Barstool Buying Guide

Choosing the Correct Barstool Heights

1. Measure what you have.
2. Decide on height for new furniture:
   Stool heights listed are measured to seat height not the top of back.
3. Allow for 10” to 16” of legroom between seat height and counter height.
   Remember to take into account any overhang the table or counter may have.
   1. Dining Height
      Stools or chairs- 23” or less
   2. Counter Height
      Stools - 24” - 27”
   3. Bar Height
      Stools - 28” - 30”
   4. “Spectator” (extra tall) height
      Stools- 31” or more
4. Determine number of barstools for the width of your counter or table.
   1. Generally allow from 26” to 30” between the centers of each stool.
   2. Stools with arms or that swivel, allow for additional space

Choose the style that meets your needs.

Decide what will match well with your preexisting décor. There are a myriad of styles and designs of barstools. Among the different styles are also choices of different materials including wood, aluminum and wrought iron. Each giving it’s own distinct look.

1. Pick the style that matches your space. Look at what existing style you have or what you feel comfortable with. Do you like a classic or modern look? Do you like bold colors or muted?
   1. Traditional - When you want detail, this is the style you want. Often times these stools are hand-painted or hand-carved. They will have curved features. Many times this style is highlighted with a dark finish wood though recently a metal frame is coming out.
   2. Casual - This is ideal for the “relaxed” environment. Usually they consist of clean, simple designs that may incorporate a variety of styles.
   3. Contemporary - Consists mainly of stools featuring straight lines, slight curvature. Carvings and other “fancy” touches are minimal. May incorporate smooth accents (glass, stainless steel) and can at times resemble a more “futuristic” version of the “retro” stools.
   4. Country - These stools are perfect for a country décor. Generally simple styling. Mostly constructed from wood. May feature country themed fabrics, carvings or other decorations on them.
   5. Kitchen - These stools are designed especially for use in a kitchen. Not overly ornate, or “fancy”, but they are extremely functional. Inviting, yet simple designs help to create a welcoming and comfortable eating environment.
   6. Novelty - These are “themed” barstools with themes ranging from Wine glasses to fish. Your imagination is the limit, these are ideal for creating a themed environment and match well with both plain and decorative bar counters or tables.
   7. Retro - These stools are reminiscent of the soda shops of the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Typically they include bright frames and chrome accents.
   8. Rustic - These stools are styled to appear as if they belong in a log cabin, or on the prairie. They generally are fashioned of wood that is unfinished or lightly distressed. Generally do not contain even simple designs or “frills” of any kind.
   9. Outdoor - These stools are designed specifically to withstand outdoor use. They are built to last even through rain, wind, and other environmental factors.

Choose what additional features you want

Decide what additional features you want for your barstools:

1. Upholstered, Leatherette, Wood: variety of seat options to match your needs
2. Arms / No Arms - armrests on the sides of the stools.
3. Back / Backless - seatback on stools
4. Swivel / Stationary - whether or not the stool has the ability to turn or is in a set position. Occasionally highlighted by a “memory” swivel which allows the stool to return to it’s original position.

Choose what accessories you might want

1. Decide if you want any additional pieces:
   1. Pub Table- A pub table is one that generally has a smaller eating surface but is taller to accommodate counter or bar height stools.
   2. Pub Sets - Pub Sets generally refers to a pub table and stools that match.
   3. Bars- Are counters designed for patrons to eat at but also stores supplies such as glasses or beverages.
   4. Bar Sets- Bar Sets generally refers to a bar and stools that match.
   5. Wine Racks- Come in various shapes and sizes.  They are made to hold wine bottles and sometimes accessories.
   6. Buffets and Servers- Commonly placed in the dining room, a buffet can often hold dishes, silverware, glasses in  the bottom half while having enough room on the top for serving food or placing decorations on.
   7. Baker's Racks and Etageres- Generally made of wrought iron or some other metal.  Baker's Racks used to serve to help cool a baker's goods such as hot pies.  A variety of Racks are now available and are generally highly ornamental and may include special shelving designed for other tasks such as wine bottle storage.
   8. Game Tables or equipment - ie. Pool tables, card table, or other entertainment equipment.
2. Decide what pieces will compliment your décor and choices of barstools and other accessories

Questionnaire Ordering Guide

1. Where will you be using these?
   Decide on the décor and setting. Decide if you will be using your furniture for residential or commercial use. Decided if you need indoor or outdoor furniture.
2. Will there be food or drinks around your tables or stools?
   If there is going to be a lot of food or drinks around your stools or other bar furniture, you might want to consider materials that will not stain or become easily dirty.
3. What style do you have or are you most comfortable with?
   If you like the little details with curves, you may want to look over our Traditional line, if you want that 50’s Soda Shoppe feel, then check out our retro line.
4. What colors and fabrics work with your space?
   Decide if bold or muted seat and frame colors will highlight your room better. Decided if you want the comfort of upholstery, the feel of leatherette or the style of all wood or ABS seating.
5. Do you need matching tables or chairs or counters?
   If you are trying to build a bar from scratch, or just give that old bar a new look, you may want to look through our selection of bar counters and other pub sets for furniture that matches the chosen décor.
6. What size do I need?
   See our Size Guide
7. How many stools do I need?
   See our Size Guide

*This is simply a guide intended to aid our valued customers in their purchasing of barstool furniture. Not all customers needs will be alike and therefore not all of the above guidelines will apply to all customers. Barstool Supermart and\or WR Hardware accepts no liability or responsibility (expressed or implied) for furniture purchased that does not meet size, style, height, or any other requirements due to incorrect measurements or orders. The choice and ordering of all products is the sole liability of the customer.