10 Tips for Choosing the Right Bar Stools
May 30th 2023
Choosing the right bar stools is essential to creating an inviting space for your customers. Whether you run a trendy bar, a cozy cafe, or a bustling restaurant, the right seating can impact the overall ambiance and customer experience.
When selecting the perfect bar stools, you need to ensure they align with your business’s aesthetic, functionality, and budget. Discover 10 simple tips to streamline the selection process to produce a coordinated, cohesive space that appeals to your guests.
How to Choose the Right Bar Stool: Understanding Your Space
Understanding your space is essential to ensure that the bar stools you choose complement your establishment’s overall design and functionality. By accurately measuring your counter or bar height and considering the available floor space, you can decide on the appropriate stool height and the number of stools that will fit.
This attention to detail creates a seamless and inviting atmosphere for your customers, improving their overall experience at your business.
Measure Your Counter and Bar Height
Standard restaurant bars are 42” high ; however, if you have a custom bar or need stools for counter-height tables, it is vital to accurately measure your bar to find the ideal stool height.
Bar width also plays a major role in your decision-making. The width of the bar or counter determines how many stools you can comfortably fit along its length. This can help you optimize your space to maximize the seating in your restaurant to increase turnover and profits while ensuring your guests have enough room to drink and socialize.
Consider the Available Floor Space
In addition to measuring the counter or bar height, careful planning of the bar space layout is essential for optimal functionality. Assess the available floor space in your establishment and consider factors such as the layout and traffic flow.
Don’t forget to take into account potential obstacles like doors, pillars, existing furniture, and bar access points for the staff that may impact the positioning of the stools.
Allocate Adequate Space Between Stools
When arranging bar stools in your business, allocate adequate space between each stool. This ensures both comfort and easy movement for customers and staff. As a general rule, allow a minimum of 24” between the center of each stool . This distance provides enough room for individuals to sit without feeling cramped and allows for smooth traffic flow.
However, providing up to 28”-30” of space for additional luxury is even better if your space permits. By carefully allocating sufficient space between stools, you create a welcoming and functional environment that enhances the overall experience of your patrons.
How to Choose the Right Bar Stool: Selecting the Right Size
The right-sized stools affect your space’s aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. There are several key factors to consider when shopping for the best size bar stools, including:
Determine the Appropriate Bar Stool Height
There are different stool heights available on the market, such as counter height (around 24”-26”) and bar height (around 28”-30”). Ensure you choose bar stools with a seat height that leaves a gap of approximately 10”-12” between the top of the seat and the underside of the counter or bar. This gap ensures that customers can slide their legs comfortably under the counter while sitting.
Consider the Seat Width and Depth
The seat width determines each person's space, while the seat depth affects their posture and comfort. A seat width of approximately 17”-20” is generally suitable for most individuals. This provides enough room for them to sit without feeling cramped. Also, consider the seat depth, which typically ranges between 15”-18”. A deeper seat offers more support and can elevate the overall comfort of the stool.
Ensure the stools you choose can safely accommodate the weight of your customers. Stools that can support at least 300 lbs. also typically have a more rugged and durable design that can extend the piece’s longevity.
How to Choose the Right Bar Stool: Style and Design
You can create a cohesive, ambient atmosphere in your restaurant or bar by choosing bar stools that match your business’ aesthetic. Some design elements to consider include:
Pick the Right Style for Your Space
Selecting the right style of bar stool is essential in creating a welcoming atmosphere in your business. Consider your space’s theme and aesthetic to determine the most suitable style. Are you aiming for a sleek and modern look or a rustic and vintage vibe? Do you prefer a minimalist design or something more ornate and decorative?
From contemporary to industrial, retro to farmhouse, numerous styles are available. Select bar stools that align with your establishment’s ambiance and branding to create a harmonious and visually pleasing environment.
The Two-Tone Retro Double Ring bar stool is a great option for a classic American diner. With its chrome finish and tubular steel frame, it exudes retro charm. The O-ring footrest adds comfort and durability, while the commercial-grade vinyl upholstery offers easy maintenance. The two-tone color option allows you to customize the stool to match your diner’s theme.
If you operate a sports bar, the Mid Height Bucket Bar Stool offers a contoured design and high backrest that supports your customers’ posture, making it ideal for watching the big game. The vinyl upholstery makes it easy to clean up drink spills.
Explore Materials and Finishes
Frame materials play a significant role in the overall aesthetic and durability of the stools. Wooden frames offer a timeless and classic appeal. They bring warmth and natural beauty to your space and are available in various finishes, such as oak, walnut, or cherry. Wooden bar stools can effortlessly complement rustic, farmhouse, or traditional decor themes.
Aluminum frames provide a sleek and modern look. They are lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Steel frames offer strength and sturdiness, making them ideal for high-traffic commercial environments. They are available in different finishes, including chrome, brushed steel, or powder-coated. Steel bar stools are versatile and can effortlessly blend with various design styles, from industrial to modern.
In addition to the frame, you need to consider whether you want the bar stool upholstered. Two popular options for upholstery finishes are vinyl and fabric. Vinyl is a practical choice for high-traffic areas as it is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to stains and spills. It also offers a wide range of color options, allowing you to match it with your existing décor.
Fabric upholstery provides a softer and more luxurious feel. It offers a variety of textures, patterns, and colors, adding depth and visual interest to your space. However, fabric may require more maintenance and care than vinyl.
Coordinate with Existing Décor
To create a cohesive and visually appealing space, coordinate your bar stools with the existing décor. Take into account the color scheme, furniture, and overall design elements of your establishment. Consider how the bar stools will complement or enhance the surrounding environment.
For example, if you have wooden tables or a rustic theme, bar stools with a wooden frame or a distressed finish complement the décor beautifully. If your space features a contemporary design with metal accents, sleek and minimalist bar stools in metal or chrome finishes are an excellent choice.
By ensuring that your bar stools’ style, materials, and finishes coordinate with the existing décor, you create a unified and aesthetically pleasing look that leaves a lasting impression on your customers.
How to Choose the Right Bar Stool: Comfort and Functionality
Having comfortable bar stools can encourage guests to stay at your venue longer, potentially increasing revenue. Helping them feel comfortable can also encourage repeat business. There are several essential features to consider to find bar stools that are both comfortable and functional:
Decide on Backrest and Armrest Options
Backrests and armrests can elevate the comfort level of bar stools. Backrests provide support for the spine and promote good posture during extended periods of sitting.
Armrests offer a place to rest the arms and can alleviate strain and fatigue. However, keep in mind that the availability of backrests and armrests may impact the stools’ overall dimensions and visual aesthetic.
At Seats and Stools, we carry a wide range of bar stools featuring back and armrests. The Saddle Bucket Bar Stool has a channel quilted backrest and gently sloping armrests that give your customers the perfect seating option to unwind and relax.
Consider Swivel and Adjustable Height Features
Swivel functionality allows customers to rotate on the stool without moving the entire seat. This feature is particularly advantageous in busy environments, allowing customers to easily interact with others or access different areas of the bar or counter.
Adjustable height features enable customers to customize the seat height to their preferences. This is especially useful in accommodating individuals of varying heights or transitioning between counter and bar heights.
Our Industrial Black Steel Bar Stool offers is crafted from heavy-gauge steel with exposed hardware for a rustic, industrial vibe. The screw-down seat is height-adjustable between 24” and 30”.
Explore Our Collection of Bar Stools at Seats and Stools
Seating arrangements can impact your hospitality business, so finding bar stools that match your company’s needs in terms of style and function is critical. At Seats and Stools, we carry an extensive range of bar stools in various styles, from retro tubular steel to classic wood. Browse our complete collection or contact us to discuss custom orders.