Hey there! Today I wanted to share with you the nugget of knowledge I learned while scouting for some transparent bar stools for a project.
As a designer I have the tendency to do a very in-depth research when choosing almost anything for my work. This obsession, hoarding information, usually becomes handy when deciding what works best for each case since every interior renovation, architectural design or landscaping requires its own set of specifications- or specs, as we usually refer.
OK, so now let’s get right to the heart of things.
The product I’ve been looking for is: Bar stools for a small apartment I recently finished here in Manhattan (curious? some pictures here).
- Requisite #1: No more than 26″ height.
>>> Why? for a good fit you need at least 9″ of freedom from your tights (when seated) to the bottom of the countertop. This is what ergonomic design shows as the perfect fit for our body posture. Interesting, isn’t it?!
- Requisite #2: TRANSPARENCY
>>> You should know that when you aim to have a modern, airy room, but still functional and comfortable, it’s a good idea to think about how your furniture will help (or not) to enhance the look you want. Some people forget this and start buying compulsively, forgetting about the original way they wanted to feel in the space.
In this project, because the space is limited, my goal was to provide a ghost like effect. A piece for you to see, but also to kind of disappear, to allow the eye to move swiftly throughout the room, making it more airy.
Two brands – Two materials: Kartell and Lexmod.
The design between both brands is exactly the same, but not the material. One is made of polycarbonate (Kartell – Picture A) the other from acrylic (Lexmod – Picture B). Despite how great the design is, it’s important to take into account the differences between both materials, so you can make a smarter choice.
Polycarbonate – // A //
- Stronger
- Higher Price
- More impact resistant
- Easier to sctratch
- Compare to glass is 4x to 8x stronger (just as a reference)
Acrylic – // B //
- Shinier
- Less Expensive
- Easy to crack
- Less prompt to scratch
- Compare to glass is 200x stronger (just as a reference)
You don’t need to buy products based on price, but on what will work best for you and the lifestyle you have. Both products (materials in this case) have their pros and cons, so it’s on you to decide and weigh in the differences. Do you have kids – that could determine very quickly which one you choose. Are there only adults n the house, with a very low key lifestyle (not so much entertaining)? that can lead you on another direction.
Sit and ponder. Here I have done some part of the work for you, so I hope that whatever you choose, you enjoy it greatly alone, with loved ones and friends.
Do you want to know what I chose? Let’s see if you can figure it out when I post the final pictures of the space in a future post. In the meantime, see you on the next post!
Xoxo,
Dinorah
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