Best Barstools for a Hotel, Restaurant, Bar or Café

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of selecting the right barstools when furnishing your hotel, restaurant, bar, or café. These furnishings do more than offer seats; they also improve the atmosphere, complement the theme of your business, and significantly influence the comfort and experience of your patrons. This article will examine the top barstools for various types of businesses, focusing on design, dimensions, usability, and longevity.

The role of Barstools in different Environments

It’s essential to understand how barstools affect the general ambience and operation of various venues before diving into particular recommendations:

Hotels

Barstools are often found in hotel lobby bars, restaurants, and lounge areas. They must offer a blend of luxury, comfort, and durability to accommodate a diverse clientele.

Restaurants

Restaurant barstools are typically used at bars, high-top tables, or counter seating. They should complement the restaurant’s décor while being comfortable enough for extended dining periods.

Bars

Barstools are the primary seating in bars. They must be stylish, durable, and conducive to social interaction. Barstools are typically used at the bar or in conjunction with poseur tables. Swivel features and footrests are often appreciated.

Cafés

In cafés, barstools are used at counters and communal tables. They should be casual, comfortable, and easy to clean, often reflecting a cosy, inviting atmosphere.

Types of Barstools

Barstools come in various styles, materials, and functionalities. Understanding these differences is essential to making the best choice for your establishment.

Backless Barstools

• Advantages: These stools are space-efficient and easy to store. They provide a sleek, minimalist look.
• Best for small spaces and modern and minimalist décor.

Barstools with Backs

• Advantages: Offering more comfort and support, they are ideal for longer-term customers.
• Best for restaurants, lounges, and upmarket bars.

Swivel Barstools

• Advantages: allow for more effortless movement and interaction among customers.
• Ideal for social settings, such as sports bars and casual dining.

Adjustable Height Barstools

• Advantages: Provide versatility to accommodate different counter heights and customer preferences.
• Best for bars and restaurants with varying counter heights.

Armrest Barstools, aka Bar Chairs

• Advantages: Enhances comfort significantly, making it ideal for relaxed and extended seating.
• Best for high-end venues, lounges, and restaurants.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Barstools

1. Height

The seat height of the barstools should complement your counter or table. Standard bar heights are 1050mm (41-42 inches), which requires high stools with a seat height of 750mm (29-30 inches). For counter heights of roughly 900mm (35-36 inches), select counter stools with a seat height of 600mm (23-24 inches).

2. Style

Your barstools should match and set the tone for your establishment’s overall theme and style, whether modern, rustic, industrial, or traditional.

3. Comfort

Consider features like backrests, armrests, padding, and footrests to enhance customer comfort.

4. Durability

Choose materials and designs that can withstand heavy use and are easy to maintain.

5. Space

Ensure there is enough space between barstools for easy movement and comfort. Allow 750mm (N.B. generally 29-30 inches) from one stool’s centre to the next.

6. Functionality

Features like swivel seats, adjustable height, and stackability can add versatility and convenience.

Best Barstools for Hotels

Luxury Upholstered Barstools

• Features: Plush padding, high backs, and elegant fabrics such as velvet or leather.
• Ideal for hotel bars and lounges where comfort and luxury are paramount.
• Example: The Carmel-WB Barstool, with its high back, padded seat, and rich upholstery, offers a sophisticated look.

Classic Wooden Barstools

• Features: High-quality wood with detailed craftsmanship and finishes.
• Ideal for hotel restaurants and bars with a classic or traditional design.
• Example: The Nym 2849 Swivel Barstools combine a timeless wooden stickback design with a swivel feature for added functionality. 

Contemporary Metal Barstools

• Features: Sleek designs with metal frames, often featuring leather or faux leather seats.
• Ideal for modern hotel bars and rooftop lounges.
• Example: The Amy Barstool offers a contemporary look with a stylish metal tube frame and a comfortable, upholstered seat.

Best Barstools for Restaurants

Rustic Wooden Barstools

• Features: Distressed wood finishes, sturdy construction, and a cosy, inviting look.
• Ideal for farm-to-table restaurants and rustic-themed eateries.
• Example: The Ginger Barstool boasts a classic wooden design, complete with a swivel seat and a padded cushion for added comfort.

Industrial Chic Barstools

• Features: Metal frames, wooden seats, and an industrial aesthetic.
• Ideal for trendy urban restaurants and bistros.
• Example: The Block BA3 Barstool combines an industrial metal tube base with a comfortable, padded saddle seat.

Modern Minimalist Barstools

• Features: Clean lines, simple designs, and modern materials, such as metal and plastic.
• Ideal for contemporary restaurants with a sleek, minimalist look.
• Example: The Amélie Barstool is a transparent, modern barstool with a chic, minimalist design.

Best Barstools for Bars

Swivel Barstools with Backrests

• Features: Swivel seats, supportive backrests, and durable materials.
• Ideal for bars where customers will be seated for extended periods and need to turn quickly to socialise.
• Example: The Dam ST-S-A Barstool features a swivel function, an adjustable height option, and a comfortable backrest.

Retro Style Barstools

• Features: Vintage designs, often with chrome frames and vinyl seats.
• Ideal for bars with a retro or nostalgic theme.
• Example: The Heavy Duty Barstool’s black metal pedestal frame and vibrant vinyl seat capture the classic diner aesthetic.

Heavy-Duty Metal Barstools

• Features: Robust metal construction, often with a simple, utilitarian design.
• Ideal for high-traffic bars where durability is a key concern.
• Example: The Luxembourg Barstool is a sleek, stackable option that can withstand heavy use.

Best Barstools for Cafés

Casual Wooden Barstools

• Features: Simple wooden designs with comfortable seating.
• Ideal for cosy, casual café environments.
• Example: The Merano Barstool’s straightforward, solid seat and comfortable wooden design make it perfect for a casual café setting. 

Colourful Plastic Barstools

• Features: Vibrant colours, lightweight, and easy to clean.
• Ideal for modern, playful cafés that want to add a splash of colour.
• Example: The Ibiza Barstool is a bright, colourful option made from durable recycled plastic from fishing nets.

Vintage-Inspired Barstools

• Features: Classic designs with a touch of nostalgia, often featuring distressed finishes.
• Ideal for cafés with a vintage or shabby chic theme.
• Example: The Nicolle® Backless Barstool combines a vintage design with a sturdy metal frame, making it perfect for adding character to your café.

Enhancing Customer Experience with the Best Barstools

In summary, the right barstools can significantly enhance the customer experience in your establishment. Here are some final pointers on how to achieve this:

Comfort

Invest in barstools with padded seats, backrests, and armrests to ensure customer comfort, especially in settings where patrons will be seated for long periods.

Aesthetic Appeal

Select barstools that complement the décor and enhance the overall ambience of your space. This approach will create a cohesive look and make your establishment more inviting.

Flexibility

Consider barstools with adjustable heights or swivel features to accommodate customer preferences and enhance functionality.

Space Efficiency

Choose backless or stackable barstools in smaller spaces to maximise seating capacity without overcrowding.

Trends in Barstool Design

Keeping up with the latest trends in barstool design can also help keep your establishment looking fresh and modern.

Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly bar stools made from sustainable materials, including bamboo and recycled plastics, are gaining popularity.

Mix and Match

Combining different styles, colours, and materials can create a unique and eclectic look that adds character to your space.

Industrial Chic

The industrial look, characterised by metal frames and wooden seats, remains popular in many modern establishments.

Minimalist Design

Sleek, simple designs with clean lines and neutral colours are popular for contemporary settings.

Best Barstools Overview

Choosing the right bar stool for your hotel, restaurant, bar, or café is a crucial task that significantly impacts the room’s appearance and functionality. By considering factors such as seat height, material, style, comfort, durability, functionality, and space, you can select barstools online at the Contract Furniture Store that complement your establishment’s décor and enhance the overall customer experience. 

Making the correct decision will enhance the success and appeal of your location, whether you choose to use opulent upholstered barstools for a hotel lounge, rustic wooden barstools for a restaurant, sturdy metal stools for a busy bar, or vibrant plastic stools for a contemporary café.