Bar stools: Effective entertainment made simple

Bar stools are one of the most innovative and stylish pieces of furniture ever known. Their popularity transcends gender, age and social inclinations. They serve multiple purposes and can be accommodated just about anywhere. Bar stools are not limited to just pubs, bars or restaurants. Contemporary times have seen them become an integral part of home and office decor too. Vitalwares.ca understands the needs of the contemporary decorator and is therefore well equipped to handle all decor related issues.

What is a bar stools?

This stool is taller and narrower than a typical dining chair, with a foot rest or ring. Some models on offer at vitalwares.ca come equipped with armrest, back support, adjustable height and instant swivel. Bar stools differ from a regular chair in the kind of comfort and flexibility they lend. The elevated seating gives the 'high feeling' and also helps in getting an overview of the entire surrounding. These stools are ideal to facilitate dining, drinking and socialization in an ideal and relaxed sitting posture.

Do the bar stools have a history?

It was in the 1920's that the use of bars and bar stools came about. In England and Europe in general, the slender stool brought about a relief to the limited space in the pubs and bars.

During the 1920's in the United Sates the Volstead Act or what is popularly known as the prohibition, banned the use of alcohol and so the illegal production of liquor was a flourishing business. Folks needed a place to enjoy their drink and this need brought about the advent of bars. People would often open up clandestine home bars mostly tucked away in a basement, where customers would have a few furtive drinks and then go their way. With the establishment of bars came the necessity of having a drink while comfortably seated across the counter and thus the bar stool slid firmly into the annals of bar history.

There also cropped up the problem of seating numerous customers at the same time. There was not enough space to accommodate several tables and chairs. The solution lay in narrow and tall bar stools. Another advantage of these tall stools lay in the fact that people who didn't have them were still at conversation height with the ones that were seated. The height is also easy for resting elbows, eating food, or just to savor a preferred drink.

• Evolving styles

  It was in the 1950's and 60's that the popularity of this stool reached a crescendo. The bar industry was in for a resounding success. Bar stools were changed and evolved to fit individual needs and styles. The secret to the astounding success of the this stool lay in the fact that they were cool, fun to sit in, and the instant swivel act in some of them revolutionized the act of socializing and enabled one to catch the 'action' in any part of the room. People liked these stools and bar business owners cashed in on the popularity by installing them in commercial establishments. The reason for their popularity is that they are downright practical. They take up very limited space, come in various shapes and styles and create that much touted focal point for conversations. Choose from a decadently contemporary range of stools at vital wares. At vital wares, these bar stools come in a range of shapes, colors, styles and materials. There are swivel stools, breakfast stools, wooden stools, wrought Iron stools, compact and foldable stools, saddle type stools and leather stools.

What are the attributes of modern bar stools?

These stools come enabled with an assortment of features. Some of the most common features include swivel seats, backrests, footrests, armrests and adjustable seats. You have the choice of opting for a single feature or a combination of some but it is of prime importance that all the stools in a single area have uniform features.

This stool has come a long way since the days when it was used only in bars, pubs and restaurants. Their versatility is unmatched. They can be used to suit various purposes and can blend into almost any setting. They were first introduced as a space saving device in the process accommodating more number of customers. Their tall and slender design is ideal to enjoy a drink while sitting across a bar counter.

Where can the bar stools be put to use?

• Breakfast stools

  A good breakfast stool would enable you to have your breakfast in comfort and style. It would be preferable to the option of eating over a sink or while leaning against the kitchen counter. It would be an ideal way to start your day.

• Barstools for parties

  People have more fun when there is comfortable seating around. You can place these stools in the kitchen and entertain friends who would like to give you company in the kitchen. As the host you might have to be in the kitchen all the while. This way you can enjoy the company of friends as well.

• In the outdoor area

  For those of you who adore the outdoors, a bar stool would be a perfect addition in your backyard for those barbecue or card playing days where you just chill out with friends and family or you could have your stool, a table and your laptop for a quiet working afternoon in the garden. You could also spruce up the ambience of your patio by placing a few of these stools.

How do bar stools work their characteristic magic the modern home?

Contemporary stools are the perfect addition to a modern home. They lend style, class and an arcane look to the area. Modern stools can add the finishing touch to almost any room and the possibilities of experimenting with them are as varied and endless as the varieties on offer at vital wares.

• In the home bar

  A bar is something that everybody would want in their modern home. It has become an essential part of a contemporary home. No matter what your budget or taste, there is an array of bars that fit well into a modern home. These stools form an integral part of the home bar.

• In the contemporary kitchen

  The modern kitchen is not just a place where you cook and wash dishes. Kitchen islands and breakfast nooks are increasingly becoming a part of the modern kitchen thereby propelling the popularity of bar stools. Consequently a growing number of people are looking to complete their kitchen setting with the addition of these stools.

• In the living room

  Since modern living spaces are getting smaller and smaller you can replace at least some of your bulky recliners and overstuffed sofas with the slender bar stool that is practical as well as comfortable. Even though they are not an outright replacement for couches or sofas, bar stools in matching colors and styles can jazz up your living room and also provide seating in case extra guests turn up.

How do I purchase the perfect bar stools?

There are a few factors you need to keep in mind when choosing these stools at vital wares.

• Take appropriate measurements

  Size is of vital importance in space planning and interior decoration. To prevent a crowded looking place and to avoid stools that are too high or too low for the counter, it is vital to take proper and accurate measurements. The practical way to go about taking measurements would be to first measure the height of the counter where you intend to put the bar stool. For a typical bar that would be about 42 inches high, a stool with a seat height of 24-26 inches would do just fine. Stools of the same height can go with a shorter kitchen table too. The space between the seat of the stool and the bottom of the counter should be 10-12 inches to provide comfortable seating or to swivel the seat. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the counter so you will know what height range to buy them by subtracting 10-12 inches from that number. There should also be sufficient space between the bar stools. The distance between the center points of two stools should be nothing less than 30 inches. Stools having armrests may need a wee bit more space.

• Material

  The material that a stool is made of is an indicator of the quality of the product. There is a wide variety to choose from. There are wooden stools that look traditional yet stylish. The natural materials that they are made of give the rooms a warm feel. But unless they are made of pressure treated wood, wooden stools can seldom be used outside because of the possibility of damage caused by the elements. Other materials that are used in the manufacture of bar stools are metal, wrought iron, brass and stainless steel. Aluminum stools are best for outdoor use since the metal does not rust, looks rugged and is light weight. These sturdy stools are ideal for outdoor use and the metallic frames give them a modern look that is quite alluring and will give any outdoor entertainment area a chic look. One of the key factors to keep in mind when choosing the material for a stool is its durability. You ought to get worth for your money. You also need to keep in mind the kind of maintenance the particular material would entail.

• Style and theme

  The bars stools you buy must invariably complement the theme and the general decor of the room. Like any other piece of furniture, it is crucial that you choose stools that will enhance the character of the room. Wooden stools are good for the classical theme, while metal and leather accentuate the modern look. The extremely popular saddle bar stool lends the rustic touch to a bar. Wrought iron bar stools promote the French bistro style look, while leather adds a touch of sophistication.

• Quality and comfort

  High quality invariably means low maintenance. You might be spending a few bucks more for superior quality furniture but in the long run, this move will benefit you as good furniture requires less maintenance and are not much likely to break down. However if you would still like to buy a cheap stool there are some factors to be taken into account. If it is in use only for a short span of time, the durability factor can be overlooked .A cheaper stool will have a relatively shorter life span. Nevertheless if you opt for a more expensive version, you can rest assured on the durability and worthiness of the product.

  The time you spend on a stool should determine the level of comfort that you would want. For example, if the stool in question is in the home office where you might spend a considerable amount of time sitting, then you should go for a cushioned model with a back or one with arm rests or maybe one with all the features

  Bar stools have made a successful transition from being just a bar accessory to being a piece of furniture that is remarkable in its adaptability and style. As far as these and their various uses are concerned you are limited only by your imagination. Come to vital wares and choose the stools that complement your aesthetic sensibilities.