Bar stools: types and detailed guide to choosing
Content:
Bar stools are furniture that has found application not only in cafes and bars. Now she is a welcome guest in many apartments and private houses. This design element can perform many functions: it complements a kitchen island or bar counter, divides the room into separate zones, is used as additional seating and simply decorates the interior. Bar stools are also indispensable in small apartments: with their help you can save several meters of space. But it’s not easy to navigate the huge assortment of furniture, which not so long ago was a wonder for people. Before you make such a pleasant and useful purchase, you should familiarize yourself with the types of bar stools and the features of their choice in terms of height, material and other parameters.
Bar stools: features and purpose
Bar stools are seating furniture, the distinctive features of which are compactness and increased height. According to the widespread version, they appeared in the 19th century in the USA.
During the time of the Wild West and the Gold Rush, there were many people in California who made good money in the mines and immediately spent their earnings in local bars. Since a considerable part of the visitors had a violent disposition, the cafe owners began to install high counters to protect bartenders from tipsy guests. The stands were also accompanied by chairs of the appropriate height, and over time, comfortable furniture that took up little space migrated to cafes and residential buildings.
Despite the huge range of bar stools, they can be divided into three types:
- Classic. This model, which is most reminiscent of traditional furniture from cafes and pubs, has a narrow seat, long legs and a height of 80 to 110 cm. As a rule, classic bar stools are complemented by a footrest and a backrest, which rather serves a decorative function. The lower part of the product with crossbars and legs is usually called a support.
- Half-bar. The product, which usually has a height of up to 70 cm, is especially comfortable for children and short people. Like their standard counterparts, half-bar stools are available with a low back and sometimes with armrests.
- Stool. Bar stools are distinguished by the absence of backs - they are a simple design without armrests, but with footrests. This model is ideal for use at cocktail parties, but it is of little use as dining furniture.
Although the design of bar stools may seem simple, in fact every detail has been thought out. Thanks to its features, a bar stool shifts the center of gravity of the person sitting: when a person sits down and puts his elbows on the bar counter, he, despite the decent height of the chair, feels as comfortable as possible. The strong frame of the legs ensures safe operation of the furniture. The seat can be soft or hard, swivel or fixed. The latter option, due to its stability, is recommended for children and the elderly. Chairs with height adjustment options are also available for sale - a universal modern solution that allows you to provide comfort to all family members.
Designer tips for choosing bar stools
Choosing bar stools is very interesting; this process can even be called creative. To choose them correctly, you will have to take into account a few general tips, as well as calculate the required height.
General recommendations
Before purchasing bar stools that will harmoniously fit into the overall design and create comfort, you need to:
- Decide on the number of pieces of furniture. Here the length of the bar counter plays a special role - 60 centimeters of tabletop space is required for one seated person. If you divide the length of the stand by 60 cm, you will get the proper number of places for landing.
- Assess the interior of the house - the furniture should fit into the surrounding environment.
- The color composition of the room is no less important. You need to look at what colors predominate in the design of the kitchen and decide what is better: choose chairs in matching shades or play with contrast.
- Spacious kitchens with two bar counters can be equipped with chairs of different shapes and sizes. However, their design style should be similar.
- Particular attention should be paid to the upholstery. The surface of the seat should be pleasant to the touch, non-slip, and easy to clean.
- One of the main requirements for a narrow and tall structure is stability. Therefore, you should carefully check the reliability of the support. The legs of a high-quality chair fit tightly to the floor and do not wobble, unless otherwise provided by the designers. By the way, not only classic models with straight long supports, but also bar stools with criss-cross legs have good stability indicators.
If the house is always full of guests, you will have to take care of them too: buy several spare chairs, preferably height-adjustable. And finally, another sign of a comfortable bar stool that many people underestimate is the presence of a footrest. Due to the increased height of such furniture, the feet of those sitting usually do not reach the floor, and in a hanging state they will quickly get tired.
Choosing the height of a bar stool
One of the most common mistakes made by bar stool buyers is choosing the wrong height. Professional designers use a simple technique, subtracting 30-35 cm from the height of the counter or table - according to the rules of ergonomics, this will be the optimal height. Thus, a 110 cm high stand will ideally complement an 80 cm chair. It is not recommended to increase the height unnecessarily, especially if a person likes to sit cross-legged.
Classification of bar stools
In the catalogs of furniture stores there are more than 50 types of bar stools and armchairs - a great opportunity to show imagination and good aesthetic taste. The main difference lies in the design features - the convenience, functionality, reliability and safety of the product depend on this criterion.
Design features of bar stools
The differences between different types of bar stools are in the following points:
- Support. In the classic version, the base of bar stools rests on four legs. This is the most practical option, superior to other models in terms of stability. They almost always have a backrest, and even without footrests, sitting is quite comfortable. Products with three legs (tripods) are somewhat less common - they are also convenient and safe, but for children it is still better to choose a classic model. You can also sometimes see bar stools with one or two legs or non-standard supports reminiscent of geometric shapes - usually they are made to order if you want to surprise guests with unusual furniture or are planning quiet short gatherings.
- Size and shape of seats. The size of a bar stool refers to its width, which starts from 35 cm. Such products are considered narrow and are suitable for people who spend a minimum of time at the counter. If the chairs are intended for a cozy pastime and leisurely conversations, it is better to choose models with a width of 40 cm or more with a soft surface. As for the shape of the seats, it can be concave, round, square with rounded corners, or ergonomic, reproducing the contours of the human body.
- Kickstand. This useful part of a bar stool gives the structure stability, protects the legs from swelling, and allows you to take the most comfortable position when sitting. In some models, the footrest can be adjusted - a useful option if there are children in the family.
- Back and armrests. Although the back is not considered an integral attribute of a bar stool, most buyers prefer these models, because you can sit comfortably on a chair with a back for a long time. The choice of backrest is purely a matter of taste. It can be semicircular or straight, high or low (lumbar), hard or soft, or combined. The same goes for armrests, which can be wide or purely symbolic. During the selection process, the purpose of the bar stool is taken into account. For example, a low back provides some support for the spine, but it is not enough for a long meal or working at a computer.
If bar furniture is needed only from time to time or you need to save space, folding bar stools will come to the rescue. When folded, they can be stored anywhere: under the bed, on the balcony, in the pantry, on the mezzanine. The design of folding chairs may include footrests, armrests, removable covers, and soft pillows. The “gas lift” mechanism, which allows you to adjust the height, will also not be superfluous. Like regular bar stools, folding models are often equipped with backs: this furniture looks much more solid than stools.
Bar stool materials
In the production of the frame of high-quality bar stools, as a rule, the following materials are used:
- Tree. Natural wood has a pleasant natural shade, durability, and the ability to “be friendly” with any interior. Even chairs made from inexpensive wood look noble and elegant: natural patterns are in no way inferior to expensive designer decor. If the products will experience increased loads, you should pay attention to models made of oak or hornbeam. Beautiful products are also made from other types of wood: maple, beech, ash, pine. The last option is considered the most budget-friendly in this furniture segment. The only negative: wooden chairs usually do not have a swivel mechanism or a height adjustment function.
- Plywood. Furniture material such as plywood also has its advantages. Products made from glued wood sheets are cheaper than natural wood, but look almost as presentable.
Velour bar stool light gray/chrome - Metal and stainless steel. In cafes and other high-traffic areas, it is no coincidence that chairs with metal supports are used - this is the most wear-resistant option. Most metal frames are equipped with mechanisms for lowering and raising seats. A good solution would be to buy stainless steel chairs: they will complement a modern interior and enliven a room with a classic setting.
Polyester, velor, and artificial leather are used as upholstery for bar stools. Eco-leather surfaces are the easiest to keep clean: it is enough to regularly remove dust and dirt with a well-wrung out cloth. Tactilely pleasant velor with a noble pattern is mainly used in the production of premium products, and polyester upholstery is distinguished by its resistance to fading, durability, good water-repellent properties and an affordable price.
Color shades of bar stools
A significant part of bar stool models are available in mixed colors (for example, dark frame + bright or light seat upholstery). However, it is better to start from the shade of the seats, because human vision focuses on larger objects. The color palette depends on the preferences of the buyer, but even if you want to play with contrast, it should be in harmony with the general background of the room.
The decor, decorated in neutral colors, can be diluted by installing bar stools with turquoise upholstery on the seat and back. The combination of a gold frame and white upholstery is an ideal solution for sophisticated interiors; such furniture will decorate both the dining room and the living room. But for the kitchen, non-staining tones are preferred: black, gray, dark blue, dark brown. A rather bold but stylish option is a combination of several chairs of the same models, but in different colors - this life hack is especially recommended for modern interior styles.
The Garda Decor online store offers customers designerbar stools of various sizes, shapes and modifications. Chromed steel, calm beige combined with matte gold, noble brown and pearl shades - the catalog presents models that can satisfy the most sophisticated taste. Comfortable and beautiful chairs from Garda Decor are suitable for family breakfasts and for organizing a fashionable party, and store consultants will help you make the best choice.
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