Why do bars have stools instead of chairs?

Type of tall stool, often with a foot rest

For the sports and pop culture blog, see Barstool Sports

Wooden bar stools Modern bar stools in front of a kitchen counter Bar stool "Eiffel Tower" from 1950, Paris/ France Floor mounted stools

Bar stools are a type of tall stool, often with a foot rest to support the feet. The height and narrowness of bar stools make them suitable for use at bars and high tables in pubs or bars.[1]

Before Prohibition in the United States, bar stools were not used in drinking establishments, but in food establishments. Bars without stools were the norm, and that was considered "an American peculiarity".[2]

There are many different types, construction materials and models. Bar stools are often made of wood or metal. There are bar stools with and without armrests, backs, and padding or upholstery on the seat surface. Bar stools can range from basic wooden designs to more complex ones with adjustable height. Extra tall and extra short are common features, as well as indoor bar stools and outdoor bar stools. Some bar stools have backs, while most do not. In commercial settings, swivel and floor mounted bar stools are common. Floor mounting renders the stool immovable, so it cannot be stolen or used as a weapon in a bar fight. Floor-mounted stools generally are mounted on a column, but stools with legs can also be secured to the floor using metal brackets.

The normal seat height for a bar stool is 30" (76 cm) with a 26" (66 cm) stool being used against kitchen counters. Extra tall 36" (91 cm) stools are increasingly used in contemporary styles with high pub tables to create a visual effect in modern interiors. Counter height bar stools have a seat height of 24" (61cm). By comparison a conventional dining chair seat height is 18" (46 cm). Some bar stools use polyurethane foam as padding for comfort[citation needed]. Bar stools can be made from rattan or bamboo and these stools can be used to create a tiki bar effect. The retro styling of the 1950s and 1960s is popular in some bars and restaurants,[citation needed] which use chrome and vinyl stools combined with matching benches or diner chairs. Stacking stools are often favored for their space-saving qualities. Some establishments use matching bar stools and chairs.

Aluminum is often used outdoors. Stacking aluminum stools and patio chairs are used by commercial premises. Indoors, wood and upholstery are popular in traditional settings. Bar stools are used in pool or billiard halls and the style of chair customized for such use is often called a "spectator chair". Bar stools are used in Ireland during weekends by followers of the English Premier League, a practice which led to the creation of the pejorative term "barstoolers" by supporters of the League of Ireland.[3]

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If you own your own bar or are thinking of starting up your own venue, something you will have to think of is the bar seating you will be offering. Bar tables need bar seats around them and for many venue owners, this decision is an easy one. However, it doesn’t come easy to all. Read on to find out more about bar stool and bar chairs, what makes them different, and which is the best option for you.

A bar stool is a backless stool for your bar area. A bar chair, however, has a back on it. Both these styles serve their purpose and look great. Some bars prefer one style over the other for several reasons. The most common ones that we’ve heard over the years are listed out below.

1: Comfort

The comfort of the bar stools is relative to each and every different patron. Some prefer a chair with a back and some prefer those without. It also depends on what vibe you are going for in your bar area.

Bar chairs with a back encourage your patrons to lounge and linger. This could mean ordering more drinks, or it could mean taking up much-needed space in your bar. Bar chairs are often more comfortable and therefore they are better for dining and allowing guests to take their time.

Bar stools, on the other hand, are more likely to be found in fast-moving bars that encourage a flow of guests through their venue. In a space where patrons are socializing, bar stools allow patrons to sit on any side, and swing around on them to face different ways. People can also half-sit on them at any angle, should they need to.

This is your call to make – what would you prefer your clients to do? One option could be to include both types of seating in your bar. Have the bar chairs to allow those wanting to dine and spend a lot of time in the space, but also have the option of bar stools to allow for more mingling among the customers.

2: Space

Space is another factor that may contribute to whether venue owners like yourself choose one style over another. If you are short on space in your venue, you may want to look at bar stools rather than bar chairs.

Bar stools can slide easily under your bar table if you are needing more space, and more often than not, they can be stacked out of the way if needed. These are both very practical ways to create more space in your venue if you are needing it.

Similarly, backless stools tend to allow for more stools along a bar table or bench due to them being smaller. Smaller and lighter also equals easier to move and redesign where you see fit.

3: Liability

We’ve heard this one a few times from bar and pub owners around the countryside.

‘We don’t want to use a stool without a back and have someone fall backwards and hurt themselves.’

We understand. For this reason, many bar owners choose to go with bar chairs with a back to stop people from tipping backwards off their seat. The last thing you need is to be liable for someone who has injured themselves in your venue.

4: Style

Bar stools and bar chairs are their own styles. Depending on what look you are going for in your venue, one style may work better than the other. Backless stools can blend in with the environment around them, allowing for other furniture or features to become more prominent in your venue. Alternatively, bar chairs can become their own feature, standing out to bring your venue to life.

Do you have seating at your bar bench? This could be another factor you consider. Bar chairs can cause a visual block when used up against a bar, where bar stools tend to allow the bar to speak for itself.