Need a little guidance in the best furniture for your needs? Our handy articles will talk you through everything from the different frame finishes available, to bar stool maintenance. Offering expert advice and a little inspiration too, they’re sure to help you on your way.
Inspiration and Advice
Hobby Craft Stools
There are a myriad of arts and crafts activities out there, for which seating is vital. From painting to pottery to model-making, the majority of creative pastimes often involve sitting for extended periods of time. Being a hobby undertaken for enjoyment purposes, the last thing you want is a bad back. Providing quality comfort as well as first-class functionality, stools make the ideal accompaniment to a wide range of artistic pursuits. Yet different hobbies require stools with different attributes, which we will explore below. Practical in Design A key reason why stools are often better suited to craft activities than chairs is due to the addition of a gas lift mechanism in the central column, enabling adjustable height. Different hobbies require different seat heights, and hence this mechanism allows multiple working positions depending on the elevation required. For example if painting a large canvas propped on an easel, you can lower the stool to work on the bottom half of the canvas, and then raise it to reach the top half. Whether you work in a studio, workshop or even the garden shed, desks and workbenches come at various heights. Stools with adjustable height can be adapted in accordance with the surface you’re working at, preventing you from having to stoop, slouch or stretch, which will help minimise back pain. Their first class functionality gives you optimum flexibility, so even if you change workbenches at any point, your stool can be tailored to fit. Designs like the Deluxe High Back are ideal, ranging from kitchen worktop down to dinner table height. Another handy feature that makes stools ideally suited to a wide range of hobbies is the ability to swivel. Allowing easy accessibility, you can rotate and reach your tools and materials - from paint brushes to superglue - with ease. Or for optimum mobility, you may wish to select a design with a five-spoke nylon caster base. Stools that have wheels are great if you’re working at multiple desks or equipment that is spread around the room, allowing you to glide effortlessly across your workspace. However it’s worth noting that whilst these are great on hard flooring, they’re not quite as fluid on carpet. Models fashioned from durable, low maintenance materials are also a wise choice. Easy clean surfaces like ABS plastic and faux leather are ideal, as spillages can simply be wiped off, the Serena is a great example of this. Optimising Your Comfort As creative hobbies like knitting or card-making require extended periods of sitting, it’s vital that the stool is comfortable. Quality cushioning in the form of high-density foam padding - as modelled by the Grid - is immensely popular, as a comfortable seat will mean you can craft for longer stretches of time. Whether you require a model with a backrest or one without will largely depend on the nature of the hobby. If leaning forward over an easel or desk, then a backrest would not get much usage. Similarly, it could prove restrictive for an activity like carpentry where you may need to move around your creation. For more mobile pastimes, backless bar stools like Oslo are recommended. Yet many value the support and enhanced comfort stools with backrests provide, plush designs like the Lush enticing you to sit for longer stretches. A footrest is another practical feature for working at elevated height. Expertly positioned as a supportive perch for the feet, it will help keep you comfortable whilst crafting. Here at Atlantic we have a team of highly skilled creatives of various disciplines, and therefore we understand the need to find the correct seating to facilitate a range of artistic pursuits. Why not use the button below to browse our impressive collection of bar stools to find the right design for you and your craft.
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Bentwood Dining Chairs
Full of history, bentwood dining chairs can be trusted to make a memorable impression in any environment. Crafted using methods dating back to the 19th century, these classic designs marry the demure with the decadent, and as a result continue to draw in customers and commercial interest alike. Yet whilst prized for their classic look, they’ve evolved over time using modern manufacturing methods - along with pairings with other contemporary materials - to produce a stunning collection of innovative designs. Marcel Chair How Did It Originate? When you think of bentwood dining chairs, you’ll no doubt picture the archetypal bistro model found in continental cafés and delicatessens. The iconic shape was pioneered by the illustrious Michael Thonet, achieved through a meticulous process that unearthed the malleable side of wood through a process of steam-heating, wetting and moulding by hand. Beech was typically used due to its close grain, enabling it to bend more easily to produce a stunning range of chairs with graceful curves unseen in furniture design at the time. These could then be given an alternate coloured finish, such as oak or walnut. Delicate yet durable items that have endured from the 19th century through to the present day, classic bentwood designs are still widely used thanks to their elegant European aesthetic and nostalgic retro flair. How It's Used in Modern Design Nevertheless it’s not just about what has gone before, but about where chair design is going. Whilst inspired by the traditional bentwood designs of the past, modern methods using highly malleable plywood have made a myriad of striking new shapes possible. In recent years the furniture industry has witnessed the evolution of chair design, developing from charming 19th century models to trendy 21st century versions much more suited to the demands of modern living. Paired with other contemporary materials such as metal legs or upholstered seat pads, they deliver highly ergonomic whilst effortlessly stylish pieces of furniture. A prime example is our Grafton Dining Chair, immensely popular thanks to its skilful bentwood craftsmanship. Elegantly curving round the body for all-encompassing support, its wide rounded seat boasts a tasteful walnut finish and comfortable cushioning beneath fabric upholstery. Similarly, the bentwood seat of the Jefferson Dining Chair encircles the body for a secure and snug feel, wrapped in plush faux leather upholstery for a softer touch. Set on four trendy curved legs, these taper gracefully to the floor providing a strong yet stylish base. There is also our cool Candy Chair. With a fabulously funky vibe thanks to its array of bold colours, its seat is crafted from a single piece of wood that is ergonomically sculpted to the natural shape of the body. Why Choose Bentwood? Whether made using old or new manufacturing processes, bentwood softens the angular qualities often associated with wooden dining chairs. Its rounded curves are visually appealing and ideal for adding visual texture to any setting. Contrasting with clean straight lines and angular cabinetry, it can create a dynamic layered look. Or vice versa, it can be paired with similar circular structures to create a chic retro ambience. Often favoured by those opposed to the cold or clinical aesthetic created by an abundance of metal furniture, modern bentwood chairs still exhibit a contemporary styling, yet their use of natural materials mean they exude a lovely organic look. Another advantage is that the polished surfaces of the curves catch the light beautifully, creating an attractive warm sheen unattainable with metal alternatives. From classic bentwood to funky ABS, there's a chair for everyone in our great range. To get started, click the button below to browse the full collection.
ABS Used in the Construction of Stool Seats
Versatile, bright and super-modern, you can't go wrong with stylish ABS plastic bar stools
Stackable Dining Chairs
It’s highly likely this will bring back memories of the faded plastic seating of your school days. Yet there’s no doubt stackable dining chairs are much sought after and have majorly evolved over time, now bearing little resemblance to stuffy classroom furniture you might remember. Incredibly popular due to their trademark functionality, there are now a wealth of modern design options available with more colours, shapes and styles than ever before. No longer confined to the old-fashioned schoolroom or dusty church hall, they are widely used in homes, kitchens, commercial eateries and for large scale functions worldwide. Matchless Functionality Made popular by their practical and versatile nature, they’re ideal if you’re not sure how much seating you’ll need; for example if you have an expanding family, host frequent dinner parties or often find yourself with unexpected guests. Taking up minimal room when stacked, they’re a great compact storage option that will free up a wealth of space. There’s no doubt buying slightly more than required on a daily basis will pay off, as any extras can be easily stored away in a garage, spare room or cupboard under the stairs. Readily available, they can quickly be whipped out for special occasions and surprise visits. Furthermore, they pair brilliantly with extendable tables for a fully flexible seating arrangement. They are also ideal for use in commercial environments from casual cafes to formal restaurants. To maximise on space they can be neatly stored away in a cellar or backroom when not needed, then easily set out during peak times or when hosting larger parties. Allowing you to cater for a maximum number of customers will no doubt generate increased revenue. They are also much simpler to transport than regular dining chairs, as they can be neatly stacked in the back of a van. Perfect for special events and functions from weddings to exhibitions, they need to be transported from venue to venue. Robust Materials Due to their trademark durability, the seats are often made from hard materials such as ABS plastic and wood which are best suited to stackable products as they’re least likely to damage. Made by injection moulding, funky matte resin models are incredibly scratch resistant, whilst sleek painted wooden seats such as the Candy Chair (pictured below) deliver matchless solidity. With frames sculpted from mirrored chrome, solid wood or brushed steel, they provide sturdy bases with a casual, contemporary look. Marvellously modern, a spectrum of vibrant colours are made possible, from rosy red to lime green, which work brilliantly when used individually or mixed and matched. Characteristically low maintenance, their water repellent surfaces can be wiped clean, perfect for kitchen and dining areas with the presence of food and drink. Multi-purpose and highly adaptable, this also means that they can be used out of doors, great for sunny picnics, outdoor parties or simply relaxing in the garden. However, whilst all-plastic models can be left outside whatever the weather, metal or wooden framed designs will spoil if exposed to rain. Delivering optimum comfort alongside supreme practicality, models such as the Joshua are upholstered in faux leather and padded with foam for that luxury touch. However due to the soft nature of the foam, these can be more susceptible to denting if care is not taken when stacking them. Nevertheless this can be prevented by assembling them gently, or simply by putting a piece of cardboard, like an old cereal box, between each seat. Practical Designs It’s the expertly designed shape of these chairs that makes them stackable, with legs that slope slightly outwards allowing them to be slotted one on top of the other. Whilst robustly built to allow them to support the weight of multiple chairs, if piled irresponsibly high they may be liable to tip. For safe usage you should consult the recommended stacking height, which will be detailed in the paperwork included in the packaging. To ensure your products maintain their quality condition, small protective plugs are often concealed on the underside of the seat, as pictured. These prevent the surfaces from scraping against one another when stacked or transported. Similarly, protective plugs are included on the underside of the legs, to help minimise the chance of marking to flooring. Why not view our full collection of fabulous dining chairs, using the button below, for an expansive range of top quality products.
Compact Bar Stools
From skinny lattés to flat screen TVs to skinny jeans to tablet PCs, the lean look is a big deal these days. With compact bar stools becoming increasingly prominent within domestic and professional settings alike, the old age saying that less is more has never been more true. Characterised by their ability to be as subtle or as show-stopping as befits your purpose, it’s possible to create a great looking bar area without using up too much space in the process. With our fabulous range of slimline bar stools you can enjoy all the comforts offered by more elaborate pieces of furniture, with absolutely none of the fuss. This essay will talk you through the different factors to take into account before you make your purchase. For the Space Conscious Perfect for use in smaller interiors, bar stools offer beautifully slimline alternatives to conventional kitchen seating. Their slender frames serve their purpose without crowding their surroundings, meaning you can fit more of them into a given space. Dove Bar Stool Light Grey You will no doubt have a predetermined number of stools in mind according to your needs. Before buying, you should take into account the quantity needed versus the space you have available. Maybe you only have a small kitchen or bar area and are struggling to find stools compact enough to fit; or it could be you’re simply after minimalist designs that won’t be the focal point of the room. Whatever the reason, we recommend you leave a minimum of 10-15cm between each seat, allowing ease of accessibility and optimum mobility, or use our Bar Stool Width Calculator, found in the Bar Stool Buying Guide, to work out the ideal stool width for your bar. Slimline Structure Five different facets have an effect on the visual bulk of a stool - we will deal with each of these in turn - giving some examples. 1. Backless vs With Backs Did you know backrests can play a significant role in determining the bulk of a bar stool? It’s undeniable that backless models will always be slimmer than those with backs. Not visible over the counter, backless seats help to open up a kitchen or bar area by creating a sense of space. On the other hand, high back designs provide extra back support but will peek above the bar or worktop, meaning they’re frequently favoured by those who use furniture as a focal point. Here are a selection of some of our most compact bar stools with backs: Mint Serena Fabio For the best of both, why not choose a low lip backrest. A minimal design with added support and reassurance, it’s an immensely popular feature used on slimline products like the Shimmer. It all comes down to personal taste, so be sure to consider the way your bar stools will affect the overall dynamic of the room prior to making your purchase. 2. Seat Shape You should also take seat shape into consideration. Visually, a circle will take up less space in a room than an angular shape like a square. Plus, if given a circular seat and square seat with the same diameter, the circle will take up less physical space due to the absence of corners. As you rotate them, the square’s angular nature means it will be much more likely to bump against its surroundings, whereas the circle’s rounded design ensures it will not take up any more room and rotate within its own space. See the following diagram illustrating this point: 3. Base & Gas Lift The base defines the overall width of an item, as it determines how much space the stool occupies. Round bases with single stem columns and gas lift mechanisms are highly practical whilst delivering a sleek modern look. Exuding versatility, they can be easily adjusted to their lowest height for compact storage. Neatly stored away under the kitchen counter, they are out of sight and out of the way. The average round base measures a minimum diameter of 38cm, so if you’re really pushed for space, why not opt for a stylish ‘Z’ or cantilever frame which typically boast smaller base dimensions. Our smallest design, the Zizi, is immensely popular, proving that that you don’t need a big and burly model to make a bold statement. On the other hand if you’re after a more traditional look, you may prefer a four legged bar stool. More compact in size and shape than many dining chairs, they make a highly credible alternative to conventional kitchen furniture. Oslo Oak Bar Stool 4. With Arms Many of our customers think armrests will provide a much more comfortable seating experience. Whilst this may be true with dining chairs, in actual fact they’re not as vital with bar stools as you will naturally lean forward, resting your arms on the bar or worktop instead. Furthermore armrests can add substantial width to a stool, our widest model measuring in at 60cm. Whilst products such as the Studio are great if you have more space, a leaner design like the Linear will be much more suited if you’re more limited. 5. Minimalist Materials Certain materials are designed to create the illusion of simplicity and slimness, adding character to rooms without overcrowding them. Translucent or even transparent acrylic promotes optimum optical space, as light travels straight through them. A prime example is the Stardust, its flawlessly clear colour and stylish gap in the backrest occupying minimal visual space for maximum impact. Mirrored chrome can also have a minimalist effect, skilfully reflecting its surrounding environment. "Did you realise colour can also play an important part? Clean-cut white and silver give a light and airy feel, blending in with lighter schemes. Likewise wooden models will camouflage with rustic panelling, whilst infamously slimming black will get a skinny look out of a bulkier design." Stardust Bar Stool Clear Our range of compact bar stools prove once and for all that big things really do come in small packages. Whatever space you have available, you’ll find something in our wide range of designs that’s guaranteed to meet your needs.
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The Appeal of Brown Bar Stools
At Atlantic Shopping, we’ve seen the popularity of brown bar stools increase dramatically over the past five years, and it’s easy to see why. Made by combining the primary colours, it goes well with almost any colour scheme. Thanks to its neutral tone and warm, homely charm, this hard working shade is fast becoming a favourite in home furnishing design. And with its dark hue, forgiving to stains and spills; it’s the ideal colour choice for bar stools. A Range of Great Designs and Shades With our expansive collection of brown bar stools, you’ll have hundreds of combinations to pick from. Often associated with natural textures and shades, brown is the perfect choice for a timeless model like the Lush Real Leather Brushed Stool. And alongside other natural elements like wood, it offers a real rustic charm. Today, updated designs are bringing this classic colour firmly into the twenty-first century. Models like the Diablo Oak Bar Stool combine a bold aesthetic with this neutral tone, allowing you to go for a more contemporary design that could be over-powering in a brighter shade. And there’s a huge range of hues available to suit all tastes. From coffee to copper, there’s a shade to flatter any look. Rich chocolate-like hues can be found across our range, bringing a wealth of sensory depth to the bar area. Alternatively, taupe has gained momentum in recent times. This creamy, coffee-like colour is softer than other shades, offering a more contemporary look, while its neutral appeal helps it to blend into a whole host of locations. Ways to Use Brown Bar Stools It couldn’t be easier to incorporate these versatile models into your interior. Why not use chocolate-toned stools to accentuate similar shades, like wooden beams, cabinets or furniture. Or, introduce earth-coloured models into an otherwise light room to bring a sumptuous depth to your look. Perfect combined with cream, this pairing offers a rich, marbled look. Or, for a vibrant look, couple your stools with brighter accessories. Brown looks stunning alongside the likes of mustard, terracotta and even turquoise, so don’t be afraid to have fun with your choices. Finally, brown is often used to compliment kitchen fittings. Many like to match the colour of their stools to their worktop, using the cabinets for contrast. Unlike cream, its varying shades don’t tend to clash. In fact, if anything, this clever colour compliments similar hues. For example, designs in chocolate tones look stunning in walnut-themed kitchens, where the mutually earthy tones feed off each other to produce an inviting aesthetic. So, whether your kitchen features Baltic granite, brown laminate or wood, consider choosing matching stools to form a fabulous partnership. Ways to Use Brown Bar Stools It couldn’t be easier to incorporate these versatile models into your interior. Why not use chocolate-toned stools to accentuate similar shades, like wooden beams, cabinets or furniture. Or, introduce earth-coloured models into an otherwise light room to bring a sumptuous depth to your look. Perfect combined with cream, this pairing offers a rich, marbled look. Or, for a vibrant look, couple your stools with brighter accessories. Brown looks stunning alongside the likes of mustard, terracotta and even turquoise, so don’t be afraid to have fun with your choices. Finally, brown is often used to compliment kitchen fittings. Many like to match the colour of their stools to their worktop, using the cabinets for contrast. Unlike cream, its varying shades don’t tend to clash. In fact, if anything, this clever colour compliments similar hues. For example, designs in chocolate tones look stunning in walnut-themed kitchens, where the mutually earthy tones feed off each other to produce an inviting aesthetic. So, whether your kitchen features Baltic granite, brown laminate or wood, consider choosing matching stools to form a fabulous partnership. "While darker colours like black and brown are a natural fit for more spacious rooms, stools in this shade are great for the space-savvy too. Use brown models to incorporate this rich colour into your home, and you’ll reap all the benefits of their warm tones without making your space feel too small." Ferrero Brushed Steel Bar Stool Brown Ferrero Brushed Steel Bar Stool Brown If you’re after a versatile bar stool that’s not too bright, why not take a look at our Neutral Bar Stools? Or, you can view all of our stools below. Shop All Bar Stools