Bar stool: Explosive style, revolutionary function
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Read an in-depth account that sheds light on the physical attributes of the bar stool, an insightful comparison of the various types of this stool and a great buying guide.
Whether it is in a restaurant, public bar or your own personal bar, a bar stool is an integral part of the bar furniture. No bar or drinking place is complete without this stool. Most restaurants will have standard tables and chairs for wining and dining but a restaurant with a bar counter will always be adorned with stools.
Suited for both commercial and residential purposes a bar stool proves to be the ideal seating solution as it occupies less space while serving its purpose. At vitalwares.ca, you can purchase these stools to illustrate your personal sense of style.
What is a bar stool?
The typical stool is equipped with a foot rest and is tall and quite slender in shape. Ideally designed for seating purposes in a public place or a bar the stool's height depends on the height of the bar counter. This stool is designed in a way where most of the time you will have place a foot on the footrest and climb onto it. Once safely positioned in a stool you can invariably lean onto or place your elbows on the bar counter and sit comfortably.
Today these are not just confined to public places or bars but are becoming popular in homes too. The higher view available while eating, drinking or just talking has caught the fancy of many who have purchased and installed these stools in their kitchen counter or in their home bars. Choose from a delectable range of these stools at vitalwares.ca.
Generally made out of wood, metal or plastic these stools are available with or without armrests, back support and padding on the seat surface. Though some stools might have a back support they are not very common. There are indoor and outdoor barstools and most of them come with a footrest. These stools are also quite popular in billiards or pool rooms. A nicely designed stool placed at your home along with bar furniture irrespective of the material used most definitely adds to the ambience of your room. Typically the height of a stool might range from 26 inches to 36 inches depending on where you place it.
What should I keep in mind when buying a bar stool?
Some of the most important things to consider before you purchase one of these stools can be broadly classified into four categories.
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Quality
Make sure you choose good quality stools. Thus you would not regret at a later stage when your stool breaks or deteriorates. There are bound to be joints in the stool and if it has a swivel feature the craftsmanship has to be impeccable. Or if your stool has rollers ensure that they are made out of superior quality materials. At vital wares, you can purchase qualitatively superior stools in a arnge of options.
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Height
The most important aspect to consider before you purchase a bar stool is the height. Measure the height of your tabletop or counter before you decide on the height of your stool. Commonly labeled in furniture parlance as bar height or counter height, a typical bar height of 42 inches will ideally require a bar stool of 30 inches height. On the other hand, a counter height of 36 inches might require a stool of 24 inches height. Of course you do not have to follow the exact height mentioned here but it is a standard followed everywhere.
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Material
The material of your bar stool purely depends on where you want to place it and your personal preference. You can purchase a stool made out of wood if it matches your kitchen or your bar counter or you can purchase one made out of steel or aluminum if you are going to use it outdoors.
Generally made out of wood or metals such as aluminum, steel, etc. the choice of material is totally dependent on your requirements. You might want an ornate, colorful or a differently shaped stool but always ensure that your stool matches your bar or kitchen counter.
Though modern stools have undergone a lot of changes the basic design and use of a stool has not changed much.
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Colors and Designs
The color and design of a bar stool is crucial to the overall ambience of your bar room or kitchen. To create an inviting atmosphere and to ensure that your stool does not stand out and look out of place you need to carefully choose the right color and design for your stool. Select from an extensive variety of colors and designs when you visit vital wares.
What are the different types of the bar stool?
Swivel stools can be swiveled around and are easy to move around as they are not fixed to the floor. On the other hand, the floor mounted stools are typically mounted on a column or legs and are secured to the floor. Nevertheless you do get floor mounted stools with the swivel feature. One thing to remember while purchasing a swivel stool (whether it is 180 degrees or 360 degree) is the space available. Because if you are installing more than one stool next to each other ensure that there is enough space between each stool to swivel without making it uncomfortable for the person sitting in them.
Similarly you do get stools which are not fixed and without the swivel feature. These types are generally supported by legs and can be easily moved around.
The bar stool without a back are quite common and they are great space saving seating solutions. One distinct advantage with this type is they can be pushed or tucked under a tabletop when not in use.
However if you are buying a bar stool to sit near your kitchen counter you can purchase one with a back for added comfort. You can also have a stool with arm rests or a stool with all the above mentioned features but do understand that they might not be as compact as a regular backless, armless stool. Try not to tinker with the basic design of a stool because you might finally end up with a stool which is more of a chair except for its height.
Some modern stools available at vital wares come with a height adjustment option. Though not very commonly used, it is an option you can consider if you are purchasing a stool for your home. It is particularly helpful when small children or an extraordinarily tall person uses it.
Traditionally these stools never had any cushioning or upholstery on its seat, but there are certain types of stools that come with a padding and leather upholstery. Of course the type of padding and upholstery is entirely left to you to choose.
How do I evaluate the functionality of the various types of the bar stool?
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Backless stools vs stools with backs
As mentioned earlier one of the first decisions you need to make while purchasing a stool is whether you want a stool with or without a back. The advantages and disadvantages of each type vary, for example a backless stool is simple, elegant, inexpensive and easy to move around as it is generally lightweight. But if you are sitting on it for a long time it does tend to get uncomfortable. Whereas a stool with a back is slightly heavier in comparison but offers more comfort. At vital wares, we deal in all types of the modern bar stool.
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Swivel vs Stationary bar stool
Another important aspect you will need to consider is whether you need a swivel or non swivel feature. A swivel stool is definitely more comfortable when compared to a non swivel stool. The reason being that with a swivel you can easily turn around or rotate without moving your body or craning your neck whereas in a non swivel stool each time you want to turn or change your position you need to move your entire body. However with an added feature the cost does increase, so a swivel stool is generally costlier than a non swivel stool. At vital wares, you can shop according to the constraints of your budget.
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Metal vs Wooden
Metal stools as the name suggests is made out of various metals such as aluminum, wrought iron, steel, etc. They are more sturdy and durable when compare to a wooden stool. They are also much lighter than a wooden stool. But a wooden stool is an ideal choice if you want to get an antique and elegant look, though the metal ones can also enhance the ambience if given the right color and design.
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Leather vs. Upholstered
Both the types of stools offer good comfort and can easily fit into any room or can be used as an outdoor barstool. A leather stool gives a classy look but is expensive and tough to maintain. If you want to repair a leather stool you better be ready for an expensive bill. In comparison an upholstered stool is relatively inexpensive and is easy to maintain. Additionally, the upholstery can be changed or altered without much ado.
