It can always be a headscratcher when searching for chairs to fit that awkward corner in your living room, or when looking to provide a flexible seating option for an office. If you are in this boat, then you may want to consider stools. This unique furniture type has a combination of height and compactness, making it the perfect option for cozy breakfast islands and casual workplace seats in offices.
Are Stools Uncomfortable?
While stools are highly versatile and can fit in various types of home and office spaces, they still have a bad reputation for being uncomfortable. However, while traditional stools were often made of plain wood that was hard to sit on for long periods, modern stools are very different. Today’s stools feature several ergonomic features such as backrests, handles, adjustable height, and wheels for easy movement. So, you can wave goodbye to those days of uneasy sitting.
If you feel that these ergonomic features are not enough, then you can opt for a stool with padded seats. This additional cushion should help reduce the pressure on your body, making it easier to stay seated during those long work hours. So, you may want to take a closer look at stools before dismissing them as hard and uncomfortable.
Where Can I Place My Stool?
While a set of stools may look awkward behind an office desk or boardroom table, they tend to fit perfectly in places you might not initially expect. Their high level of versatility and modern features make them the best option for places where a traditional seat may fall short, such as:
- Kitchen Islands: Stools work best in areas where you frequently stand while using the desk, such as when cooking on a kitchen island. In this case, using a regular chair while eating will leave your meal awkwardly out of place and lead to a terrible experience. Meanwhile, with an adjustable stool, even little children join in all meals, making it easier to create a lifetime of happy family moments.
- Closet Mirror: Using a stool in front of your closet mirror helps to provide that unique balance of form and function. This is why the modern stool has become the go-to option for people who love long glam sessions, as its adjustable height features allow you to change the position depending on the part of your body you are working on. Its compact size also means you can tuck it away when you are done.
- Workspace: Stools are an excellent fit for co-working spaces with tall desks, as they offer a refreshing break from traditional seats. Some individuals may also prefer this option to regular seating as it provides a change of posture that can help boost creativity and spark focus. Stools are also ideal for collaborative sessions, as multiple team members can easily gather around and discuss.
- Balcony: Most stools are highly weather resistant, as they have been constructed with materials such as reinforced plastic and wood. This makes them the perfect choice for outdoor spaces such as balconies as you don’t have to worry about dragging your chair indoors at the first sight of a cloud.
Stool Styles to Match Your Occasion
Modern stools are also available in a wide band of colors, so finding something that matches your decor should be a walk in the park. Beyond shades and hues, you can also find various design styles when shopping for stools such as minimalist patterns with shorter backrests and unique two-tone colors or industrial stools made of durable materials such as leather and metal to ensure that each chair stands the test of time.