Author: David Gendelman
Bar stools are often the most popular type of seating for patrons at a bar – whether it be a sports bar, a dance bar or club, a brew bar or a live music bar. A bar relies on the sale of alcoholic drinks where they are made, and that is often the most prime real estate in your establishment – right by the bartenders counter.
Most bars have seating right by the counter and it is critical that this seating is both comfortable as well as compact – and this is where bar stools come into play. In this article we will review the different types of bar stools, and go over the pros and cons they will bring to your establishment. First and foremost, bar stools more often than not come with a footrest so the different styles we will discuss is material (wood or metal), swivel and backless or with support as well as how they are mounted. Most bar stools come with a standard height of 30”, and 36” being the standard for tall, as well as 26” being the standard for short.
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Floor Mounted:
- The stool cannot be moved and won’t go missing.
- The stool is less likely to be used as a weapon in case of any altercation.
- Already spaced out to the owner’s preference.
- Any chair can be mounted to the floor.
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 347
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Metal/Aluminum:
- Popular choice for stools that will be used outdoors.
- Good for stacking.
- Long lasting.
- Not as comfortable.
- Easy to clean.
- Mostly seen: outdoor bars
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 871
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Wood:
- Give a good tiki bar effect.
- Usually made from bamboo.
- Visually appealing.
- More difficult to clean – stains easier.
- Mostly seen: indoor, sports/tiki bars
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 915
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Upholstered/Leather:
- Most comfortable chairs.
- Normally come with polyurethane foam for extra support.
- Clients typically prefer these and will sit longer rather than walking around.
- Leather chairs are typically more expensive.
- Easy to maintain.
- Mostly seen: higher end bars/nightclubs
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 9626PS3
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Backless:
- These stools are smaller, and can fit more of them in a tight space.
- Cost – normally these tend to be cheaper than there counterpart with the a back.
- Lightweight and mobile. Easy to move, anyone can move them as necessary.
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 891
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Swivel:
- If the space is tight, swivel is ideal to not bother other patrons.
- If there is a back on it, it will constantly hit into the counter if not placed right.
- SHOWN: G & A Model # 147
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In Conclusion:
Bar stools vary in styles… and the options are endless. After all, your goal as an owner is to accommodate the customers, and based on your demographic you have to choose the chair that is most right for your type of bar.
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