Stools as Nice Accent Piece

Perhaps the kids have moved out or it's time for new carpet. You look around the house and see worn things you've had for years. It's time for a change. Refurnishing? Start with a stool.

Stools have two primary uses. They allow us to add height so we can retrieve things on higher shelves or rods. They also allow us to add beauty to our homes by making a tool a furniture item. They are perfect accessories to any room in the house. Following are ways to incorporate stools into a refurnishing event.

Saddle island stools have been around for many years. They are popular because they add elegance to any area. There is nothing particularly complicated in the design. There are four legs, with a brace between the front set and back set of legs.

The legs angle in to meet with the seat, which is curved like a saddle, except the person sits in the center of the stool, with both legs out in front of the body. Think sidesaddle with straight legs, and you have the right way to sit on a saddle bar stool. In addition, the seat is more at the height of a regular dining chair.

Conjure up an image of the soda shop. A round black vinyl-covered stool and table with chrome legs is just perfect for a corner area or nook near the television set. There is no back on the stool, which is a bit higher than a regular kitchen chair. The user is comfortable in reaching the table, which is higher than the average dining room or kitchen table.

By now are you seeing more ideas in refurnishing? Start with a stool. Bar Stools are taller than kitchen counter stools. Usually, they are made of finished wood or metal with vinyl or faux leather seat and back. The lower back is open. It is topped by a curved, closed back, with arms extending for support.

On many wooden kitchen stools you'll find a foot bar of some sort. It's positioned about a foot above the floor, to enable a safe step up to the higher chair. Some bar stools have an adjustment to raise or lower the chair height. The swiveling ability of the chair can have limited motion, or the ability to swing a full 360 degrees.
Incredibly lovely and useful are finished wood footstools with tops that lift. The covers can be quite elegant in satin or embroidered tops. If you like crafts, particularly needlepoint, you may decide to make your own cover. Use the open space under the lid for storage. It is a lovely compliment to the sitting and living rooms.

Think safety. Avoid placing a footstool where someone with limited sight might miss it and trip. This doesn't mean you have to give up your beautiful footstool. Find a spot where people don't walk, such as the left-hand side of the chair.

Choose stools that are simple to clean and don't show dirt and stains easily. Bar stools with footrests, a back, and arms are great for leisure areas of the house, even without a bar counter. Eight through twelve year olds will enjoy watching the big screen TV on the wall from their vantage point on the bar stool. Are you ready for refurnishing? Start with a stool.