Choosing Your Next Set of Bar Stools Just Got Easier
Sitting comfortably?
The best bar stools for one bar or kitchen countertop might not be the best bar stools for another. In order to know exactly which bar stools will be the best and best-looking for your space, you'll need to familiarise yourself with common bar stool styles and features. The very best bar stools will have qualities that will complement your space and play to your preferences. Read on for a full look into the best bar stools, organised by style and features.
Popular Bar Stool Dimensions
Bar stool dimensions, including seat height and width, are some of the most important metrics to consider before buying new bar stools. We've got an entire guide dedicated to helping you determine the perfect bar stool height for your countertops.
Bar Stool Styles
The style of your bar stools' backs and seats will influence not only how they look in your space, but also how comfortable they are.
Bar Stool Back Styles
Full Back: Bar stools with full backs are some of the most supportive, comfortable bar stools to sit in, but also some of the most imposing upon your space. Because of their high seat backs, these stools look more like tall chairs than your traditional bar stools. They offer unrivaled back support and might be better for children, as they decrease the likelihood that their occupant will slip backward. That said, their backrests prevent them from being pushed fully under a countertop and might take up extra space in your kitchen or bar.
Low Back: Low-back bar stools are the perfect medium between full-back and backless bar stools. These chairs have subtle backrests that often conform to the shape of one's back to provide adequate support. They don't provide quite as much support as full-back bar stools, but are a considerable choice if you like the security a seat back can provide. Many low-back bar stools can't be completely pushed under countertops, but some are low-profile enough to make the squeeze.
Backless: If you're looking for classic, lightweight, low-profile bar stools, backless stools are likely the best bar stools for you. As their name indicates, these backless stools don't offer any back support, but can be easily positioned and stored beneath a table or countertop. If you have a small space and worry that full- or low-back bar stools might look too heavy beside your countertop, backless bar stools' humble silhouettes make them an excellent choice.
Square: If you have a minimalist or industrial kitchen or bar, bar stools with square seats might be the best bar stools to complement the rest of your space. That said, these geometric chairs are sturdy and handsome and can make great additions to any kitchen.
Round: Commonly found on rustic full-back bar stools and retro backless bar stools, round bar stool seats are comfortable and cute. Round seats offer you a bit more freedom with where you position your legs as you sit, which can be a valuable feature for unconventional sitters or those who deal with leg discomfort in certain positions. One important thing to note, though, is that upholstered round seats can be a bit slippery.
Saddle: Saddle-seat bar stools are bar stools with curved seats that dip lower in the center to provide an extra level of security and comfort. These counter stools usually have rectangular seats but can come with unconventional seat shapes as well. Saddle-style seats have many proven benefits for the body; chief among them is pain alleviation in the back and neck. If you're interested in backless bar stools but are concerned about back pain, saddle-seat bar stools are some of the best bar stools to choose.
Bucket: Similar to saddle-seat bar stools, bucket-seat bar stools are designed to cup their occupant's behind to provide additional comfort and support. Where saddle-seat bar stools have a more straightforward shape – a rectangle that curves down at the center – bucket-seat bar stools are a little more complex. Their seats are cup-shaped. Bucket-seat bar stools have the same pain-alleviation benefits as saddle-seat bar stools, though some might be considered a bit more comfortable.
Four-Legged: Common of full-back and low-back bar stools, four legs are the most sturdy and traditional leg styles available. Many four-legged bar stools have reinforcing bars between each of the legs that double as footrests for added comfort.
Pedestal: Pedestal bar stools stand on one central leg that is supported by a broad, flat foot. Pedestal legs are typical of salon-style or retro diner-style bar stools. Their pedestals often have ring-shaped footrests affixed to them.
Sled: If you have an eye for all things industrial or glam, bar stools with sled-style legs might be the best bar stools for you. They typically have four legs that conjoin at the floor; the specific design varies from bar stool to bar stool. On most counter stools, the front and back right legs are conjoined and the front and back left legs are conjoined. Other models have the front legs conjoined and the back legs conjoined; some have all four legs conjoined. This style draws attention to the stools' legs, so many sled bar stools have glitzy or otherwise stylish legs.
Tripod: Common on backless bar stools with round seats, tripod legs are three-legged structures that come together at the centre of the bar stool seat to produce a delicate yet sturdy silhouette. Three-legged bar stools tend to be a little more stylish and less traditional than four-legged bar stools.
Ergonomic: If back support is really important to you, browse ergonomic bar stools. Ergonomic design prioritizes the user's comfort and support over the bar stool's appearance. In this category, you'll likely find bar stools with saddle or bucket seats, full or low backs, footrests and other features designed to make sitting in those stools comfortable for hours on end.
Swivel: Perhaps one of the best bar stool features, swivel bar stools allow you to swivel your body and chair with ease. Swivel bar stools are amazing for tight spaces, as their swivel feature allows occupants to angle themselves how they please without moving the bar stool's position at the counter. Some swivel bar stools allow 360° of motion, while other swivel stools are more limited.
Armrests: Armrests are yet another ergonomic feature that can improve the comfort and support of your bar stools. Resting your arms at a natural position on armrests can stave off muscle tension in your upper arms and shoulders and promote beneficial blood flow throughout your arms and hands. Try out upholstered armrests for added comfort.
Armless: Bar stools with arm rests can be bulkier than armless options, which might not be ideal for smaller bars or countertops. If saving space is a priority of yours, browse only armless bar stools.
Footrest: Footrests can provide some much-needed relief to back tension when you're in a sitting position. They can also promote healthier blood flow in your legs, ankles and feet.
Height-Adjustable: If you're struggling to find bar stools that are the right counter height, we recommend height-adjustable stools. These adjustable height stools can be positioned at a range of heights and can promote comfort for occupants of all sizes.
Stackable: If you're not planning on making your new bar stools permanent fixtures in your home, opt for stackable stools that can be stored compactly together. Stackable bar stools also make cleaning a breeze, as you won't have to navigate through several displaced bar stools to clean beneath them.
Folding: Similarly, lightweight folding bar stools can be folded for easy storage. This feature is a signature of outdoor and temporary event bar stools.
Tip: Searching for more ideas and inspiration? Then take a look at:
- All You Need to Know About Bar Stool Sizes
- Dining Chair Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Size
- 7 Ways to Effortlessly Mix and Match Dining Chairs
