Which Bar Stool Should I Buy?

Whether outfitting a commercial space or finding furniture for your home bar, bar stools are essential to your setup. Choosing a suitable bar stool may seem straightforward, but it’s more than just picking a seat that looks stylish. The perfect bar stool seamlessly elevates the aesthetic and comfort of your space.

If you’re asking yourself, “Which bar stools should I buy?” use our guide to help you find the ideal seating option for your space.

Which Bar Stool Should I Buy? Different Types of Bar Stools

The type of bar stool you should buy depends on your specific needs and aesthetic preferences. Traditional backless stools are minimalist and easy to tuck away but may lack comfort for extended sitting.

High back stools offer more support, and swivel options add flexibility to seating arrangements. Adjustable-height stools are versatile and can fit different counter heights, while armrests add extra comfort but may limit how close the stool can get to the counter.

Upholstered stools offer a plush seat but may be challenging to clean. Material choices range from wood for a rustic or traditional look to metal for an industrial or modern style. Consider the balance of comfort, functionality, and design that suits your space and lifestyle.

High Back Bar Stools

High back bar stools offer superior support and comfort, making them ideal for extended periods of sitting. They often feature cushioned or upholstered backs and come in various styles, from contemporary to traditional. These stools are a popular choice for residential and commercial settings.

The Curved Bucket Bar Stool offers ultimate comfort with its tall, cushioned, curved back. Built with a durable, commercial-grade base, it’s designed to withstand heavy use in bars and restaurants. You can easily customize it to fit your space with an array of fabric and vinyl choices, plus various base options.

Backless Bar Stools

Backless bar stools offer a sleek, minimalist look that easily tucks under counters for space-saving convenience. Ideal for casual settings or spaces where people won’t be sitting for extended periods, these stools come in various materials and designs, providing versatility in residential and commercial environments.

The Backless Wooden Bar Stool, crafted from European beech wood, blends durability and style. Available in mahogany, walnut, or cherry, it features a padded seat for comfort and can endure heavy-duty commercial use. Customize with swivel, nailhead trim, and upholstery options, and choose between standard 30" or counter 24" height models.

Swivel Bar Stools

Swivel bar stools are a popular choice for both home and commercial settings. These stools come with a rotating seat, allowing you to turn easily without moving the entire stool. This feature can be useful in busy or cramped spaces where you might need to turn frequently to engage with people or activities around you.

Many swivel stools also come with a backrest and armrests for added comfort, although backless options are also available if you prefer a minimalist design.

The Tufted Mid Height Bucket Stool offers a blend of sophistication and versatility. It provides comfort and flair, a swiveling feature, and a stylish tufted back. Ideal for various settings, from homes to commercial venues, it boasts customizable upholstery options in fabric and vinyl. The stool is designed with a sturdy 5-point base and includes a ring footrest for added stability and comfort.

Adjustable Bar Stools

If versatility is a priority, consider adjustable bar stools. These stools have a hydraulic or manual mechanism that allows you to change the seat’s height. This feature makes them functional for various uses and locations, from the breakfast counter to the home bar.

They are also an excellent option for spaces used by people of different heights, like a communal kitchen or a co-working space. The adjustable height feature often comes in sleek, modern designs, adding a contemporary flair to your environment.

The Industrial Style Bar Stool combines rugged steel construction with vintage flair. An adjustable seat height ranging from 26” to 33” offers flexible seating options for counter and bar heights. Its gunmetal finish adds a rustic touch, making it an excellent choice for homes, restaurants, or bars.

Stationary Bar Stools

Stationary bar stools are traditional, fixed-height stools that offer stability and sturdiness. What they lack in features like swiveling or height adjustment, they make up for in durability and craftsmanship. These stools are perfect for settings where the height of the seating surface will not change and where people won’t need to move around too much.

They often come in elegant designs that range from rustic wooden stools to chic, upholstered options. Stationary bar stools are a reliable choice for those who want to make a long-term investment in quality and style.

The Miles Dining Chair and Bar Stool seamlessly merge durability and style. Crafted from solid beech wood, it’s built to withstand heavy use, making it ideal for commercial and residential settings. The padded, fully upholstered seat and back provide comfort, while color and nail head trim options allow easy customization.

Wooden Stools

Wooden bar stools offer a timeless, traditional appeal that can bring warmth and character to a space. They are often the go-to choice for rustic or farmhouse-style interiors. However, wood is susceptible to scratches, dings, and wear over time, especially softer wood.

Additionally, wooden stools may require periodic re-staining or sealing to maintain their appearance. They are generally more challenging to clean than metal or plastic stools, making them less ideal for areas prone to spills or heavy soiling.

The Schoolhouse Bar Stool combines durability and timeless design. Crafted from solid beechwood, it’s sturdy enough for commercial settings yet stylish for home use.

Available in mahogany, cherry, or walnut finishes, this stool easily complements various interiors, from Scandi-style to modern farmhouse.

Metal Stools

Metal bar stools often feature sleek, minimalist lines, making them an excellent fit for industrial or modern décors. One of the major advantages of metal stools is their durability; they are less likely to suffer damage from bumps and scrapes. They are also typically easier to clean—simply wipe down with a damp cloth.

However, metal stools often lack cushioning for comfortable long-term seating, although some designs incorporate padded seats or backrests to enhance their comfort.

The French-Inspired Industrial Galvanized Bar Stool blends vintage style with modern durability. Ideal for both commercial and residential settings, this stool adds character to any space. With six available finishes, including black, silver, gunmetal, red, clear coat, and white, you can easily match it to your existing décor.

Upholstered Stools

If comfort is high on your list of priorities, upholstered bar stools are an excellent choice. These stools often feature cushioning on the seat and backrest, wrapped in various materials like fabric or vinyl. This padding can make for a far more comfortable sitting experience, especially if seated for extended periods.

However, upholstery requires frequent cleaning to keep the material stain-free. Vinyl options can balance luxury and ease of cleaning, but these may also require periodic care to prevent cracking or fading.

The Padded Bucket Bar Stool with Arms offers both comfort and functionality. Its steel chrome ring base is sturdy, while the 360° swivel and adjustable height (24" to 30") add versatility. With three frame finishes and a selection of durable fabrics and vinyl, it's the perfect blend of comfort and style.