Bar stools come in a variety of shapes colours and sizes and it’s sometimes difficult to choose the right one for you. This article should hopefully give you an idea of the types of stools that are available and what to look out for when purchasing one.
The basic bar stool is the ‘artist bar stool’, this is basically a round seat on top of an adjustable stand, it allows for sitting, standing and kneeling and is very convenient due to it’s relatively small size. It is ideal for most purposes, whether it be in the work place or kitchen. Comfort is an issue with this type of stool but this can be improved with cushions etc.
For comfort over functionality you may go for a bar stool with a back. These bar stools very often come with a padded seat and back and may also have arm wrests. Bar stools of this kind are slightly more difficult to store so may not be ideal if you have space constraints. Stools are also available in some unusual styles and shapes and these make a fantastic addition to a contemporary room but may look out of place in a more traditional room.
For extra manoeuvrability you may also choose to go for a swivel top bar stool. With a rotation of either 180 or 360 degrees they are perfect for breakfast bars and kitchen counters. Bear in mind that if the stools are too close together it may be difficult to rotate when someone is actually sat on it.
Another consideration when choosing a stool is material. Bar Stools are generally plastic or steel and any padding is either Leather or Fabric. Obviously leather is ideal for durability as it is easy to wipe down and keep clean but fabric may suit either your taste or your budget.
In conclusion there are a number of factors you need to consider when purchasing a stool for your breakfast bar, kitchen or counter. Do you have the space to store a bar stool with a back? Is there enough room for them to swivel when next to each other? Do you need a back for comfort? Or no back for functionality? and how durable do you need it to be? If you ask yourself these questions and keep in mind the points made above you should be able to get the right stool for you.
Steve Dolman is the MD of FurnitureDimension.com, a leading supplier of Bar Stools