With their roots embedded in the renaissance and beyond, barstools are a versatile and ubiquitous style of seating that has evolved and grown in popularity over the centuries. And for a good reason. Barstool seating provides several unique benefits over traditional chairs or benches, from allowing elevation when needed to superior compactness and functionality in busy spaces.
It is no surprise then that if you look around many different settings, you will likely be able to find a barstool. At first thought, you might think of them as limited to pubs, bars, and diners; but you find barstools in beauty parlors, music venues, and even research labs. However, not every barstool fits into every space or purpose.
Today we will take a look at how to choose the right stool for your commercial space. While we will focus mainly on dining or drinking establishments, many of the same considerations also apply to other businesses.
Commercial Barstool Buying Guide
Before we get into the top-down details to help pick the perfect barstool for your location, you need to know what needs you’ll need to meet. Before you start shopping around, make sure you have a solid understanding of the following aspects:
- Customer level you need to accommodate at any time.
- Existing space constraints along bars or around tables.
- The exact height of the counter, table, or bars you have or plan to construct.
- The look and feel you want in the space.
There is such a wide variety of barstool styles it can be overwhelming to get started. Going through each of the features below will allow you to build a barstool that works perfectly in your space. From this base, you can begin looking for brands that have the features you need but also match your aesthetic style.
1. Backs and Arms
Arms and backrests are more than a style choice. They have a significant impact on the accessibility and comfort of the bar and counter seating. Adding one or both elements allows older (and younger) patrons to more easily get into and out of the seats.
For seating areas where patrons will be seated for longer periods, whether for a nice meal or working from home, backs and arms give more support for comfortable seating.
The one drawback of styles with arms or backs is they do require more space to either side as patrons sit down or stand up. Back and arm styles fit in perfectly in more formal settings or cozy coffee shops where patrons congregate.
2. Seat Options
Moving down the barstool, we get to the seat. The size of the seat you opt for here involves a number of factors, not least of which is the amount of horizontal space you have available at the bar, counter, or table. One choice that can help alleviate space issues is opting for a swivel seat.
Giving patrons the ability to rotate makes it easier and reduces the amount of space required for people to get into and out of the seat. It can also really shine in sports bars or venues where patrons may want to turn to view entertainment or chat with friends.
As an added bonus, swiveling means they won’t be moving the stools around as much. Which can help save finishes and flooring. Keep in mind swivel seats will require a bit more maintenance to keep steady and level.
3. Picking a Base
When it comes to the base, you’ll see options based around single support or more chairs similar to four-legged. All options provide good support and balance, and this may be one of the larger aesthetic leaning choices you face.
One thing to keep in mind is that bar stools with a chair-like design at the bottom do limit legroom and movement under the bar. So if space is limited or patrons will be moving stools around, consider slimmer bases that won’t knock into each other, furniture, or customers. If you have the option for stackability, it is worth it for commercial settings. It will make moving, storage, and cleaning tasks much easier.
3. Leaving a Comfortable Space
For barstools, cramped spacing can be annoying, but a miscalculated height can make them look disproportionate and, at worst, unusable. Look for a difference of 9-12 inches in the measured heights.
And measured is the key word here. While most standard counters run about 34-36 inches and bars in the 40-42 inch range, make sure to check both that your bar or counter was made within that range and that the bar stools specified height works out as well. Barstools can be manufactured with a range of heights, so don’t assume a stool labeled as a bar or counter height is a fit for your space.
4. Materials
The barstools will see a lot of use, so you must consider the durability of the materials used to make each piece. Wood is a tried and true material that can take quite a beating. While susceptible to scratches and water damage, it is easily resurfaced for repairs.
Opting for something with a metal base is essential for those who need a seat that can take a little more weight or resist damage. The reasons to choose metal are many. Steel outperforms wood, plastics, and many other composites for durability over various potentially damaging environmental factors like temperature changes, humidity, and scratching.
Don’t forget upholstery or topping material for seating. You need to consider the level of use every piece will see, including if it will get direct sunlight. Every type of upholstery has its own pros and cons, but don’t skip on durability and the ability to clean up easily.
Handcrafted Metal American Furniture
Whether you want to furnish a trendy coffee shop, rustic bar, or classic diner, nothing beats the stunning elegance and durability of handcrafted metal furniture. Johnston Casuals has been making steel furniture for over 40 years for customers worldwide. Every piece is as much a piece of art as it is functional.
We have a full range of barstool options. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for something more traditional, sleek and modern, or a retro style. We have something for everyone, and each piece comes with a wide selection of choices for color and finish. Visit a dealer near you or browse our online catalog to start your journey toward the space of your dreams that will last a lifetime.
