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Supplier: John Lewis  Guide price: £349

OK, these stools might stretch the budget a bit ... but they're great. They have a gas lift, adjustable height mechanism ... with a minimum height just low enough to be used at a table and a maximum height suitable for a tall bar ... and they look great.

The seat comes in a choice of graphite or silver, tough ABS plastic ... and the support and foot rest are in steel ... much more low key than chrome.

Dimensions (in mm): 500 - 730h x 440w x 370d

The shaped seat is going to be more comfy to sit on than a plain flat seat.