Selecting the Correct Barstool

Decorating can be a complicated procedure for many people and selecting the correct barstool to use can be a daunting task.  The process does not have to be difficult with a little advanced planning.  Knowledge and information can make the selection process very easy and turn it into a fun process. Typically barstools are used to add extra seating but they can also add a lot of visual interest to a room.  Barstools are used in both homes and business environments and become extremely usable to allow a surface area to have multiple uses.  For example, a counter area in a home can make a wonderful work surface for preparing meals and double as a seating area when needed.  Stools are very convenient and can maximize space nicely.  In an office environment a work area can be used for paperwork and have barstools neatly tucked away to be pulled out as needed for a quick consultation or meeting.    The selection process for choosing a barstool needs to focus on height, style and overall visual appeal for the space it is to be used in.  Once these things are decided the decorating process can unfold.

Barstools typically come in many styles and widths but only in 3 standard heights. These three heights work in most situations that require the use of a barstool. The smallest height is 18 inches and is often simply referred to as a stool.  Since a standard dining table is typically 29 inches tall this size stool works very well. Since dining chairs are the more common choice for a kitchen or dining table the lower barstool is often used as extra seating for holidays or special occasions.  This type stool is small in size and can be stored easily and conveniently pulled out as needed.  The smaller height barstool is also the perfect size for a vanity area in a bathroom.  Rarely does this stool have a back as it is typically better looking as an armless stool because of the shorter height.  However, when use in a vanity area it can be ordered with a low back and arms for comfort.

In a business environment the shorter barstool can be used for counters and enable the area to be used for catalogs, reference or other business functions.  For example, a long counter can seat many people with barstools as the seating option and yet serve as a functional counter most of the time.  This concept is often used in a library or work room when seating is not the desired primary use of the space.  Imagine a work environment where parts and materials are sorted on a long counter as a good use for a shorter stool.  Sitting comfortably to work can be an asset part of the time and then when the process is complete the stool can be placed under the counter.  The space can then convert back into counter space and the stools out of sight until they are needed for the next project.

The next two barstools are the most confusing to most people because counter height is hard to gauge from a casual glance and the stools are just a few inches apart in size.  There are counter height stools that measure around 25 to 26 inches tall and bar height stools that measure 30 to 31 inches in height.  When shopping, one good way to remember the height is to think of counter height as the size of a typical counter that food preparation work is done on.  Then, visualize bar height as the size bar that is typically in a restaurant or tavern that you raise your arms to lean on when placing a drink order.  Although this sounds very simplistic, the concept works as an aid to most people.  When shopping and the height issue needs to be determined, most people can quickly remember if they reached down or up to the bar surface.  This quick determination enables them to know which height of barstool to purchase.

Once the height issue has been determined, consideration needs to be given to the decor of the room and the space available for the barstool.  If the space is smaller, an armless barstool is a good choice as it can tuck under the counter surface and does not take as much of the limited space in the room.  It is also important to consider the width of the barstools being considered as well.  A person typically needs a minimum of 24 inches of space to use the barstool comfortably.  Always remember that it takes room to pull the stool out and get on and off. Even an armless stool comes in various diameters and sizes.  A good rule of thumb is to look at the stool and see how visually commanding it is.  If the stool seems large it will take more space than one that is small, subtle and discreet.  However, if the space the barstool is to be in is large and open, a big barstool is sometimes the perfect choice.  A big room with a large stool that has a tall back and arms can be very pleasing to the decorating scheme.  The quickest rule here is to think of a small stool in a small space and a larger stool in a larger space.

Another important feature to consider when selecting a barstool how much movement is desired in the stool itself.  Many barstools come with or without a swivel option.  The swivel mechanism makes it much easier to get on and off the seat, but they can be a negative factor with small children or elderly people.  The swivel option can be a space saver because the chair can be turned to be seated as opposed to pulling it in and out.  All chairs do not have this option, but many do, so it is a good idea to know in advance if this is an appealing and desirable feature before shopping.

Style choices are quite abundant in barstools.  There are wooden stools, metal stools, and even acrylic stools available for sale.  Selecting the correct style is simply a matter of personal preference and matching the stool to the decor of the room.  A large room that is tastefully done in a modern theme can handle a brightly colored acrylic stool.  For example, a loft area with a lot of wood on the floors and ceiling could look very good with a bright red barstool.  However, the same chair in a smaller traditional kitchen would look awkward and out of place.

The general theme of the home determines the style of the barstool.  There are beautiful wooden barstools that can be custom stained to match the cabinets in a room or painted to contrast with the wood in the room.  Choices have to be made based on having the home flow nicely from room to room.

Wooden barstools are a popular choice because they are warm and inviting and come in so many stain or paint choices.  They are available armless, with or without a back and with or without a swivel. Most imported barstools come with the stain already applied but there are still a few USA manufacturers that will do custom work.  For example, Tom Seely is an Amish made company in Pennsylvania that will customize the stain to match your woodwork.  However, most wood stains will blend nicely to most cabinets on the market.  Painted finishes work nicely to accent a barstool and make it stand out.  Black has been a popular choice for many years and remains a strong seller in painted finishes.  Painted finishes can blend with traditional, contemporary or even country kitchen decor.  Distressing is also a good accent to use with a painted finish as it enables comfortable use to take place without concern about nicks and scratches.  The distressing keeps little accidents from making the chairs look old and worn.

Metal barstools are very attractive and come in a wide range of choices.  A baked on metal finish is more desirable than a painted finish as it will be more long lasting and durable.  Finishes can be obtained in many colors and are not limited to neutrals.  However, basic grey, black and bronze are very popular options in metal stools as they tend to blend with other metals used in a room.

Barstools also come with upholstered seats and even upholstered backs in many situations, so giving thought to what fabrics to use is a good idea as well. Since most barstools are used for eating or in work environments most people select a durable fabric to prevent stains.  Food stains can easily be wiped off leather or vinyl so they are excellent choices for barstools.  However, there are many exotic fabrics available as well such as velvet, damask and silk.  While these choices are not the most common they are there for the person that wants to make a strong visual statement with their selection of fabric.  The good news is, most barstools have a bolt on seat that can easily be reupholstered as the fabric wears so it not that expensive to have a little fun with the fabric selection.

Anyone can comfortably shop for a barstool that will fit their needs after determining the correct height needed and what style preference they want.  Shopping can be done on the internet or in person at a furniture store.  Of course, comfort can only be determined by trying out the actual barstool so many people prefer to go to a furniture store and sit on a few before making their final selection.