But, just in case, here are some things to avoid:

1. Never offer a ‘genuine compliment’. Compliments are fake and everyone knows it!
2. Never bring up family. That’s who people are trying to escape.
3. Never talk about food or drinks. If it’s good it’ll be obvious and if it’s bad talking won’t help.
4. Never ask about work. Those employed need a break. The unemployed need a drink, quick.
5. Never bring up hobbies. No one has time for them.

1. Failed Relationships
2. Illness and Death
3. Unpleasant Smells
4. Childhood Pets (especially fish)
5. History (especially Polish wars)

My advice is: Pour yourself a drink, turn up the music and sit quietly on Your Barstool!

“Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.” – Abraham Lincoln

The fact is that home bars are not just for entertaining with alcoholic beverages. They’re for the kitchen or outside garden, a place to sit and sip your morning coffee, orange juice or smoothy, a place to read the paper or find out about all the things your kids don’t want you to know. The real bar stool conversations are had with the people you think you know very well.

There’s something about the way you sit on a stool, high up and not slumped down into cushions, that elevate thoughts. Perhaps it’s the casual nature of being almost in a standing position, eye to eye with the person beside you, at the same level, that allows you to speak your mind without calculating so much.

As I said in another post, I got to know and appreciate my husband so much more by the moments shared on bar stools near a window overlooking the city.  We had so often talked on a sofa, in the bedroom, lying down, comfy, in many ways, but nothing was like the moments of silence eye to eye, each on a barstool, and then the deepest secrets and dreams just flowed out.

So keep searching for that perfect stool that will elevate your thoughts and help the conversations to flow, even if that means using your eyes and heart to do most of the talking.

During this time Mikhail used his garage to create rattan furniture however after a falling out with a partner he took a job at Atlantic Quality Furniture where he began an illustrious career with a broom while studying all aspects of furniture production. Soon he was operating the equipment and later he became a foreman, running the entire woodworking shop. Wanting more, he borrowed $500 and started a chair frame company which became the start of the now famous Mikhail Darafeev Company. His first order was 50 chairs and his staff consisted of himself and a few relatives. But his reputation of  quality spread and with it a solid customer base so that in 1960 he moved to a larger facility in Montebello, California.

By 1964 Mikhail Darafeev Company was producing hardwood frames and components for nearly every major furniture manufacturer in Southern California. His largest customer was Beelner & Thomas, a major manufacturer of office furniture.

In 1969 Darafeev bought property in Baldwin Park, California with state-of-the-art  equipment placing himself in direct competition with the likes of General Furniture Corporation. But his customer base had Benedetti, Sheffield Chair, Milwaukee Chair, Flintridge Furniture, Birchcraft Furniture, Fairchild of California and Crown City Furniture.

His sons George and Paul began working in the factory while attending school, but in 1973, when Mikhail passed away at age 45, George 19 and Paul fresh out of high school, began running the family business. They sought a new identity in a niche market, not by supplying products to other companies, but developing their own quality furniture. Oddly, only one single barstool was designed and it was not intended for commercial production. But the unique design of that lone stool soon made it their most sought-after game-room product. It birthed an entire collection of poker tables, combination game tables, poker chairs, club chairs, bridge tables and bars, making them a primary supplier of luxury billiard industry products.

George and Paul continue their father’s tradition, designing some of the worlds’ finest custom-made game room furniture; each piece expertly constructed with a blend of old world craftsmanship and modern engineering.

Today, the Darafeev product line consists of Barstools, Spectator Chairs and Benches, Game Sets, Bars and Back Bars, and Pub Tables. All made from genuine hardwoods and high-grade materials.

When you select a Darafeev barstool it comes not only with the rich hardwood and durable upholstery you see, it also comes with a history; a story to tell as you sip a drink atop one of  Mikhail Darafeev’s stools.

5075 Edison Ave
Chino, CA 91754

Phone: 909.613.1818
Fax: 909.627.5119
Email: info@darafeev.com

Clocks?

Are we not talking about barstools? Yes, we are. But Howard Miller’s vision expanded into the manufacture of mantel clocks and grandfather clocks, which meant working with wood.  This lead to the making of fine furniture pieces, starting with cabinets  for displaying heirlooms, made from glass and hardwoods. Later the company he founded  incorporated several lines of elegant dinning tables, chairs, wine-racks, bar tables and some of the most exquisite handcrafted wood bar stools. In order to facilitate his expanding furniture empire, the original company acquired three other companies: the Hekman Furniture Company with its fine metals and exotic woods, the Woodmark Company which specialized in upholstery and the Kieninger Company of Germany.

Ithaca Bar Stool

Today Howard Miller is well-known for offering high-end wedding, anniversary and retirement gifts. However, if you appreciate quality furniture and your decor is classic-elegant or based on the richness of  traditional hardwood, I suggest considering adding a few pieces to your lounge, den, home bar or living room. Notice that the maximun weight capacity for each barstool is set at 300 lbs. While you or your guests may not weigh that much, it is an indication of quality and durability which many modern bar stools do not offer.

The attention to detail on each of the stools – the carved backs and legs, the lustrous lacquered finishes, the rich upholstery tones and the overall air – stems from Mr Miller’s original quest for perfection.

See for yourself if your perfect barstool is waiting at Howard Miller.

Saranac Bar Stool

Ithaca Bar Stool

This swivel stool offers a brown cushioned seat with metal support springs, and antique brass-tone foot rest.
Seat height is 30-1/2 inches.

Weight capacity is 300 lbs.

Niagara Bar Stool

This handsome swivel bar stool offers elaborately carved details on the seat back, arms and legs.  The black cushioned seat features metal support springs and antique brass-tone foot rest.
The seat height is 30-1/2 inches.

Saranac Bar Stool

Syracuse Bar Stool

This swivel bar stool features ornately carved details on the seat back, arms and legs. The stool has a black cushioned back and seat with metal support springs and antique brass-tone foot rest.
The seat height is 30-1/2 inches.

Weight capacity is 300 lbs.

Syracuse Bar Stool

This piece has a casual, worn finish with brown undertones and a black glossy seat.
Seat height: 30 inches.

Weight capacity: 300 lbs.

Check out the fabulous barstool collection from Johnston Casual.

Johnston Casual Eden Stationary

They take an architectural approach to style. Their pieces are like sculptures. Simple yet with texture.
They are known for eclectic designs and yet you’ll find their prices surprisingly affordable.

Johnston Casual Princeton Barstool

Their uniquely elegant barstools are made to last – from hand grinding to robotics, to automated powder-coating within their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. They use the latest technology and merge that with the skills of more than 100 artisans.

Johnston Casual Barstool Topaz

Johnston Casual Contemporary Design is a top choice for Your Barstool because they are Committed to Green, to protecting the environment and producing a beautiful eco-friendly line of products. Their sheet steel is recycled and scraps are sent to be reclaimed. Their powdercoating is less toxic than lacquer. For customers who buy their barstools and other furniture products, after years of use, the pieces may be returned for refinishing.

Johnston Casual continues to explore new ways to respect the environment while producing contemporary designs that are both innovative and consumer friendly.

In addition to Barstools, they also create exquisite bars, benches, cafe sets, dinning tables, chairs, occasional tables, square end tables, wine racks, etageres and beds.

Their contemporary designs distinguish themselves by exuding a cosmopolitan feeling no matter where you place them.

Johnston Casual Studio II

In creating their stylish series in metal, with upholstered seats, Johnston Casuals’ designers kept your unique architectural spaces in mind. They have combined fluidity of design with comfort. They are sophisticated solutions to seating.

Johnston Casual Barstool Pegasus

Their designs are what they call “functionally artistic” and they don’t mind if their unique barstools and furniture serve also as contemporary icons of their own because they are a rare balance of form and function. That is what contemporary design should be about.

They also offer an impressive selection of fabrics to chose from, for custom orders, in distinctive colors, from Brandy to Marmalade.

At Johnston Casual there are metal, glass, and granite in extraordinary esoteric combinations to enhance even the most sophisticated interiors.

The designers at Johnston Casual offer the artistic pieces to create your personal setting. All you need is to choose YOUR BARSTOOL, serve a good meal, drink a good drink and start a conversation!

Here are some stores that carry Johnston Casual Barstools.

1. Italy 2000 – 5436 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA

2. Jta, Inc. – 1933 S. Broadway Ll 70, Los Angeles, CA

3. Sitting Pretty – 7115 Darby Street, Reseda, CA

4. Witherspoon Barstools – 233 N. Tustin Ave., Orange, CA
5. Cantoni-whse (irvine) – 8650 Research Drive, Irvine, CA

One of the hottest residential models right now is the Agnes Adjustable Swivel Stool with chromed steel footrest and base and a gas lift. The smooth molded seat comes in five colors.

The Bernie-B Bar Stool

This stool rests on a chrome base and the  seat comes in a choice of two colors.

A Eurostyle stool may be something to consider especially if you are remodeling your kitchen. These stools help to put an end to established seating habits that make changing decor even more difficult. Consider these modern bar stools  especially if you’re thinking of opening up space in your kitchen with a counter bar.

Agnes Adjustable Swivel And Bernie-B Bar Stool

Exchange your old kitchen table for an island counter that doubles as a bar. And don’t think you can’t because of space. Most kitchens, even in apartments, have room for an island that will allow at least 6 people to pull up a stool.

A Eurostyle barstool is great for saving space and modernizing a kitchen. They give the illusion of light because of their sleek construction and streamline shapes.

Their cool metal and clean lines go well with an art deco theme or even an Asian minimalistic design.

While living these last 10 years in Asia I can tell you that many small, but fantastically designed, chic apartments have these  retro-modern stools. They work very well in small, small spaces like many young professionals have in Tokyo and Taipei.

Angelita And Fortuna Adjustable Swivel Stools

The point is that these  stools can fit into a new kitchen design to make it appear lighter, cleaner and more spacious. Counter stools take up very little space when compared to a dinning table and chairs in the middle of the floor.

So take a look at a few more stool designs in the Eurostyle line and choose Your Barstool!

Oh! Here’s one more suggestion: The Rubin-C Swivel Wood Counter Stool is a counter-height stool with tubular chromed steel legs and sleek laminated wood.

It simply oozes style with its slender curves and swiveling body.

“…easy to assemble and look great in my apartment….”

” A post-modern sleek sexy look. Not only do they look good but they are comfortable to sit in.  I’ve already gotten complements on them…”

“These stools have a sleek, contemporary style at a fraction of designer furniture prices. They are sturdy enough for people with average to above average build and they’re easy to put together. Overall a great value. I would definitely purchase them again.”

Winsom Air Lift Adjustable Stool

“For what I’ve priced for one stool, I got two of them! Plus, these are adjustable, which is a welcome bonus. They aren’t bulky at all, so they fit nicely under the edge of my counter to be completely out of the way. There is some padding, but not very much, definitely more-so than a plain old wooden stool. I think I’ll buy another pair to go downstairs at my work bench and in my shop. And here is my favorite part, you can spin around on one like a hundred times, and then try to pin the tail on the donkey, so you might want to use Velcro instead of actual pins.”

Hillsdale Milan Swivel Bar Stool

Hillsdale Milan Swivel Barstool

“I was very impressed with the colors and quality of this stool. It takes about 45 minutes to put each one together. The screws are 90% allen wrench (hopefully you have an electric screwdriver with an allen wrench bit…). The color is like a bronze/rust/copper. My kitchen is very earthy so they fit very nicely. We have 4 of these along our breakfast bar.”

Winsome Saddle Bar Stool in Walnut

We ordered these stools and did not know what we were getting for such a low price but we were surprised that they are such great stools. These are as good as any stools in the stores.Very well made and our 4 year old loves to sit on them while he eats at our pass through. I would buy these again.”

“I purchased only 2 of the barstools and my kids fight over who’s turn is it to sit on them. I have 3 children but only 2 stools. They are very comfortable and stylish. I will be purchasing another set.”

Monte Carlo Leather Game Room Bar Stools with Arms $148.72

Monte Carlo Barstool

“I ordered one of these stools (I need 5) to see if I would like it. It arrived today. We were very pleasantly surprised by how nice this chair is. The picture doesn’t do it justice. The wood is a rich color that compliments the leather beautifully. It is a solid piece and comfortable. Assembly was quick and (this may be a first for us) all of the hardware needed was included…no missing pieces. I just ordered four more and wish I had ordered all 5 in the first place. Even though I had to pay for shipping on this item, it was still a better price than anything else I have seen that is comparable. I have been looking for months. I highly recommend this bar stool to anyone considering this purchase.”
———————————————–
“This stool is a superb product. I agree with the earlier review which said that the photo doesn’t do it justice. The wood and leather are beautiful. This isn’t so much a bar stool as a piece of furniture. It is extremely well made. It feels heavy and substantial, and it’s very comfortable. One thing that you can’t see in the photo is that the chair back is also made of leather. It looks very much like the front. This was a pleasant surprise. Beware, this stool is fairly wide. The arms are 27″ wide at their widest. We were glad that we ordered only three rather than four. If you aren’t sure, I recommend buying fewer and ordering one more later if you need it. Before buying these, we went to a local bar stool store. We could not find any stools we liked, and certainly none in the $200-400 range. This particular stool, if it were being sold in that store, would have gone for $600 apiece or more…. EACH. And we looked at hundreds (thousands?) of stools online and couldn’t find anything to compare. This stool is simply an incredible bargain. We were able to get all three to our door for under $600 TOTAL. Just amazing. And shipping took only a week or so. My wife and I wholeheartedly recommend this stool.”

Winsome Wood 30-Inch Black PVC Seat Walnut Bar Stools $99.65

Winsom Black Walnut Barstool

“I received two of these stools for Christmas and I liked them so much I bought 2 more. Good quality bar stools. They weren’t packaged very well and one has a small chip on the leg but other than that these are very good. I would definitely recommend these.”

“These barstools are beautiful. They are very attractive–however, not so sturdy. After a week the bottom of one of the legs was chipped badly. I am not sure that they are going to hold up to my three teenagers. The price was very reasonable so we will probably order two extras for replacements.”

Antique Black Backless Stool  $119.99

Antique Black Backless barstool

“Like the other reviewers I really love these and I like the fact that they’re not really “antiqued” per the description. However, I did have some difficulty assembling them. I suggest not tightening the screws entirely until both legs are on the base. I wish I could post a picture of them at my bar!”

“I ordered these barstools on a Monday and they arrived by Friday. I am am very pleased with the barstools. They look very expensive and as if they were purchased from an upscale store. The assembly was easy and only took me 20 minutes. The only drawback is that they didn’t come very distressed at all, which didn’t bother me. Overall I am very pleased with my purchase.”

Sophia Swivel Barstool $59.99

Sophia Swivel Barstool

“These barstools are easy to assemble. A beautiful addition to the patio cafe set I have. ”

“Ordered these bar stools after searching for something similar. wasn’t quite sure if they would be any good, since they were very reasonably priced, to my surprise they work perfectly!! and I couldn’t beat the price.”

Powell Antique Black Bar Stool $59.00

Powell Antique Black Bar Stool

“I ordered these stools because they have the rub thru that matches my other furniture. The rub thru is minimal. One leg was cracked but it was replaced promptly without question. They are pricier than solid colored stools and I recently saw them locally for about $45 each. Overall they are very good stools, well made,  solid & fit perfectly in my kitchen.”

Swivel Barstool from Visiondecor $99.99

Faux Leather Swivel Bar Stool

“The “leather” is not real but synthetic and the “brass” rivets are plastic like and attached to each other and a little cheap looking. But for the price the product is solid wood and sturdy. If you had a mind to you  could easily refinish the seat if you wanted. It would still be a good deal. The diameter is shallow and may not be comfortable for larger people. But as for me the stool takes up less space and is very comfy for the kids. All in all I like this product for the price.”

Omicron Kitchen Padded Bar Stool $99.95

Omicron Kitchen Barstool

The Omicron Bar Stool is adjustable from 22–30 inches. White vinyl leather padding on the back and bottom of the seat. This sophisticated barstool is built for both residential and commercial use.

This barstool is new and awaits some customer reviews. Please feel free to enter a comment.

PS: It also comes in black.

Matches this sleek bar table from Winsome:

Most of these items can be ordered fast through Amazon and most customers have expressed their satisfaction at how quickly the shipments arrive.

Some assembly is usually required.

Baxton Studio Bar Stool $97.57

This adjustable swivel barstool is great for counter or bar with  easy to clean individual walnut veneers. Modern retro.

That’s all for today, but I’ll keep updating you on the newest and latest barstool trends.

Check out Your Barstool Advice and the Practical Guide to Bar-stooling.

A comprehensive list of bar stool manufacturers, designers and styles.

Your Barstool will feature a different Barstool maker in upcoming articles.

Check New Pages on the right for lots of juicy barstool info!

BARSTOOL MAKERS LIST:

Hillsdale Bar Stools – Traditional, Classic, Elegant

Tempo Bar Stools - Elegant, Delicate

Trica Bar Stools -Chic, Delicate with a touch of Modern

Powell Bar Stools – Classic Wood and Wrought Iron

Amisco Bar Stools – Steel and Clean Lines

Holsag Bar Stools – Traditional, Tall, Wood

Howard Miller – High quality, Traditional Dark Wood

Home Styles Bar Stools -Simple, Armless Barstools

Alston Bar Stools – Simple, Metal, aluminum, light  Wood

American Heritage Billiards – Rich Dark Wood, Traditional

Armen Art Barstools – Modern, Chic, Italian

Bago Luma Bar Stools – Handforged Iron, delicate, Unique

Barlow Tyrie Teak Bar Stools – Teak Casual, light

Boca Rattan Barstools – Rattan from Cebu, Philippines

Boraam Bar Stools – Classic, Solid Wood

Calligaris Bar Stools – Modern, cutting-edge Italian Design

Carolina Cottage Bar Stools – North Carolina Cottage Style

ECI Furniture Bar Stools – Imports Dark Wood furniture

Emeco Bar Stools – Aluminum

Entree Casual Dining Bar Stools – Casual

Eurostyle Bar Stools -Modern, retro, future trends

GAR Bar Stools – Traditional Dark wood

Grace Collection Bar Stools – Delicate Wrought iron

Grand Rapids Chair Bar Stools – Steel, Wood, Light, Clean Lines

Great American Bar Stools – Unfinished Wood, Maple, Saddle Stools

Holland Bar Stool Co. – Wood, Metal, Contemporary

International Concepts Bar Stools – White Wood, Cottage Style

Johnston Casuals Bar Stools – High-tech, Vintage, Chic, Metal

Kingsley-Bate Bar Stools – Teak, Outdoor, Garden

Knoll Bar Stools – Cast Aluminum, Ultra Modern

Lifestyle California Bar Stools – Light Wood, Casual, Cottage

Linon Bar Stools – Dark Espresso, Wood, Metal, Classic

Magis Bar Stools – High-end, Designer, Aluminum

New River Bar Stools – Casual Patio, Light Wood

Olivo & Godeassi Bar Stools – A Division of Calligaris

Oxford Garden Bar Stools – Light Wood, Casual, Garden

Pangaea Bar Stools – Iron, Garden, by Philippine Artisans

Pastel Furniture Bar Stools – Iron, Brushed Steel, Decorative

Polywood Bar Stools – Casual Outdoor

Pulaski Furniture Bar Stools – Finely Crafted, Manor Style

Rockwood Bar Stools – Teak, Casual, Wood, Outdoor

Rustic Cedar Bar Stools – Rustic Cedar Logs, Unfinished

Southern Enterprises Bar Stools – Country Wood, Nantucket style

Sports Fan Products Bar Stools – Retro, Vinyl, Sports bar Style

Telescope Casual Bar Stools – Cast Aluminum, Garden, Casual

Tropitone Bar Stools – Casual, Garden/Beach, Cast Iron

Uwharrie Bar Stools – Unfinished Wood, Painted, Casual

Winsome Wood Bar Stools – Classic Wood Styles, Affordable Prices

Woodard Bar Stools – Garden, Patio, Iron, Metal

World Poker Tour Bar Stools – Licensed World Poker Bar Stools

Zuo Modern – Sleek, Ultra Modern, Curvaceous, Sexy

How to get started Bar-Stooling:

1. Instead of measuring miniskirts and high heals, measure your counter-top or bar table. Your perfect height is not determined by genetics but by the measurement from the top of the stool´s seat to the floor. For ‘counter-height’ stools, the most common measurements are between 24 to 28 inches. That means your ideal table or bar will be 35 to 37 inches high. Tall bar stools, referred to as ‘bar-height’ stools usually measure 29 to 32 inches (remember that this is from the seat to the floor) which makes your ideal bar table between 41 and 43 inches high. If you want to go for sexy, try the ‘extra-tall’ bar stools which are 33 to 36 inches and require a 44 to 47 inch table.

2. To be sure your friends are comfy around your counter or bar table, measure 26 to 30 inches from the center of each seat. Try to leave 10-13 inches between the edge of the seat and the bar, counter or table.

Voila! Now choose your barstool!

Sleek, modern, adjustable, swivel, chrome or classic, antique, upholstered leather?

TOP 10 on the BARSTOOL hit parade:

1. Winsome Air Lift Adjustable Stools

Contemporary barstools in sleek black with airlift handle to adjust the stool from 22.8 inches to 31.1 inches. Sold in sets of 2.

2. Hillsdale Milan Swivel Bar Stool

Hillsdale Milan stools are delicate with curvy legs and backs arched like sleighs and finished with hammered copper. Accented by faux suede seats. These are classic elegant pieces.

3. Winsome Saddle Seat  Bar Stool in Walnut

Gently curved saddle seat barstool carved from beech wood. Classic design also in walnut.

4. Monte Carlo Bar Stools with Arms

Dark espresso wood finish with Bi-Cast Leather. This classic stool is 30 inches high and swivels. Monte Carlo products are known for their exceptional quality construction. They are great for game room, bar, or den.
Some assembly required.

5. Furgus Adjustable Stool

Sleek chrome and red leatherette seat, steel base and footrest with gas lift and swivel.

6. Sophia Swivel Barstool

This barstool swivels 360 degrees and includes a footrest. The back of this stool is what sets it apart.

7. Powell Antique Black Bar Stool

Made from tropical hard wood and antiqued with sand. The seat is 9 inches deep for comfort. Some assembly required.

8. Faux Leather Swivel Bar Stool from Visiondecor

Classic pub-style comfort. Rich, sturdy comfort and the traditional ambiance of an English pub. Each barstool has soft leather seat cushion and a solid hardwood frame. Some assembly required.

9. Omicron Kitchen Padded Bar Stool

Omicron Bar Stool is adjustable and features Vinyl leather padding on the back and the seat. Omicron Bar Stool is available in White. This stool is built suitable for residential and commercial use.

10. Baxton Studio Adjustable Swivel Counter or Bar Stool

Baxton Studio makes fantastic swivel bar stools with 360 degree swivel. Modern and chic chrome frames with Vinyl padding makes them ideal for  kitchen counters. They also have a large sized foot rest for extra comfort. Some assembly is required.