In just about every home around the world one will come across one or the other kind of Barstool. Some of them are just a round wooden disc with four spindly legs; others again are real designer pieces, handcrafted legs with designer backrests and upholstered cushions, especially custom designed to lend a certain charm and warmth to a designated area in the home. In certain homes one will find a lone barstool with a wealth of history behind it. It could have been in the same family for a few hundred years and no one ever dare use it as a seat anymore.
In the days when the Pharaohs were the rulers of the northern most part of the African continent and when a chair was used as a seat by kings and bishops, the ordinary folk had to sit on the ground, on backless chests, benches, and barstools. That was a long time ago and it makes the barstool one of the oldest pieces of modern day furniture. Barstools nowadays are made in factories and in bulk, sold in large chain stores and at the flea market. They are used in just about any of a number of living, working or entertainment areas.
Through the years they have been adopting new names as well. For example, if one finds a barstool near the kitchen counter in the kitchen, it all of a sudden changes to a Kitchen Stool. Most commonly used in close proximity with a counter, some of these pieces of furniture are designed in such a way that it can actually be bolted to the floor, especially in a pub. This way it makes it virtually impossible to move the barstool, pick it up or throw it at an opponent during a brawl. A very clever idea!
Different materials are used in the manufacture of barstools. The older wood framed stools are slowly making way to more modern and light weight aluminum and space age materials. Another space saving gimmick is the stack type bar stool. Where the normal space occupied by these barstools, can alternatively be used for other functions when needed. The aluminum framed barstools can safely be used out of doors and is sturdily constructed for forceful handling. Aluminum and other lightweight materials make the barstool more maneuverable and easier to handle. Bar stools are manufactured in different sizes and heights, but commonly the height varies around 30??.
Polyurethane foam is most commonly used as a stuffing for the seats of barstools, making it a bit more comfortable than the older round wooden discs. One wonders how the kings of years gone by would react to see their subjects relaxing in such comfort. Adding to the padded seats, are the very useful idea of footrests mounted at a comfortable height, making it easier for the shorter patron to mount or dismount his throne. Barstools, Kitchen stools, Breakfast bar stools, or any other name it might still adopt, has come a long way through history and are still balanced on four spindly legs.
