Wooden barstools are beautiful pieces of furniture that add warmth and personality to your home.  If taken care of properly, they can last for many years without losing any of their appeal.  But, like all furniture, wooden barstools eventually need to be rejuvenated.  Lots of factors influence how your wooden barstools appear, but over time the finish is sure to wear off due to weather, exposure to sunlight, and use.  They are also susceptible to stains from grease, ink, and other substances that can be impossible to remove without refinishing the piece.  Follow these tips to help restore your wooden barstools to their original glossy state.

• Choose a stain, lacquer, or other finish carefully.  There are lots of resources that can help you choose a recipe for success.  If nothing else, as the clerk at the hardware store.

• Refinish the whole piece.  It is sometimes possible to refinish only the worn or damaged surface, but if you barstools are old or sunbleached, it will be obvious what happened.  For a uniform finish, strip the original finish from the whole piece and redo.

• Use the least abrasive stripping solution that will work.  This is better for both you and your barstools .  Old wood needs to be treated kindly.

• Sand after stripping.  This will give you a smooth, perfect base for your new finish and get rid of any remnants of the old finish that just wouldn’t come off with a wood stripper.

• Consider a new wood stain.  Stains are great because they allow the natural beauty of the wood to show through.  They add depth and character to your furniture as well, and the bar is the perfect place in the house for character.

• For all types of finish, test a small area of one barstool before proceeding.  The bottom of the seat is a good inconspicuous place to test new finishes.  Use it to test your stain and your finish, and don’t forget to try out the stain and the finish together to make sure they will create the desired effect.

• Don’t stop at one coat.  The more layers you pile on, the richer and more luxurious the final result.

• Don’t rush.  You are probably very anxious to see the results of your handywork, but keep in mind that your “new” barstools are meant to last, so they should not look as if they were done in a hurry.

• Let them dry!  Just as you shouldn’t be in a big hurry to finish sanding, staining, and finishing, you should not be in too big a hurry to use your refinished barstools .  Make sure the lacquer has dried to a hard finish before you allow anyone to sit on it.  You don’t want all your hard work and patience to be ruined.

• Be proud of your work.  Refinishing can be a hassle, but if you love your barstools then it is a great way to show them off and revitalize your living space.

Over the years we have a seen a change in the type of furniture being used both inside and outside of the house. Today more people are choosing to use barstools in the kitchen rather than large pieces of furniture that take up a great deal of space. Even the barstool itself has changed over time and they are no longer just a small wooden stool. Bar stools can range from small to quite large and elegant.

• The basic stool: the basic bar stool is most commonly made out of wood and it consists of a round seat that is then placed atop some sort of stand. The stand may be adjustable or it may be fixed in height. These bar stools are usually relatively cheap to buy. This is also known as the artist stool.

• Kitchen Stools: A slight variation of the basic stool, kitchen bar stools often come with a backrest and maybe some cushions for added comfort. The stool may swivel or may be fixed.

• Swivel Stools: These bar stools can be made for both indoor and outdoor used. The top or seat of the stool moves on the stand. There are stools that will swivel one hundred and eight degrees while others will swivel in a complete circle.

• Modern Swivel: The modern version of the swivel stool is made for comfort and elegance. In most cases the stool itself is created to look different from any ordinary stool and often has a professional appearance.

• Folding stools: These stools are made primarily of a lightweight material and are great when space is limited. If you want to move your bar stool around the house or even outside then the folding stool is the best option for you. They are also a great idea when looking for a seating style that you can take anywhere.

• Wooden stools: Most barstools are made from wood. They can be either fixed or swivel style of stools. They can be made from a wide variety of wood types and are the most environmentally friendly type of bar stool on the market today.

• Softwood bar stools: The most common type of softwood that is used to create barstools is pine. Bar stools made of this material are often cheaper than other stools. An important thing to remember is that with the lower price come a lower quality barstool and they often break easier.

• Hardwood bar stools: These are usually made of cherry or oak. The price is often higher as the quality of product is always better. Other hardwood bar stools include mahogany and rosewood which are the most expensive woods that can be used.

• Patio bar stools : These bar stools have been specifically designed to be used outside and are made to withstand the elements. Most outdoor bar stools are made of a water resistant material such as plastic. They made also be made of wood and are covered with a protective coating.

If you are looking for a cheap way to update the seating in your home or on the patio then you should consider using aluminum bar stools. There are a number of advantages to using this type of stool over any other.

1. The main advantage of using a bar stool made from aluminum is that it is light weight and can be moved easily without a great deal of effort. Think about the amount of room that a wooden bar stool can take up in your kitchen. Aluminum bar stools can even be folding chairs that can be removed when not needed.
2. If being used outdoors, the aluminum bar stool is the best option. They can withstand the weather and the elements when left outside. These stools can be left out no matter what and you don’t have to worry about having to bring them in or over them up every time it gets hot, or rains.
3. Being lightweight they are portable and can be taken with you wherever you need to go. If you spend a great deal of time camping or sitting around the pool then an aluminum bar stool will make a great addition.
4. The best thing about aluminum bar stools is that they are cheaper than most other bar stools . These stools are often cheaper to manufacture than large wooden stools and therefore people do not have to spend as much money to buy them.
5. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The word aluminum doesn’t sound appealing when thinking about the look and feel of the bar stool but you would be surprised that most are quite comfortable. Almost all have backrest and footrest for added comfort. They can come with or without cushioned seats depending on what look you are going for.
6. Aluminum bar stools do not leave the consumer guessing as to what they will feel like. This is the type of bar stool that does not require that you test it out before buying it. You can order online and not have to worry about the product. What you see is what you get when it comes to aluminum stools.
7. Most if not all aluminum bar stools are made with a swivel seat. This may be harder to find in stools made from other materials.
8. If a chair breaks over time, you will be happy to know that because of the popularity of the aluminum chair they can be replaced easily. You won’t have to spend endless hours trying to find a stool that matches. Also, if you have to replace a chair, the low cost is not going to be a huge concern.
9. In recent years people have been purchasing aluminum bar stools because of the fact they somewhat resembles stainless steel. People are now able to get the look and feel of stainless steel without having to spend the money as stainless steel is more expensive.
10. If you are interested in buying a large number of aluminum barstools you will happy to know that there is a great deal of variety on the market today. You can even mix and match to create your own look and feel with these stools.

If you have barstools that have seen better days, you might be thinking about replacing them.  If your barstools are high quality and you enjoy using them, then think about using some of the following techniques to give them back that brand new luster.

• Purchase barstool covers or make your own.  This is the quickest, easiest way to reinvent your worn barstools-cover them up!  Plain or patterned barstool covers are available in stores and online, or you can sew your own for a better fit and a wider selection of materials.  If you use your barstools at your kitchen counter, you can sew them to match your curtains.  Stools used with a pub table as a dining set can be covered to match the tablecloth.  Covers also protect your stools from further damage from stains, so if your kids like to use your barstools then this is a great preventative measure.

• Paint wooden and metal barstools.  Sand off old paint and rust before beginning.  Priming is important, especially if you’re painting over wrought iron or dark finishes.  A clean coat of primer will give your topcoat a beautiful consistency and make your barstools look fantastic.  If you like that wrought-iron look but your stools are losing their luster, you can purchase spray paint in “wrought iron” or “hammered metal” finishes that will rejuvenate them.

• Freshen up leather surfaces with saddle soap.  Reupholstering them with new leather is an option, but remember that leather has a certain appeal when it’s worn, and it becomes softer and more comfortable with age.  If your barstools have leather seats, think about the type of atmosphere you want them to convey before you spend the time and money to have the seats covered.  A slightly worn, softened look could give your rec room the feeling of a familiar downtown pub.

• Aim for an antique feeling.  Instead of trying to paint over distressed paint or other finishes, use it to your advantage.  There are several easy techniques you can use to “antique” or distress a surface.  This option gives character to old barstools, and it also keeps them from looking as if they’ve been neglected.

• Reupholster in new, up-to-date patterns.  Catching your barstools up to date is easy if they are upholstered.  You can take your bar stools to a professional or reupholster them yourself if you’re feeling crafty.  Either way, updating your fabric will make you feel as if you have a whole new bar set, plus you can cover them in any pattern you choose.

• Use neutral colors.  Shades like beige, light gray, and off-white are excellent for modern houses because they go well with a wide variety of color themes.  Using understated shades of paint on your barstools will also allow you to use bright, over-the-top design elements that would clash against bolder finishes.  They also have the added benefit of aging well, so if you take care of your barstools you may not have to worry about re-vamping them for a very long time.

• Do regular maintenance.  The most effective way to make on old barstool look new is to take good care of it.  Regularly treat your barstools with furniture polish, saddle soap, upholstery cleaners, or whatever technique you need to keep your barstools from deteriorating again.

Household trends are changing and people are starting to revert back to the way things were. People are now trying to create a “retro” look in their homes and some are starting with the installation of retro bar stools. Kitchen styles are now going back to the 70’s, 60’s and even the 50’s. However, buying a retro bar stool is not as easy as it sounds. There are things that should be kept in mind when going retro.

• Time Period: It is important to know the time period that you would like to use to decorate your kitchen or outdoor area. Each time period is marked with considerable changes in the bar stool itself and if you are going to do something you should do it right.

• Colour: When we see bar stools from the 50’s and 60’s we often see a red vinyl cushioned seat. If you are looking for something else, you are in luck. The retro look can still be created using a different colour seat other than red. It is important however, not to go overboard in the colour as you need to ensure that it is still a colour that would have been possible during the time period of your choice.

• Legs: Retro bar stools are not limited to metal or steels frames as we often see in movies and on television. In fact, if you research carefully you will find that during the 70’s bar stools were being created with wooden legs instead of metal or steel.

• Do your research: Since retro stools may be hard to find it is always a good idea to find the stools that you want to use before completely decorating your home. It would be horrible to find that after re-decorating that you cannot find the type of bar stool that you need to match.

• Custom made: If you having trouble finding a company that will supply you with the bar stool that you need, consider having the stool custom made. This is a perfect way to ensure that you are getting exactly what you need and want.

• Mix it up: When we think of the 60’s and 70’s we think of vibrant colours. The use of colour in your home can really brighten up a room while still making it look elegant and fresh. To do this you can use a variety of colours when choosing the colour of the seat on your bar stool. Use your imagination and create a wonderful colour palette that everyone will enjoy.

• Uniqueness: Creating a retro theme in your home is not something that everyone does and therefore you must do it right and be creative. A retro theme is something that you can go overboard with but if planned and researched carefully you can make it look perfect. Researching is key to find the most unique and unusual bar stools on the market today.

Bar stools – The most appealing and has a good quality of upholstery is made of leather materials. Costumers first and perfect choice that can be used for their homes and offices. It can be use for a long period of time with proper care and maintenance as follows:

1. Clean daily by removing dust and stains. Just use a duster or damp cloth to wipe off the dust or to remove a stain of the bar stool .

 2. Use a leather conditioner to help you keep dust and dirt away as well as to prevent stains from setting – making cleaning that much easier.

3. Avoid using a soap to keep the leather bar stool from fading.

4. Know the type of leather that you purchase and follow the correct cleaning instructions from the manual.5. Put it in a place away from a direct heat source and animals to prevent from claw marks and scratches. This will help to maintain the good appearance of the leather.

People rarely rush out and buy the first sofa or bed that they see, so why do this when you buy a bar stool ? While the product may seem simple enough there is more to a bar stool than meets the eye. Purchasing without asking yourself some questions could result in being stuck with bar stools that are absolutely useless in your home and no one wants to waste their money on something they can’t use. Therefore there are five simple questions that you should ask yourself before you purchase a bar stool.

• Price: While people tend to think of the price last, it should be the first thing that you ask yourself; how much do I want to spend? The amount of money that you are willing to put into the bar stool will determine what you are going to get. If you are on a strict budget then you are probably going to be limited to low end bar stools. This means that they will be made out a cheap material, such as aluminum. However, if you budget is high, you can branch out and look at wooden bar stools or stainless steel. A higher price means that you can buy bar stools with additional features.

• Features: Who would have ever thought that a bar stool could come with features? In fact there are a number of features that you can look for when buying a bar stool. Most features are added for looks, but there are other that are essential for comfort. A comfortable bar stool should or must have a foot rest. There is nothing worse than sitting in a bar stool for a long period of time and having your feet dangle. Your legs quickly become sore and uncomfortable. The bar stool should have the added feature of a back rest. Not all bar stools come with backrests that are high and able to support a great deal of weight. The most durable stools with backrests are those made of wood. Again, this may affect your budget.

• Value: Am I getting the best value for my money? A person should never purchase a bar stool without shopping around and comparing prices and features. You have to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. You can spend a great deal of money on a bar stool only to find that it falls apart the second that you sit on it. But, there are cases where you can buy a cheap stool that will last forever. Always try to test a bar stool if possible and never buy more than one if you are unsure of the value and quality of the product that you are purchasing.

• Fabric/Material: What fabric should I purchase on an upholstered bar stool ? Since there are hundreds of different styles of bar stools on the market today, knowing what fabric if any that you will want on your bar stool can make the buying process a whole lot easier. This goes for the material that you want the chair to be made of. If you are undecided then you could spend endless hours looking at bar stools only to end up with nothing or even worse something that you don’t want.  

• Height: How high should the bar stools be? Anyone who has purchased bar stools before will tell you that you need to know the height of the bar stool needed. This means that you also need to know the height of the counter or table where the bar stools will sit. If you do not measure correctly, you could end up with a bar stool that is either too high or too low. Always measure twice and buy once.

The design of the bar stool changes as does its use. People are now finding innovative ways to use bar stools around the home rather than just in the kitchen or on the patio. Bar stools are traditionally used for sitting on and have been created using leather or plastic as the seat cover. However, with new and creative ways to the bar stool there is an increase in the popularity of the upholstered bar stool. People who purchased upholstered bar stools are quickly finding however, that they are not easy to maintain and do require a great deal of care. There are several things that you should keep in mind when trying to clean and maintain your upholstered bar stool.

• Dusting: It is important to get into the habit of “dusting” your upholstery on a daily basis. This does not mean that you have to spend hours vacuuming the bar stool, but as you clean your carpets just run over the chair lightly to remove the dust on top. Once a week, however, you should do an in-depth dusting or vacuuming. To do this you simply use one of the attachments on your vacuum that allows you to get into tight places. During this time you will want to vacuum the backrest, armrests and of course get into all the creases. If you have a backless bar stool, then it’s easy.

• Stains: Removing stains from upholstery can be difficult if not taken care of quickly. If you do get a stain on your bar stool then you should clean it immediately. Do not let the stain set in the fabric as you will find that it may never come out. When removing a stain it is always good to blot the fabric rather than rub. Rubbing the fabric causing the stain to become worse and it pushes it into the fabric even more. Do not use harsh cleaners on the upholstery; this may remove color or make the stain worse. If you are using some sort of upholstery cleaner always test a small area first to make sure it does not fade the material. Always test in an area that will not be seen just in case it ruins the fabric. Some people have found that a small percentage of hydrogen peroxide mixed in with water is great way to remove stains. Testing the area is important however.

• Fabric: When purchasing an upholstered bar stool it is important that you know what you are buying. Different fabric or upholstery will require different types of cleaners and cleaning techniques. Most bar stools will come with a manual that should contain a section on cleaning and maintenance. It is crucial that you read this section prior to cleaning your upholstery with any sort of product. If there is no manual, consult the manufacturer for cleaning instructions. If the fabric can be removed easily then you might want to try dry cleaning it until you are ready to try it yourself.

If you want to take the comfort of your home to the outside then consider buying bar stools specially designed to be used on the patio or in the backyard. There are things to consider when buying outdoor bar stools as they are often different from traditional indoor stools.

• Weather Resistant: since the stools will be outside they must be able to stand up to the elements. During the summer months it rains quite often and unless you want to be continuously moving your bar stools inside each time it rains you need to find a good stool that repels the weather.

• Comfort: If you are planning to entertain outside it is key that you find the most comfortable barstool on the market. There are barstools that have padding and cushions to keep you relaxed and happy for a long period of time. The stool should also have a high back that allows people to sit back and relax.

• Colourful: A great way to liven up your backyard is to find a fun colourful barstool that makes you and your guests want to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

• Wooden stools: if you are purchasing wooden bar stools for your outdoor bar it is important that they have some sort of protective coating that enables them to withstand the rain, sun, heat and wind.

• Metal Stools: always keep in mind that these stools will be outside throughout the day and therefore they will heat up. Therefore when buying metal barstools you should always purchase some sort of cushion or upholstery to ensure that you are in fact able to sit on the stool.

• Height: when looking for bar stools to go with your outdoor bar or patio furniture, you must ensure that the height of the stool matches the height of the bar. You should also ensure that it matches and looks good with the rest of the outdoor furniture that you have.

• Footrest: If you plan to do a lot of entertaining then always looks for barstools that have a footrest. Making sure that your feet won’t dangle or hang down will also add to the comfort level of the stool.

• Protection: If you are unable to store the bar stools inside during the winter months, it is important to find some sort of protective cover. This will ensure that you won’t need to replace your barstools each spring.

• Less is more: People always think that they need to spend a great deal of money on their barstools but less is often more and going for a laid back, relaxing feeling will make people want to spend all of their time outside on the patio or at the bar.

• Shop around: always compare prices of stools and ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Paying more doesn’t always mean that you are getting the best bar stool .