I'm a serious shopper. Lots of time and effort into the "Fastidous 3" : 1) FUNCTION 2) FORM 3) FRUGALITY1) FUNCTION: for this purchase there are two function categories a) stool function: so easy to put together (protip: slide the styrofoam tubing to the side while screwing in the legs and you get way less scratches while assembling, the cushion is firm but comfy which reminds me of memory foam and makes me think the cushions won't get lumpy or uncomfortable as fast as if they were very plush. With the choice of 3 heights, its hard to go wrong. I wasn't sure, but chose the 26in to accommodate for varying levels of bums and leg height and it worked perfect. The sloping sides of the chair back are not too tall so I'm able to slip the entire stool almost completely under the bar, while still having the semblance of a backrest, making for efficient use of space when not in use. I made it a point to select barstools with a leg rest ring for those (like me, I'm a leg amputee) who are uncomfortable when my feet can't rest on anything. b) delivery function: wow. just wow. I don't know that I've ever reviewed packaging before but they thought of everything. This was packaged better than much more expensive purchases. Everything from reinforced box to plastic covering on the feet to avoid scratches to a box inside marked "empty" to make sure nothing shuffled inside. Every metal piece was covered and reinforced when needed. Impeccable. It was a joy to unpack and marvel at the forethought.FORM: when I first laid eyes on these while shopping for the barstool that will meet all my criteria, I'll admit my first thought was, "whoa, that's a lot going on" but eventually, it dawned on me that I was looking for something both glam and inviting. Is the frame a little on the brassy side of gold? maybe. Does the choice of fur make me question my own taste? definitely, maybe (if you get the reference, you might be of a similar age). But they're BARstools. If you can't have fun and the bar then where is the whimsy and fun in your life? I love how the fur softens and compliments the white granite bar area but still offers a level of sophistication and undertone of fun. While the lines and form veer more on the functional side since we are DIYing these with an allen wrench, right? I'd tested these babies out without the footrest ring around the bottom to check if I actually liked them in my space before fully committing, I have to say, the foot rung offers both a sturdiness and aesthetic appeal but still able to see the "nuts and bolts"FRUGALITY: the thing that trumps all others for me. This is the area in which I can only bend so much. When searching for two stools of adequate form and function, under $200 seemed reasonable for my budget. And honestly, I can see these getting recovered and spray painted to keep for years to come after your decor tastes have changed as well as retaining their resale value. The bones are good and at the right price for me.I'm interested in other offerings from this seller.
