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Commercial bar stools give guests a place to sit at the bar, the counter, or a high-top table. Found in bars, taprooms, restaurants, breweries, and banquet halls, these stools need to hold up to constant use, spills, and nightly cleaning while keeping guests comfortable through a long meal or a few rounds. The right commercial bar stool also affects how a space runs. Aspects like seat height and comfort determine how long guests stay, frame material decides how well the stool survives a busy service, and seat material and visual appeal allow you to set up trendy bar spaces. To help you choose, we've reviewed the best bar stools based on a number of key features so you can seat guests comfortably and stay on budget!
Shop All Bar Stools
- Best Bar Stool Overall: BFM Seating Sofia Black Walnut Beechwood Bar Height Chair
- Best Swivel Bar Stool: BFM Seating Lima Sand Black Customizable Steel Bar Height Chair with 2" Black Vinyl Swivel Seat
- Best Padded Bar Stool: Lancaster Table & Seating Black Swivel Backless Bar Stool with Red Vinyl Seat
- Best Stackable Bar Stool: Lancaster Table & Seating Bistro Black and White Checkered Weave Rattan Outdoor Side Bar Stool
- Best Backless Bar Stool: Lancaster Table & Seating Alloy Onyx Black Outdoor Backless Bar Stool
- Best Budget Bar Stool: Lancaster Table & Seating Black Finish Cross Back Bar Stool with 2 1/2" Black Vinyl Padded Seat - Detached Seat
The BFM Seating 163ZWB88BWBW features an eye-catching style inspired by Michael Thonet's designs, making it a standout piece in any commercial space. Its sleek curves are further enhanced by the contoured seat and curved cross backrest, providing excellent comfort for patrons. Crafted with precision, the black walnut backrest, seat, and frame are planked, shaped, and stained by hand. The lacquer finish ensures long-lasting quality, making the stool resistant to scratches and chipping.
BFM Seating Sofia Black Walnut Beechwood Bar Height Chair | $264.99
Read customer reviews for the BFM Seating Sofia Black Walnut Beechwood Bar Height Chair.
- Steam-bent European beechwood resists scratches and chipping better than ordinary wood furniture
- Rated for 300 lb. and arrives fully assembled
- Plastic glides on every leg protect floors and cut down on scraping noise
- Users report a few stools in a large order were a little wobbly
- Hard wood seat has no padding
- Limited to indoor use
The BFM Seating 1632160SDBSB boasts a backrest with a ladder design that not only provides unmatched comfort but also adds a distinct aesthetic to your restaurant. The swivel design of this stool allows patrons to easily turn in their chairs, promoting socialization and flexibility of positioning. The padded vinyl upholstered seat ensures exceptional comfort for your guests, and cleaning is a breeze thanks to the smooth vinyl upholstery that can be easily wiped down.
Read customer reviews for the BFM Seating Lima Sand Black Customizable Steel Bar Height Chair.
Runner up: Lancaster Table & Seating 164BMLSWBVDG
- Comes fully assembled
- Ladder back adds upper-back support, and supports connect all four steel legs for stability
- Customizable with 28 upgrade vinyl colors or branding for bars that want a signature look
- Only rated for 250 lb., lower than the 300 to 400 lb. ratings on the other picks
- Heavy at 36 lb., so it's harder to move and clear than lighter stools
The 3 1/2" thick vinyl cushion on this Lancaster Table & Seating swivel bar stool gives guests more padding than most stools at this price. The 14" seat sits on a black powder-coated steel frame rated for 330 lb., with a built-in footrest to support legs through a long night at the bar. The vinyl wipes down with a damp cloth and mild soap, and the foam inside is fire-retardant. At 14.5 lb., it's light enough for staff to shift out of the way for closing cleanup, and the glides on each leg keep floors from getting scuffed. The seat ships detached to keep the cost down, so plan on a few minutes of assembly per stool.
Lancaster Table & Seating Black Swivel Backless Bar Stool with Red Vinyl Seat | $59.49
Read customer reviews for the Lancaster Table & Seating Black Swivel Backless Bar Stool.
Runner up: Lancaster Table & Seating 164BBMRNGBBK
- Swivel seat lets guests turn to talk without scooting the stool
- Built-in footrest and floor-protecting glides on every leg
- Weighs only 14.5 lb., so it's easy to move for sweeping and mopping
- Backless design offers no lower-back support for long stays
- Intended for indoor use only
- Seat ships detached and needs to be assembled
The Lancaster Table & Seating Alloy backless bar stool is a powder-coated steel stool that works both on a patio on a warm July night and at the bar in January. It arrives fully assembled, weighs just 10 lb., and stacks up to seven high, so staff can clear a patio or reset a bar area without tools. A 400 lb. weight capacity, under-seat cross bracing, and a footrest cover the all-night wear and tear bar stools take, and the drain hole in the seat lets rain or mop water run off instead of pooling.
Lancaster Table & Seating Alloy Onyx Black Outdoor Backless Bar Stool | $37.99
Read customer reviews for the Lancaster Table & Seating Alloy Onyx Black Outdoor Backless Bar Stool.
- Drain hole keeps water from pooling on the seat after rain or washdown
- Powder-coated steel resists rust and corrosion, indoors or out
- Stackable for efficient storage
- Users report the factory stickers take some effort to peel off without damaging the finish
- Bare steel seat has no padding
Many stackable bar stools look like cafeteria seating, but this Lancaster Table & Seating Bistro stool has a bamboo-look aluminum frame and a black-and-white checkered rattan seat that fits a patio or sidewalk dining area perfectly. It stacks five high and weighs 8 lb. per stool, so a full stack is about 40 lb. and can be cleared at close without a hand truck. The stool arrives fully assembled, and the UV-resistant weave is meant to keep its color through a season of direct sun. A 29 1/2" seat height and a 16 1/4" back suit bar and raised-table seating, and the built-in footrest keeps legs supported during a long meal. It costs more than a basic steel stackable bar stool, but the woven pattern is what draws in foot traffic.
- Arrives fully assembled and stacks up to five high
- UV-resistant woven seat and back help prevent fading
- Powder-coated aluminum frame resists weather and corrosion without the weight of steel
- Woven seat is unpadded
- Only rated for 330 lb. capacity, less than steel bar stools rated for 400 lb.
The Lancaster Table & Seating 164BMCBVBKKD boasts a sleek padded seat that, combined with its contemporary cross-back steel frame, exudes a modern look that will elevate the ambiance of any establishment. Designed with customer comfort in mind, the contoured back of this bar stool provides essential support while contributing to its distinct appearance. Additionally, the black powder coating ensures longevity by protecting the stool from everyday wear and tear, including stains, scratches, and smudges. Although pricier than some budget backless options, the combination of affordability and functionality makes this a great pick.
Read customer reviews for the Lancaster Table & Seating Black Finish Cross Back Bar Stool.
- Contoured cross back and footrest keep guests comfortable
- Padded 2 1/2" easy-wipe vinyl seat
- Offered in 10 seat colors, so a worn cushion can be swapped without replacing the stool
- Seat ships detached and isn't pre-drilled, and users report the self-tapping screws make placement tricky
- Indoor use only
How We Chose the Best Bar Stools
To identify the best bar stools on the market, we researched leading models across the industry, reviewed customer feedback, and compared key performance features. When choosing bar stools, carefully consider the needs of your establishment and the concept you want to embrace in your bar area. The material of your stools, how high they are, and what material the seat is made from will all impact customer experience. We'll examine each factor in detail below:
Material
The material not only affects the overall look of your bar but also determines its durability and suitability for different environments. Selecting the right material will ensure your bar stools meet your needs and enhance the overall ambiance of your establishment.
- Metal: Metal bar stools are renowned for their durability, making them an excellent choice for indoor and outdoor use. Metal stools can withstand the elements and are easy to clean, making them ideal for outdoor bars or high-traffic areas.
- Wood: Wooden bar stools offer a classic and traditional look, perfect for indoor spaces such as restaurants, pubs, and cafes. Wood adds warmth and character to any setting and can complement various decor styles.
- Plastic: Plastic bar stools are light weight and versatile, making them easy to move around and transport to different locations for on-site alcohol service. These stools are ideal for events or temporary setups where mobility is key.
Height
Depending on your preferences and the layout of your establishment, you can choose between bar height bar stools or counter height bar stools. Bar height bar stools are typically designed for taller bars and countertops. These stools are higher in stature, ranging from 27 inches to 35 inches in height. On the other hand, counter height bar stools are shorter. These stools generally stand anywhere from 22 inches to 26 inches in height. Counter height bar stools are ideal for lower counters or tables where customers will be seated at a standard height.
Seat Type
Bar stools typically come with either a padded seat or a bare seat. Each option offers unique benefits, so it's essential to weigh your preferences before making a decision. Consider the level of comfort you want to provide to your guests, as well as the overall style you wish to achieve in your establishment.
- Padded seats: Padded seats are a popular choice for bar stools because they offer enhanced comfort for guests. The cushioned surface provides extra support, making it more comfortable for extended periods of sitting. If your establishment prioritizes guest comfort or if customers are likely to spend a significant amount of time at the bar, padded seats are an excellent option to consider.
- Bare seats: Bar stools with bare seats offer a more traditional look and feel. These stools are often sleek and minimalist, making them a versatile choice for various decors. If you prefer a classic aesthetic or if your establishment has a more upscale atmosphere, bar stools with bare seats may be the ideal choice for you.
Style
Whether a stool has a back affects how it fits your floor plan as much as how it feels. Think about how long guests usually stay and how tight your aisles run before you choose.
- Backless: These slide fully under the bar top or counter, so servers and bussers keep a clear path behind seated guests. That makes them a good fit for coffee shops, quick-service counters, and narrow taprooms, though guests get no back support on a long stay.
- Backed: Low-back, mid-back, and full-back stools give guests something to lean on during a long dinner service or a game day. Styles run from open cross back and ladder back frames to solid and slat backs, so you can match a pub, bistro, or upscale lounge look.
Features
Two features come up most when comparing stools for busy venues: whether they stack and whether the seat turns.
- Stackable: Stacking frees up storage when your patio closes for the season or you reset a banquet room. Stack limits vary by model, so check before planning storage space.
- Swivel: A swivel seat lets guests turn toward a friend or the bartender without dragging the stool across the floor. It also adds a moving part that takes heavy wear in high-volume bars, so look at how the swivel plate attaches to the frame.
Assembly Options
Assembly time adds up quickly when you're seating 30 or 40 guests, so it pays to know what arrives in the box.
- Fully Assembled: Stools come out of the box ready to set on the floor, which saves labor before an opening or the start of patio season.
- Assembly Required: These ship in parts with hardware and instructions, often at a lower price. Plan on tools and staff time for every stool.
- Detached Seat: The frame arrives built, and the seat cushion attaches with a few screws. Shipping costs less than for a fully assembled stool, and you can replace a worn or torn cushion later without buying a new stool. Check whether the seat is pre-drilled, since some detached-seat stools ship without holes.
Back to Top
A bar stool gets sat on dozens of times a night, dragged across tile, and wiped down at close, so the right one depends on how your room actually runs. A taproom with a narrow bar can tuck 12" steel-seat backless stools out of the way, while a dinner-service lounge where guests linger for two hours needs a padded cushion and a back. Patios call for stools that stack away before winter, and a new location outfitting 40 seats at once has to weigh price against the labor of unboxing and assembling each one. Whether you're just starting a bar or are an experienced bar operator, match your stool to your establishment's unique needs, and any of the commercial bar stools above will earn its spot on your floor.
With almost a decade of content marketing experience, Kevin has learned the ins and outs of various business sectors. Over his four years as a Longform Content Writer with WebstaurantStore, Kevin has spent hours researching and writing about the intricacies of the foodservice industry. Specializing in marketing guides, technical writing, and structured how-to content, he enjoys providing readers with content that guides them in growing and running their bar or restaurant.
Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!
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