With their roots embedded in the Renaissance and beyond, bar stools are a versatile and ubiquitous seating style that has evolved and grown in popularity over the centuries. And for a good reason. Bar stool seating provides several unique benefits over traditional chairs or benches, from allowing elevation when needed to superior compactness and functionality in busy spaces.
Top Tips for Selecting, Buying, and Maintaining Bar Stools
There is something supremely satisfying about a set of bar stools set up perfectly at a counter, even more so for stools that complement and enhance the space in which they reside. Here are our tips for selecting bar stools for any setting. We’ll look not only at the steps for getting a functional and practical fit, but also to help incorporate a new set of bar stools into an existing room design.
1. Measure the Height
There is nothing worse than going through all the trouble to select a bar stool you love, only to realize too late that it isn’t practical to use it how you want. For bar stools, a miscalculated height can, at best, make them look disproportionate and, at worst, unusable.
You need room between the top of the stool seat and the bar top’s underside for the legs to fit comfortably. Look for a difference of 9-12 inches in the measured heights. “Measured” is the keyword here. While most standard counters run about 34-36 inches and bars in the 40-42 inch range, ensure that your bar or counter was made within that range and that the bar stool specified height works out.
A bar stool 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.
2. Space Them Out
Like all other types of furniture, such as dining chairs, bar stools need a certain amount of space around them to be truly functional. That perfect spacing relies on a few factors; chief among them is the diameter of the bar stool followed by shape.
It may seem a little counterintuitive for a few of the options, but a small diameter stool doesn’t mean the person sitting in it is taking up any less space. Those thinner stools likely don’t have arms or backs taking up the area, but the people sitting in them do. If you are ever in doubt, err on leaving an extra inch or two, especially if you decide to mix and match styles.
- Small Diameter (8-12 inches): Leave about 12 inches of space between.
- Medium Diameter (13 – 16 inches): Leave 8-10 inches of space between.
- Large Diameter (17+ inches): Leave at least 6 inches between.
- Swivel or Arm Styles: Leave 8-10 inches of space between.
Measure the length of your bar area and divide it by either the number of seats you need to give yourself a general size of chair to look for. Or work in the opposite direction if you already have a design in mind to find out how many you can comfortably seat at the bar. And remember, as with all seating, to leave two feet behind the bar stool for walking.
3. Play with Unique Details
Bar stools, like other furniture pieces, can be found in a nearly unlimited variety of materials, finishes, and colors. Don’t be afraid to go a little outside the box and look for options with unique backs, arms, or base designs. Bar stools are a great opportunity to enhance the design of a room with complimentary features.
4. Select a Material for Durability
You will want a bar stool to match your existing room aesthetically, but that can also stand up to the amount of use expected. Your main options in base materials, aside from any upholstery, will be wood, plastic, and metal.
For a more traditional style, go with wood. Metal or plastic is recommended if your dining room leans toward modern or contemporary tastes. Keep in mind durability. If you have pets or kids or live in humid environments, metal might be the ticket.
5. Get a Look in Person
The first step for many is to begin looking online. And we recommend this to anyone, even if you want to purchase from a company directly or a retail seller. Looking online can give you the broadest view of available designs, materials, and price points.
When you head out online or in person, keep your measurements close at hand, and don’t stray too far out of what you have calculated. There is always some wiggle room in dimensions, but furniture is a significant investment in our living space, and you’ll want your selection to fit.
6. Opt for Comfortable
Seeing something in person always gives you a better idea of proportions or color. And the opportunity to sit on a piece cannot be understated, especially if you are keen on a comfortable bar area. Try out the options. If the seats will likely be sat in for short periods, non-upholstered or un-backed options may suffice.
But if you plan on being seated at the bar for an extended period, padded seats and backs are the way to go. Leather and vinyl will be easier to clean, but fabric is more comfortable in hot or humid environments.
7. Care and Maintenance
Caring for your bar stools is a reasonably simple task, as it doesn’t differ significantly from other furniture types. Follow these basic guidelines, and your bar stool should be in top shape for years.
- Keep all feet or the solid base firmly on a level floor and the stool upright at all times.
- Don’t use your bar stool as step stools.
- Pay attention to and stay within weight limits for seats or footrests.
- Select cleaning products appropriate to the materials. Wood will be different from metal, and leather has vastly different cleaning requirements to cloth.
Handcrafted Metal Bar Stools for Any Setting
Nothing beats the stunning elegance and durability of handcrafted metal furniture, whether you want to furnish a trendy coffee shop, old-time salon, or home dining area. 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 bar stool 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.
