| 1. BAR STOOL HEIGHT--The main consideration is | | | | stationary seating, for those who prefer no |
| the height of the table or counter from the floor | | | | movement. |
| to the surface. The general rule is to allow 10" to | | | | 5. UPHOLSTERED OR |
| 13" between the bar stool seat and the bottom | | | | NON-UPHOLSTERED--Consider comfort, |
| of the table or counter. For example, a table or | | | | appearance and care. Upholstered models offer |
| counter that is 42" high may work best with | | | | padded seating as well as a creative outlet for |
| standard size 30" bar stools. Be sure to consider | | | | introducing fabric color, texture or pattern to a |
| any other obstacles such as a counter overhang | | | | room. Non-upholstered models have a classic look |
| which could affect leg room. | | | | and do not need cleaning or to be reupholstered |
| 2. STYLE--Decorating style defines the character | | | | should they become worn or soiled. |
| of a room, whether it is Retro, Modern or | | | | 6. MATERIAL/CONSTRUCTION--The bar stool is |
| Traditional. Retro bar stools are the sundae | | | | an increasingly popular and practical piece of |
| topping for vintage and '50s style interiors. Modern | | | | furniture that is branching out into many material |
| stools enhance the unique patterns and | | | | combinations, including wood, metal, chrome and |
| construction of contemporary furnishings. | | | | even fiberglass. Purely a preferential decision, |
| Traditional stools blend with many furnishing styles. | | | | select the construction based on furniture with |
| Of course, rules go out the window for the | | | | which it will be blended. For example, consider the |
| eclectic home which is created with multiple | | | | look of continuing a type of wood or color stain |
| themes, shapes or colors. | | | | already present in the room or introducing a |
| 3. BACK OR BACKLESS and WITH OR | | | | different material such as metal, to add variety. |
| WITHOUT ARMRESTS--One choice is not better | | | | 7. GEOMETRIC AESTHETICS--Choose bar stools |
| than the other, but back and backless stools are | | | | with curvy designs or squared traditional lines |
| totally different in terms of form and function. | | | | based on existing furniture pieces and architectural |
| Backless bar stools take up less space, are less | | | | elements in the room. Perhaps continuing a |
| visually intrusive and tuck neatly under counters. | | | | squared or linear style with other boxy, |
| Bar stools with backs offer the comfort of back | | | | rectangular furniture would be visually appealing. |
| support and the beauty created by their back | | | | Maybe breaking up a room full of horizontal and |
| shapes. Similarly, armrests offer an optional | | | | vertical lines with some rounded bar stool |
| comfort feature. Assess if space allows armrests | | | | features, like a curved back or a round seat |
| to fit under the counter or if space allows | | | | would add interest to the living space. |
| placement of bar stools with armrests just | | | | Fold away your handy check list and shop for the |
| touching the counter. | | | | barstools of your dreams. Then, when you think |
| 4. SWIVEL OR NON-SWIVEL--This decision should | | | | you have found the perfect bar stools for your |
| be based on movement preference. Swivel bar | | | | home, just check to make sure you are buying |
| stools allow the occupant to turn easily to exit the | | | | furniture that is functional for your house and |
| table or counter space. Swivels provide easy | | | | makes you look forward to going home every |
| turning movement for visiting with other people. | | | | day. |
| On the other hand, non-swivel bar stools provide | | | | |