Restaurant Bar Stools Guide

Restaurant Bar Stools Guide

Place yourself in your customers’ shoes and envision being in the mood for a light snack and drinks with friends at your go-to local restaurant. While a full meal is best enjoyed at a regular height table, light meals can be just as satisfying when savored on a bar stool. In fact, there is a unique appeal to sitting on a bar stool when heading out for a drink or two - it adds an extra level of enjoyment to the experience.

Restaurant Bar Stools Buying Guide

As restaurateurs, it is our responsibility to anticipate and meet the needs of our customers. While a restaurant with booths, chairs, and tables is traditional, strategically placing bar tables and stools and offering seating at the bar can enhance the visual appeal of the interior and attract a more diverse clientele.

Constructed from 16-gauge steel with fully welded joints, metal restaurant bar stools are both durable and low-maintenance. With a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, finding the perfect fit for your restaurant is simple. The metal frame is reinforced by built-in foot rests and is available in a selection of commercial-grade powder coat finishes. While black is the most popular option, other finishes such as silver, gold vein, clear coat, white, blue, and yellow are also available.
Wood restaurant bar stools are perfect for upscale locations, hotel bars, and country clubs due to their combination of beauty, strength, and diverse design options. Crafted primarily from solid wood, these bar stools offer a choice of a wood or padded seat, providing comfort and reliability in commercial settings. Constructed using a traditional tenon and mortise technique, they are enhanced with corner blocks and reinforcement bars for added durability.

Most Popular Styles of Restaurant Bar Stools

Contemporary industrial design incorporates elements that are typically hidden to achieve a stylish, rugged aesthetic. Industrial bar stools serve as focal points, embodying an unfinished yet chic appearance. Our stools offer the chance to combine raw and refined elements, modern and vintage styles, and classic design. They are suitable for a variety of settings including restaurants, hotels, breweries, and other establishments that aim to meld form and function in a visually striking manner.
Backless commercial bar stools are a versatile option for maximizing seating in compact spaces while maintaining an open and spacious feel. Our wide selection includes modern, traditional, vintage, retro, and industrial styles that are not only visually pleasing, but also durable and sturdy. Explore the range of metal and wood backless bar stools available on our website to find the perfect fit for your design needs.
Swivel bar stools are typically preferred over stationary bar stools due to their superior versatility, comfort, and maneuverability. They are a practical choice for bars and restaurants, providing guests with increased comfort and the ability to easily turn in all directions. Our swivel bar stools feature a 360-degree rotation thanks to an American-made swivel mechanism, and are available in a variety of styles including modern, backless, vintage, and more.
Bolt-down stools are a space-efficient seating option that offers stability and prevents patrons from moving them around, ensuring they stay in their designated areas. These stools are easy to clean and help optimize space, making them well-suited for high-traffic venues due to their durability and safety features. Available in a variety of styles, including backless designs, bolt-down stools are built to withstand heavy use and are a long-lasting seating solution.
Bar stools with arms provide your guests with enhanced comfort and style, elevating their dining experience. Their sophisticated appearance can enhance the aesthetic of your bar or restaurant. Available in wood, metal, and fully upholstered options, they can also be paired with matching chairs for a cohesive look. It is important to ensure that the arms of the bar stools will fit under the table and that there is ample space to accommodate the additional room they require when making a purchase.
Diner bar stools are an excellent choice for those aiming to achieve a retro, mid-century look. These stools invoke a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of the popular 1950s era, showcasing their vintage charm. Available in various decorative options, such as sparkle vinyl upholstery, some models feature a chrome-plated steel frame. Additionally, they are offered in alternative styles, including tufted or Bel Air channel back designs, perfect for creating an authentic retro ambiance in any venue.

Counter Stools, Bar Stools and Restaurant Chairs

In order to determine the ideal bar stool height, it is important to initially measure the height of the bar top or counter. Following this, subtracting 10 inches from this measurement will provide an approximate height to consider when selecting bar stools. Adhering to this guideline will ensure that customers have adequate space without creating an overly large gap.

There is often confusion surrounding the distinctions between bar stools and counter stools. Bar height stools typically feature seat heights ranging from 28” to 32”, designed to complement table heights of 40” to 42”. In contrast, counter stools are crafted with seat heights of 24” to 27”, ideal for tables measuring 36” in height.

Design professionals suggest providing 26” to 30” of table space per bar stool. For a 12-foot long bar (144”), it is advised to use a maximum of 5 bar stools. Additionally, consider leaving 14” to 15” between the middle of the end stool and the edge of the counter. Ensure there is a minimum of 6” to 8” of space between each counter stool.

The distinction between bar stools and chairs lies in their height. Bar stools are taller and offer a wider range of options, such as swivel or backless features, providing guests with increased flexibility while seated. In contrast, restaurant chairs typically have seat heights ranging from 16” to 20”.

Popular Bar Stools

The metal ladder back design is widely recognized and favored in the restaurant industry for its strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an ideal choice for fast food establishments, ice cream parlors, and small restaurants/bars. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly complement a variety of décor themes. These bar stools are available with armrests and can be bolted down for added stability, providing a classic and casual style to any setting. Customization options are also available, allowing you to tailor the design to your specific preferences.
A timeless American classic, the solid wood bar stool provides warmth and comfort wherever it is placed. Its padded seat lends an air of sophistication, making it suitable for upscale restaurants. Alternatively, opt for a solid wood seat to infuse your steakhouse with charm, transforming it into a beloved local hotspot.
Padded back wood bar stools are a vital component of furniture in restaurants, bars, and pubs. These stools offer both comfort and visual appeal with a variety of styles, colors, and vinyl/fabric upholstery for customization. Filled with commercial grade foam, the cushions provide additional support for patrons. Typically traditional in design, these stools can fit in a variety of venues, specifically classic and upscale establishments.
Incorporation of industrial decor themes is a constantly expanding and developing trend in interior design. Simple to implement and upkeep, this style seamlessly complements a range of culinary atmospheres. Our industrial-style bar stools are both versatile and in high demand. Featuring a unique blend of two-tone wood and metal, these stools create a distinctive look that complements vintage, modern, rustic, and urban industrial design motifs flawlessly.