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
ABS Used in the Construction of Stool Seats
Versatile, bright and super-modern, you can't go wrong with stylish ABS plastic bar stools
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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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Minimalist Bar Stools
With all the hustle and bustle of the modern age, it’s nice sometimes to strip things down to the bare essentials. Offering an excellent way of taking things back to basics without compromising on style, minimalist bar stools use little fuss to make a lasting impression. Whether chosen to enhance a minimalist home or used to create contrast, they smartly testify to the importance of the understatement and elegantly demonstrate the appeal of simplicity. Coco Bar Stool White What is Minimalist Style? Utilising pared-down design, minimalism reduces a room to its essential elements. With an emphasis on simplicity, common mottos of the movement include “less is more” and “quality over quantity”. Drawing on Japanese design influences, it focuses on purity of design and seeks to create balance and order in a room. Think open plan spaces, lots of natural light, subdued colours, hidden storage, clear surfaces and empty walls. We have a habit of maximising on décor to give our homes character and that lived-in, homely look. But in accumulating so many possessions, many houses sit cluttered full of knick-knacks that only create a crowded and disorganised look. What’s more, recent research has proven that doing so can have a negative effect our mental health, clutter and mess often leading to anxiety and stress. Conversely, stripped-back interiors are proven to create a more peaceful and relaxing environment. The kitchen can be a magnet for clutter, so if you’re looking to minimalise on mess then it helps to keep your furniture looking as simple as possible. Resembling a clean, crisp canvas, minimalist homes with carefully chosen seating make a sophisticated mission statement without appearing ostentatious. Capturing the true essence of modern living, they’re clean and organised without being cold and clinical. Materials & Colours Used to Create the Minimalist Look Cool and compact, bar stools are the ideal accompaniment to the modern home - as well as a wide variety of commercial locations - when chosen wisely. Our collection of minimalist stools are perfect for creating a simple and stripped-back look. First of all, materials with hard, smooth, sleek finishes are preferred. Transparent acrylic is the obvious choice for its see-through and glass-like appearance. A great space-saving material, it occupies minimal visual space and is hence ideal for small or crowded rooms. Beautiful backless models like the Shimmer Translucent Stool Clear are the perfect choice. Even designs like the Stardust with a backrest sculpted from clear acrylic are great, providing extra support whilst maintaining that barely-there look. Shimmer Bar Stool Clear Brushed steel is another smart minimalist choice due to its muted elegance. A unique finish achieved by brushing stainless steel to create a smooth matte effect, it proves a more subtle choice than glossy polished chrome, whilst still making a stylish statement. Great for matching with other brushed steel kitchen appliances, from the oven to the kettle, models like the Oracle will blend in beautifully to create a modest complementary aesthetic. Whilst upholstery is fine, steer clear of patterned fabrics or detailed leather inlaid with decorative studs or elaborate stitching. If you’re after padding for comfort, keep things simple with a plain faux leather seat like the Vision. Avoid anything that will distract the eye such as a large backrest, opting for low or mid height instead. White is the colour of choice in minimalist interiors, creating a light, airy and spacious feel. Our trendy collection of white bar stools are ideal, a great example being the Ace thanks to its modest seat and simple yet elegant frame. Neutral off-whites are also heavily utilised to create clean, light spaces. "Other brighter colours should be used sparingly; for example, stick to one bold feature shade instead of many, and only use it on accent pieces scattered throughout a room. For example, yellow stools could be matched to a yellow vase or kettle, all set against plain white walls and cabinets." Our neutral bar stools are also great for this trend. Introducing balance and gravity to a space, they lend character without seeming overwhelming. What Other Advantages do Minimalist Stools Possess? A great feature of minimalist bar stools is their effortless versatility. Their subtle look means they don’t detract from the focal point of the room, but blend nicely into the background. Whilst serving their purpose as stylish seating, they can be dressed up or down according to the occasion – be it a casual breakfast or chic cocktail party. Not only can they be used to enhance a room with a strong minimalist theme, but they’re ideal for simplifying crowded rooms where space is limited. Why not browse our entire range of bar stools to find the perfect design for you.
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
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Round Bar Stools
Round bar stools are a brilliant range of compact stools that will work in any location you care to think of, from a compact breakfast bar in the corner of your kitchen through to an open plan cocktail area in the heart of your home. As curved work surfaces and round kitchen units become an ever more frequent sight, round stools are in turn becoming ever more popular as people look to match the appearance of with their surrounding decor. Padded Crescent Bar Stool Cream They come in a whole host of styles from the minimalist, with just a circular seat adorning the central column, to the luxurious and upmarket featuring wooden backrests or accents for superb visual impact. Faux leather and real leather occupy one end of the spectrum, with a soft, tactile surface and beautiful grain above high density foam padding, whilst at the other end you can find moulded ABS resin for retro, high gloss forms and also acrylic transparent bar stools, giving breath-taking seats that can be found in a number of funky translucent shades. For a more classic style there are a series of four legged items, crafted with chrome plated tubular steel in eye-catching American diner stool designs, or expertly fashioned from solid wood, resulting in fabulous fixed height items geared specifically for a bar environment or as an accompaniment to a coffee table, PC unit or even a child’s desk. Many kitchen stools are, however, built on a fluted circular base. This gives high levels of stability on any surface as well as helping to keep your floors in pristine condition thanks to the integrated floor guard beneath, a rubberised ring that skirts the underside of the base. They can vary in size, but with gas lift bar stools, the base is usually around the 40cm diameter mark, and so actually tends to takes up less space than with traditional dining chairs or four legged stools. And as most of our round stools have seats which are of a smaller diameter than the base itself, the whole unit occupies only the same overall footprint as the base, indicating clearly how much space is required and allowing you to place such items in any setting with confidence. Another advantage of having a circular seat is that there are no trailing edges or protrusions that you can knock into accidentally, nor get caught on the edges of tables or other furniture, helping in the maintenance of these items and ensuring they are ideal for even the smallest and most restrictive of locations. As another added bonus, many round stools are actually backless and help to create a sleek and uniform look. As the seat can be used in any orientation, it makes no odds as to which direction you approach it from or which way you are sitting; you can simply slide onto the seat for easy access and then rotate to face the bar or counter, perfect for any social setting and allowing you to converse easily with your friends, family or other guests to your home. Whether you’re looking for a satisfyingly smooth round model, or an edgier angular design, we have a bar stool to suit every interior. To get started, take a look at all of our great bar stools. Shop All Bar Stools
Bar Stools With Legs or Round Bases
Legs or a column & base? We help you find the right style stool for you
Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands
The kitchen has undergone a superb evolution in recent years, and bar stools for kitchen islands have become an ever increasing trend. The modern kitchen island is a product of the movement towards open plan living, giving a free-flowing environment that allows you to engage the family or entertain guests with ease. It has also become commonplace to have a breakfast bar area integrated into a central worktop, again giving a more intimate setting where people tend to congregate creating a versatile accommodation. "Practical and stylish, there’s something for every kitchen island in our great range of kitchen stools. From contemporary designs combining polished chrome with high-gloss ABS to classic leather models, it’s easy to find stools to match your style of interior design with Atlantic Shopping" Mustang Gas Lift Bar Stool Antique Brown Bar stools are the ideal accompaniment to such a space, giving all the practicality you would need but adding a splash of style from whatever era you choose, whether you prefer traditional design with natural wood and leather, architectural Bauhaus inspired pieces with chrome plating and black faux leather, or retro 70’s pieces with gloss ABS outer shells and padded interiors. You can create your ideal location with just the decor you want, and then find the perfect stools from our large range that encompasses everything from the chic and petite to the large and luxurious. There are gas lift bar stools that have a hydraulic mechanism integrated into the frame, providing variable height and 360 degree rotation. This makes access to your bar tables or counter top all the easier as the seat simply swivels to the side and allows you to slide on and turn, and is superb for those with kids as you can tailor the seat to their requirements, raising it for their comfort. Gloss Coco Bar Stool Black Because an island is in an exposed position, in a boisterous and animated location it can often be subject to spills, dust and grime, it's a great idea to choose a seat material which is durable and easily wiped. They need only minimal maintenance, with most seats requiring just a wipe with a damp cloth should any spillages occur, and the frame, whether reflective chrome plating or hand brushed stainless steel, only needing an occasional dusting to keep it in pristine condition. Similar to dining chairs they have plugs on their legs or protective bases to ensure that they are highly stable and suitable for all types of flooring, showcasing rubberised or felt pads that help to keep scuffs and scratches at bay, whether carpeted, tile or wooden surfaces. This list of desirable features is common to many of our stools and explains their rampant success in the furniture scene; in fact they prove so popular that many people choose to use them in different rooms and for multiple purposes. They work harmoniously with computer tables and give a more compact alternative to a full size office chair, or in a bedroom; whether at a dressing table as a handy dressing chair or sat in front of the television as a supportive gaming seat. Bar stools for kitchen islands are successful in every circumstance, taking pride of place in any home and letting you sit back, relax and enjoy your time. To discover more, use the button below to take a look at our entire collection of kitchen stools. Shop All Bar Stools