Restaurant Bar Stools

Restaurant Bar Stools FAQs

What types of restaurant bar stools do you sell?

At  RestaurantPatioFurniture.com, we offer a wide variety of restaurant bar stools for commercial spaces, with options that fit both classic and modern concepts. Our selection includes high-top ladder back bar stools for a traditional pub look, plus modern designs that blend wood and metal for a more contemporary style. We also carry commercial bar stools for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can furnish a restaurant dining room bar, cafe seating, or a patio bar area. 

When choosing the type of restaurant bar stool you want for your bar or restaurant, start with the style category, then narrow by stool height, frame material, and comfort features like seat padding, back support, and a footrest. 

Do you sell indoor and outdoor restaurant bar stools?

Yes. Seating is available for both indoor and outdoor use, which helps keep design continuity across different areas. Indoor stools work well for bars and pub table seating inside the dining room. Outdoor bar stools are designed for exterior spaces like patios and open-air bar areas where weather and frequent cleaning are part of everyday operations. 

If your restaurant uses both indoor and outdoor seating, choose stools that coordinate in finish and design while still matching the demands of each environment, including sun exposure and faster wear in outdoor areas. 

How do I choose the right bar stool height for my restaurant?

Start by measuring the height of your bar, then select a stool height that matches it. The goal is comfortable legroom and a natural eating and drinking posture at bar height. Space planning matters too, since the wrong height makes guests shift posture and can make the seating feel awkward during longer stays. 

Before ordering in bulk, measure a few key surfaces in your restaurant, especially if there are multiple heights between the main bar and bar-height tables.  If your concept includes bar-height tables, you may need more than one stool height to keep comfort consistent. 

How much space should I leave between bar stools?

There is no specific rule as far as how much space to leave between bar stools, but keep in mind that crowding reduces comfort. Plan spacing so guests can sit without bumping elbows and still move easily on and off stools. Leave enough clearance for servers to pass behind seated guests when needed. Spacing requirements depend on stool width, arm design, and nearby traffic flow. 

In busy bar areas, slightly wider spacing can ease congestion near corners, POS stations, and service wells. Remember the pull-back zone as well, especially since stools typically slide farther out than standard dining chairs. 

What materials are best for commercial bar stools?

Material selection should align with your theme, cleaning routine, and traffic level. It’s also up to personal preference. Choices range from classic wood looks to sleek metal frames, as well as mixed material designs that feel modern. 

Many restaurants choose metal bar stools for a clean, contemporary look, while wood bar stools support traditional or pub-style interiors like ladder back seating. For easier upkeep, consider surfaces that wipe clean quickly and hold up well under frequent exposure to commercial cleaning routines. 

If your bar sees heavy nightly volume, prioritize durability and stability first, then choose finishes that match surrounding tables and décor. 

Should I choose bar stools with backs or backless stools?

Comfort and layout determine whether barstools with backs or backless bar stools are better suited for your purposes. We recommend prioritizing ergonomics by choosing stools with comfortable seats, proper back support, and footrests, especially when guests may sit longer. Backless stools can work well in tighter spaces because they often tuck under the counter and keep the bar area visually open. At RestaurantPatioFurniture.com, we sell both bar stools with backs as well as backless bar stools in a range of designs and materials.

Keep in mind that bar stools with backs can feel more supportive for full-service bars or counter dining where guests stay for an entire meal. If your bar seating is high-turn and quick, backless can be practical, but comfort features still matter, especially seat shape, stability, and foot placement. 

How do I choose comfortable restaurant bar stools for longer stays?

Comfort is all about ergonomics. Supportive backs help guests remain comfortable through full meals, while a stable footrest keeps legs from dangling awkwardly. 

Seat design also matters. A contoured or upholstered bar stools can feel better during longer visits, especially in full-service bars where guests may dine at the bar. If your seating is mostly quick-turn counter service, backless stools can still work, but make sure you choose seats that are comfortable and easy to wipe down between guests. Efficiency is a big piece of the puzzle.

For a cohesive look, match stool finishes to nearby tables and chairs so the bar area feels like part of the restaurant dining room.

Why is a footrest important on restaurant bar stools?

Footrests improve comfort by giving guests a stable place to rest their feet while seated at bar height. We recommend selecting stools with footrests, especially for longer sitting periods. Without a footrest, guests often shift their posture, which can make seating feel less comfortable over time. 

Footrests can also support day-to-day durability because guests are less likely to brace their feet awkwardly on the stool frame or nearby fixtures. Over time, you’ll see how much of an impact this makes, especially if ledges and other supporting structures start to show signs of wear and tear. Additionally, in bars where guests sit longer, a footrest can make the seating feel noticeably more comfortable. 

How do I choose bar stools that match my restaurant’s style and branding?

Choose stools that align with your ambiance and visual identity by looking at color, design, and materials. At RestaurantPatioFurniture.com, our selection includes classic styles like ladder back stools for a traditional English pub look, as well as modern stools that mix wood and metal. 

Start with two to three core finishes that already exist in your space (i.e. those of table bases, table tops, or accent colors) and then choose stools that complement those finishes. A coordinated look helps the bar area feel intentional and keeps your restaurant dining room consistent. 

Are you updating the bar area only? Choose stools that still coordinate with nearby dining chairs to avoid the two rooms feeling too distinct.  

Are your restaurant bar stools built for heavy commercial use?

Yes. Our restaurant bar stools are made for heavy use in commercial environments. When choosing stools for bars, factor in durability and maintenance, especially for high-traffic areas like main bars and service counters. Many restaurants prioritize strong frames and durable materials because bar stools get moved constantly and cleaned frequently. 

Do you offer competitive pricing on bar stools?

At RestaurantPatioFurniture.com, our restaurant bar stools are competitively priced, with added savings available through bundle deals and clearance bar stools. These options provide an affordable solution for restaurants looking to furnish bar and dining areas with consistent, commercial-grade seating—ideal for new restaurant openings, remodels, or phased seating replacements.

When purchasing bar stools along with restaurant tables and chairs, selecting coordinated styles across categories helps maintain a cohesive design throughout the space. For budget-conscious planning, compare a few bar stool styles, confirm quantities by area, and take advantage of bundle sales or clearance furniture to secure quality seating at a reduced cost while keeping finishes and designs consistent.

How do I order restaurant bar stools and get fast shipping?

It’s easy to order online through restaurantpatiofurniture.com. Customers are encouraged to set up an account for faster  checkout and expedited shipping. Prior to placing your order, measure your bar, confirm your preferred material and style, and decide how many stools fit without crowding. Once those details are set, you can place your order and look forward to receiving your restaurant bar stools quickly! 

For additional information about restaurant and bar seating options, we encourage you to contact our team at RestaurantPatioFurniture.com today.