Ramblings about Choosing a Bar Table and Stools

Finding th right furniture, con'd

After some thought, we knew we wanted a round, bar-height, table with bar stools.  And since we were likely to spend a bit of time at this table -- eating, playing games, reading the morning paper, etc. -- we wanted the chairs to be comfy.  It all seemed straight-forward enough, until we went looking.

Naturally, I wanted something that would match the rest of the room (and of course be perfect).  We'd already picked room colors (beige walls and carpets, and a rosy, terracotta lounge suite and feature wall) and a furniture style (contemporary, light-blond wood, a large metallic-silver TV with matching stand).  That made for only a few options, or so I thought.

Then came the decisions, such as regarding the table top:

a) What height and diameter should it be?  If it's large, will it be top-heavy and unstable?  If it's small, will we be too crowded?
b) What sort of construction material would be best?  Wood, Formica, Corian, stone, or something else?  
c) Do we want a pattern or design on top?  
d) What about color -- should it be silvery to match the TV, or a dark terracotta to fit in with the couch and wall, or ???  

Regarding the table base: 

a) What should it look like? Should it just be functional or maybe arty would be better?  
b) Should it be wood or stainless steel or coated some color or ?  

Then, regarding the bar stools:?  

a) What's a good height? 
b) Should the seats be wood, steel, plastic, padded, or ?  
c) How wide and deep should they be?
d) What's a good look for the foot rests

After a little looking, we knew we wanted soft fabric cushions on the seat and back of the stools: wood is too firm, plastic looks cheap, and metal can be cold in the morning.  But that still left decisions about fabrics (leather, wool, patterned or not), colors, construction material, and style (there are lots, although we had to tour several stores to see them all).

And, once I decide on all these parts, would they mesh together, especially if we buy the parts from different manufacturers? And would they fit with the rest of the room?  This one was really tough as I can't "see it" without actually seeing it.  I bought all sorts of bits home (and back to the store).  After due consideration and mulling over way too many options, I finally decided.  I definitely could NOT decide.  

So I hired an interior decorator.  She (of course) thought neither a silvery gray or terracotta tabletop (my pared-down color choices) were right.  Forget all the  hours spent choosing fabrics to match these options.  She suggested buying a glass or maple (wood) table top.  Now that she suggested it, it seemed the right answer.  She agreed that the table base and chairs should  be powder-coated a lustery silver to match the TV, and was able to suggest  just the right fabrics for the stools.  It sure made things easier.  It's amazing how good (and quick) some people are at seeing things in their head.

This photo shows the end result, sitting in a corner of our living room. 

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