The word contemporary is defined as “existing, occurring or living at the same time; belonging to the same time”. It is for this reason that phrase “contemporary furniture” often has a prelude to it such as 1920’s contemporary furniture or 18th century contemporary furniture. These pieces may not be what would be typically thought of as contemporary in this day and age but they would have been contemporary to the time in which they were created, belonging to it.

Functionality

Today’s contemporary furniture, classed as modern contemporary furniture is often thought of as being minimalistic and futuristic. Whilst these adjectives could easily apply to many contemporary pieces it is often because of the use of materials and the lines within the piece that give it this feel. However, in many cases, the unassuming look of contemporary furniture can actually serve to be simply functional without any drama. Pieces like this tend to stand the test of time and there are many pieces which replica similar designs from years ago. These items of furniture will enhance other alternative features in the room without actually being the focal point.

Design

Designer furniture has clean lines as a result of the materials used in each piece. Nowadays, glass, plastic and steel are extremely popular in the use of such pieces. The reason for this is for the finish that can be obtained with such materials and the idea of space which can be created. Shapes tend to be very geometric and precise. As the pieces are defined, they will fit in with the era in which they are made.

Small rooms are notoriously hard to furnish. It is very easy for a room to become shop-like with furniture seemingly scattered everywhere. Using a space such as this regularly can have an adverse effect on a person’s well-being. Nobody wants to feel as though they’re living or working in a prison cell.

Contemporary furniture is perfect for small spaces. With clean, sleek lines pieces will automatically give a very tidy and put together feel in a space. Also much of the modern contemporary furniture uses reflective or even transparent materials in their design. The way light bounces round the room is the key to creating an illusion of space in a small area. In addition to this, wall mounted furniture and pieces that have multiple uses are also great in smaller spaces.

Brilliant examples of this would be:

• “Wallflower Wall Office” – Jonas & Jonas

  This great piece literally hangs on the wall and provides a space for somebody to work. It is like a traditional side board and a shelf combined into a piece which is pleasing and functional.

• “Corner Flame” – Radius

  This wall mounted fire place takes up little space but will fill a room with heat and style instantly. The fire comes in different finishes including a completely transparent glass effect.

• “Ego Tower” – Aquaware

  This sleek design manages to combine sink, towel rail, bathroom cabinet with mirror all into one slim unit that is uber stylish. This design is perfect for small city apartment bathrooms.

Whilst finding the right furniture for a small home may be a challenge, it is extremely possible to creative a stylish space to be proud of.

If you’re going to be sitting on a bar stool, you never know how long you might be find yourself sitting there, so it pays to avoid the basic hardtop classics which are characteristic of these furniture items.

But here’s a bar stool that can offer you sheer luxury.  The Casino Royal bar stool has a classic four-leg, carved wood construction, but from the seat level up it’s a different story.  This is a mini-armchair on high legs, with a deeply padded seat and contoured back rest which sweeps down in a curve to form the sides of the seat.

It’s finished in soft plush upholstery and would look perfectly at home in even the most elegant interior.

But it’s the level of comfort it offers that sets the Casino Royal apart.  With its body-fitting contours and all-round padding, it provides full support and won’t leave you with the tired and aching back which often follows a long stint on a stool

Bar stools are curious furniture items.  Casual in function, they may nevertheless be required to fit into formal décor in various situations.  In a hotel or casino they must be able to blend with sumptuous surroundings.  In the home they can offer a touch of sophistication to a bar or even a kitchen counter.  They may even be pressed into service outdoors around the pool.

Because of their multi-functional character, we’re often at a loss to know exactly what to look for in a bar stool.  It’s important to remember that they are no longer merely a functional item, to be kept out of sight as far as possible.

In this context, the appeal of the Casino Royal bar stool lies in its unabashed elegance.  It’s not often that you will find a bar stool with this level of classical elegance.  And if you’re particularly keen to tie it to the rest of your décor, you’ll be delighted to learn that there is a matching lounge chair available.  Now there’s a great idea for coordinating your furniture.

This stylish and comfortable design would be equally at home in an upmarket hotel, the saloon of a private yacht or your living room.

So if you’re someone who likes to spend long hours leaning on a bar and like some comfortable back support while you’re there, this could well be the bar stool for you.

As the emphasis in interior decoration goes more and more onto casual living, the bar stool has risen in popularity to become a must-have for most modern homes.  Bar stools were once simply a utilitarian item to be tucked away in a corner of the kitchen, but they are now emerging out their chrysalis to take wing as important – and comfortable – items of furniture.

Every furniture manufacturer and distributor today has a wide range of bar stools and you’ll be dazzled by the range of options available to you.  To assist you in your choice, here are five of the very best bar stools around.

1. Bertoia Stool

The Bertoia stool is a modern design classic.  This stool is unique in having been in continuous production since 1952, when it was created by Harry Bertoia.  The secret of its longevity lies in its seductive wire-frame design, coupled with a seat cushion for comfort.

2. Imo Bar Stool

Pinch Design’s Imo bar stool is a study in simplicity.  It features a shaped oak seat on a rigorously simple walnut frame.  Elegant to look at and comfortable to sit on, it answers all the requirements of a perfect piece of furniture.

3. Gas Lift Pod Bar Stool

From Simply Bar Stools comes this Gas Lift Pod bar stool, one of the most eye-catching items around.  Perfect for a modern kitchen, this is brilliantly practical with its contoured plastic seat and adjustable height.  It’s made of glossy ABS plastic and the ergonomic design ensures you’ll be comfortable in it for as long as it takes.  The non-slip base is a feature that you’ll love if you have small children around.

4. Wishbone Bar Stool

If you have an element of nostalgia in your design sense, you’ll love this Hans Wegner inspired Wishbone bar stool.  It’s a blatant parody of Wegner’s classic chair but a stylish piece nonetheless and, in the tradition of Danish design, superbly comfortable.  These beautiful stools can add a touch of real class to a traditional wood and leather décor.

5. Snella Mark 2 Stool

For understated modern elegance it’s hard to beat the Snella Mark 2 Stool. This Italian-made bar stool is high quality from its stainless steel pedestal to its premium quality leather backrest.  The seat is well padded and the stool adjusts to every possible position with its swivel base and gas lift height adjustment.

Whatever your taste, whatever your budget, it’s not difficult today to find a bar stool that’s just right for you.

Welcome to www.bar-stools.org.uk our website to showcase exceptional bar stool designs.

We aim to bring together the best bar stools in one place, in a variety of different styles and materials.

Feel free to have a look around our website for ideas and inspiration, we’ll try to reference where you can buy the chairs we showcase, so you can get them yourself.

We hope you enjoy the website.