Rating of the best stools for 2022

As a piece of furniture, the stool was widely used due to its practicality, usefulness and low cost. And if we talk about arranging the situation in small areas, then this piece of furniture becomes simply irreplaceable. Its main advantages lie in its simple design and small size, which is why it costs less and takes up less space than a standard chair with a back. At the same time, it fully implements its functionality, seating furniture, at the same high level.

Structural structure of the stool

The design of the stool consists of a base, seat upholstery, its filler. Also, this furniture may differ in size and shape. All these points directly affect the performance of the furniture in question.

Shapes and dimensions

Despite the fact that stools are, in principle, quite simple devices for sitting, but the shape of their seat can be different:

• round;
• square;
• oval;
• Rectangular;
• Curved (irregular, asymmetrical design shape).

The above parameter is selected based on the needs of the future owner. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the style of the surrounding interior.

Support legs can also differ in number and shape:

• The only support;
• 3-4 legs;
• Inclined support;
• Curly support.

They can also differ in appearance:

• Decorated with artistic carving;
• straight;
• warped.

IMPORTANT! There are models in which the legs can be adjusted / changed both in height and in shape.The standard height of the stool varies from 420 to 480 millimeters, which is quite enough for a person of average height. The size of the seats differs more significantly, but for them the standard is from 300 to 500 millimeters (diagonal or diameter).

seat base

The stool seat is made from a variety of materials. Models can be monolithic or prefabricated. In most cases, the following materials are used in their production:

• Metal;
• Plastic;
• Wood.

The traditional version consists of four slats that are interconnected. From below, support legs are attached to the base, and from above - directly to the seat with upholstery (or without it). Sometimes models with a substrate in the form of a small platform are possible.

Seat filler

This component can probably be called the most important, because the comfort of operating the entire device will depend on it. It can also become the main factor influencing the formation of value. The most popular fillers include the following:

• Foam rubber is a soft and cheap material, however, it wears out rather quickly, almost completely losing its performance properties.
• A synthetic winterizer is another example of an inexpensive material. If excessive loads are constantly given to it, then it will cease to restore its shape after crushing. The service life is short, as well as foam rubber, it requires periodic replacement / renewal.
• Asselex is another example of a synthetic filler. It is characterized by good elasticity, is able to maintain its original shape for a long time, and is slightly subject to abrasion. Probably the best example of an equal combination of price and quality.
• Periotek (spunbond) - these two materials are very similar to those described above, but have an increased degree of hypoallergenicity. This factor is important if the stool is supposed to be permanently used in rooms with small children (kindergartens or schools).

IMPORTANT! The most expensive are natural fillers, which are highly environmentally friendly. The fiber of natural material can be treated with silicone to prevent the development of parasites in it. The best natural materials are coconut coir (it has a soft fiber and is able to quickly restore its shape) and horsehair (it has some stiffness, but successfully resists premature abrasion).

Upholstery materials

For any stool and upholstery will play an important role. This part of the seat is also responsible for the comfort of using a piece of furniture as a whole and at the same time should protect the main structural parts from possible negative external influences. Traditionally, the following samples are used:

• Genuine leather is an excellent material that is durable, but due to its high cost it is rarely used in the products in question.
• Leatherette - it is characterized by a relatively short service life, and it is also subject to premature cracking and delamination. However, modern types of leatherette, produced using innovative technologies, boast an increased degree of strength. The best samples are those used for car seat upholstery.
• Fabric - it is preferable to use its most dense variations. For such upholstery, treatment with Teflon or other impregnations that protect well from pollution is mandatory.The fabric should match the overall style of the room, most often it is matched to the color of the curtains.

Modern types of frames

metal

This type of material used does not always indicate increased reliability of the entire product. It is no secret that some manufacturers, in pursuit of cost reduction, are trying to save both on the quality of the metal itself and on its coating, as well as on the quality of the connections of individual frame elements. Particularly reliable will be a welded structure made of a metal profile or a pipe in which welding is done with a solid seam, and not with dots. The coating is preferable to choose galvanic, polymer or chrome. Stools with a similar design will not be collapsible and will be quite massive.

Also, these products are not cheap. However, they are made, most often, in limited quantities for individual orders and for interior design of various lofts. For these exclusives, heavy seats made of a solid wooden block are usually provided, which will also increase their price. Nevertheless, models on iron frames can also be presented in the budget segment. They will have a collapsible design: the seats, legs and base are transported separately, and they are assembled on site using screw connections. It is not worth hoping for a high-quality coating of such models. Their seats, as a rule, are made of low-grade wood, plywood or MDF, and the stuffing is made on the basis of foam rubber when it is covered with leatherette.In budget products, the weak point is the connection points of all parts - in them, after a lapse of time (quite a short time, which, of course, will depend on the degree of load), backlashes will definitely appear, the whole structure will become very shaky, which will inevitably lead to breakage. Even if they have a chrome coating, it can simply swell and crumble if the item is placed in conditions of high humidity.

Wooden

Incredibly, wooden-based structures usually last longer than their collapsible metal counterparts. They are produced in most cases by means of furniture ties, wooden dowels, screws, and carpentry glue is used to strengthen connections and fixation. Due to the specifics of the wood material, the whole structure is slightly more rigid than metal models, but will not yield to them in terms of strength. Naturally, over time, similar products will dry out and loosen at the junctions of the nodes, but with proper operation and timely preventive maintenance, they can last for quite a long time. For wooden models, special attention should be paid to the furniture board, the quality of gluing the knots, the presence / absence of knots in the supporting places, the quality of impregnation or painting. All of these characteristics will form the price of the product.

Plastic

They should not be confused with products in which only the seat is made of plastic, and metal samples can also be equipped with such. Plastic, as a very malleable material, allows the production of stools with a very specific design, which is not suitable for every style of interior. The reliability of such models will directly depend on both the quality of the plastic used and the casting technology used.The advantages of such stools include their excellent resistance to conditions of high humidity and the inability to dry out. If a plastic stool is made with high quality and a well-known brand, then the price for it may well be compared with iron or wooden products.

Stools made of chipboard (laminated chipboard) and MDF

These products have the most affordable cost, because they are often made as an accompanying product, as part of the technological process to optimize woodworking production (they use wood residues). This option can be considered in cases where you need to quickly and inexpensively furnish any room. These models have an extremely expanded color palette (it is limited only by a set of paint colors), but their construction and design variability are extremely limited. The reason for this is the material of manufacture - chipboard or MDF, which do not allow experimenting with shape and size. These materials (to ensure the final product of the proper degree of quality and rigidity) can only be converted into strictly defined geometric models, and any deviation can lead to instability and excessive fragility of the stool. From this it is clear that samples from MDF / chipboard have a very low price, but are limited by their shapes.

IMPORTANT! It is also possible to find such stool products on sale that combine the use of all the above materials or their double / triple variations, for example: plastic + metal, wood + plastic, plastic + wood + chipboard. Their main advantage will be considered not strength and reliability, but the possibility of creating an original product.Sometimes, it is even better not to use them for their intended purpose, but to use them as an object that decorates the interior.

Traditional design varieties by functionality

Classic

They are a monolithic structure on four legs, light in weight (usually), used as an addition to kitchen furniture.

folding

These stools have extended functionality, so it is convenient to use them not only in apartments and private houses, but also in cottages and country residences. The most popular materials for their production are plastic, wood or metal. The product should be selected depending on the general style of the future environment.

bar type

They appeared on sale relatively recently, however, managed to gain considerable popularity. They are preferable to equip dining areas in which there is a high counter. Most often they are made on a metal frame, but samples of wood can also be found. In the restaurant business, such stools with a forged round stand and the ability to adjust the height are in great demand.

"Ladders"

Extremely original, however, not a very popular option today. Rather, it will play a decorative role in the interior, rather than be a subject of applied purpose. Nevertheless, this type of stool was conceived as a fully functional model and is intended so that a person can access a certain point at a height that is higher than his height.

Advantages and disadvantages

Traditionally, stools are used to equip kitchens, therefore, most of their functional properties were focused on meeting the needs of such premises.Accordingly, based on such specialization of the considered pieces of furniture, it is possible to single out the following positive qualities:

• Functionality - products take up very little space in the room, so it is convenient to place them even in very small areas. Among other things, due to their small dimensions, they are convenient during storage - they can be pushed under the table, put away in a closet, stacked on top of each other (which is not always possible with chairs, because the backs interfere). Folding models are the easiest to store and operate in cramped conditions.
• Practicality - stools are perfect for completing a feast when the exact number of people gathering is not known. It is possible to remove or finish off one or two seats very quickly, while not violating the integrity of the overall design of the table.
• Plurality of variations - the modern market is able to provide the buyer with a wide range of different models that are made from both synthetic and natural materials. The choice of colors is also very variable.
• Structural strength - the stool is a reliable piece of furniture in its design. The classic model has four legs, which ensures maximum stability during operation.
• Versatility - the considered kitchen furniture has always been not only necessary, but also fashionable. Almost any of its options can be quite harmoniously combined with most interiors, and it does not matter whether the stool is in the singular or is present in the form of several samples, complementing the set.
• Adequate price - most of the products described are classified as budget or mid-price segments.Exceptions can only be bar and restaurant models. However, making a stool yourself is also not difficult.

However, stools also have some disadvantages:

• Models with an overly original design may simply not fit certain people according to anthropometric parameters - it will simply not be comfortable to sit on them. Some also urgently need the presence of a back on such pieces of furniture.
• Speaking of exclusive and designer models, you can see that they very often have to be supplemented with various accessories, for example, a spinning mechanism or a Teflon coating.

Difficulties of choice

It is always advisable to personally test the product before purchasing. To get started, you just need to sit on it and appreciate the convenience of the height and width of the seat. With the right height, the legs should be bent at a 90-degree angle and the feet should be loose on the floor. You should immediately decide whether the seat width is enough for any of the future guests. If there are people with very tall or very short stature in the environment, then an option with height adjustment should be considered. Usually, the adjustment mechanism is implemented by installing a special “gas lift” lever, pulling which, the seat will gently rise or fall. The seat should have an optimal depth (usually 40-45 centimeters). This parameter is easiest to measure yourself before purchasing using a ruler. A deviation from the specified standard by 2-3 centimeters is allowed (but the edges of the seat should in no case dig into the soft places of the thighs). If you are planning to buy a folding model, then, first of all, you should evaluate its weight.Folding stools obviously involve constant movement, so transportation should not be a problem.

Rating of the best stools for 2022

Folding models

3rd place: "Simaland 220x200x300 mm, TDR-3N/300, gray 7036951"

This model is perfect for use not only indoors, but also for fishing, hiking or picnicking. When folded, it takes up little space and is easily transported in the trunk of a car. Withstands loads up to 90 kg. Case material – steel, seat material – waterproof fabric. Folded dimensions, mm - 400 x 80 x 80, unfolded dimensions, mm - 220 x 200 x 300. The recommended cost for retail chains is 615 rubles.

• Ease of layout;
• Waterproof fabric seat;
• Small dimensions;
• original form.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Green Glade PC230"

The model is designed for comfortable placement both outdoors and indoors. The frame of the product is made of steel, which ensures a long service life. The stool is light in weight, so it is suitable for long-distance transfers. Body material - steel, seat material - PVC, unfolded dimensions, mm - 445 x 350 x 440. Maximum load, kg - 120. Recommended price for retail chains - 790 rubles.

• Sufficient height from the floor;
• Large maximum load;
• Adequate price.

• Not detected.

1st place: "Simaland 330x295x385 mm 6897572"

Extremely high quality model, made of durable steel, the legs have a chrome finish. The seat is made of blue water-repellent fabric, the whole structure can withstand 90 kilograms.When folded, it takes up little space and is easily transported in the trunk of a car. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1050 rubles.

• Quality performance;
• Easy movement;
• Small dimensions.

• Fairly high cost.

plastic models

3rd place: “Low stool “Emerald 801”

This product is durable and light weight. Has handles for easy portability. The rubber covering on a seat prevents sliding. Such a stool is suitable for giving and at home. Production material - "PlasticLux 801", maximum load, kg - 130, dimensions - 310 x 210 millimeters, total weight, kg - 0.4. The product has an anti-slip coating. The recommended cost for retail chains is 622 rubles.

• Comfortable handles for transportation;
• Adequate price;
• Innovative plastic base.

• Small height.

2nd place: "Protect height 36 cm, 38x34 cm, mocha TP-36"

This product is intended for domestic use only. It is made of polypropylene, does not collapse from ultraviolet radiation and is resistant to mold. Its light weight makes it easy to move from place to place. Maximum load, kg - 90, color - mocha, dimensions - 380 x 340 x 360 millimeters, total net weight, kg - 0.756. The recommended cost for retail chains is 715 rubles.

• Monolithic construction;
• Good value for money;
• A qualified Serbian brand.

• Not detected.

1st place: "PJSC Zavod Burevestnik 317 mm, beige 74811"

This model is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. The product will make a wonderful ensemble with garden furniture made of plastic. The stool can be easily disassembled, which allows you to completely remove it when you need to save space. The product is made of durable plastic, which makes it practical and "eternal" in use. Plastic furniture is not demanding in care, UV-resistant, withstands negative temperatures (“frost” down to -50°C) and will last a long time in everyday life. Maximum load, kg - 150. Recommended cost for retail chains - 750 rubles.

• Frost resistance;
• collapsible design;
• Huge pressure.

• Not detected.

wooden models

3rd place: "InterLINK KEYLA 500999"

This sample has traditional forms. Can be easily carried using the hole in the seat. The product is an ideal solution for the kitchen, for household needs in the garden, vegetable garden, workshop, etc. The product is unpainted. Type of wood - pine, dimensions - 330 x 330 x 465 millimeters, maximum load, kg - 250. The recommended cost for retail chains is 1544 rubles.

• High quality and durable material;
• Traditional sizes;
• Convenient transportation.

• Not detected.

2nd place: "Stool with curly legs Bath stuff 35x35x44.5 cm 32465"

This product is made of natural wood - linden. Designed for kitchen, bath, sauna or garden. The stool has a low thermal conductivity, does not emit resin when heated. The maximum load must not exceed 150 kg. Dimensions - 350 x 350 x 445 millimeters.The recommended cost for retail chains is 2622 rubles.

• Ecological cleanliness;
• Hardwood has a pleasant smell;
• Shelf life: 20 years.

• High price.

1st place: "Wooden stool with crossbar Set-AGRO KA6105"

The model is great for the kitchen, country house or veranda. Thanks to massive legs, it has high reliability and stability of the structure. Between the legs there are crossbars that give additional rigidity and allow you to withstand a significant load. The frame is made of environmentally friendly coniferous wood - it does not emit harmful substances and is not hazardous to health. The recommended cost for retail chains is 2800 rubles.

• Environmental friendliness;
• Traditional form;
• Versatility.

• High price.

Conclusion

The main feature of stools is their compatibility with any kitchen set. Therefore, a classic-style dining area with a corner sofa can be qualitatively complemented by several seating places in the form of stools, which will create a harmonious atmosphere at the table. Simple and regular shapes in a room where there will be nothing superfluous can always be complemented in an original way with comfortable and stylish traditional wooden stools, made in the same color shades as the rest of the furniture.