Bar Stools

Going out and enjoying a drink with friends after a hard days work is something that most of us look forward to. With hectic work schedules and little time for simple pleasures like that, a lot of people are creating environments at home that are reminiscent of their favorite hangouts like pubs, bars and cafes. And the first thing they bring in are the bar stools. Even on their own, without any other complementary furniture or decor elements, barstools impart a relaxed welcoming feel to a room, encouraging people to unwind and chill out. Most people prefer swivel bar stools to the stationary ones as they offer better comfort and the flexibility to move and change positions without having to get off the stool.

The evolution of barstools

Barstools have been around since the 1600's. Back then, the designs were very basic, simple wooded structures with higher legs than a standard chair to reach high bar counters in pubs and saloons. Most of these stools unlike their modern counterparts were backless and came with no cushioning. This was the common design till the 1950's when bar stools saw a major transformation. Chrome being a popular material in those times found its way in the construction of bar stools. Chrome bar stools with colorful padded cushions and a seat that could rotate a full 360 degrees around its legs became a rage. After that there was no looking back. The last 60 years have seen rapid progress in bar stool design with newer and more innovative materials, styles and designs being launched every season. These include barstools with back rests, arm rests, foot rests and a lot more. For some people the retro 1950 stools are still a hot favorite.

Why are swivel bar stools so popular?

• Swivel bar stools or any other kind of barstools for that matter are extremely versatile. Contrary to their name, they are not just meant for the bar. They can be used to add style and additional seating to your kitchen breakfast counter, game room or entertainment area as well. They can also be carried outdoors.

• You can spice up a space in an instant by adding a couple of swivel bar stools.

• These work very well in themed spaces. You can use a simple swivel bar stool to get a truly authentic feel in your game room.

• There is a swivel bar stool available to fit into every kind of decor, whether it is traditional, rustic or contemporary or any other.

• They bring in an atmosphere of warmth and informality.

• Swivel Bar stools are a light, portable modern furniture option which is ideal for entertaining guests in a small space

• They can also be used when cooking and baking in the kitchen where continuous standing can become very exhausting.

• Swivel barstools are ideal for the entertainment room cum bar where people love to have a drink while watching their favorite team battle it out. It is easy to keep an eye on the score and chat up with friends sitting at the bar the same time thanks to the stools easy swivel action!

• Most come with adjustable height option which makes sure that comfort is guaranteed for people of all heights.

• In homes with open floor plans, bar stools help to create a seamless flow through all these rooms. Coordinating stools for different areas like the kitchen counter and the entertainment areas for instance can provide kitchen counter area, and then placing the same stools in your entertainment area you can provide a cohesive environment in the house.

• In smaller homes or apartments, bar stools that can be folded are a great piece of furniture to have around. They make great seating when needed and can be easily folded and stored in a cupboard when not in use.

What to look for when buying a swivel bar stool

However stunning a swivel bar stool may look, don't buy the first gorgeous one you see. When selecting bar stools for your home or business make sure that what you select offers fashion and comfort in equal measure. There are some other important factors to consider before you make your purchase:

• Height - Height is the most important factor consideration when you make your selection. The bar stool height should be chosen by thinking of the people that will be using it and also the height of the counter where it is going to be used. Measure your table or counter from the floor to the table's top. An ideal bar stool should provide between 10 to 12 inches difference between the seat of the stool and the tabletop. For instance, a 36" high barstool would be perfect for a 46-48" tabletop

• Construction - The most important thing to look for when you buy swivel bar stools especially with backs is legs that taper away from each other. Many people have a tendency to lean on stools with back rests, which can make it tip over quite easily. If the stool has a pyramid shape, then the chances of their staying upright are higher. This is especially important for extra tall stools as they are more likely to tip over because of their height.

• Arm rests or not? Bar stools with arms cannot be pushed under the counter when not in use. They thus use more floor space so if you opt for the arm rest variety, be prepared that it will not be a space optimizer. Stools with arm rests may not be a good option for heavier people. Average, standard sized people on the other hand can enjoy enhanced comfort with arm rests. Decide how much of importance you want to give to space spacing and also the size of people most likely to use the stools on a regular basis. Then decide whether you want to go with arm rests or not.

• Back rests or not Back rests in barstools have their pros and cons. The ones without back rests can be conveniently stowed away when not in use. However when people have to sit on barstools for longer periods of time, back support becomes very essential for comfort. You need to figure out whether you give space optimization preference over comfort or the other way around.

• Floor friendly If you have wooden floors, choose bar stools that have rubber feet or blunt edges to prevent marks on the floor. If your floor is carpeted, make sure the bar stool is sturdy and wont easily topple over.

• Decor compliant - Bar stools should fit in with the decor of your home. Solid wood stools will look completely out of place in a contemporary setting. Likewise stainless steel barstools will not fit into traditional decor. There are countless options available and you will easily be able to find the kind of barstools that fit into your home's decor quite easily

  Everyone has their own individual preferences but according to many experts, the best possible option is an adjustable swivel stool with footrest, preferably without the back and arm rests and some very good padding. You can find several such options on our site.

Choose from our expansive range of swivel bar stools

We bring you a stylish range of swivel bar stools from Modern Furniture, the makers of high end fashionable furniture for modern interiors. In our range of swivel bar stools, there are several different option to choose from, some with back rests and some without, some adjustable and others not. All our swivel bar stools are crafted out of modern metals and are a perfect blend of form and function. In addition to the swivel bar stools, there are several other varieties of bar stools that you can choose for your home or business. In fact we have over 130 different kinds of bar stools, swivel and regular in store right now.

Swivel Bar stool maintenance is critical too

Protect from sunlight

In case your bar stools are used outdoors, make sure they are kept covered when not in use. This will prevent any fading of the cushion material and damage to the metal or wood due to prolonged exposure to the sun.

Keep it dry

Too much water too is not good for barstools in the long run. During the rainy season or winter, store them inside in a dry place. Even when you water your garden or plants, ensure that the barstool remain dry as much as possible.

Clean stains and spills right away

Never allow stains or liquids to dry on your barstools. Wipe immediately with a soft damp cloth. If you allow stains to stay on for a longer time, they may become permanent.

Dust on regular basis

Keep your barstools dust free by cleaning them regularly. The legs, back, arms, seat all need to be dusted. Pay special attention to the crevices which attract dust and are rather difficult to clean.

Swivel bar stools are the fun and easy way to add zing to your home. Use them in the kitchen, with your living room bar or in your entertainment room or even outdoors- they are a perfect fit everywhere.