5 Best Bar Stools 2023 Review

Top 5 Bar Stools

Best Backless Stool: Angel Line Cambridge Bar Stools Most Customizable: Walker Edison Furniture Counter Stools Best Adjustability: Leopard Outdoor Products Adjustable Bar Stools Best Stability: Ball & Cast Bar Height Swivel Stools Best Entry-Level: Mecor Metal Bar Stools

Best Backless Stool: Angel Line Cambridge Bar Stools

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a cushioned seat✔ Has a button trim around the cushion✔ Comes in multiple heights ✘ Can’t lean back because there isn’t a backrest✘ Criticized by some customers for having a poor paint job

What Customers Are Saying

Positive reviews said that these bar stools were sturdy. They also said that the stools were easy to assemble, taking only 10 minutes for some customers to put them together. Negative reviews criticized these bar stools for having a poor paint job, being difficult to clean, and developing tears in the cushioning.

Most Customizable: Walker Edison Furniture Counter Stools

Pros and Cons

✔ Supports up to 300 pounds each✔ Includes easy step-by-step assembly instructions✔ Has an elegant look with the faux leather seat ✘ Some customers had poor customer service experiences✘ Criticized for being wobbly

What Customers Are Saying

These faux leather stools were praised for their comfort and sturdiness. Many customers were impressed with how easy they were to assemble. Unsatisfied customers said that these bar stools were wobbly and shorter than advertised. Some also experienced poor customer service from the manufacturer.

Best Adjustability: Leopard Outdoor Products Adjustable Bar Stools

Pros and Cons

✔ Available in a wide variety of cushion colors✔ Made from high-density faux leather✔ Includes a polished chrome base and footrest ✘ Criticized for having a small seat✘ Squeaked for some customers

What Customers Are Saying

Happy customers stated that these adjustable bar stools were easy to assemble, comfortable, and durable. Many said that they made a stylish addition to their kitchen. On the other hand, unhappy customers noted that the bases squeaked when they swiveled and that the seats were too small.

Best Stability: Ball & Cast Bar Height Swivel Stools

Pros and Cons

✔ Features a curved back for extra comfort✔ Can be purchased in a single or double set✔ Swivels 360 degrees ✘ Comes in fewer colors than most other bar stool options✘ Criticized for developing cracks after light use

What Customers Are Saying

Best Entry-Level: Mecor Metal Bar Stools

Pros and Cons

✔ Has a solid wood seat✔ Features a removable backrest✔ Built with anti-slip foot pads ✘ Doesn’t have a seat cushion✘ Criticized for having an uncomfortable upright back

What Customers Are Saying

Many customers were pleased that these bar stools had removable backrests. Other reviews praised these bar stools for being sturdy and easy to assemble and clean. Unsatisfied customers noted that the backrests were too upright. Some also said that the wood looked fake.

Buyer’s Guide

Every piece of a bar stool, from the seat to the legs, should be considered before making a purchasing decision. Read our guide below to learn about a few important factors to consider before buying a set of bar stools.

Seat Height

Most bar stools are meant to be counter-height. Before buying a set of stools, measure the distance between the floor and the bottom of your countertop or table. Choose stools that are around that height to ensure that they fit properly.

Material

Bar stools are made of a variety of materials, including wood, metal or steel, genuine or faux leather, rattan, fabric, and plastic. Harder materials like wood or metal will be durable but less comfortable compared to a leather bar stool, or one with a soft fabric seat. If you’re using your bar stools outside, we recommend a weather-resistant model, such as a plastic or rattan bar stool.

Seat Shape

Bar stools usually have round seats that are large enough for most customers to sit on. However, you’ll also find seats that are oval, rectangular, or square.

Quantity

Most bar stools come in a pack of one, two, or four. Decide how many stools will fit under your table or counter before making a purchase. It’s also more economical to purchase a bar stool set instead of each individual stool.

Comfort

The most comfortable bar stools have a cushioned seat. You can also find stools that have a backrest, preventing you from having to sit upright. To remain compact, most bar stools with a backrest have a low back design.

Legs

Most bar stools have four legs with a stabilizing bar that connects all of them horizontally. However, some stools have one round leg in the center.

Adjustability

Some bar stools can swivel or change heights. A swiveling capability allows you to turn to carry out conversations with different people. Height adjustability is useful if you plan on using your stools under different tables or if your family members have different heights.

Storage

Bar stools are versatile seating options because they can be put away when they’re not needed, unlike larger and heavier dining chairs. To assist with storage, some bar stools are stackable. An upholstered bar stool may not be stackable to prevent damage to the upholstery, and a swivel bar stool won’t safely stack.

What are the benefits of a bar stool?

The benefits of a bar stool include its compact size, portability, and versatility as an everyday or as-needed seating solution. With one or more bar stools situated at a kitchen counter or island, they make a great informal seating area for snacks, quick meals, or socializing.

Do I have to buy new bar stools if I change the decor in my home?

You don’t necessarily have to buy new bar stools if you change your home decor. Instead of getting rid of your old bar stools and purchasing new ones, you can reupholster the seats or paint the frames to get them to match your home’s new decor.

Can I use outdoor bar stools indoors?

Yes, you can use outdoor bar stools inside your home. However, you can’t use indoor stools outdoors because they aren’t designed to withstand rain, snow, and other weather conditions.

What are bar stools made of?

Bar stools usually have a wooden or metal frame. If your stool comes with a cushion, it will usually be upholstered with fabric, leather, or faux (PU) leather.

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