Upholstered Bar Stools for Commercial Bars: A Guide

An upholstered stool is the seat guests spend the longest time in without a table in front of them, so comfort and cleanability both matter more than they do on a dining chair. Designform Furnishings builds commercial upholstered bar stools and counter stools for hotel lobby bars, casinos, steakhouses, country clubs and restaurant bars. Tested to hold up to 400 lbs, with a 3-year frame warranty.

Specify the height first

Bar height is 29–30" seat height for a 42" bar; counter height is 24–26" for a 36" counter. Leave 10–12" between the seat and the underside of the bar, and allow about 24" of bar run per stool. Most of our upholstered stool frames are built in both heights, so a bar and an adjoining counter can match exactly.

Material: vinyl wins at the bar

A bar top gets wiped every few minutes, and whatever is on the cloth ends up on the stool. Commercial vinyl or faux leather rated 75,000–100,000 double rubs and meeting CAL TB 117-2013 is the practical specification for any seat within reach of a service bar. Contract fabric belongs in lounge and dining areas rather than directly at the rail; leather is worth the premium in club bars and steakhouses where the stools are part of the room’s character.

Swivel, or fixed

Swivel stools are easier to get into and out of, which matters at a 30" seat height, and they are the norm in casinos and hotel lobby bars. They also add a mechanism that needs occasional tightening. Fixed stools are simpler, quieter and better where stools are lined along a rail and pushed in. Barrel-style upholstered swivels give the most comfort for long sits.

Backless, low back, full back

Backless upholstered stools tuck fully under the bar and keep the room open — the right answer for high-volume bars and where floor space is tight. Low-back stools add support without blocking sightlines across the room. Full-back stools are for bars used as dining seating.

Footrests and wear parts

Specify a brushed stainless or brass footrest cover. It is the single most-abused part of any stool and it is replaceable, which keeps the rest of the stool looking new. Check glides at every deep clean.

Related categories

See upholstered chairs for the matching dining program, counter stools, bar stools and coordinating chair and stool sets. Frames are also offered in wood and metal.

Lead times and ordering

Standard production is 14–20 weeks, with 8–10 week rush available on most frames; COM and COL are accepted and minimums may apply. Quick ship in-stock items leave in 2–3 business days. Minimum order is 4 pieces.

How do I get pricing? Contact your local sales rep or a project manager or administrator in our office and we will quote your list, including freight.

Browse the range

See every upholstered stools we build in our upholstered stools category, or start from the full product line. For help narrowing a list for a specific project, contact your Designform rep.