Chrome Finish

By far the most popular of the three, a polished chrome frame has been around the longest. First used in the roadside diners of 1950s America, its signature mirrored finish was copied from the shiny metalwork found on cars at the time. Undeniably iconic, it’s still widely used today to create timeless retro stools much admired for their nostalgic aesthetic, such as our Java Diner Stool Black.

 

 

Yet chrome also offers the most choice, its versatile appearance key in creating ultra-modern stools with a sleek polished look, as seen in the Diamond. Thanks to its smooth reflective nature it can be paired with a whole host of seat materials, enhancing surrounding colours to compliment them perfectly. Its mirrored surface is also great for creating a spacious aesthetic, ideal for crowded interiors where space is limited.

Advantages of Chrome Stools

Arguably one of the reasons chrome is so popular is thanks to its hardwearing nature. Crafted from stainless steel of upgraded thickness for strength and rigidity, our chrome bar stools are then electroplated in a solution to give them a sleek, uniform finish that is free from flaws.

Fabulously low maintenance, their wipe clean surface needs only a light dusting every so often to keep its lustrous sheen. Plus they’re highly durable and largely resistant to scratches, meaning they’re ideal for even the busiest of kitchens.

 

Brushed Steel Finish

Whilst chrome used to be the primary material used in the kitchen, it’s slowly being replaced by this state-of-the-art alternative. With the rise of brushed steel kitchen appliances, matching stools have been designed to create a uniform, contemporary chic. Not quite as bright as glossy chrome, a brushed finish exudes a sophisticated, designer look that is softer and more muted, as seen in the Addison.

 

Benefits of Brushed Steel

Slightly more expensive, brushed steel bar stools are made from top quality grade 1 stainless steel. Because of this, some can be used both in and out of doors. Though it can be slightly more prone to scratching and fingerprints than chrome, this much sought after finish is impressively stain resistant, resilient to marking and easy to clean.

 

Linear Brushed Steel Bar Stool Cream

 

Being a relatively new material there are limited styles available, however our range is continually expanding with the latest trends.

Satin Painted Finish

Using the latest high-tech powder coating methods, metal satin painted stools come in a variety of trendy multi-coloured designs. Models such as our Onyx Stool are eye-catching and stylish, increasingly popular due to the contemporary colours on offer. For a fashionable minimalist sheen choose a glossy white or grey, or if you prefer something a little more classic opt for versatile black. (May 2018 - Please note, the Onyx has now been discontinued.)

 

Positives of Satin Finish

As it’s tougher and thicker than paint there are no runs or brush strokes, ensuring a smooth, even appearance for a consistent look. Whilst it is applied as a layer and hence can occasionally peel on heavily used areas like the footrest, satin is largely low maintenance and fingerprint resistant.

 

 

Another option is painted wood with a sleek satin finish, such as the Charlotte (pictured below). However it’s worth bearing in mind that whilst this is ideal if you’re looking for something bold, bright and beautiful, there is less choice available than the vast array of chrome and brushed steel models.

Take a look at three stylish wooden stools with satin finishes:

Whatever your preference, there’s bound to be the right match for you in our broad range of stylish bar stools. Use the button below to shop the collection and discover your perfect design today!