Wrought Iron Bar Stools
Buy the best wrought iron bar stools selected and recommended by interior designers. By Emily Hilton.
If you want your bar to look cool and refined, wrought iron bar stools would be a stylish and practical addition. Iron is a naturally sturdy material that will last for years and years, beyond drink spills, knocks, and scratches. It has an industrial look to it that will fit in with most décor and matches with a lot of materials so you can complement your existing style.
Wrought Iron 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.
Wrought Iron is a timeless metal. It has been around for more than a century and has been used to make everything from colossal warheads to petite horseshoes that have stood the test of time.
With more than 99% iron and very low carbon content, it looks very similar to wood with distinct grains. Which means that it can be painted or finished to look pretty much like faux wood.
Sounds like the perfect material for your bar stools. Wrought Iron Bar stools are not merely about the vintage aesthetics though. They have excellent resistance to corrosion, are as sturdy as they come and are easy to style to your liking.
Most homeowners though rarely look beyond more conventional options like wood and steel while buying bar stools. If you find yourself swaying towards wrought iron bar stools, here are some of the things to consider before you buy.
Standard-sized bar stools are about 30-36 inches from the ground and pair with bar counters that are 40-46 inches tall. However, custom-sized bar counters are becoming increasingly common these days, especially in smaller apartments and homes.
So, measure the height of your bar counter and subtract 12-inches from this. You have the right height for your bar stool. This is just a rule of thumb as it leaves enough clearance for the legs.
The industry standard is about 26-30″ of space between each stool at the counter. This will allow your guests to get in and out of the stools without jostling into each other. Also, this setting allows a user to sit comfortably even cross-legged. You can increase or reduce this distance according to your preference.
Consider the number of people who will be using the bar counter regularly. Cramming six stools into a counter that can barely accommodate four will be overkill if the bar will be used only by two people at best. Aim for at least 14-inches of clearance from the wall and other furniture.
With wrought iron bar stools, a vintage design is something that you cannot go wrong with. There are some fantastic retro-chic designs inspired by the likes of Xavier Pauchard, Arne Jacobsen Hans Wegner.
Armless, backless, minimalistic stools with ornate, curved legs are reminiscent of the taverns and watering holes of yore. And these can be a refreshing change from the norm, even in homes with a modern or contemporary décor theme.
You can always opt for comfort over aesthetics though and opt for a stool with plush, upholstered backrests and arms. That would most certainly be a better choice if you spend a lot of time at the counter, or if the counter also doubles up as a work desk.
A swivel mechanism is another desirable feature, particularly if you have opted for a closely packed setting at the counter. Makes it easier to get in and out. Similarly, in a household with kids, a height adjustable stool will allow the children to use the countertop without clambering up the stool.
Upholstery adds warmth to your bar décor. You can mix prints, designs, colors, and textures to convert the stools into the focal point, instead of the shelving or the counter itself. And it’s crucial to pick a fabric that’s low on maintenance as well.
Vinyl is one of the best options. It resembles leather, is incredibly durable, is waterproof and doesn’t fade or get stained. Just wipe it with a damp cloth to clean.
Leather is a close second. It is available in a variety of colors and textures. You can even source the exotic variety if money is not an object. Leather can be a little cumbersome to maintain though.
Canvas is a blend of cotton and linen and can be a very comfortable fabric. It’s also available in an endless number of color and print options. The only caveat is that it can guzzle up liquids and will get stained easily. If you wish to opt for fabric, then there’s no better choice though. Tip: Look for reversible/washable canvas covers.