Kitchen Bar Stools Versatility

As the family gets a little bigger or the kids get a little older, you might find yourself desperately looking for extra kitchen and dinette seating. Full sized chairs take up space, are difficult to store, and clumsy to move. Is there any way to make your kitchen welcoming, comfortable, and still spacious? Of course. With kitchen bar stools.

Especially if you don’t have space for a small kitchen table or dining space in your, kitchen counter bar stools are going to solve a lot of your design problems. Scoot them right up to the L shaped counter. It’s a great way to serve snacks. Casual dinners are fun and interactive that way, too. If you need to do some cooking while the kids are doing homework, let them climb those bar stools. You’ll be able to help them along and get your own stuff done at the same time. The same goes for breakfast, arts and crafts projects, and more. In fact, clearing a mess off the counter is easier than off a table; with a couple slides over to the sink and a quick wipe down, the whole affair can be put away. Kitchen breakfast bar stools will help you keep the family together even when they’re doing different things.

If your kitchen is designed with an island in the middle, bar stools are the best way to make use of space. An island is so versatile. It works are cutting, preparing, and table space. Kitchen island bar stools fit neatly around it, adding to the convenience. You can even do your dinner preparations sitting down!

So the big step is really to decide what style of kitchen and bar stools are best. Metals, like steel, iron, and aluminum are common choices. They’re durable and look great. Aluminum are lightweight, as well. Wooden kitchen bar stools are another premium choice. Wood has a certain class of hominess and sophistication rolled into one. They don’t have to be particularly heavy. With wood, you get to choose from a variety of finishes to suit your design taste perfectly.

The best part is that as soon as you own some kitchen stools, you’ll realize how great they are in other rooms, too. Maybe you should buy a number of them at once! Save yourself the second trip out.

It’s virtually undebatable. Swivel bar stools are basically the most fun, convenient, practical, and entertaining seating design ever created. All bar stools are great for their slim fitting, convenient height, and cool style. As soon as you add in the swivel feature, all competition is lost. Aside from, perhaps, the beanbag chair. They function beautifully in almost any room of the house, too. Here’s what you may not have thought of…

The Office: Leather swivel bar stools might be perfect in your home office or at the teenager’s work desk. Many bar stools are height adjustable, so whether that desk is standard table height or a stylish counter height, use a swivel bar stool as an inexpensive rendition of the office chair. It will offer a cool, slim look that your kids can’t resist. Even a leather upholstered one will cost a fraction of a leather office chair.

The Garage: Buy yourself a pair of oak swivel bar stools for the garage workspace. Comfortable and convenient for any handyman work that needs some sit down attention, with the flexibility to turn right or left without having to reach too far. Oak, or any wood, will add a natural crafty flair to that garage décor. If you have garage décor, that is.

The Bathroom Vanity: Some ladies insist on elegantly upholstered wingback chairs for their makeup vanity. Others don’t. Especially if the vanity table and mirror are in a bathroom, fancy fabric recliners simply don’t make sense. Go for metal swivel bar stools instead. It’s a contemporary look that a modern era movie star might find herself in. There’s an inherent taste of youth there. At a high vanity table, the swivel bar design will work perfectly.

And these ideas are all aside from more typical ideas. Backless swivel bar stools in the rec room or in the basement sports bar are obvious choices. Aside from swiveling, the guys can throw their legs over the chair in every direction. Talk about casual. Wicker outdoor swivel bar stools with some floral seat cushions make lounging at a bar table incredibly enjoyable. On wrought iron swivel bar stools, elegant cocktail parties will be a blast. For the kitchen counter, chrome swivel bar stools with black leather seats send you right into a 60’s diner. Some red table accents, and the look will be complete. There really is not a room or space of your home that couldn’t benefit from the fun practicality of such chairs. What are you waiting for?

Any carpenter will tell you that bar stools are fairly easy to build. The various designs are relatively simple and you always come out with a fun product. If you’re not up for building from scratch, however, but you would like to invest at least some of your creativity into the extra seating at home, then it’s time to seek out unfinished wood bar stools. Unfinished furniture gives you complete discretion to choose stains, finishes, and polishes that will fit your fancy. And your home.

Think about it. You can buy a set of wooden bar stools all of one finish. That’s six stools that fit one room’s décor. But your kitchen can only house four. The other two stools don’t suit your rec room, and now… you’re left with extra stools, useless until a chair breaks. What if you finish them yourself? You can have two finished in walnut for the patio, one painted onyx for the basement sports bar, and three cherry wood bar stools perfect at that kitchen counter. The versatility is yours.

Even if you do want a full set of identical stools, not all the dealers will carry the design you love in the finish you dream about. Go to the unfinished furniture, and choose swivel wood bar stools precisely to your taste. Then, make your way to the wood finishes and, again, precisely to your taste. This is especially relevant when looking for specific wood and metal bar stools; such designs are often only available in light wood finishes like oak or maple. Buy them unfinished. Broaden the possibilities.

Unfinished furniture may also often be less expensive. Since the factory did less work, you pay less. Buying the finish yourself can be a minimal cost, as well. Even if you pay for a professional to do the finishing job, you may pay no more than you would have for finished stools…that you didn’t even like. Search out vendors online or look up a dealer in your local phonebook. Get an idea of the selection readily available, and confirm quality pieces.

Now the doors are wide open. Select any size, height, and style of bar stool you can imagine. Western backless wood bar stools, in any finish you’d like. Rustic wood bar stools in the color you couldn’t find anywhere. Even those contemporary wood bar stools can be had in sophisticated, elegant wood finishes that nobody thought of. And every moment of it is your pure creativity. Your style, your taste, your home. What more could anyone ask for?

Bar stools are designed nowadays for every room, every décor, every imaginable use. Contemporary styled homes especially appreciate the trend of using bar stools as dining chairs, kitchen chairs, extra seating in the home recreation room, or at the raised computer desk.

Zuo modern bar stools are a step up in contemporary bar stool style. With a huge variety of options, Zuo furniture will blow you away with the exciting designs they have created. In their “topsy” modern kitchen bar stools, you’ll enjoy feeling like you’ve rested yourself in a tire tube or swimming pool floatie. Their “wedge” bar stool is a contemporary twist on a backless stool. Comfortable leather upholstery as well as plenty of modern swivel bar stools, adjustable designs included, Zuo has plenty to choose from. Available in all the colors, as well as fair prices, you won’t want to miss out.

White Zuo uses a lot of chrome and leather, Danish modern bar stools have an entirely different look. Danish furniture is primarily built from warm and solid wood carpentry, with wood seats or simple upholstered seats. Danish modern style bar stools have straight, sleek lines, simple designs. They are meant to attract your eye with their straightforward cleanness, as opposed to funky geometric shaping. There are other styles modern wood bar stools to be found as well, with fun carvings and interesting shapes. Special wood carvings will be more expensive, of course.

Modern outdoor bar stools are a third and equally interesting category of bar stool. They appreciate the necessary elements of lightness and simplicity in order to complement natural outdoor beauty, offering geometric shapes to stand apart from the flora and greenery. Broad square seats, low backs, cushions that layer one geometric shape on top of another. The right outdoor stool can add a lot of character to your contemporary patio.

In a search for discount modern bar stools for sale, you’ll come up with a plethora of great designs at great value. Discount dealers are able to offer you tremendous sale prices without compromising quality. They have huge stocks, often need to empty out for incoming stock, don’t pay overhead for showrooms and showcases, and use the internet to sell many of their pieces. The internet is flooded with so many vendors, that discount dealers are virtually forced to bring you the best deal possible.

Without looking specifically for modern bar stools cheap, you will be likely to pay a very pretty penny for contemporary styles. The modern look has always come with a price. It has the selling advantage of being the “newest thing to be had,” and asks you to pay for up to date style. You may, however, be the one to wow your guests with the latest in bar stool design.

Everything seems to happen in the kitchen. Besides cooking and baking, most families also eat, watch TV, and do homework in the kitchen. While a kitchen table is the most common location for these kinds of activities, in a smaller kitchen the countertops can be a space saving alternative. Think the counter is too high? Well think again. Kitchen counter stools offer a simple solution and make the countertops an accessible and ideal place for both work and play.

Kitchen Counter Stool Options

There are seemingly endless options when it comes to picking out kitchen counter height stools, and sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some of the most popular options, so you can pick the one that works best for you.

Kitchen Counter Bar Stools
Bar stools are a classic, and a great way to sit comfortably at your kitchen counters. They are available in a wide range of colors, styles, and materials, from the classic pub stool to elegantly carved wooden designs.

Swivel Kitchen Counter Stools
Being able to swivel is a great plus in a kitchen stool. In a small kitchen, swiveling can make it easy to turn a bit and reach the fridge door or a pantry shelf, and even in a larger kitchen, well, it’s always fun to just sit there and spin.

Backless Kitchen Counter Stools
Give some thought to whether you want your stools to have backs or not. Backed stools are more chair-like and provide more comfort and support, while backless stools are less expensive and more versatile.

Think About Style

Your kitchen stools are a great way to make a statement. Even a rather simple kitchen can turn into a sophisticated one with the right stools. But don’t try to give the room a whole new look. Instead, think about what the feeling is now, and just take it a step further.

Is your kitchen sleek and modern, or cozy country? Have you used bold colors, or warm wood tones? If you have a more traditional atmosphere in your kitchen, then wooden kitchen counter stools are simply perfect. If your kitchen spells out modern in big bold letters, then maybe wrought iron is the way to go.

Whatever type or style of stools you decide to go with in the end, you’ll be glad you made the move. Kitchen counter stools make everything you do in your kitchen easier and more convenient, from giving the kids a place to do their homework to being the perfect location for a midnight ice cream break. And you’ll even be able to sit while washing the dishes! So go on, grab a stool and start enjoying!

Of all the builds and styles around, wooden bar stools take the cake when it comes to traditional durability. Even cheap wooden bar stools have an air of warmth to them, merely by the fact that they’re constructed from a product of Nature herself. Wood is inviting. Wood has inherent character that even the most intricately designed chrome, iron, or steel bar stool could never compare to. To top it all, since no tree is the same, no piece of wood is identical. Every wooden bar stool will be unique, at least in the subtleties.

You might wonder if black wooden bar stools are any different than black metal frames. Of course, you know my answer is yes! They are very different. Black wood, whether a very dark finish or painted solid black, has more personality than metal. Metal is detached, impersonal. Wood is precisely the opposite. Even the darkest wood finish may have highlights that liven the deep color. Black paint can’t really mask the grain of wood. Wooden bar stools are simply a world unto their own.

Unfinished wooden bar stools send this reality straight home. An unfinished wood stool frame is completely alive with the grain and individuality of the tree it was cut from. With an unfinished wood, you can take the finish or stain completely into your own hands. Even hiring a professional still allows you to choose the stain that will suit your bar, patio, or kitchen perfectly.

Wooden kitchen bar stools can alter the feeling of your kitchen or den area entirely. Instead of a 1960’s diner, you’ll create something more comfortable, less sterile. Whether it’s because your kitchen is more artistic, or uses more earthy and sunny color tones, wooden stools are an appropriate finishing touch. Swivel wooden bar stools might make a Western or Mexican colored décor an extra flair of fun. The backless wooden bar stools also carry a certain liveliness in character. Your kitchen becomes that much more inviting.

Outdoor wooden bar stools are the only place where your shopping expedition should hesitate. Metal framed stools easily hold up to sun, wind, and rain. Wood can do the same, you just need to buy knowledgeably. Even better: it won’t rust. If you intend your bar stools for outdoor use, search specifically for outdoor worthy wood. Wood looks so natural and at home under the sun and blue sky, so don’t let it go. Teak is a popular choice. Other woods can also work beautifully; keep your eyes open for that outdoor beauty.

Everyone loves to hear that they can get great quality products for cheap. What they don’t love to hear is how those products are often not the great quality they were advertised to be. You want to know where to buy cheap bar stools? Don’t be discouraged. There are a number of ways to find incredible deals on great stools.

The first option is takes the path of the traditional shopper. You can walk into any number of furniture or billiard stores, take a look around, scan the pieces for sale slashes and nudge the salesperson about any deals that might be available. If you’re smart about it, you can even call ahead of time, ask if there are any cheap bar stools for sale, and spend less time traveling. The traditional shopper would also take tremendous advantage of garage sales. When you’re willing to buy cheap used bar stools, the garage sale is great; you get to see the stools, sit on them, inspect their usage level, and barter with the seller. Amazing savings have been made this way.

The second path is that of the internet. Online auction sites like eBay are an obvious choice. Online furniture stores will also have seasonal and clearance sales from time to time, getting you brand new bar stools for cheap. Buying online is actually a great way to find new and high quality bar stool sets for incredible prices. There are so many vendors using the net, that they are basically forced to offer deals all the time. It’s the buyer’s market.

Here are some tips on making that online bar stool search a little easier:
1. Measure your counter or bar height. Don’t waste time looking at (or buying!) bar stools that are too short.
2. Figure how many stools fit your bar. Add one or two to the set you’ll search for (extra company and the MIA stool)
3. Think about style. Padded, not padded, arms, or no arms, with a back, or backless.
4. Decide how much you’ll spend.
Armed with this information, you can begin your online search. Even with only partial information, do some preliminary searches to build a better idea of what you want. For example, google “modern bar stools cheap,” skim, and then detail your search to “cheap leather bar stools modern,” or “wood modern bar stools,” or “ cheap leather wood modern backless bar stools” once you have a better idea of your choices.  Being specific in your search queries will help you narrow down the results to show just the kinds of bar stools that you want. Adding the bar stool height into your search will help, as well.

Remember to factor in shipping costs!

Black bar stools are by far the simplest, sleekest, most universally classic bar stool around. Black is always a default color, whether in furniture, clothing, or other home decorative accessories. We all know that black “goes with everything,” that black somehow shows less dirt, that black simply just works. A black bar table and stools has always been the traditional choice in bars and pubs. Aside from showing less dirt and stains, the dark color is conducive to that dark, intimate, subdued lighting. They’ve made it big in home décor, as well. Whether it’s the kitchen, the home game room, or dining room sit ins, black blends well and looks good.

Black leather bar stools are the classic. A black leather seat with chrome or stainless steel framing takes you straight to that 24 hour diner: fun, practical, comfortable. At your kitchen counter, your rec room, at the casual dinette table…black leather and black vinyl bar stools make it. You can’t go wrong here.

There are dozens of other black options, though. Even the seemingly straightforward term “black wood bar stools” can imply a variety of styles. Is the wood black, or near black? Or perhaps it’s the seat that is black, and the frame is wood. In that case, is the seat black leather, or a different textile altogether? Any and all are possibilities. Wooden black bar stools are another style of class, with an entirely different design than chrome. Wood is more homey, intrinsically calls for more detail, more warmth. Consider the scrollwork and etching made possible with wood. Antique black bar stools of oak frames feel almost like they’ve sat in a cowboy saloon. Black and cherry bar stools are incredibly rich; the deep red accented by a black seat suits even the dining room.

A third, very different category is the black wrought iron bar stool. Iron is inherently stoic. Whether the design is traditional or contemporary, black wrought iron calls for sophistication.

Since black is such a common choice, you can probably find great deals for cheap black bar stools. Whether they’ve been overstocked, or you buy them secondhand, black bar stools are definitely around to be had. You’ll find them at bar or counter height, anywhere from $40 to $200…though you shouldn’t need to spend more than $100 or so, even for excellent quality. Any furniture supplier should have a great variety to choose from, on hand.

Basic counter stools are a reasonably simple piece of carpentry. If you want to build you own counter stool, it can take as little as one afternoon of your week, and you’ll have a fulfilling, useful furniture piece to add to your kitchen or bar. The sense of accomplishment is well worth it. That’s aside from the fact that you get to design the counter stool, top to bottom, all by yourself.

In designing your own counter height stools, you need to decide a few things.
1. What wood and finish would you like? A simple and common choice is oak. Oak is sturdy, attractive, and relatively inexpensive. Do you prefer a dark finish, medium finish, or natural finish? Cherry is another popular and beautiful choice. Perhaps you’ll even consider painting your wood counter stools another color entirely.

2. Do you want these to be swivel counter stools?
Kitchen counter stools don’t need the swivel feature. For some, their slim frame is convenient enough. But the swivel is an added benefit. You’ll decide if the extra effort is worthwhile.
3. What kind of seat, wood or upholstered?
A shiny wood finish looks beautiful, so you may not need upholstery. On the other hand, a leather counter stool is very comfortable and a cinch to clean. The leather is durable, as well. Other fabrics are an option as well. You can even sew or buy removable cushions, if you like.
If you decide on a wood seat, you may also consider seat styles. Some people consider a saddle dish seat more comfortable.

4. Does your counter stool have a back?
Backless counter stools are obviously less work to build, and are stylish enough. They’re great for slipping under the counters, and save even more space. For long stretches of sitting, many people prefer stools with a back, however. Backs also have different versions, like the curved or spindle back.

5. How tall is your stool?
This is one of the most important considerations. Counter height bar stools may sound like a standard height in and of itself, but in fact, the right height depends on the counter you are sitting at! Nine to thirteen inches is usually the space you’ll want between the counter and the top of your seat. Don’t mess this one up!

Details of your design may address seat shape, painting, and wood carving. The basic questions are here, however…find a template, and enjoy that build!

Most consumers appreciate a swivel bar stool above all other types of bar stools. Or, rather, they appreciate that their bar stools should swivel, not as a type of bar stool, but as an understood prerequisite to their bar stool. Which is great, seeing that most bar stool styles do include that fun and convenient swivel feature.

Why is the swivel so essential? Part of the reason that bar stools have taken such a hit among furniture buyers is because they are slim and lightweight. They can multi function in dining, kitchen, and bar areas. The swivel feature means that the chair swallows even less space; turning chairs around amongst company is done without any knees or toes bruised. Maneuvering in small spaces is made easy with the swivel.

The original bar stool was built to be functional. Today, function and style come together. Swivel bar stools, too, are available in nearly all designs. Wherever you need them; indoor, outdoor, kitchen or dining rooms, you’ll find them simple or decorative.

The basic wood swivel bar stool is to the point; classy, straight lines without delicate carvings or fancy upholstery. These look excellent in any kitchen or bar, suitable for any casual company. There are backless styles, and upholstered styles. The traditional upholstery is leather, as it doesn’

t tear or stain easily. But since bar stools have become so popular, designers have broadened the styles. Consider these two beautiful chairs:

The Montello swivel bar stool is an elegant design, usually of polished metal with leather upholstery. The frame has a sweeping, elegant shape and intricate castings. The legs boast a beautiful double arch. Montello stools are decorative enough to appear in the dining area as well as a high class bar. A Normandy swivel bar stool is just as beautiful, albeit with a more traditional look; the Normandy’

s frame of dark, polished and carved wood, often with a highlighting finish. The upholstery is soft fabric.

Most swivel bar stools can be bought at either bar or counter heights. The seat of a counter height frame is shorter than bar height by about 5 inches. The total height is shorter by only 3 or 4. However, some of the popular styles can also be found as an adjustable swivel bar stool. That stool can travel with you from room to room, from table to counter to bar. Between swiveling and adjustable height, your bar stool can do anything anywhere.

The bar stool is quite a popular chair. Not only for the kitchen and bar counters, but bar stools have taken a trend into the living room, onto the patios and poolside, even next to vanity tables. They’re great at multitasking. But you do want to be sure that you have the right bar stool for the right room. So let’s walk through what, precisely, bar stools are good for.

Breakfast bar stools are the most common and popular design. Breakfast, or kitchen bar stools are generally slim and lightweight, easy to move, great for tucking under high counters… excellent space savers in tight kitchens. You want your breakfast stools to be counter height, and comfortable enough to sit in for a short and casual meal. It’s probably not important (or convenient) to get a breakfast bar stool with arms or fancy upholstery. In fact, don’t put any hard-to-clean furniture in the kitchen! You’ll probably look for stools that swivel, too, to minimize the clutter and chaos caused by moving chairs in small rooms. Your family will be thrilled; a swivel bar stool is an irresistible treat, for adults and children alike.

Swivel bar stools are actually great for any space where turning chairs around causes too much ankle banging. That’s why you’ve get entertainment systems dedicated to “bar stool sports.” Think about it; a with a bunch or rowdy guys yelling at a huge flat screen TV, bulky and heavy chairs are the last thing you want being moved around. Same goes for patio parties and other get-togethers.

Though there are endless numbers of bar stool designs from a variety of materials and textiles, the typical bar stool is either wood or metal and upholstered with leather. Since the bar stool was designed for bars and kitchens, this makes perfect sense: materials that clean easily and can weather a little rough usage. So make sure your bar stools are scratch-resistant and can handle some beverage spilling. Leather that resists easy tearing is also very important. If you know your stools are going to get a lot of beating up, go for some cheap bar stools that are easily replaceable. Also helps to minimize emotional investment. And look, when a bar stool is worn beyond what your décor can take, you can always recycle: build a bar stool racer. Maybe you can even make some money off of this new beer sport rising on the horizon.

If you’re one of the fortunate people who have outdoor patio, deck, or poolside space, you must open your eyes to outdoor bar furniture.  Even a backyard garden or concrete area will transform with a few finely chosen pieces of outdoor bar furniture in place.

Any day where the sun shines or the air is pleasant, entertaining guests is more enjoyable outdoors.  The fresh air and open space make people more social, more welcoming, and more positive.  Whether it’s intimate company or an entire pool party, the right tables, chairs, umbrellas, barstools, bars themselves, and serving carts are going to make your time and space an absolute hit.

What makes outdoor patio bar furniture different from any other furniture?

Outdoor means that the materials are weatherproof.  Wrought iron patio furniture is a great example. Wind, rain, a beating sun: your furniture will be safe and lasting.  (Keep in mind though that if you do invest in some sort of protection for them, such as patio covers, it will help them last even longer.)  It also means that the form will be suited to greenery, stone or grass underfoot, and water environments.  No heavy duty cherry wood or velvet cushions to be dragged out from the dining room.

Bar means slim and bar means style.  Outdoor bar furniture takes up less space than typical patio furniture.  Bar chairs or stools tuck under tables nicely.  They’re also usually lightweight; easy to move, store, or make room for more sets!  Aside from the convenience, bar style is appealing to the eye for its slimness and added height.  Let alone that built in footrest at the crossbar!

Bar height means perfect for serving food and drinks.  Guests nor waiters will have to bend down for pouring, serving, or offering hors devours.

And furniture?  Well, that just reminds you that anything and everything available for indoor company, is available outdoors, as well!  Tables of wicker, wood, wrought iron, glass tops or stone tops.  Chairs with backs or without, fully upholstered and with armrests; as you like.  Serving carts and the bars themselves to make serving and partying complete on that outdoor venue.

Even when its only the two of you, outdoor bar furniture can create an intimate atmosphere.  Small tabletops mean closer elbows.  Raised seats automatically urge the body to lean towards its parallel.  At a nicely lit pool or in a patio garden, bar furniture will make that evening unforgettable.

Best of all, you’ll be delighted at the deals and designs available across the web and in most outdoor furniture store.  Make that patio swing!

Barstools are primarily used as space saving seating in the kitchen and den area, or perhaps a basement sports bar.  They are generally lightweight, made from wood, aluminum, or chrome.  They are also less expensive than solid dining chairs, and have a sleek, neat look.  In those tight kitchen spaces, they’re an obvious fit.  Barstools tuck under counters easily.  They line up against the wall snugly.  They’re comfortable and fun.  So why haven’t they been introduced to other rooms of the house?

They have.  In small houses and apartments that simply don’t have space for full dining sets without banging ankles, modern barstools have become a popular choice.  They function as dining chairs, living room seating, extra chairs for the bedroom as well.

With a counter height table, wood barstools are a beautiful way to keep a classy dining look while saving money, and space.  Wood barstools come in all finishes, stylish frames, and can even be upholstered for optimal comfort.  Tempo barstools are the other option.  Fully upholstered, from any textile, with frames that include high, comfortable backs and even armrests!  The only giveaway that it’s a barstool is height.  A bachelor’s pad may even appreciate the cowboy rustic of saddle seat barstools for dining set.  In fact, any backless barstools can be used as an artistic choice as living or dining room furniture.  Another great style is the rattan barstool.  With a low back and wide, padded seat, the rattan is comfortable and has a decidedly unique touch.

Even without a tall table, you can usually find all of the above among adjustable barstools; adjust the seat height for what you need when you need it!  And don’t forget the added feature only found in barstools: they swivel!  Kids love this.  Adults do too, whether they admit it or not.

Black barstools are the classic color to choose.  Not only do they save space, they look like they take no space.  Black is slimming, and not just when you’re wearing it.  It opens up your living area, and always looks put together.  Even when upholstery or backs are of a contrasting color, a black frame is a sleek look.  Wood is perfect for a homey look.  Silver and other colors are more sterile and contemporary looking.

So here’s the decision.  Cheap barstools that save space and look great, or pricey wooden dining chairs that are clunky, difficult to move, and even more difficult to maintain?  Barstools are the answer.