Real Leather Bar Stools
Buy the best real leather bar stools selected and recommended by interior designers. By Emily Hilton.
Durable, elegant, and timeless, real leather bar stools elevate the aesthetic and functional appeal of your home. They may be in the higher price range but these bar stools are known to stand the test of time and look even more attractive with age. With tons of styles available, you can have a wide selection ranging from traditional to modern designs. Take a look at our designers’ curated list of genuine leather bar stools that will surely make an impression.
Real Leather Bar Stools
Buying Guide
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.
An Italian leather bar stool is a protean seating option that can add some color and character to any living space or commercial establishment. It looks classy, is comfortable and can also be your go-to seating for impromptu meal preps on the kitchen island.
But with an endless amount of styles, designs and sizes to pick from, selecting the right fit for your space can be a tad difficult. Here are a few handy tips to help you get started.
Unless you are getting a custom Italian leather bar stool made, you will have to pick from four standard premade sizes (heights), that are named according to the seating surface that they are best paired with.
So, there are table stools which can range from 16 to 23 inches, bar stools which can be 28-33 inches, counter stools which can be 24-27 inches and tall stools which can be 34-36 inches.
To get the best fit, measure the height of your table and choose accordingly. Alternatively, you can also choose height-adjustable stools which have a hydraulic pump to elevate or lower the seat depending on the table that its paired with.
What standard types of bar stools are there?
There are three standard bar stool styles that serve as the base for a slew of creative designs.
- Backless bar stools: As implied by the name, these do not have a backrest and mimic the classic bar counter stools from old bar taverns. The advantage is that these can be tucked under the counter after use. The disadvantage is that these aren’t the most comfortable ones to sit, especially if you are aiming at an all-nighter.
- Low Back: You get a wee bit of back support with this one. But it’s a barely-there backrest, more aesthetic than functional. There wouldn’t be much of a difference in the comfort level as compared to a backless one.
- Full back: These are designed like dining chairs and are perfectly suited for kitchen counters as well.
Apart from this, there are swivel stools with rotating seats which make it easier for the user to alight and exit the counter.
The Italian leather bar stool can either have a wooden frame or a metallic one. Wood and leather are an infallible combination that can blend in with any type of décor. But a lot of homeowners prefer metal for the extra durability it offers.
Authentic Italian leather is an absolute delight. It is extremely soft, has a natural, musky odor and is usually tan or brown. But it also happens to be among the most counterfeited types of leather in the world. So, ensure that you ask questions before you take the plunge. Ask about the type of Italian leather (Artisan, industrial or luxury), type of grain, the type of stock used to manufacture the leather and the age.
Depending on the intended use, you might also want to consider faux leather because it is more durable and requires lesser upkeep. An accidental spill or two won't stain or damage it. But it can never offer the charm of genuine Italian leather.