Lluvia House in Mexico / PPAA Pérez Palacios Arquitectos Asociados | © Rafael Gamo
First impressions are often last impressions, and the ambiance of a bar is quintessential in making a stunning first impression. Numerous elements are involved in completing your bar’s final look, but the cornerstone of an inviting ambiance is furniture.
When it comes to bar furniture, wooden bar stools are definitive. They are functional, sexy, and elegant. They can be used as decorative accents or for comfortable dining. Whether your space is a modern sports bar, rustic English pub, or an Avante-Garde upscale bar – wooden bar stools will add an extra charm to your decor. These stools are lightweight and small, which means they fit in the tightest of spaces and allow the space to breathe, nonetheless.
How to Choose the Perfect Wooden Bar Stool?
When you choose bar stools for your bar, there are several things to keep in mind as your ambiance’s overall aesthetic. Your furniture must coincide with the elements of your bar to keep up a sense of continuity. For example, in a rustic-looking setting, bar stools with untreated finishes would match the aesthetic. For metallic, sleek settings, choose stools with powder-coated finishes.
Moreover, there are various material options available when it comes to wooden stools. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of these variants. Consider your requirements – is it an indoor or outdoor space? If it is an outdoor space, outdoor furniture requirements are different. They need to maintain structural integrity and look over various weather conditions. Determine whether the use of your bar stool is more practical or ornamental. If the purpose is functional, then bar stools with a footrest or ones that can swivel are great options. If the purpose is decorative, then designs that may seem impractical but pleasing to the eye can be preferred.
If the purpose is functional, then bar stools with a footrest or ones that can swivel are great options. If the purpose is decorative, then designs that may seem impractical but pleasing to the eye can be preferred.
The Battle of Wood: Which One to Choose?
Several different types of wood can be used to make a sturdy and gorgeous wooden stool. According to the Woodworking Network, familiarity with the different kinds of woodgrain can help expand your horizons – you never know when you discover just the right material for your future endeavors! But before we delve into the perfect material, let us explore the kinds of available wood.
1. Softwood
PENICILLIN Bar In Hong Kong / COLLECTIVE | © 1km Studio, Kevin Mak
Contrary to their name, softwoods are not weaker than hardwoods. In fact, many kinds of hardwoods are weaker than softwoods. Softwoods come from coniferous trees like fir, cedar, redwood, and pine. Coniferous trees are found abundantly, and they grow easily, which means they are generally less expensive. They tend to appear yellow or reddish.
Softwoods are used extensively in construction. Softwoods, especially from the cypress family, can resist insects and rot. This makes them ideal for outdoor projects and pieces of furniture. Softwoods sound wonderful for home improvement projects, but a bar stool requires style and finesse that an ordinary cedar does not possess.
2. Hardwood
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees which do not produce needles or cones. Some hardwoods are not deciduous, such as bamboo and palm.
Woodworkers and enthusiasts know why hardwood is a favorite. Hardwoods like maple, mahogany, butternut offer a stunning variety of colors, grains, and textures. Wooden bar stools made of hardwoods are exquisite, beautiful with distinct patterns. If you use hardwoods, you will definitely end up with some elegant and interesting-looking furniture. The downside to hardwoods like oak, hickory, maple, mahogany is that they can be expensive.
But not all hardwoods have to be expensive necessarily. A range of affordable variants is easily available in the market. Here is a guide to a couple of them:
2.1. Beechwood
Beech is a solid and heavy type of hardwood. It bends easily. Its unique cream-toned look has a consistent straight and tight pattern. It is light-colored with a yellow-reddish tone, easily bendable, making it an excellent choice for indoor furniture. Beechwood is susceptible to shrinkage and swelling if exposed to humidity and moisture, so ideally shouldn’t be used for outdoor furniture. Beechwood is found without much difficulty and is one of the most affordable ranges of hardwoods.
2.2. Birch
Birch is one of the most easily available and affordable varieties of hardwood species. It is perfect for constructing stools because the grain is like that of maple, and the material is light-colored. It is strong and often used as an alternative to oak.
Conclusion: Hardwoods vs Softwood
In conclusion, in this battle of making some fabulous wooden bar stools, hardwoods take the cake. With this definitive guide to choosing the most reliable material for bar stools, half the race is won.
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