Bar Stools

What is a bar stool?

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

History of the bar stool

It was in the 1920's that the use of bars and bar stools came about. In England and Europe in general, the slender bar 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 stools 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 your preferred drink.

Evolving styles

It was in the 1950's and 60's that the popularity of the Counter 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 bar 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 you to catch the 'action' in any part of the room. People just liked bar stools and bar business owners cashed in on the popularity by installing numerous bar stools. 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.

Types of bar stools

Bar stools come in a range of shapes, colors, styles and materials.

There are swivel barstools, breakfast barstools, wooden barstools, wrought Iron barstools, compact and foldable bar stools, saddle type bar stools, leather barstools etc.

• Features of bar stools: Bar 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 the entire bar stools in a single area have uniform features.

• Popularity of bar stools: The reason for their popularity is that bar stools are downright practical. They take up very limited space, come in various shapes and styles and create that much touted focal point for conversations. Another factor attributed to the growing popularity of bar stools is that living spaces are getting smaller and smaller. And that makes the bar stool a better alternative than a four legged chair. They occupy less space and are also extremely versatile. Their light weight nature makes them ideal to be carried around in case a change in the d�cor is required.

• Flexibility of bar stools: The barstool has come a long way since the days when it was used only in bars, pubs and restaurants. The versatility of the barstool is unmatched. It can be used to suit various purposes and can blend into almost any setting.

• Barstool in a bar: The obvious place for a barstool is in a bar. Barstools 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.

• Breakfast Barstools: A good breakfast barstool 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 bar 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.

• Bar stools for outdoor use: 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 bar stools.

Bar stools in the modern home

Modern bar stools are the perfect addition to a modern home. They lend style, class and an arcane look to an area. Modern bar stools can add the finishing touch to almost any room and the possibilities of experimenting with them are varied and endless.

• Bar stools for 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.

• Counter stool for 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. Consequently a growing number of people are looking to complete their kitchen setting with the addition of bar stools.

• Bar stool for the living room: Since Modern living spaces are getting smaller and smaller you can replace at least some of your bulky recliners and over stuffed sofas with the slender bar stool that are 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.

Guide to buying a bar stool

There are a few factors you need to keep in mind when choosing a bar stool.

• Bar stool 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 bar stool with a seat height of 24-26 inches would do just fine. Bar 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. Bar stools having armrests may need a wee bit more space.

• Material of the bar stool: The material that a bar stool is made of is an indicator of the quality of the product. There is a wide variety to choose from. There are wooden bar 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 are 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 bar 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 d�cor of the room. Like any other piece of furniture, it is crucial that you choose bar stools that will enhance the character of the room. Wooden bar 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 detiorate. However if you would still like to buy a cheap bar 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 bar stool will have a relatively shorter life span. Nevertheless if you opt for a more expensive version of a bar stool, you can rest assured on the durability and worthiness of the product.

The time you spend on a bar stool should determine the level of comfort that you would want. For example, if the bar 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 bar stool or a stool 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 barstools and their various uses are concerned you are limited only by your imagination. The bar stool has left the realm of the bar and succeeded in storming into our offices and homes,