Barstools2U

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Welcome to the Barstools2U.com Buying Guide, your how-to guide for selecting and buying just the right bar stool for your preference and needs. We cover an array of topics so whether you're just starting out in your search, or you've been around the browsing block a few times, we'll help guide you in the right direction. Each installment will feature a different aspect of the bar stool buying journey, from general tips & pointers to styles & trends.

Barstools Buying Guide Part 3

Contemporary Barstools

Leather & Chrome Adjustable 360 Swivel BarstoolContemporary furniture is becoming more popular in the world of furniture and interior decorating. This elegant and understated décor is at a premium, so furniture designers and manufacturers are supplying products designed to meet the demands of the consumers. Contemporary design is sleek and stylish with clean lines and understated, sophisticated elegance. As popularity is rising, contemporary furniture, such as contemporary dining sets and contemporary barstools, is becoming one of the quintessential parts of any modern home. Contemporary furniture is perfect with minimalist décor and areas with modern art and other modern touches. Contemporary interior decoration is modern, ultra-sleek, and ideal for those who prefer simple elegance - such as young people, artists, and art or fashion lovers - over the more traditional or rustic home décor look.

Contemporary Furniture

Contemporary tables and dining sets are excellent furniture choices for your modern living room or dining area. Contemporary design also provides an optimal way to maximize roominess in a smaller space, since much of contemporary furniture is sleek and understated, rather than large and dominating. Popular material combinations for contemporary furniture are metal, such as chrome or brushed steel, with glass or plastic/acrylic. This simple yet elegant style fits perfectly in a neutral or metallic room, as well as in a more eclectic room with splashes of color and modern accents. For seating, contemporary chairs are popular in metal and leather combinations, but one of the most popular seating choices for an ultra-modern and elegant look is contemporary barstools.

Contemporary Barstools

Contemporary barstools are a great choice for seating in an area with a modern look and feel, whether it's in a kitchen, a dining area, or a bar/entertainment area. There are a wide array of models available to suit many styles preferences, and also many features such as memory (180º) or endless (360º) swivel, with/without arm rests, with/without back rests, and with/without foot rests. Several different heights are available to suit a range of table heights and other surface heights, as well as adjustable height barstools for high-traffic areas and added versatility. Popular materials for contemporary barstools are modern and sleek - metals such as chrome, aluminum, brushed steel, and various alloys, as well as synthetics such as acrylic, plastic, and fiberglass. Visually, contemporary barstools can vary depending on the designer's idea of "contemporary." There are many that are more conventionally designed, but others are more unique and double as a conversation piece! Overall, when browsing around for the perfect barstool to fit with a specific décor, it all depends on the buyer's preference for style, material, and height that will determine which type of contemporary barstool is right for their home.

Barstools Buying Guide Part 2

Swivel Barstools

Swivel barstools are a high-demand seating option in today's furniture market. Swivel barstools came about primarily in pubs and diners across the nation, and thus became an iconic part of the "retro" image of the America of yesteryear. Nowadays, they're not just found in commercial establishments, but also perfect for home kitchens and bars. Swivel barstools are not only a very practical solution for busy and fast-paced environments, but they are also a fun and stylish seat anyone can enjoy.

Practicality

Swivel barstools are rising in popularity for home use since they are highly versatile and convenient as well. They are a great choice for a wide array of homes and styles, especially in areas where a lot of people pass through the kitchen and other seating areas, or for areas with TVs and entertainment systems. Swivel barstools make it simple to keep up with everything going on since you can easily twist and turn without strain on your neck and back. With easy movement and quick access and exit, it's clear to see why swivel barstools are so popular.

Types

Swivel barstools generally have two main movement options to choose from. The first option is a swivel barstool that swivels 360 degrees, which is the standard option in both commercial and home settings. The other option is memory swivel barstools, which swivels 180 degrees in either direction, or returns back to its fixed center position once empty. The standard "endless" swivel barstools are the more classic choice, while memory swivel barstools are effortless to keep neatly aligned and in order. Both variations of swivel barstools come in a wide variety of styles, materials, and models depending on your personal needs and style preferences.

Materials

Wood and metal are some of the most common materials for swivel barstools. Of the wood types, oak and cherry are among the top purchased varieties since they can easily suit any style from traditional to rustic to contemporary. Wrought iron is one of the most favored options for metal since it is very sturdy and also elegant, and can have a contemporary look or a more old-fashioned look. In addition to wood and metal, swivel barstools are available in leather, leather & wood, leather & metal, metal & wood, acrylic, micro fiber, and wicker/weave. When choosing a material that is right for you, be sure to factor in where your swivel barstool will be going -- not only what style of room but how and where it will be used and how it will need to function.

Features

Swivel barstools come with a variety of features you can pick depending on your preferences. One very popular feature is a swivel barstool with a backrest, which can provide optimum comfort, no matter what the setting. When considering this option, it is important to note that memory swivel may be ideal in this case, so that your barstools will always look well-kept -- without having to constantly straighten them out and line them up. Another common feature is a swivel barstool with armrests (typically, armrests are on a barstool that also has a backrest), which adds even more comfort and extra support. For swivel barstools with arms, keep in mind that these will require more space at the bar, so be sure to measure & plan accordingly. One feature that is widely popular because of its added versatility is adjustable height swivel barstools. This is an excellent choice for seating areas used by many people of varying heights or with different height preferences.

Regardless of your style preferences, the most essential things to always remember are comfort, style, durability, and affordability. If these key points are present, the rest is easy! For a great selection of swivel barstools and other barstools, visit us at Barstools2U.com.

Barstools Buying Guide Part 1

How to Select the Right Height

There are a many different bar stool heights available, which can make it difficult to decide which is the right height for your needs. Choosing between a fixed-height bar stool and an adjustable bar stool will be determined by your space and the people sitting in it most. When setting out to purchase bar stools, it is important to have all the considerations in mind.
Your first step is measuring the height of your bar or counter, which will help you determine which height category you should search in when browsing. The space between the bar stool and the counter or bar is your thigh and leg room, so it is essential to allow for plenty of room. As general rule, you should intend for 8-12" of legroom between the bar stool seat and the counter or bar surface. As an important reminder, bar stool height measurements are taken from the floor to the top of the bar stool seat, not to the top of the seat back (on models with backs).

Fixed-Height Bar Stools

Fixed-height, or non-adjustable, bar stools typically come in three height categories: counter height, 24-29" tall for spaces 34-40" tall; bar height, 30-36" tall for spaces 40-46" tall; and extra tall bar stools, 34-36" tall for spaces 44-46" tall. Another option available is table height bar stools, which provide the "look and feel" of a standard bar stool, but optimized for table seating with stools measuring 18-24" tall.

Adjustable Bar Stools

Adjustable bar stools are an excellent option for more versatility. Adjustable bar stools are optimized for high-traffic spaces used by many people - tall people, short people, kids, teens, adults. Each person can easily adjust the bar stool to just the right height for them. Adjustable bar stools are simple to operate; an easy-to-find lever controls a hydraulic chamber, allowing the post of the bar stool to raise or lower as needed.

Shopping for Bar Stools

When searching for bar stools, another key measurement to have in mind along with the height is how much space you need to plan for in between each bar stool. This measurement will determine how many bar stools you need to purchase for your space. The general guideline suggests 26-30" of space - measured from the center of each bar stool - so that people sitting can have adequate space to move around and socialize. At the end of the bar, 8-14" - from the edge of the counter or bar to the center of the bar stool seat - is typically a good amount of space to plan for.

Following these recommendations, your space will be perfectly set up and ready to party! Regardless of what your bar stool choices may be, we know that style, affordability, and comfort are all keys to appreciating your bar stools for many years to come. Contact us at (888) 257-8844 and we can help you find just the right kind of bar stools for your space and needs.

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  • barstoolsguy May 4, 2012 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    Great lens on buying bar stools!

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