How to Choose the Best Commercial Stools for Your Restaurant, Bar, or Pub

When purchasing commercial stools, there are several important factors to consider before investing. Sizing ensures comfort and functionality, while material choice impacts stool durability and longevity. Additionally, the aesthetic appeal is essential for creating the right atmosphere in your restaurant, bar, or pub.

Here’s a guide to the best commercial stools, ensuring comfort and style for your establishment.

Sizing Up Your Commercial Stools

Before you start searching for seating for your business, it’s important to determine the appropriate sizing for your needs. Whether you have tables already installed or plan to purchase new ones, the stools must match correctly. Stools that look stunning but are uncomfortable for customers are far from ideal.

Here’s a breakdown of typical stool heights and their corresponding table heights:

• Bar Stools: These usually range from 28-32 inches in height. They pair well with 42-inch tables, providing ample legroom and comfortable seating for eating and drinking.
• Counter Stools: These are shorter, typically measuring 23-28 inches in height. They are ideal for counter islands, less common in pubs, bars, or restaurants, but create a dynamic vibe. Tables between 35-38 inches high pair well with counter stools.
• Standard Restaurant Stools: These range from 17-21 inches in height and pair with standard dining tables of 29-33 inches.

Ensuring that your stools and tables are appropriately matched will enhance comfort and functionality, contributing to a better customer experience.

[Related: Guide to Lounge Seating]

Measuring Guidelines

Having reviewed standard stool and table heights, here are guidelines to help you choose the right stool sizes for your needs:

1. Measure the Height: Measure from the floor to the top of your table or countertop. Subtract 10-12 inches from that measurement to get a rough guideline for the ideal stool height.
2. Consider Armrests: If your stools have armrests, ensure they will fit comfortably under the table or countertop.
3. Spacing Between Stools: Leave 3-4 inches of space between each stool for adequate movement and comfort.

By following these guidelines, you’ll choose stools that enhance the functionality and comfort of your seating area.

Materials and Construction

After determining the appropriate sizing for your stools, it’s crucial to carefully consider the materials and construction quality of your commercial furniture. Given that these stools will be used frequently by customers, they need to be exceptionally durable. Additionally, the materials and construction should maintain their aesthetic appeal even after prolonged use.

Preferred Materials:

1. Metal: Metal stools are known for their durability and sturdiness. They are available in various finishes and styles, making them versatile enough to complement any décor.
2. Wood: Wooden stools offer a classic look and can be highly durable if made from high-quality wood. They can be stained or painted in various colors to match your establishment’s theme.

Both metal and wood are excellent choices for high-quality pub and bar stools due to their longevity and ability to withstand heavy use while retaining their aesthetic appeal.

Now, let’s explore some specific designs for bar, pub, and restaurant stools to give you an idea of the options available.

[Related: Popular Styles of Commercial Restaurant Tables]

Classic Backless Leather Upholstered Pub Stools

These stools exemplify a quintessential and timeless design. One of the major advantages of these pub stools is their compact size, allowing them to take up minimal space. They are also easy to move around, making them versatile for various events and needs.

Key Features:

1. Leather Upholstery: The leather upholstery makes these stools exceptionally easy to clean and highly durable.
2. Design Options: Available in both square and round designs.
3. Construction: Typically built with four high-quality wooden legs and a metal support bracket, providing extra strength and stability.

Considerations:

No Backrest: These stools lack backrests, meaning customers can’t lean back and get too comfortable. While this might be a drawback in some settings, it can be advantageous near a dancefloor, encouraging patrons to get up and move around rather than staying seated for too long.

Traditional or Modern Metal and Wood Chairs

There is a vast array of traditional and modern-styled wood and metal chairs available, ensuring you’ll find something that fits perfectly with your establishment’s decor.

Design Options:

1. Wood Seats:

• Plain Wood Seat: Ideal for bars and pubs where spills are common. These seats are easy to clean and maintain, making them practical for high-traffic areas.
• Upholstered Seat: Suitable for more upscale settings and restaurants, offering enhanced comfort and a touch of elegance.

2. Materials and Styles:

• Traditional Styles: Often feature ornate designs and classic finishes, adding a timeless charm to your space.
• Modern Styles: Typically characterized by sleek lines and contemporary materials, perfect for creating a chic and updated look.

Versatility:

These chairs can be mixed and matched with various table styles and are available in numerous finishes and colors, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your bar, pub, or restaurant.

Whether you choose traditional or modern styles, wood or metal materials, or plain or upholstered seats, these chairs offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal, enhancing the overall ambiance of your establishment

Armrest Bar Stools

Opting for commercial upholstered bar stools with armrests is an excellent choice for achieving ultimate comfort in your bar, pub, or restaurant. These stools provide a formal and sophisticated look, enhancing the overall ambiance of your establishment. Upholstered seats offer cushioned support, while armrests add an extra layer of comfort, making them ideal for guests who might spend extended periods sitting.

Additionally, incorporating a variety of bar stool styles can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your space. Mixing and matching different bar stools can create a dynamic and inviting atmosphere, preventing a monotonous look. This approach allows you to play with colors, materials, and designs, making your venue more chic and exciting. By combining different styles, you cater to various preferences and seating needs, ultimately enhancing the guest experience.

Commercial Bar Stool Styles and Features Summary

1. Retro

• Inspired by designs from the mid-20th century, retro stools often feature bold colors, chrome accents, and sleek lines, bringing a nostalgic yet stylish vibe to your space.

2. Vintage

• Vintage stools showcase timeless appeal with distressed finishes, ornate details, and classic shapes, perfect for creating a charming and elegant atmosphere.

3. Industrial

• Characterized by raw, unfinished looks, industrial stools often combine metal and wood elements, offering a rugged and modern aesthetic ideal for contemporary and urban-themed establishments.

4. Rustic

• Rustic stools emphasize natural materials and earthy tones, providing a cozy, homely feel with their weathered wood and handcrafted details, suitable for a warm and inviting environment.

5. Traditional

• Traditional stools feature classic designs with rich wood finishes, upholstered seats, and elegant craftsmanship, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and comfort.

6. Modern

• Modern stools boast minimalist designs with clean lines, innovative materials, and sleek finishes, ideal for creating a chic, contemporary look in your venue.

Features

1. Backless (Square/Round)

• Backless stools are compact and versatile, available in square or round shapes, making them easy to tuck away under counters when not in use.

2. Bolt Down

• Bolt down stools are securely fixed to the floor, providing stability and durability, often used in high-traffic areas where furniture movement needs to be minimized.

3. Swivel

• Swivel stools offer mobility and convenience, allowing guests to rotate freely, which is particularly useful in dynamic settings like bars and counters.

4. With Armrests

• Stools with armrests provide additional comfort and support, making them ideal for guests who prefer a more relaxed and leisurely seating experience.

5. Upholstered

• Upholstered stools come with cushioned seats and backs, available in various fabrics and leathers, adding a touch of luxury and comfort.

With a multitude of unique commercial stools available, it can be tough to know what to go with. Consider the overall theme and atmosphere you wish to create, as well as the specific needs and preferences of your guests, to make the best choice for your establishment.