Comfortable seating is essential for any café, bar, or restaurant. Provide visitors with maximized comfort and accentuate your interior decor with matching stools. Along with bar countertops, they are the most used pieces of furniture. Our tips will help you choose comfortable, durable, and stylish models.
The cozier the bar — the longer the visitors stay and the more they spend. A reliable bar stools manufacturer like https://www.richardsonseating.com/ can offer a wide range of models that match any style. Discover the most important criteria below.
1. Consider Optimal Height
There are four categories of bar stools today. These match bars of different heights. Today, bars can be:
- short (e.g., kitchen bars),
- normal height,
- extra tall, and
- counter
The rule of thumb is to allow between 10 and 12 inches of space between the seat and the underside of the counter. For example, counter bars are usually 35-36 inches tall. Suitable seating should be 24-26 inches in height.
The most common type of commercial bar is the standard bar, which is 40-42 inches high. Therefore, the optimal height of the stool is 28-30 inches. The tallest type (45-48 inches) requires seatings that are 33-34 inches tall.
2. Determine Optimal Spacing
If the stools will be heavy or affixed to the floor, the right spacing is essential. The first stool in a row must be placed at a distance of 14 inches from the corner of the bar. Seatings should be separated with at least 6 inches of space, although 8-10 inches is the best.
3. Choose Diameter of Seating
A diameter of 15 inches is suitable for tight spaces. However, the optimal choice is 17 inches. The widest stools have 21-inch seats.
4. Compare Different Styles
The seating should match the overall design of your establishment. It may either complement or accentuate it. Today, there are hundreds of styles. The most popular options include:
- country stools made of wood covered with stain/lacquer;
- Tiki stools matching the Polynesian-style;
- mid-century stools with minimum ornamentation made of conventional or unconventional materials;
- saddle stools inspired by horse-riding;
- Scandinavian-style stools;
- barrel stools made of wood;
- swivel stools with adjustable height;
- bolted stools — heavy or affixed to the floor.
5. Durable Materials
The most durable options are the best value for money, as bar stools are used all the time. Frames and seats may be made of wood, which is a warm conventional material. However, if you are planning to place the stools outdoors, choose metal or plastic. They are also easy to clean. Leather upholstery creates a luxurious look. However, it is not as durable as vinyl, which looks similar.
The Bottom Line
These are the most basic considerations. Choose seating that is comfortable, durable, and stylish at the same time. The better your choice — the longer your customers will spend at the bar. You may also lower the costs if you assemble the furniture yourself.