Bar Stools with Backs and Arms

Emily Hilton Interior Design Expert

Emily is a young, talented designer, whose professional interests gravitate towards kitchen and dining spaces. She prides herself on her attention to detail, obsession with functionality, and appreciation for craftsmanship.

Updated 17/01/2023

Bar stools offer a more casual seating arrangement than traditional dining chairs. Standard stools can be uncomfortable for long periods. But choosing bar stools with backs and arms provides more support, versatility, and visual appeal. Some seats can swivel while others remain fixed. They come in various styles, materials, and heights.

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Bar Stools with Backs and Arms

Buying Guide

Do you need help in making a selection for versatile home bar seating options? We’ve listed the steps you need to follow to get the right bar stools that are sure to work for your space.

How to Select the Right Height for Your Bar Stools?

There is nothing worse than bar stools that are either too short or too tall. They are not just uncomfortable, but they may also look disproportionate when they’re added to your interior.

Here is a breakdown of the common heights for bar stools and how you can choose among them:

Counter Stool

At 24 to 26 inches high, a counter stool is best paired with a surface that is 36 inches from the floor. Being the standard height for kitchen islands and counters, look for this kind of bar stool if it will be in your dining area.

Classic Bar Stool

A standard bar is around 42 inches high, which means a bar stool that has a height of 30 inches is your best bet. It is the size of the bar stools that you often see in bars and restaurants.

Extra Tall Bar Stool

If your surface has a height of 48 inches or more, then go for a style that's extra tall. It typically measures 34 to 36 inches. An extra-tall bar stool is an incredible option for when you host viewing parties.

What Design Features to Consider When Buying Bar Stools?

Bar stools are available in different designs. Before you make a decision, it is important that you consider both the aesthetic of the space and your comfort. Here are the common features to consider:

Arms and back

If your priority is comfort, then bar stools with armrests are the best choice. They're capable of providing more support compared to traditional backless stools. They are also perfect for sit-down meals at your breakfast bar.

The only downside? The stools are much wider in comparison to the backless styles. This means you won’t be able to place as many stools as you would have originally planned.

No back

Backless bar stools are perhaps the ones that are most commonly seen in furniture stores. Typically round, the stools are best if you are on the lookout for seating options that save space. They are also great if you prefer your stools to be kept hidden underneath your counter.

Take note that backless stools are not the most comfortable options. If the users of the stools will be sitting on them for a long time, this is a factor that you need to take into consideration.

Swivel mechanism

A bar stool can be heavy. Opting for one that has a swivel function will prevent you and guests from having to scoot back from your counter. A swivel function is very convenient, but it might not be great for households that have children.

Upholstery

If you use your kitchen counter as the main dining area of your home, then you may need an upholstered style. Upholstered stools aren’t just 10 times more comfortable compared to non-cushioned styles, but they also add a sense of formality into your countertop dining.

The downside is that your kitchen and dining areas are prone to spills and stains, especially if kids are going to use them. To make sure you beautiful stools have a long, attractive life, choose fabrics that will easily withstand the kitchen mishaps.

Leather and vinyl are by far the most forgiving, the latter being the less expensive option. Both are incredibly durable and easy to clean, althrough leather might need slightly more TLC.

If you, however, prefer the different blends of cotton, polyester or viscose (they offer a raibow of beautiful colors), give them a Scotchguard treatment to lengthen the life of your upholstery.

Also, remember that patterned fabrics hide stains and wear and tear better than plain-colored upholstery.

How to Best Match the Bar Stool Material to Your Specific Needs?

Just like with any other kind of furniture, material matters when choosing bar stools. Whether you are on the lookout for a material that is great with a particular theme or style or you want one that is durable and can stand to daily, heavy use, you need to weigh all pros and cons for the materials that we have listed below.

Wood

Wood bar stools can be expensive, but they are solid and can fit in any style or aesthetic. Opt for wooden bar stools with upholstered cushions for added comfort. However, you need to keep them inside, so they don’t get wet and damaged.

If you intend to use wooden bar stools outdoors, make sure you choose denser wood such as acacia, eucalyptus, and teak as they are woods that are repellant to the weather and insects.

Metal

A bar stool that is made of metal has a very sleek silhouette, which means it is especially suited for a small space. Style-wise, it is a perfect match for modern or industrial aesthetic, but brightly colored metal barstools are also a common choice for lovely farmhouse kitchens and dining rooms. Brushed with gold, iron barstools will look fabulous even in elegant, contemporary settings.

Wicker or Rattan

Wicker and rattan bar stools are timeless and casual. They make great additions to kitchens as they are to sunrooms. They are incredibly lightweight, so they can easily be moved around the space. Keep them in covered spaces unless they are made of an all-weather wicker.

Follow these steps and you won’t just have the appropriate bar stools for your home, but also great investment pieces that your family and friends are going to enjoy for years to come.