Seating
Tips and ideas for creating a great home office
Sweet office chair
Working from home can be bliss. No need for the daily commute (unless your home is extraordinarily large!), no office politics, no fighting over the last drop of milk for your coffee.
But many people who are lucky enough to work from home don’t get the best out of the situation because they never get around to creating an efficient and attractive environment for themselves to work in.
If your home is big enough, then it’s best to make your office in a spare room so you can close the door on it in the evenings and really take a break. Even if you can’t devote a whole room to the office, then there are clever ways of making sure that your office space and living space are clearly defined.
We’ve got a few suggestions for making your home office an oasis of calm and productivity, and furniture solutions that will enhance your home rather than ruin it …
COLOUR SCHEME
Yellow is energising
The psychology of colour is important in any room, but it’s perhaps most important of all in a home offices. You have to think about how you want to feel when you are in your office space: energised, productive, creative, yes, sleepy, cosy or stressed, no. Well there are ways of using colour to help you get into the right mood. For example, an office space painted or furnished in a stimulating yellow will keep its occupant upbeat and exhilarated, while a business-like deep blue colour scheme can aid concentration. Purple encourages creativity and lateral-thinking (although is also linked to day-dreaming). Red is at the bottom of list for office colour because it raises the heart rate and can become overpowering
The most important thing is that you chose the right colour for the type of work you do.
You should also consider the colours in the rest of the house. You may want your office space to stand out from the rest of the house so that you can keep the two areas separate in your mind, and there will be a clear cut-off when you finish your work for the day and go back to your ordinary living space.
FURNITURE
The main consideration is that your furniture is fit for purpose – that the desk and chair are a suitable height and that they allow you to sit and work in a way that’s not going to cause you aches and pains.
Empire office chair
The Sweet office chair from Danetti (above left) has an adjustable height so you can make sure you’re sat at the correct height for your desk and computer. It’s also great no matter what office colour scheme you go for – the back of the chair comes in seven eye-popping colours.
Other chairs from Danetti include the Empire chair (right), which comes in a wood veneer, or a leather upholstery finish in a variety of colours.
For desks, Danetti has a great variety, all of them contemporary and sophisticated looking.
You could go for something cool and futuristic like the Lenda curved table (below), which would be great for working at, and also for holding impromptu meetings with clients.
Lenda curved table
If you’re after something made from natural materials then Danetti also has a range of wooden tables and desks including this Spirit table (below), which can double up as a dining table if you’re entertaining.
This is one of the great things about home office furniture – if you buy multi-purpose items then you can also use them when you’re not working!
Spirit table
Spirit table
OTHER IDEAS
* Make sure you get the lighting right. A strong over head light is recommended if you need to hold meetings in your home office. If not, then task lighting is the most important. At Danetti we have a range of lighting solutions, including some great statement lighting to give your home office a creative and original look. You can see it here.
Santino four door sideboard
* Clutter can sap your energy, so invest in furniture that will keep everything accesible but out of view. The Santino four-door sideboard from Danetti (left), for example, is a really attractive and practical option. For other storage solutions, see our full range.
* Plants and other decorative accessories add life and personality to a home, office, so don’t be afraid to add a few quality shelves and display your possessions – just make sure that they improve the room, and never start looking like pointless clutter.
2010 interiors trend: canteen dining
Canteen-style dining is a big trend for 2010
If you’ve paid a visit to Wagamama recently, or one of the many noodle bars that have sprung up in the UK in the past few years, then you’ll know that bench seating and canteen-style tables can be very sociable.
Kimi bench and Emmett table, for canteen style dining at home
There’s something relaxed and communal feeling about friends and family sitting together on benches rather than on separate chairs. You can squash extra guests in with no hassle and children can easily sit with their parents without the need for an extra seat.
And bench seating really comes into its own at Christmas and Easter time when you have all the family round for lunch – there’s room for everyone, without the need for granddad to sit on a deckchair.
All in all, we’re hooked, and want to be able to introduce a little canteen-style dining to our own home.
Dorna trio stool. Bench seating
Here at Danetti we’ve got lots of products that fit the bill.
Tables include the glass Galaxy extending table (pictured below left) which is an incredible 2m 40cm wide when extended and the great Emmett dining table (above left) which easily seats 10 people.
For bench seating you’re spoiled for choice – we particularly love the Dorna stools (left) which can be joined together to form a bench and the simple Kimi bench (pictured above with the Emmett dining table).
Galaxy extending table
Danetti’s Stylish Coco A Frame Bar Stool’s in Clarins!
Modern and Stylish Coco A Frame Bar Stool, made in Italy
We at Danetti are proud to be supplying Clarins with bar stool seating for their Roadshow.
They chose our Coco A Frame Bar Stool as it is a perfect, modern and stylish piece of seating that compliments their brand. The strong steel frame is finished in a highly polished chrome, and Clarins opted for a classic black seat to compliment their set up, although we have a variety of different colours available for this stool.
Whilst the stool looks great, the seat of the Coco A Frame Bar Stool provides a comfortable curved wrap-around surface that supports the lower back. Making it a perfect solution for Clarins clientèle on the Roadshow.
You will also find the following products in this popular range : Coco Bar Stool, Coco A Frame Chair, Coco Flat Chair and Coco Classic Chair.
Ultra Modern Designer Bar Stools
Planning will pay off:
With so many modern bar stools on offer you are going to be absolutely spoilt for choice as to which one to get and that’s why it is a good idea to form an idea in you head of what you are after before you start browsing. Think about the amount of space you have available and maybe measure it, think about your budget and also what you will be using your new stool for. What interior style are you aiming for?
Perhaps contemplate the colour scheme in the room you are going to put your modern bar stools in. Are you going to go for the coordinated matching accessory look, or do you want a mismatched, slightly oddball effect?
One of the hot styles in all the interior magazines at the moment is based on placing brightly coloured furniture in plain surroundings. This means that the furniture becomes a colourful focal point of the room and grabs the attention of curious eyes. The Mirage bar stool is a great example of a bold statement peice that will do exactly that for any room.
The different types of Modern bar stools:
It is also probably a good idea to think about what kind of stool you would like. There are various models of stool available but most people are not familiar with the language and terminology of stools!
Would you like something like a fixed stool, which is non-adjustable and is a simple set height and angle, or would you prefer the versatility and flexibility of a gas lift stool, which allows you to move the stool up and down in varying increments?
Design Vs Functionality:
The Grayson Bar Stool
Whilst beautiful objects will always be pleasing to the eye most people find that when it comes to modern bar stools they have to reach a compromise between what looks aesthetically good and what will be most efficient. Luckily Danetti.com has made that compromise for you so you will only find stools that are both functional and stylish, not one or the other, as the two needn’t be mutually exclusive.
If you can’t resist the clean lines and fluid curves of designer furniture then you won’t be disappointed by our wide selection of wood, leather and chrome stools . Have a look at the architectural, linear beauty of the Orla Bar Stool which is available in 14 different colours. Also check out the delicious Elma Bar Stool, with its curvy form its about as sexy as modern bar stools get.
The issue of functionality seems to be particularly important to people who have children and are purchasing designer furniture for their home, which is perfectly understandable. Kids can be messy and you don’t want finger paint or mud all over a surface that you can’t clean. In this case, its wise to go for a stool like the Grayson Bar Stool which is resilient and hard wearing plus it is easy to clean.
Industrial Modern Designer Bar Stools
Sturdy modern bar stools are the ideal seating for commercial use in places like restaurants, bars, hairdressers or even in members clubs. Choose the right sought of designer bar stool and you’ll be able to transform a tired looking space into something really quite special.
Retro Chic:
The Ruiz Bar Stool
Furniture that is going to be used in a commercial or industrial environment has to posses different qualities to that which is used in the home. It must be stain resistant, durable, and of course comfortable but that doesn’t mean it should be lacking in style. Take the Ruiz bar stool for example, the base is made from long-lasting chrome and the round backless seat comes in either cream or red. It’s a cool take on a piece of classic retro design. Plus because the seat is made from sumptuous faux leather, it can be wiped down and cleaned in a matter of seconds.
Affordable But Attractive:
There are so many modern bar stools on the market that finding one that is in your price range and also exactly what you have had in your minds eye won’t be too hard. Whilst the stunning aesthetics of modern bar stools are sometimes reflected in the price, there are also many affordable but eye catching designs out there. The Grayson bar stool, sums this philosophy up perfectly with it’s stunning long legged metal frame and simple square regenerated leather seat. It’s design reflects the sleek and uber-modern interiors that have proved to be so popular over the last year or two. This kind of seat, over other kinds of modern bar stools, is ideal for placing in already minimalist spaces.
Stand Out Statement Pieces:
The Somen Bar Stool
If you want something trendy and original, then again you won’t be limited in choice. With new designers graduating every year there is a huge selection of individual looking stools available. A word of warning though, really think about how the stool you purchase is going to work in the space you plan to put it.
Don’t just think about what is on-trend and fashionable, your modern bar stools need to fit in and harmonise with the environment you already have. It is much like clothes; just because a certain style or cut is in fashion it doesn’t mean it will suit you. Don’t let this put you off though, unusual designs are what make a space unique and also what gives it it’s character. People often remember visiting a bar that has beautiful furniture because it stands out in their mind.
Stand out pieces like the Somen Bar Stools are incredibly innovative and also good looking. Almost like little magic toadstools, they are available in five bright colours and sit flat on the ground. At 450mm high and with a circumference of 400mm they create a casual atmosphere and can be easily placed by customers who want to sit with their friends! The best part though, is that they can be flipped over to create a table, so really they are two pieces of furniture in one; modern bar stools on one side and modern tables on the other.
Our Top 3 Chrome Bar Stools
Why does everyone like chrome?
Chrome bar stools are very popular at the moment, the chrome offers a high quality stylish element to a kitchen or bar. In this post I am going to focus on three of our most popular chrome bar stools and look at what makes them so desirable.
Ciro Bar Stool
The Ciro Bar Stool
The Ciro bar stool is a traditional looking bar stool manufactured to a commercial quality in Italy. We have successfully used these stools in many bars across the country. The high quality chrome finish will make a bar area shine and look inviting, and the padded seat offers comfort to people using the Ciro bar stool for a long period of time. The cushioned seat has thick foam padding and is covered in a very high quality faux leather. Faux leather is particularly good because it is hard wearing, and easier to maintain than real leather, but it looks and feels like genuine leather.
The simple construction of this chrome bar stool, the commercial build quality and the excellent price of this stool makes it a good choice for the home and bars.
Savo Bar Stool
The Savo Bar Stool
The Savo bar stool is a great looking modern gas lift bar stool, it has a large number of leather colour options, from classic black leather to a zesty lime green. This height adjustable stool makes it very versatile as it can be used at various height surfaces.
The flat circular base of the Savo bar stool makes the stool very stable and also adds an interesting detail as most chrome bar stools have trumpet bases. There is protection on the underside of the chrome base to prevent damage to floors.
Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool
The Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool
The Mirage gas lift bar stool is a great general purpose bar stool, it offers great comfort with its padded seat and backrest and is height adjustable with the gas lift system.
This is a fine Italian designed and manufactured bar stool that fits into almost any setting, it is made to commercial quality standards and can be used in high traffic areas. This stool is offered with an option of a high quality faux leather or a luxurious buffed leather covering. The flat heavy weight chrome base of this bar stool makes it very stable, and this stool can go so low that it can be used as a dining chair.
More chrome bar stools at Danetti
We have spent a lot of time sourcing a large selection of high quality chrome finished bar stools as can be seen on our website. If these three stools take your fancy or you would like to see more please look at our complete range of chrome bar stools for sale in the UK.
Chrome Furniture versus Satin Furniture
When it comes to picking a piece of furniture, most people will only really consider the finish of the seat part. With a growing range of stool seating on the market, more and more alternative options are available for the stem/legs of the bar stool. The most popular of which are the chrome bar stools, with a shiny finish, and the satin or painted aluminium bar stools, which have a matt finish.
The Volare Bar Stool
Shiny Chrome Seating
The most popular bar stool finish and most commonly available, allowing for a greater range of choice when it comes to choosing your seating. Well chromed seating, will be highly polished and reflective, and often provides a great contrast between the matt seat, whether you have a leather bar stool or wooden chair. Chrome is easy to keep clean, although it’s shiny surface can scratch with use, and over time these may show.
Matt Satin or Painted Aluminium Seating
The Antonio Bar Stool
Satin or painted aluminium finishes have started to become more popular recently. With a larger number of bar stools and chairs available with these matt finishes. The satin finish is generally created by powder-coating the base or legs in a colour such as grey or silver (other colours maybe available). The powder-coated finish is strong, and unlike the polished chrome bases will not show up scratches as much, although deep scratches may damage it.
There is often little difference in price between chrome and powder-coated satin.
The Kika Dining Table
Brushed Stainless Steel
This is a rarer finish and often only available on a very select range of products, due to it’s expensive price. The brushed finish is created by a fine abrasive action on the surface of the metal, this removes it’s shine and leaves a dull polish.
This is a perfect finish for seating in more high traffic areas such as restaurants and bars etc, as scratches and marks do not show up against the brushed texture.
Modern and contemporary furnature from Danetti
Danetti has a huge range of furniture ranging from chrome bar stools to satin finish dining tables.
Types of Leather
It is amazing the different types of leather or imitation leather that is used to cover a wide range of furniture including bar stools, dining chairs, sofa’s and casual furniture , here is a quick run down on the various different types of leather and what their main qualities are. This page goes from full grain leather which is the highest quality leather to faux leather which is a man made synthetic material.
Full Grain Leather
Full grain leather is made from premium raw material, top skin that has not been touched up to cover imperfections. Also called Aniline or Semi-aniline if it has been dyed this leather is full of natural characteristics it is a popular upholstery choice. Carrying a distinctive smell, the soft yet strong texture is hard wearing and will age well to look more attractive over time, making it an ideal choice for home furnishings.
Full grain leather is often available with an aniline or semi-aniline finish. The aniline finish is created when the leather is submerged in a transparent dye, this colours the leather all the way through without loosing the natural grain. The semi-aniline finish is similar to the aniline except for a thin layer of protective coating that helps prevent stains.
A very popular choice for upholstery, although it comes with a much higher price tag than any other leather type. It is an attractive finish for products such as bar stools, chairs, sofas etc.
Pros
- Real leather
- Often treated to help prevent stains
- Leather smell
- Hard Wearing
- Becomes more attractive over time
- Contains natural characteristics
Cons
- Most expensive leather option
Split Leather
This refers to a piece of leather that has been split from the skin of the hide. Depending on the thickness of the hide it can often be split down further. This type of leather can be more fragile than the full grain leather, but is often treated to make it more hard wearing.
Split leathers can often have a pattern embossed or be buffed to create a suede.
Pros
- Real leather
- Often treated to be more hard wearing
- Cheaper than genuine leather
Cons
- Thinner than full grain leather
- Surface more fragile than full grain leather
- Can be damaged by liquid if not treated
Suede also known as Nubuck or Buffed Leather
This is created by either removing the grain, or by means of a splitting operation between the hide and skin, where the grain and drop split are separated. This leather is normally buffed and brushed to create a soft fuzzy surface.
Suede can be cheaper than full grain leather, as several pieces of suede can be divided down from one drop split, whereas there is only one top grain per skin.
This leather can be hard to protect and will damage easily when it comes in contact with liquid.
This is not a popular choice for contract or domestic products to be upholstered in, due to it’s fragile nature.
Pros
- Real leather
- Soft surface
- Cheaper than full grain leather
Cons
- Hard to protect
- Damages easily by liquid
- Surface is more fragile than split leather
- Wears easily
Regenerated Leather
Unlike real untreated leather, regenerated leather has a completely smooth texture. This finish is produced when the leather goes through a manufacturing process that compresses the fibres. Another popular choice for contract markets, particularly commercial seating for bars and restaurants.
Pros
- Hard wearing
- Strong
- Smooth matt finish
- Cheaper than genuine leather
Cons
- Not classed as real leather
- Smooth matt finish
Bicast leather also known as coated leather
This leather uses a low grade or regenerated leather, which then has a thick layer of polyurethane applied to it. This coating makes the material strong and highly durable, perfect for constant use, particularly for commercial bar stools, chairs and other products that may be upholstered.
Pros
- Has a thin layer of leather
- Protected against liquid spills
- Strong
- Hard wearing
- Cheaper than genuine leather
Cons
- Leather has a smooth plastic finish due to coating
- Not classed as real leather
Please Note : Do not use normal leather creams on the top surface as it has a high polyurethane finish.
Faux Leather
It can be hard to tell the difference between real leather and a man-made leather imitation as they have similar textures and qualities. However, because it is made from synthetic materials, faux leather is more durable making it ideally suited for bar stools and dining chairs etc, used in the commercial market.
Pros
- Hard wearing
- Similar look and feel to genuine leather
- Not damaged by liquid
- Generally the cheapest type of leather
Cons
- Not genuine leather
Leather Bar stools for sale
We at Danetti have put a lot of time and effort into selecting a wide range of leather furniture and stools that we offer for sale at a great price. If you are looking to buy any leather bar stools, please take a look at our selection of leather bar stools.
The Right Colour for Your Leather Bar Stool
When it comes to choosing the right colour leather for your bar stools, a strong factor in the decision will be the environment you put these leather stools in to. Nowadays there are a whole host of leather colours and options available to the consumer, not to mention the different types of leathers on the market. I have put the leather options available under the following headings :
Classic Leather Colours
This would be black and white leather, whether it is in faux leather, regenerated leather or genuine leather, these are the two most popular choices. This is because between the two of them they will suit practically any environment, you really can’t go too wrong with these colour leathers for your bar stool. If you don’t want to be very adventurous, these are the best choice for you.
Black leather is the most popular choice because it is so convenient for a kitchen or home as marks will not show up so readily. Obviously white leather will require more care, but if you opt for a leather bar stool that has been treated you can clean the surface with a damp cloth.
Please be aware that white leather is not a good choice for a cream kitchen these two colours do not work well together, and on a lesser scale having black leather bar stools in a brown (colour, not wood) kitchen does not work that well.
Leather Colours Rising in Popularity
Other colour leathers worth considering for your home are brown, red and cream. These three colours are becoming increasingly popular with consumers, when it comes to modern and contemporary furniture. Unlike the classic leathers, these colours may differ substantially from stool to stool, due to the great number of variations in these colours. You may also find differences between leather types for the same stool, these are due to the dying process.
When choosing a leather to match an existing colour within your home it is often worth getting a sample, where possible, so that you know the bar stools will match or compliment each other.
Adventurous Leather Colours
Nowadays there are a whole range of leather colours available to the bar stool consumer. However, if you are looking for more unusual colour you will find the range of leather bar stools available to you, will be greatly reduced, but they are out there.
These leather finishes are really designed to fit certain environments they are particularly popular within commercial business, such as bars, restaurants etc.
We have a range of faux leather bar stools that are available in colours such as blue, green, yellow, orange and even metallic leather options (all options are special order). Examples of our leather bar stools available are:
The Spartan bar stool and The Nino Bar Stool and The Orla Bar Stool
.
Two Tone Leather Colours
This is an unusual option for most leather bar stools, but there are a small number that are upholstered in two different coloured leathers.
The Gabello Bar Stool is one such stool. It even has the option to allow you to choose the two colours it is upholsetered in. You are able to choose the leather colour and type, for upholstery on both the seat and back, and you can choose to have the same colour for both but this stool really shines when to different colours are chosen.
If you are not after leather bar stools there are plaenty of other bar stool finishes available such as microfibre, patterned material, wood/veneer, plastic etc the list is vast, but we at Danetti have one of the biggest ranges available on the web.
Leather bar stools at Danetti
Danetti has a wide range of leather stools avalable to buy on their website, if you are looking for a traditional black leather stool or some funky pink number then please take a look at the wide range of leater bar stools on offer
Choosing the Right Height Kitchen Bar Stool
Whilst you are choosing the right design and style, choosing the right height of your kitchen bar stool is essential. Whether it be for home or commercial use, it is important to purchase a kitchen stool that can fit comfortably under your kitchen counter or bar.
Here is our Danetti guide to choosing the right counter height bar stool
Firstly measure your table, counter or bar from the floor to the base of the surface. Once you have this measurement, we advise that your kitchen stool needs to be 250-300mm (10-12 Inches) from the base of the surface to the top of the bar stool seat. This ensures there is enough space between the surface and the kitchen bar stool itself.
If you want to buy a kitchen bar stool that will meet most height specifications, consider opting for a gas lift kitchen stool as this will have a variable height due to the gas lift mechanism. The gas lift bar stools have another benefit which is a swivel action making it easier to get on and off the kitchen bar stool.
Kitchen Counter Height Stools
Balin Bar Stool
Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool
If you are looking for a stool to fit under a standard kitchen counter height, we would advise you to purchase a stool that is between 610-670mm (24 to 26 Inches) high, in order to fit under the 890-910mm (35 to 36 Inches) counter table. Some of the counter height kitchen stools we recommend are:
Balin Bar Stool and the Mirage Gas Lift Bar Stool.
Bar Height Stools
Grayson Bar Stool
Saldi Bar Stool
If you are looking for a bar stool to fit under a bar height, we would advise you purchase a bar stool that has a seat height between 710-760mm (28 to 30 Inches) to fit under the 1010-1060mm (40 to 42 Inches) bar table height. A couple of bar stools that fit this height we recommend are:
Saldi Bar Stool and the Grayson Bar Stool.
High Bar Height
Oral Bar Stool
Rondure Bar Stool
If you are looking for a bar stool to fit under a high bar, we would advise you to purchase a bar stool that is 810-860mm (32-34 Inches) to fit under the 1140-1220mm (45 to 48 Inches) bar table height. Some of the high bar stools we recommend are:
Rondure Bar Stool and the Orla Bar Stool
Spacing your kitchen bar stools
Once you have the correct height kitchen bar stool, you now need to decide how many bar stools can fit comfortably in the space you have selected. You need to make sure there is enough room between each kitchen bar stool so that people can sit around the counter or bar and not feel overcrowded. We suggest that for a bar stool of 400-460mm (16-18 Inches) wide, you allow 530-560mm (21-22 Inches) of space and for a bar stool that is 480-560mm (19-22 Inches) wide, allow 610-630mm (24-25 Inches) of space between each stool.
More Information
If you would like more information on the kitchen bar stools that we sell and the bar stool heights please take a look at our kitchen bar stools page, the green box on the left hand side should enable you to search for kitchen bar stools that fall under a specific height category.