Best Barstools for a Hotel, Restaurant, Bar or Café-Contract Furniture Store

Best Barstools for a Hotel, Restaurant, Bar or Café

The Best Barstools for your Hotel, Restaurant, Bar or Café

When it comes to outfitting your hotel, restaurant, bar or café, the importance of selecting the right barstools cannot be overstated. These pieces of furniture do more than provide seating; they enhance the ambiance, support your establishment's theme and significantly impact customer comfort and experience. In this blog, we'll explore the best barstools for various types of establishments, focusing on factors such as style, size, space, durability and overall functionality.

The role of Barstools in different Environments

Before delving into specific recommendations, it's essential to comprehend how barstools contribute to the overall atmosphere and functionality of different types of establishment:

Hotels

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

Restaurants

Barstools in restaurants are typically used at bars, high-top tables or counter seating. They should complement the restaurant's décor, whilst still being comfortable enough for extended dining periods.

Bars

The primary seating in bars, barstools must be stylish, durable and conducive to social interaction. Generally used at the bar or together 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 cozy, inviting atmosphere.

Types of Barstools

Barstools come in various styles, materials and functionalities. Understanding these differences is important 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, modern and minimalist décor.

Barstools with Backs

  • Advantages: Offering more comfort and support, these are ideal for customers who stay longer.
  • Best For: Restaurants, lounges and upmarket bars.

Swivel Barstools

  • Advantages: Allow for easier movement and interaction among customers.
  • Best For: Social settings like 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: Enhance comfort significantly, ideal for relaxed and long-duration 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 compliment your counter or table. Standard bar heights are 40-42 inches (N.B. generally 1050mm), requiring high stools with a 28-30 inch (N.B. generally 750mm) seat height. For counter heights of 34-36 inches (N.B. 900mm), choose counter stools that are 24-26 inches (N.B. generally 600mm) in seat height.

2. Style

Your barstools should match and set the tone for the overall theme and style of your establishment, whether it’s 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. Typically, allow 26-30 inches (N.B. generally 750mm) from the centre of one stool to the centre of the next.

6. Functionality

Features such as swivel, adjustable height and stackability can add versatility and convenience.

Best Barstools for Hotels

Luxury Upholstered Barstools

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

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 provides a contemporary look with a stylish metal tube frame and comfortable upholstered seat.

Best Barstools for Restaurants

Rustic Wooden Barstools

  • Features: Distressed wood finishes, sturdy construction and a cozy, inviting look.
  • Ideal For: Farm-to-table restaurants and rustic-themed eateries.
  • Example: The Ginger Barstool features a classic wooden design with a swivel seat and padded cushion for 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 like metal and plastic.
  • Ideal For: Contemporary restaurants with a sleek, minimalist look.
  • Example: The Amélie Barstool is a transparent, modern barstool that offers 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 easily to socialise.
  • Example: The Dam ST-S-A Barstool offers a swivel function, adjustable height 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 captures the classic diner aesthetic with its black metal pedestal frame and vibrant vinyl seat.

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: Cozy, casual café environments.
  • Example: The Merano Barstool offers a straightforward, solid seat, comfortable wooden design 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, perfect for adding character to your café.

Enhancing Customer Experience with the Best Barstools

The right barstools can significantly enhance the customer experience in your establishment. Here are some tips 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

Choose barstools that complement the décor and contribute to the overall ambiance of your space. This creates a cohesive look and makes your establishment more inviting.

Flexibility

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

Space Efficiency

In smaller spaces, choose backless or stackable barstools to maximise seating capacity without overcrowding.

Trends in Barstool Design

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

Sustainable Materials

Eco-friendly barstools made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled plastics are becoming increasingly popular.

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, featuring metal frames and wooden seats, remains a popular choice for many modern establishments.

Minimalist Design

Sleek, simple designs with clean lines and neutral colours continue to be a favourite for contemporary settings.

Best Barstools Overview

Selecting the right barstool for your hotel, restaurant, bar or café is a critical decision that impacts both the aesthetic and functionality of your space. By considering factors such as seat height, material, style, comfort, durability, functionality and space, you can choose barstools online at the Contract Furniture Store that not only complement your establishment's décor, but also enhance the overall customer experience.

Whether you opt for luxurious upholstered stools for a hotel lounge, rustic wooden stools for a restaurant, durable metal stools for a busy bar, or colourful plastic stools for a modern café, the right choice will contribute to the success and appeal of your venue.

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