Full Grain Leather Bar Stools
Buy the best full grain leather bar stools selected and recommended by interior designers. By Emily Hilton.
If you're looking for a bar stool that's both stylish and comfortable, look no further than full-grain leather. Full-grain leather is not only beautiful but also highly durable, making it perfect for use in any home area. Our experts have selected the best full-grain leather bar stools around, from contemporary to glam luxe designs, so you can sit back and relax knowing you have made the right choice. You'll love their style, comfort, and durability.
Full Grain 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.
Top grain leather shows the natural character of genuine cowhide. It is soft, inviting and very comfortable when used for seats. Leather top grain bar stools make a statement of quality and refinement that cannot be found in faux materials. Close to full grain leather, top grain has been sanded and buffed to remove imperfections of the hide from the elements. A smooth clean feel is the result.
Bar stools are constructed from different types of material. They must be structurally sound and meet certain guidelines of the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) for safety.
- Metal - Wrought iron, brushed metal and stainless steel are popular metal materials that are incorporated with leather. Everything from straight lines to scrolls can be made from high quality metal.
- Wood - Hardwood, like oak, cherry or stained rubber wood are likely choices for bases and backings of bar stools with leather seats. Substantial in construction, they add warmth and prestige to a leather padded seat and back.
Plastic and wicker frames are seldom seen with leather top grain bar stools due to the respectable integrity of the design.
Because leather presents a rich tone in material and natural color, it is used with refinement in traditional, contemporary and modern styles. An enchanting traditional style may use ornate curved legs and a round design for backing in a dark wood frame. Contemporary styles range from simple backless designs with an accent on the leather with chrome or brass tacks. A modern bar stool may weave a slightly padded leather seat into a bold stainless steel frame.
The longevity of leather runs 10 to 15 years in durability while an imitation has an approximate life of 5 to 6 years. A real hide is breathable and biodegradable compared to leatherette that contains plastics that are non-renewable. Real leather also carries that distinct leather smell and becomes softer as it ages. It also is more durable against punctures and rips than a non-breathable leatherette. Any type of genuine leather will cause the price of bar stools to increase by 3 to 10 times that of leatherette or fabric, but the pros of genuine leather often justify the initial cost.
The frame of bar stools is simple to keep clean. Metal requires only a damp cloth to remove any dirt or grime. Wood frames will have a protective finish that can also be touched up with mild soap and water. Additional dusting with an oil-based polish is recommended occasionally. Top grain leather seats and backing requires special care. Do not place stools where direct sun can fade the leather and cause it to lose its color. Use a microfiber cloth to dust the surface regularly. White vinegar and water work to remove body oils and dirt build up. Use linseed oil to condition and shine.