Kathy Ireland Furniture: Set of 2 Chrome Metal SWIVEL BAR STOOLS barstools Review

Updated 8/18/09 -- should be TWO STARS: I purchased this Set of 2 Chrome Metal SWIVEL BAR STOOLS barstools - Black seat and a Bar Table in 50's Retro Nostalgic Soda Fountain Style with Chrome Plating and Black Formica Table Top for a covered balcony. There is a sad lack of reasonably priced and attractive pub-height balcony furniture on the market, and this seemed to be a good option.

DIY assembly was relatively straightforward and quick. Only a screwdriver is needed, as allen keys are provided for the main attachment screws. The completed chairs are quite sturdy and comfortable. The swivel feature is a welcome and functional addition.

Together with the table, they are a pretty good looking and functional balcony or pub-height small dining set for two.

Inspection of the components of the chairs reveals that the quality of the manufactured pieces is mid-level to poor, with ugly welds, inconsistent appearance of the tubing (rough marks, etc.) and gaping uneven clearances between the back supports and chair seat tube base.

Unfortunately, I can't reduce the number of stars given in my initial review. If I could I'd drop these to a TWO-STAR product. Here's why.

After only a few days on the balcony the cheap steel and chrome plating is rusting and spotting. Yes, I realize that these chairs were not manufactured for outdoor use. However, if they rust quickly outdoors they will also rust indoors -- even if they do so slower. I would recommend that, if you are expect these chairs to look reasonably good for any length of time, you spray it with a clear sealer and/or rust-proofer before exposing it to the environment. I will do the same after giving them a quick polish. I'm sure I'll end up painting them in the not too-distant future.

Bottom line: Inexpensive bar stools of barely adequate quality.

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