Stylish and fashionable – that's probably what most people think when it comes to bar stools. Indeed, you often see them in fancy bars or restaurants, but nowadays many of us want the same look in our own kitchens. And it's very achievable – whether you like the idea of a wooden or a metal frame, a padded seat or one with a backrest, you'll be surprised at just how much choice there is!
If you want the most comfortable stools for your breakfast bar, kitchen island, or even your cafe, you mustn't miss out on our buying guide and list of the ten best buys on the UK market. We've included brands such as Homcom, Woltu, and more, all of which you can easily purchase from Argos, Amazon, eBay and John Lewis. Pull up a chair and let's get started!
Quick List - Top Bar Stools
John Lewis & Partners
A Lightweight Stool That Will Suit People of Different Heights
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Not sure where to begin? This guide will show you which considerations you should be aware of before buying a set of stools for your house or your bar. It's always best to do some in-depth research so you won't end up wasting your money, which is where we come in!
In order to support the weight of the person sitting on it, the frame of a bar stool needs to be made from strong materials which can withstand it. Hence, you will almost always find that either wood or metal are used to make the frame.
Wood has the advantage of being able to be painted or varnished further down the line should you fancy a change, as well as being quite light. However, this doesn't always work in its favour, as metal bar stools can often feel more sturdy and secure.
If you're not sure which frame you should go for, we'd say to choose according to the style of your decor. A wooden frame is a great choice if you want to create a warm, traditional environment, whereas metal frames better suit a stylish room with a contemporary design.
No one likes sitting on a hard surface for a long time, and if you buy a stool that's uncomfortable, it'll just end up not being used. Not too ideal, especially if you own a bar or cafe! To overcome this issue, there are many bar stools on the market which have padded seats.
Usually filled with high-density sponge and covered with faux leather or breathable fabric, padding makes a drastic change to your bar stool. Whether you plan on using it for quick breakfasts, working on a laptop, or evening meals, you – or your customers – might just be willing to stay seated a little longer.
Besides the trick of getting padded seats to keep one working or sitting longer on a bar stool, you can go one step further in the comfort stakes by choosing ones with back and armrests. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Historically, bar stools aren't the most comfortable thing to sit on. However, by choosing ones with backrests, not only will you be able to lean back and have your spine supported, but you may see a reduction in muscle pain caused by poor posture.
The height of the back will vary depending on the stool – some have high, full backrests, whilst others have lower rests that sit halfway up your spine. Check the specifics to make sure you have the support you need, especially if you are particularly tall or short.
If you want armrests on your bar stool, it's almost always the case that they will be attached to the backrest. While this feature will maximise the pleasure of sitting on a stool with your arms comfortably rested, it will also make for a more cosy and relaxed look in the surrounding space.
Sometimes armrests will be made from padded cushions just like the seat itself, which creates an enclosed space much like a chair. Others only offer thin metal bars, which mean a more open space but a little less support.
Almost all adjustable stools have a metal frame, and the majority of them are gas-lifted, like an office chair. This is a great feature to look out for, as all you need to do is lift the lever and adjust accordingly.
Sometimes, you might come across designs which need to be screwed (or unscrewed) in order to change the height. These vintage-looking stools will surely be eye-catching, but they will take much longer to adjust than gas-lifted types.
If you own a bar or cafe, you might want to pay extra attention to the weight of the chairs, seeing as they'll be moved every time you clean the floor. You may be surprised to know that some stools weigh up to 18 or 20 kg, depending on the brand!
Moving bar stools around, especially heavy ones, isn't only difficult but it can cause accidents if one isn't paying enough attention. And even if you're just buying for a home bar or kitchen, it's still worth checking the weight to note how easy they'll be to move around.
Unfortunately, not all bar stools are fully assembled when they arrive at your door, but the good news is that they will come with instructions and can usually be put together pretty quickly. All you need is some simple tools!
If you don't fancy the hassle of this or you don't have any tools to hand, you may prefer to go for a bar stool that does come assembled. Either way, check the description of the model you're thinking of buying to make sure you have what you need.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AINPECCA Upholstered Faux Leather Bar Stools | ![]() | Bring Unbeatable Comfort to Your Family or Customers | |
2 | John Lewis & Partners Adler Bar Stools | ![]() | A Lightweight Stool That Will Suit People of Different Heights | |
3 | Woltu Bar Stools | ![]() | Combines an Ergonomic Design With a Breathable Linen Seat | |
4 | Unho Vintage Rustic Bar Stools | ![]() | Pub-Style Stools at Home Is No Longer a Dream | |
5 | HOMCOM Modern Upholstered Fabric Bar Stools | ![]() | The Cosy One That Everyone Refuses to Leave | |
6 | Argos Home Industrial Pair of Metal Bar Stools | ![]() | Bistro-Style Metal Stools Perfect for Commercial Use | |
7 | Euco White Bar Stool With Chrome Footrest | ![]() | Complete Your Breakfast Bar on a Budget | |
8 | ASVP Shop Industrial Bar Stool | ![]() | Who Doesn't Love Vintage-Looking Stools? | |
9 | House by John Lewis Whistler Gas Lift Adjustable Bar Stools | ![]() | Chic-Looking Stools to Complement a Stylish Kitchen | |
10 | Display4top Bar Stools With Chromed Framework | ![]() | Bring a Touch of Personality to Your Kitchen |
Whether for your family in the kitchen or the customers in your restaurant, the upholstered seats on these stools will bring supreme comfort to anyone that pulls one up. The four metal legs are also arranged in an X shape to support its weight equally, so you won't have to worry about your kids or clientele accidentally knocking it over.
With a subtle net design on the PU leather and simple, black metal legs, this stool will blend into any given environment perfectly. That's why we think this is the best stool on the market!
We love how this product has two different footrest heights, so anyone from adults to kids will be able to sit comfortably! It might be less fancy than other items on this list, but if you're looking for some simple, wooden furniture, we think this set could be perfect.
Arriving at your door fully assembled, you don't even have to go digging around for your long-lost toolbox. It also has the lightest weight of 4.2 kg, so really anyone could move this stool around without having to worry about any back injuries.
Nothing beats an ergonomic seat as you know you'll be able to give your full concentration to your work for hours. The breathable linen padding makes it even more comfortable to sit on, and you won't have to worry about leaving sweat patches!
Woltu is a famous German brand that specialise in furniture, and though this quirky print will add a splash of colour, there are several other designs to choose from including plain grey and black. Considering the quality, these stools are very reasonably priced.
This product might have caught your attention if you're into old-school pub-style furniture. While the eco-friendly brown artificial leather seat adds a warm and welcoming atmosphere to your kitchen, the black iron frame can support as much as 90 kg.
The seat is padded with high-density sponge so you'll be able to sit comfortably on this stool for as long as you wish. A great combination of personality and comfort, this is the stool you have been looking for if you're after something with a retro vibe.
Aside from the soft beige colour and wooden frame which make these stools look extra homely, they also boast a 6cm padded seat so you'll almost feel like you're sitting on a sofa. Not to mention the cosy back and armrests which make them very hard to get up from once you're settled in!
If you didn't know already, Homcom specialise in wooden furniture including rocking horses for young children, so you know you'll be guaranteed a great quality set of stools. Though upholstered in a classy linen, they are also flame-resistant so they're very safe for kitchen use.
These stools might look rather simple and plain, but that's exactly what makes them perfect for your bistro-style cafe or restaurant. Being entirely made from metal, you can easily clean them and they will stand strong in your workplace for years.
Weighing only 5.4 kg, your staff will be able to move these stools around easily without hurting themselves. However, without a padded seat, your customers might leave with a slightly sore bottom after taking their time at brunch.
If you ever need a pair of affordable stools for your breakfast bar, this is the product. Regardless of the style or design of your kitchen, the white PU leather of this set will match it – the colour just goes with everything!
This pair would be great for enjoying quick breakfasts at your kitchen island or bar, but since the backrest barely gives any support they may not be the best pick if you plan to work or eat all your meals at the same counter.
With their rustic piped legs, these vintage-looking stools have a unique design which will instantly catch the attention of your guests. And thanks to a footrest circulating the entire stool, you'll be able to rest your feet comfortably whilst facing any direction.
The adjustable height ensures anyone can make themselves comfortable on the stool, but you'll have to screw or unscrew the seat to do so. If you don't mind doing that, we think these retro faux-leather stools will look lovely wherever you use them.
A slim and chic-looking stool painted in a classy shade of dark grey, both the style and colour will suit any stylish kitchen. And with the fixed padded seat, you'll be able to enjoy a glass or two of wine at home with your guests in complete comfort.
As the least affordable stools which also require self-assembly, some might find this product to be slightly pricey. But if you're fond of contemporary furniture and you're looking for quality, you shouldn't miss this sleek pair.
Want to add some excitement to an ordinary-looking kitchen? This pair of grey stools with a contemporary design will definitely add some personality without being overbearing. You don't even have to own a breakfast bar, just adjust them to the height of your kitchen counter and off you go!
We'd like to point out that these stools weigh around 18 kg each, which is fine for home use but not really for a commercial environment. Minimising the movement of them at home will also reduce the risk of any unwanted injuries.
Speaking of bar stools, you might also want to check out these drink-related kitchen appliances, which will sit perfectly on your counter or breakfast bar.
We hope you've enjoyed reading this article and imagining which style of bar stool will be the best fit for your space. Whether modern steel or comfy cotton, as long as you're happy with your choice and the height is sufficient, any one of these bar stools would be a great pick!
Author: Angina Chow
No. 1: AINPECCA|Upholstered Faux Leather Bar Stools
No. 2: John Lewis & Partners|Adler Bar Stools
No. 3: Woltu|Bar Stools
No. 4: Unho|Vintage Rustic Bar Stools
No. 5: HOMCOM|Modern Upholstered Fabric Bar Stools
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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