Comfortable Bar Stools with Backs and Arms

The materials you’ll need to reupholster your swivel bar stools are your new fabric, a staple gun, a screwdriver or drill, a hammer, and pliers. The first step consists of removing the existing fabric. You can do this by turning your bar stool upside down and removing the screws/staples that hold the cushion in place with your screwdriver and hammer. Use your pliers to remove the gauze backer fabric as well. Once the seat cushion is detached from the swivel base, make a pattern with your fabric of choice. Place the cushion on the fabric and begin cutting the fabric to the right size. You can then staple the new fabric to the barstool. Secure the edges and trim excess fabric if necessary. Reattach the gauze fabric with your staple and screw the seat back into place. Repeat the same process for the bar stool’s backrest.

There are three top fabric choices for an upholstered arm swivel bar stool: canvas, leather, and vinyl. Canvas is durable because of its tight weave and is easy to clean with warm water and mild soap. Be sure to clean up spills quickly as they can soak into canvas fabric and lead to mold. Canvas fabrics are available in plenty of colors and patterns to suit your style.

Leather is ideal for kitchen bars because it's stain resistant and extremely easy to wipe clean. It can stand up against wear and tear, and it looks classy for a reasonable price. Leather comes in various colors, and if you’re on a budget or are ethically opposed to leather, you can opt for eco faux-leather upholstery instead. It requires a little more care than other upholstery types. You’ll need to give your leather bar stools a polish with fabric conditioner once per month.

Vinyl is another popular fabric for bar stools, appearing similar to leather but with a glossier finish. It’s the most durable of the three options and is difficult to mark or rip. Vinyl upholstery is available in many colors and designs to easily integrate with your living and dining areas.

A comfortable bar stool will allow you flexibility and maneuverability to move as and when you please. So whether you are trying to get closer to your partner or make room for a third person in the conversation, an upholstered arm swivel bar stool is your best bet.

Bar stool height is one factor to consider to ensure you are not in a tight squeeze when sitting at the bar. Likewise, a bar stool that is too low will have you looking up at the grown-ups.

Your bar stool should also be sturdy enough and have a certain heft that allows you to lean in and relax. Curved back bar stools with padded seats and backs are highly recommended for maximum comfort, while upholstered armrests allow you to rest your hands while seated.