Here, we will break it up into sections like that allow us to better see the individual parts for closer inspection:

• Swivel & Column
• Footrest & Base
• Seat
• Height
• Overall

Swivel & Column - First must be decided if there is going to be a swivel or not. If so, then how will it be managed. Will it be part of adjusting the height (combine the two) or will it be independent. Here the column comes into play because the height and swivel can determine the way the column looks. And vice versa is true also, if a particular design of a column is required or desired, how will it affect the swivel.

Footrest & Base - From a functional point of view, everyone loves a footrest. It means we can relax a little bit better. This depends on the height also. If it is quite low then no footrest would be required, unless the designer would like it for aesthetic purposes. The base is what keeps everything upright. Maybe a simple one will do where the legs end up being the base, or the column could spread out to become the base of the barstool.

Height - This has been mentioned in both sections above. The height is very important to the user depending on where it will be placed. Having it adjustable means that there is more flexibility with the use of it as well as more enticing for the customer.

Seat - There are so many contours and designs that have been created when it comes to the seat of a chair and the same applies to a stool. The creativity is amazing when it comes to the seat and this is often the main focus and design in the end.

Overall - this would include thinking about the color and size and material that the bar stool will be made from. It can change the feel of it amazingly and the way it is produced can sometimes add to the effect of the design.

The above breakdown has shown us a similar way that designers look at the functions of things before they start designing. Each individual section can be modified, added to and enhanced in some way. The best designs can be very minimalist with very back-to-basics thinking and ways of building and doing things.

Here are some of the features we will be talking about and that you should look out for:

• Foot Rest
• Swivel
• Height adjustable
• Base
• Legs

Foot Rest - Some may have a foot rest and some may not but keep an eye out. Those with back rests and arm rests do not usually have them because when people are sitting in them, they are relaxed. Those that are just a base will have them because people are upright and need to steady themselves. Depending on the shape and direction of the barstool, the foot rest may be at the front or all the way around. Decide how flexible you want yours to be.

Swivel - Speaking of flexible, you may want those sitting down to have the feature of swiveling around in their seat. This may or may not be something you desire or need. The swivel bar stool may be something you definitely do not want due to safety issues, but every ones needs vary.

Height Adjustable - This is the best feature of all that a barstool offers, in my opinion. This is because a height may be set for a specific counter or table meaning that if you want to move it or use it as a spare, there will be somw awkwardness due to the height. Also, people come in many heights and have their own preferences so you can give them this luxury and have it for yourself also.

Base - This is where you will be sitting. You want it to be comfortable over a long period of time. This is so that your guests will want to stay at your home or business for as long as possible so they keep spending money. Sit on the stools you intend to use at the bar.

Legs - Make sure the legs are sturdy. I would say that four legs are the best, depending on the height. If it is lower to the ground, then three are sufficient. If you do away with legs altogether, you can have one large circular ‘base’ that the whole stool sits on.

As you can now see, there are many different things that set these type of stools apart from each other. Now when you are out and about doing your shopping, you will already be armed with the information you need to make the best choice for your needs.