Is It Time to Upgrade Your Bar Seating? Swivel bar stools are an excellent choice, especially if you’re aiming for a contemporary look with added curb appeal. They’re not limited to bars; they’re also perfect for kitchen islands and other seating areas.
Many consumers opt for classic backless bar stools, which typically feature simple round cushions. These stools are versatile and complement most décor styles. For a more daring look, there are now designs with unique footrests, embellishments, and even seats in square, oval, or rectangular shapes.
Whatever your taste, there’s a backless bar stool to fit your needs. To help you make the right choice, check out this buying guide. We’ve highlighted key details for comparison, along with some top recommendations. Our favorite design, the Boraam Backless Counter Height Stool, comes in four attractive finishes.
Ashley Furniture Signature Design Swivel Bar Stool – Stylish Upholstered Seat for Modern Living Spaces
Elevate your home with the Ashley Furniture Signature Design Swivel Bar Stool. Designed for both comfort and style, this swivel stool features a sleek, upholstered seat that adds a touch of sophistication to your bar or kitchen area. Its smooth swivel functionality makes it easy to move, while the sturdy frame ensures durability for everyday use. Perfect for contemporary and modern home décor, this bar stool is ideal for kitchen islands, home bars, and dining areas. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet meal, this stool provides both elegance and practicality to your living space. Available in multiple finishes to complement your style.
Yaheetech Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools – Set of 2, Modern & Comfortable for Home Bars and Kitchen Islands
Enhance your home with the Yaheetech Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools. This set of two sleek, contemporary stools is perfect for your kitchen, home bar, or dining area. Featuring adjustable height and smooth swivel functionality, these stools offer both comfort and flexibility for various counter heights. The durable metal frame ensures long-lasting stability, while the padded seat provides a comfortable seating experience. With a modern design that complements any décor, these stools are an ideal choice for anyone seeking both style and practicality in their home. Available in multiple colors to match your interior.
Ball & Cast Faux Leather Swivel Stools – Perfect for Home Bars & Counter Heights
Upgrade your home bar or kitchen with the stylish and comfortable Ball & Cast Counter Height Swivel Bar Stools. This set of two stools features a sleek, modern design with high-quality faux leather upholstery that adds a touch of luxury to your space. The swivel function and sturdy metal frame ensure ease of use and long-lasting durability. Ideal for counter heights, these stools provide a comfortable seating experience with a well-padded seat and backrest. Whether for a casual breakfast nook or a trendy home bar, these stools are perfect for any modern home décor. Available in a variety of colors to complement your interior design.
Leopard Print Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools – Stylish and Comfortable Seating for Modern Spaces
Add a bold touch to your kitchen or home bar with these Leopard Print Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools. Designed for both style and functionality, these stools feature a trendy brown and black leopard print pattern, offering a unique look that complements modern and eclectic décor. The adjustable height feature ensures that you can find the perfect seating position, while the swivel function provides easy movement and accessibility. Crafted with high-quality materials and a sturdy base, these stools are not only visually striking but also durable and comfortable for extended seating. Perfect for kitchens, home bars, or entertainment areas, these stools are the ideal blend of fashion and comfort.
Youhauchair Adjustable Leather Swivel Bar Stools – Sleek and Versatile Seating for Modern Homes
Upgrade your home seating with the Youhauchair Adjustable Leather Swivel Bar Stools. Featuring a sophisticated faux leather finish, these stools add a touch of elegance to any kitchen, dining, or bar area. The height-adjustable design accommodates a variety of counters and bars, while the 360-degree swivel function ensures effortless movement and accessibility. Built with a sturdy metal frame and a wide base for stability, these stools are both durable and stylish. The padded seat and footrest provide comfort for extended use, making them perfect for daily meals, entertaining, or casual gatherings. Enhance your home’s style and functionality with these versatile bar stools.
YAHEETECH Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools with Footrest – Modern Comfort and Style
Transform your space with the YAHEETECH Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools, a perfect blend of functionality and modern design. These stools feature height-adjustable seating to fit a variety of counters and bars, while the 360-degree swivel ensures ease of movement. Upholstered in premium materials, the padded seats and curved backrests deliver superior comfort for extended sitting. The sturdy metal frame and anti-slip base provide durability and stability. Complete with a built-in footrest, these stools are ideal for kitchens, home bars, or dining areas, offering a sleek and contemporary look that complements any décor.
Armen Living Sonia Counter Height Swivel Bar Stool – Walnut and Brown Faux Leather
Elevate your seating with the Armen Living Sonia Counter Height Swivel Bar Stool, a sophisticated addition to any kitchen or bar. This stool combines a sleek walnut wood frame with a cushioned seat upholstered in luxurious brown faux leather, offering a perfect balance of comfort and style. The 360-degree swivel function adds convenience, while the ergonomic curved backrest ensures support during extended use. Designed with durability in mind, the sturdy metal footrest enhances stability. Ideal for modern and mid-century décor, this bar stool is both functional and elegant, making it a standout choice for your home.
Signature Design by Ashley Centiar Counter Height Swivel Bar Stool – Black Faux Leather and Gray Finish
Modernize your home seating with the Signature Design by Ashley Centiar Counter Height Swivel Bar Stool. This stylish stool features a sleek black faux leather seat that swivels 360 degrees for added functionality and convenience. The contemporary design is enhanced by a sturdy gray metal frame, ensuring both stability and a streamlined look. Perfect for a counter-height bar or kitchen island, the Centiar stool blends industrial and minimalist styles to complement various home décors. Its compact, versatile design makes it a practical and chic choice for everyday use or entertaining.
Considerations when choosing Swivel bar stools
Height
Finding the right Swivel bar stool begins with choosing one that is the right height, and there are three main sizes you’ll come across.
Dining chairs measure 17 to 18 inches tall, making them ideal for regular dining tables. Counter stools are 24 to 26 inches tall, so they’re recommended for kitchen islands or countertops. Bar stools are a bit taller at 28 to 30 inches and are recommended for home bars.
Use
Will your Swivel bar stools be used daily, such as for enjoying coffee in the morning, or will they be used only during parties at a home bar? The more frequently the stools are used, the more important comfort and durability become.
Bar stools come with or without backs. If you plan to use them every day, like at a breakfast bar, a stool with a back will offer more comfort. This is also true for stools in a family game room or media room where you’ll be sitting for extended periods. Stools with high backs resemble regular chairs, while those with low backs provide support without taking up too much space.
For occasional use, such as during parties or when you need stools that can be pushed under the bar for storage, backless stools are the best option.
Style
Your home décor should guide the style of your backless bar stools. Whether your style is rustic, contemporary, Mission, casual, Asian, or Scandinavian, you’ll find stools that match. Backless bar stools typically have a more casual look compared to stools with backs, which may better fit certain room styles.
Frame
Swivel bar stool frames are generally made from wood or metal. The frame material and style are based on preference. For example, chrome stools are sleek and modern, while black, burnished bronze, copper, or brass finishes are better suited for Tuscan or rustic styles. Wooden frames, which can be stained or painted in any color, complement any décor style from rustic to contemporary.
Wooden stools usually have four legs, while metal stools, especially modern or retro designs, may have one central pillar. If you choose a stool with a single pillar, ensure the base is heavy enough to provide stability.
Upholstery
Comfort and style both play a role in choosing the right upholstery for your stool. Wooden backless stools often have wooden seats, while metal stools can have a variety of materials for the seat, including wood, metal, plastic, or upholstery.
Upholstered stools are ideal for extended sitting, making them perfect for meals, watching TV, or working at your desk. Upholstery also adds texture, color, and personality to your room.
- Fabric: Most bar stools feature durable synthetic fabrics like polyester. These come in various colors and patterns, allowing you to match your décor. If you choose upholstered stools, consider treating the fabric with a stain-resistant product, especially if used during meals.
- Leather: Leather is another popular upholstery choice, offering durability and style. It’s available in natural browns, tans, or stained colors that can enhance the room’s aesthetics.
Width
Backless bar stool seats are typically smaller than regular dining chair seats, with common widths being 15, 17, and 21 inches. If you or your family prefer more room, look for stools with wider or deeper seats. Additionally, rectangular seats often provide more sitting space than round ones.
Features
Adjustability
- Swivel: Many backless bar stools come with swivel seats. This feature not only adds fun for kids but also makes it easier to get on and off the stool. If your bar or counter area is tight, a swiveling stool can be especially helpful.
- Lift: Some backless bar stools, particularly contemporary or modern designs, offer height adjustment. This usually involves pressing a foot pedal or pulling a lever under the seat. If you or a family member has mobility or balance issues, this feature can make getting on and off the stool much easier.
Footrest
Most backless bar stools include a footrest, which also helps stabilize the stool’s frame. The footrest can be a metal or wooden ring that wraps around the base or dowels placed between the legs.
Price
Basic Swivel bar stools cost $100 and below, but they’re not very durable or sturdy. More stable, well-made designs featuring premium materials cost closer to $200. High-end backless bar stools, many of which are made by designer brands, can run as high as $250 to $300.
Tips
Once you’ve selected your perfect Swivel bar stools, the next step is determining how many you need. Follow these guidelines:
- Measure the Height of Your Bar or Counter: Generally, the seats of your bar stools should be 10 to 12 inches below the bottom of the countertop to ensure comfortable leg and knee room.
- Measure the Length of Your Bar or Counter: If more than one person will sit at the counter, allow about 24 inches of space for each stool. This provides enough room for the stool, easy movement on and off, and enough space for eating and drinking without bumping elbows. For a 72-inch long counter, three stools should fit comfortably.
- Measure the Depth: To ensure comfortable seating and easy access, there should be at least 18 inches of clearance between the edge of the counter and the back of the stool.
- Measure the Clearance: If there’s a wall or obstacle behind your bar or counter, make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance between the wall and the back of the stools to avoid a cramped fit when getting on or off.
FAQ
Q. Do my backless bar stools have to be a matching set? A. Not necessarily. Mismatched stools can add a unique touch to boho or casual decor. However, for consistent seating heights, especially when multiple people are using them, it’s best to stick with stools of the same height.
Q. Are backless bar stools safe for children? A. Backless bar stools can be hazardous for young children due to their height and lack of back support. Consider using child-safe seating options like high chairs or booster seats.
Q. Can I use bar stools outdoors? A. While occasional outdoor use during mild weather is fine, for year-round outdoor exposure, opt for weather-resistant materials and consider protective covers during inclement weather.
