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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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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Padded Bar Stools
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Neutral Bar Stools
In interior design, neutral tones are becoming more and more popular. And stools are no different. With their subtle, versatile, minimalist qualities, choosing a bar stool in a neutral shade is a fantastic way to update your interior. But what does it exactly mean? Otherwise known as “earth tones”, these are muted hues that you won’t find on a colour wheel. Naturally occurring, they include white, beige, cream, grey and black.These can be classed into two groups. First, the ‘Monochrome’ hues: grey, white and black. Over the last few years, grey bar stools have soared in popularity. From rich charcoal to lighter ash, there are so many shades for you to choose from. Secondly, we have the shades of cream, incorporated within cream bar stools. These are organic colours, from off-white to beige, that create a clean, minimalist look. "Remember, while these tones are typically without colour; most actually do contain elements of pigment. Even cream stools can have undertones of pink, orange or blue, so make sure that you match your interior with the right hue." Our bar stools are built to last, so it’s important that you choose a design that you’ll enjoy for a long time. Models in neutral shades are excellent investment pieces, particularly for the indecisive. While you may grow tired of a brighter model, or it may go out of fashion, more muted tones are a timeless, safe option. You can also use these colours to soften down bolder designs for a sophisticated aesthetic. We love the eye-catching Stitch Bar Stool in grey, and the Chateau in white (pictured below). Chateau Brushed Bar Stool White Choosing a stool in one of these shades is a savvy move because they are extremely versatile. They suit both modern and more traditional interiors. They also look great alongside similarly muted tones, or can be used to accentuate brighter features. Earth tones also make up the basic colour palette of trendy Scandinavian Style interior design, which uses organic colours and textures to enhance natural light and brighten rooms. Use models in neutral shades, like the Jive Wooden Stool (pictured below) to effortlessly introduce Scandi style into your space. Jive Wooden Stool White How to Liven Up a Neutral Room Of course, choosing a bar stool in a neutral colour doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate colour into your interior. Models in organic tones are great for colour lovers as well as the colour-shy, allowing you to make bold design choices without overpowering your look. Adding Accents with Colour Once you’ve created a muted base palette, you can use colour to add interest. If you’re feeling brave, pair a bold statement wall with more subdued furnishings. Or, for a safer option, you can use colourful accessories to liven up your design. Flowers and fruit bowls are inexpensive ways to transform your look without breaking the bank. Adding Depth with Textures To add depth, try layering different textures. The Mars light grey seat and brushed steel frame offer a gorgeously understated look. Or, for a true organic Scandinavian aesthetic, go for a stool with an oak frame and white seat like the Drift Oak & White. Lusso Bar Stool Cream Velvet Whatever you choose, we have a fantastic range of designs here at Atlantic Shopping. You can browse our entire range using the button below. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Transparent Bar Stools
Immensely popular, transparent bar stools are crafted from Acrylic and boast numerous advantages. A durable clear plastic originally known as poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA), it’s a relatively modern material also branded as Plexiglas or Lucite. Created as a robust alternative to glass due to its shatterproof qualities, it’s now used for a wealth of transparent products, from aquariums to the lenses in glasses. Though not initially intended for the aesthetics of interior design, it's since taken the furniture world by storm, allowing for a wealth of striking seating that breaks from tradition. Shimmer Translucent Stool Clear Creating a Modern Style Fresh and funky, these much sought after stools are characterised by their clear glossy sheen. Typically set on a metallic frame finished in either mirrored chrome or brushed steel, their contemporary chic exudes a cool crisp ambience that's very in trend. With a signature space-age shine, LED lights bounce off the seats creating a jazzy disco feel that's sure to catch the eye. Marvellously minimalist, their transparent nature means they take up very little visual space. Subtle yet stylish, designs like the Crystal are a discreet way of adding seating. Understated and unobtrusive, they’re ideal for small, compact interiors where space is limited. Illuminating their surroundings without overcrowding them, their light and airy look creates a clutter-free aesthetic. Shimmer Translucent Stool Clear Creating a Modern Style Fresh and funky, these much sought after stools are characterised by their clear glossy sheen. Typically set on a metallic frame finished in either mirrored chrome or brushed steel, their contemporary chic exudes a cool crisp ambience that's very in trend. With a signature space-age shine, LED lights bounce off the seats creating a jazzy disco feel that's sure to catch the eye. Marvellously minimalist, their transparent nature means they take up very little visual space. Subtle yet stylish, designs like the Crystal are a discreet way of adding seating. Understated and unobtrusive, they’re ideal for small, compact interiors where space is limited. Illuminating their surroundings without overcrowding them, their light and airy look creates a clutter-free aesthetic. "Utterly enchanting, clear seats are endlessly adaptable. Their versatility means they can be used with a wealth of décor styles and colour schemes, so it won’t matter if you redecorate. Their see-through quality means you look straight through them, and hence they’ll never compete with their surroundings." For something a little different, our acrylic bar stools are also available with a translucent smoked appearance. Exhibiting a sophisticated dusky tint, designs like the Shimmer exude an understated elegance that's just as inviting. Or for a bold and bright aesthetic, we also offer acrylic models in a spectrum of vivid translucent colours. Fun and funky, these vibrant designs are full of character. What’s more, whilst transparent stools have a clear seat edge, coloured stools are edged with a matching but slightly darker colour. Shimmer Translucent Stool Smoked Allowing for Premium Practicality Designed for its hardwearing nature, acrylic is often heavier than you expect it to be; yet this no bad thing, At 10mm thick, its signature strength produces remarkably robust bar stools that are built to last. Fabulously low maintenance, its smooth wipe clean surface is quick and easy to clean. Ideal for environments where food and drink is prevalent, they can be used in home kitchens and breakfast bars along with commercial eateries and nightclubs. Instantly recognisable, transparent acrylic can be moulded into a spectrum of dynamic shapes. Whilst aesthetically it produces a range of fashionably formed seats, it also has practical benefits. Despite their solid plastic surface, many are ergonomically sculpted to the natural shape of the human body for comfortable support. They also come in a variety of backrest heights - low lip like the Crystal or mid height like the Stardust – so there’s something for everyone. Last but not least, it’s worth noting that these unique designs connect to the top of the central column of the stool in a slightly different way to other seats of different materials. A plate on top of the metallic gas lift column has four bolts that screw securely through the seat, ensuring you don’t see the mechanism inside, as well as producing a strong and sturdy bar stool. So what are you waiting for? Whether you prefer transparent, smoked or coloured alternatives, browse our impressive range of acrylic bar stools to find the perfect design for you. Shop All Bar Stools