawers keep cutlery and napkins organised.
Our current range includes the mid century modern sideboard, 60.5 inches with four carved doors in walnut, which suits a dining room or living room wall, and the white buffet cabinet with glass doors and a drawer at 28 x 15 x 38 inches, which fits smaller spaces and kitchens.
Compact Kitchen Racks
Small racks turn dead space into storage. A tiered wire rack on the worktop holds spices, oils and jars. Inside a deep cupboard, it adds a second level so nothing is stacked. Wire is easy to wipe and lets air move around food packets. Our compact 3 tier chrome wire rack at 30 x 30 x 60 cm suits a counter corner.
Wine Racks
Wine bottles are best stored lying down or tilted so the cork stays in contact with the wine, away from heat and direct sun. A countertop wine rack keeps a few bottles ready to serve and adds a decorative touch. Our aluminium wave wine rack comes in four colours and also works as a small decorative shelf.
Comparing Kitchen and Dining Furniture
| Piece | Main job | Best room | Key measurement | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counter height stools | Seating at a counter or island | Kitchen, open-plan living | Seat height against counter height | Backs and arms need more room to slide in |
| Pantry cabinet | Food and supply storage | Kitchen, utility room | Height and depth; door swing | Pull-out shelves reduce reaching |
| Sideboard | Tableware storage and serving surface | Dining room, living room | Length and depth | Works as a TV unit or hallway piece too |
| Buffet with glass doors | Display and storage | Kitchen, dining room | Width and height | Shows glassware, keeps dust off |
| Tiered wire rack | Spices, jars, small items | Worktop, cupboard | Footprint and shelf gap | Easy to clean, compact |
| Wine rack | Bottle storage and display | Counter, sideboard top | Bottle count and footprint | Keep away from heat and direct sun |
How to Choose Kitchen and Dining Furniture
Measure Counter Height Before Buying Stools
Measure from the floor to the underside of the counter top, not the top surface. Leave a gap of roughly 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the underside of the counter so knees fit. That is why counter height and bar height stools are sold separately. Also measure the counter length: allow enough width per stool for people to sit and get in and out without bumping elbows.
Measure Walls and Walkways for Cabinets
Measure the wall width, the height under any wall cupboards or windows, and the depth you can spare. In a kitchen, keep main walkways clear so doors, the oven and the fridge can open fully. In a dining room, leave space to pull chairs out behind the table and still walk past a sideboard. Check that cabinet doors have room to swing open.
Choose Open or Closed Storage
Open racks are quick to use and show what you have. Closed cabinets look tidier and protect contents from dust and grease. Glass doors sit in between. Many kitchens use all three: an open rack for daily spices, a pantry for food, and a glass-door buffet for good glasses.
Match the Finish to the Room
Walnut and wood-effect finishes bring warmth to dining rooms. White cabinets keep a small kitchen feeling bright. Chrome and black metal suit modern kitchens. You do not have to match everything. Repeating one colour or material across two or three pieces is enough for the room to feel planned.
Think About Cleaning
Kitchens are messy. Wipeable surfaces, simple shapes and wire or metal parts are easier to keep clean. Upholstered stools look soft but need more care near cooking. Smooth seats with a hard finish wipe clean quickly.
Materials and Specifications to Check
Common Materials in Kitchen and Dining Furniture
Most freestanding kitchen and dining furniture uses one of four materials, often combined. Each has strengths and limits worth knowing before you buy.
- Engineered wood (MDF or particleboard) with a laminate or veneer finish. Gives a smooth, even surface in wood-effect or painted colours. It is stable and affordable but should be kept dry, so wipe spills quickly and keep it away from steam.
- Metal frames. Steel legs and frames carry weight well and suit stools and racks. A powder-coated or painted finish protects the steel. Touch up chips so moisture cannot reach bare metal.
- Chrome and aluminium. Bright, modern and easy to wipe. Chrome wire racks resist kitchen humidity better than bare wood. Aluminium is light and does not rust.
- Glass. Used in cabinet doors to display contents while keeping dust out. Clean it with a soft cloth and glass cleaner, and close doors gently.
Specifications on the Product Page
Before you order, read these details on the product page and compare them with your space:
- Overall width, depth and height.
- Seat height for stools, and whether there is a footrest.
- Number of shelves and whether they adjust or pull out.
- Door type: solid, glass, carved or sliding, and which way doors open.
- Drawer count and size.
- Material and finish, and the colour options listed.
- What is included in the box, such as a set of three stools.
If a figure you need is not listed, ask us through the contact page before ordering rather than guessing.
Assembly
Cabinets and stools usually arrive flat-packed with instructions. Lay out the parts, check them against the list and build on a soft, clean floor to protect the finish. Tighten all fixings once the frame is square. Hang doors last and adjust the hinges until the gaps are even. Two people make tall cabinets easier to stand up safely.
Layout Ideas for Kitchens and Dining Rooms
Small Kitchen
Use height. A tall pantry cabinet holds more than a wide low one on the same floor area. A compact wire rack on the worktop clears space in cupboards. If you have a counter overhang, stools that tuck fully underneath keep the floor clear.
Open-Plan Kitchen and Living Space
Stools at an island separate the kitchen from the lounge without a wall. A sideboard behind a sofa or along the dividing line gives storage on both sides and a surface for lamps. Our living room layout guide explains how to zone an open-plan room.
Dedicated Dining Room
Place the sideboard on the longest wall, away from the main door path. Keep everyday plates in it and special serving pieces in the hardest-to-reach spots. A buffet with glass doors can sit in a corner or alcove for display.
Kitchen Corner Bar
A small buffet cabinet holds glasses inside and a wine rack on top. Add a couple of stools at a nearby counter and you have a simple drinks corner.
Care and Maintenance
- Wipe wood-effect surfaces with a soft, barely damp cloth and dry them straight away.
- Use coasters and mats on sideboard tops to prevent heat rings and scratches.
- Keep cabinets away from direct heat from ovens, radiators and dishwashers venting steam.
- Clean chrome and aluminium with mild soapy water and dry to avoid spots.
- Check stool legs and footrests for loose fixings every few months and re-tighten.
- Tighten or adjust cabinet hinges if doors start to drop.
- Do not overload pull-out shelves; keep heavy items low.
Safety Tips
Fix tall pantry cabinets to the wall, especially in homes with children. Store heavy items on the lower shelves to keep the centre of gravity low. Keep cleaning chemicals in closed cabinets and up high, away from food. Bar stools are heavier at the top than chairs, so teach children not to climb or rock on them.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying stools without measuring the counter. Height mismatch is the most common problem.
- Blocking appliance doors. Check fridge, oven and dishwasher clearance before placing cabinets.
- Choosing depth over access. Very deep shelves lose items at the back. Pull-outs help.
- Placing wood next to heat. Steam and heat damage finishes over time.
- Too many stools on a short counter. Give each person enough elbow room.
Who This Collection Suits
Our kitchen and dining furniture suits renters who need extra storage without building cupboards, families who eat at a breakfast bar, people furnishing a first dining room, and anyone running out of kitchen space. Most pieces are freestanding and move with you when you change home. Freestanding storage also lets you rearrange a kitchen without a builder, which suits rented homes and changing family needs.
For other parts of the home, see our home decor collection for finishing touches, the storage and organization range for boxes and organisers, and cleaning supplies to keep surfaces fresh. If you also eat outside, the garden and outdoor collection has patio tables and seating.
Buying From Easy Life Markets
Each product page lists dimensions, materials and options. The current price and availability are shown on each product page. For delivery details, read our shipping policy. If something is not right, our return and refund policy explains what to do. General answers are on the FAQ page, and you can send measurements or questions through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between counter height and bar height stools?
Counter height stools suit standard kitchen worktops. Bar height stools are taller and suit bar tables. Measure your counter and leave roughly 25 to 30 cm between seat and counter underside. Then measure the counter length and allow enough width for each person to sit and move; stools with arms need more space than backless ones.
What is the difference between a sideboard and a buffet?
The terms are often used for the same thing: a low storage cabinet for a dining room. Some people use buffet for slightly taller or more compact styles. Check the dimensions rather than the name.
Can a pantry cabinet replace built-in cupboards?
It can add a lot of storage where built-in space is short. It is freestanding, so you can take it with you when you move. Fix it to the wall for stability.
How should I store wine at home?
Keep bottles away from heat and direct sun, and store corked bottles lying down or tilted. A countertop rack is fine for bottles you plan to drink soon.
Can I use a sideboard outside the dining room?
Yes. A sideboard works as a TV unit, a hallway cabinet or extra storage in a home office. Check the depth against the walkway and the top size against what you plan to put on it.
Are wire racks safe for food storage?
Wire racks are widely used for packaged food, jars and tins. Keep them clean and dry, and use a shelf liner if small items tip through the gaps.
Can I return an item if it does not fit?
Please read our return and refund policy for the conditions and steps before sending anything back.
Will you add dining tables and more kitchen furniture?
We add new products over time. Check this collection and our tables and chairs collections for new arrivals.