The bar stool is 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 the bar stool become an integral part of home and office decor too.

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.

The origin of the bar stool although not shrouded in mystery, remains blurred. Though there is not known to be an actual inventor of the bar stool, there remains the possibility that the bar stool evolved from the simple wooden chairs that were used in the past. These chairs were plain wooden three legged models and were used to provide a person with a place to sit.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.

It was in the 1950's and 60's that the popularity of the bar 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.

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 décor is required.

People have busy lives. More and more families chose to stay home when they can for the purpose of spending some quality time together. This time spent together need not be a boring rigmarole. You can create ideas for entertaining at home and bar stools play a vital part in it.

Cold and bitter weather also accounts for the popularity of the bar stool. When it gets really cold, it inspires more of indoor activity, more home based parties and more restaurant visits. The bar stool becomes natural and enjoyable piece of furniture in such scenarios. Apart from being logical and practical solution to saving space, the once humble barstool has metamorphosed into an elegant piece of furniture that is both stylish and chic. From the hazy confines of a bar to our kitchens, living rooms and even bedrooms, the journey of the bar stool is a truly remarkable one.