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Bar stools come in many various shapes and forms, from the contemporary, cutting edge designs to the retro inspired 70’s throwbacks and the traditional four legged wooden stools.

The majority of stools on the market are chrome plated gas lift stools, which usually have a conical round base for stability and a hydraulic mechanism for variable height and 360 degree swivel. However, there are variations to even this archetypal arrangement that caters for differing needs. The conical round base is sometimes replaced by a flat round base, or even a square base as an added design feature. These are heavier and are usually found on larger stools, lowering the centre of gravity in order to keep the whole stool stable and sturdy.

The chrome plated finish on the stool metalwork is also only one of several frame finishes that can be had. Brushed steel is growing in popularity as more modern kitchen appliances and fittings are becoming available in this finish. Brushed stools have a more up to date look and feel, with a sublime hand worked pattern.

However, if you are set on a reflective finish but do not want a bright frame, gunmetal, otherwise known as black chrome, provides an excellent alternative. This has the same durable electroplated surface as regular chrome but in a much darker colour.

The seat is the main part of any bar stool and holds the most visual impact, so it often dictates the way the whole stool looks, and how well it sits in its surroundings. Because of this, the material used is of paramount importance.

Faux leather is the most common material used on bar stools. This is because it is a very durable material with a leather-like grain but is inexpensive when compared to real leather. It is still as soft and luxurious to the touch as leather, but is available in a much larger range of colours and can withstand spillages and stains much better.

Faux leather is used for the traditional look, and for padded seats where it covers high density foam cushions that provide you with support and comfort. This contrasts with resin, which is the material of choice for the new age bar stool. ABS resin is a high impact, injection moulded polymer that is very durable and comes in an almost inexhaustible range of colours, with gloss, matt and even metallic finishes. It is used for the shells on egg chairs and similarly styled items, so has a retro flair that really stands out from the crowd.

Acrylic Perspex is another of the modern materials and is used for translucent seats. It is available in clear, which makes it appear as if the seat occupant is floating, or comes in a series of vibrant colours. Translucent acrylic is a superb choice for smaller areas as it can be seen through, leaving the look light and airy. Also, if light is shone through coloured acrylic, the surrounding area is bathed in a glow of colour, adding to the visual impact and overall funkiness of the design, ideal for any modern home.