Normally I write about ergonomic stools for sitting and standing at work.
But having a comfortable bar stool while sitting at your counter is also important for creating a home ergonomic environment.
Researching comfortable bar stools, we took inspiration from furniture expert Harry Richardson, and his advice for purchasing the right stool.
So below is my list of most comfortable bar stools.
- Best Bar Stool Set: Superjare Bar Stool Set
- Most Comfortable Pick: Shell Back Swivel Stools
- Best Wooden Stool: Signature Bar Stool
- Best High Bar Stool: Halter Adjustable Height Bar Stool Seat
- Best Leather Top Stool: Modern Square PU Leather Adjustable Bar Stools
Not only do they feel right, but they also look fancy and add a modern touch to your home.
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Our Favorite Bar Stool
Superjare Set of 2 Adjustable Bar Stools
- Adjustable height from 23.8’’ to 32’’
- Stylish, with a retro appearance
- Sturdy and stable with a wide base of 16.3’’
- Stainless steel support with a maximum recommended weight of 265 pounds
- 360º free swiveling with moving footrests, adjustable according to the height
- Made for comfort with comfortable padding and lumbar spine support
The Superjare Set of 2 Adjustable Bar Stools is our favorite and for good reason.
It works like a standard bar stool, but it also has an adjustable height, comfortable cushioning, and a modern-contemporary style.
The design: the stool has a large base that can hold up to 265 pounds, and a comfortable moderate hardness sponge that makes it both comfortable and stable.
Its lifting mechanism is very smooth, and the colors are perfect if you have a wooden-based decor at home.
What customers are saying
Most people who bought this chair agree that it is very easy to assemble and incredibly comfortable to sit on. The material is soft, and the style is stunning.
The adjustments are very smooth and its ergonomic build reduces fatigue.
Most Comfortable Stool
Leopard Shell Back Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools
- Comfortable stool with an adjustable height of 24 to 32.5’’
- Easy to assemble
- A set of 2 bar stools
- Different colors to choose from
If you’re looking for a more modern design with different colors to match your palette, this is a great option to consider. It’s a very comfortable stool that your visitors will love.
It’s suitable as a bar stool but can also be used as a computer desk chair if you’re looking for one. The seat cushion is breathable, water-resistant, and covered in PU leather.
You’ll have free swiveling with moving footrests, and a very sturdy chrome base. The stool’s weight limit is 250 pounds, and it is designed for the indoors.
What customers are saying
Most people who got this chair say that it was very easy to assemble and extremely comfortable. They love that it looks great and feels expensive.
One person, however, reported having a problem during assembly, which was quickly solved with the company’s responsive customer service.
Best High Bar Stool
Halter Adjustable Height Bar Stool Seat
- Sleek yet heavy-duty construction with a chrome finish
- Protective layer on the base to make it suitable for the outdoors
- Very comfortable mid-back support and padded seat
- Adjustable height with a smooth mechanism, from 35 up to 44 inches
- Easy assembly
If you need a high bar stool, this is by far one of the best options.
As you can see, the height range starts at 35’’, which is more than the highest setting on other stools and it can go up to a maximum of 44 inches.
Along with being higher than average, this barstool is extremely stylish and very comfortable with a padded fabric seat that provides support to your lower back.
The stool also comes in a variety of different colors and has a convenient gas lift mechanism, which makes the height adjustment very smooth.
What customers are saying
Most customers agree that the chair provides great value for money and is very easy to assemble. They say it is sturdy and easy to select according to your current decor.
However, some people reported a few mismatches with the pictures advertised, such as black at the back of the seat instead of white.
Trendy Wooden Design
Signature Design Counter Height Bar Stool
- Combines a farmhouse and modern barstool design
- Sturdy frame, made of engineered wood and black finished metal
- Comfortable seat with polyester upholstery and a smooth swiveling function
- 37’’ height
- Clear instructions for the assembly
If you’re looking for a bit of style for your place, this signature design is one to consider.
The Signature Design is constructed to be a bar stool that looks like a regular chair and it is crafted in wood and metal.
Similar to other stools, this one has a comfortable footrest but what makes it different is its higher back support, which most other models do not offer.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews are mostly excellent, and one of the top-rated features is its sturdiness and look.
The assembly takes some time, but it is rather easy, and the seat itself is very comfortable and well padded. The majority of customers consider this is a great product for the price.
Best Leather Top Stool
Modern Square PU Leather Adjustable Bar Stools
- Upholstered in leather with different colors
- Padded with high-density foam
- Base constructed on polished chrome with a comfortable footrest
- 360º swiveling function
- Height adjustments from 21.5 to 31.5 inches
- Modern style, ideal for dining areas, bars, and kitchens
The Modern Square PU Leather Adjustable Bar Stool is a classic model upholstered in PU leather, with a soft padded seat and back.
You get to choose from a variety of colors, and they are all breathable and water-resistant.
The base is made of chrome and it has a non-slip rubber ring at the bottom that’s designed for hard floors. The gas lift is very smooth and can be easily activated by pulling a lever.
What customers are saying
People who bought this stool say that it is a stylish model that is also very sturdy and provides great quality for the price.
The stools are lightweight so they can be moved easily, and the leather upholstery is resistant.
However, one customer said that the height measurement is actually 24 to 35.75 inches and not 21.5 to 31.5 inches as advertised.
Most Elegant Stool
Boraam Augusta Counter Height Swivel Stool
- Solid construction, made with hardwood and comfortable black faux leather
- Comfortable seat, padded with high-density foam
- 360º swiveling function with comfortable and stable footrests
- Easy to assemble
This model is for you if you need an elegant stool that feels like a regular chair but can be lifted a bit higher.
It has a very attractive design and is incredibly stable and comfortable.
The seat height is not adjustable but it is 24 inches, which is higher than a regular chair.
You get to choose between a variety of different colors and styles, and there is a 29” height available if you need a higher stool.
What customers are saying
There are many customer reviews on this stool, and most of them are excellent.
People who bought the stool say it’s very stable and provides great value for the price. The wooden finish is unique, and the assembly is easy, with a very attractive end-result.
Other Recommended Stools
Modway Mid-Century Modern Piston Bar Stool
This is a modern-style bar stool, with a chrome-plated construction and a faux leather covering. It would look great in the kitchen, in a game room, or at a breakfast counter.
You get the typical swiveling function most barstools have, with a metal base and a hydraulic piston to adjust the height from 27’’ to 36’’. The weight capacity is 330 pounds.
Customer reviews are mostly positive. With most people saying that the chair is sturdy and has an elegant modern feel to it.
However, some people report scratches upon arrival, and say the surface is quite easy to scratch.
Christopher Knight Home Ogden Barstool
This is not the typical modern bar stool, it’s one you can use if you prefer a classic chair design.
Despite feeling like a regular chair, it is extremely high (41.25 inches in height) and has a swivel functionality.
Value for money is a top-rated feature on this stool, and satisfied customers say that the stool far exceeded their expectations.
The stool is comfortable and very stable with no wobbling, and the fabric is very nice. It’s also extremely easy to assemble and can hold up to 250 pounds without a problem.
Costway 360 Degree Swivel Bar Stool
This vintage bar stool is very elegant and would look fantastic in a coffee house, restaurant, or kitchen.
The seat is upholstered with a high-quality sponge and cushioned with PVC. The stool also has footpads and a free swiveling function with a seat height of 24’’ or 29’’.
According to customers, these stools offer great for the money and are extremely comfortable.
The assembly is easy and takes around 15 minutes. The end result is a sturdy and resistant stool, with a weight limit of 260 pounds.
Armen Living Shelly 26
This bar stool has a very modern and sleek design, it boasts a wooden frame and is upholstered in soft faux leather.
The seat height is 30’’, and it has a 360º swiveling function with a metal footrest. It features an eye-catching design, and it is also available in a 26’’ height.
Everyone agrees that the stool is incredibly easy to assemble and very comfortable.
It is also very sturdy and stable, providing great value for the price. The wood looks fantastic, and the chrome fittings give it a modern appearance.
Superjare Set of 2 Barstool Chairs
These barstools come in pairs and have an adjustable height of 23.6 to 32.2 inches with a weight capacity of 265 pounds.
The large base makes it stable and it has a plastic ring to prevent any floor scratching. It swivels freely in any direction, and it is upholstered with a soft and comfortable cloth.
The majority of people who bought this stool say that it is easy to assemble and very comfortable. It provides great value for the price and looks great in almost any setting.
Types Of Bar Stools
You’ve probably noticed there are many different types of bar stools. But what is the difference between one and the other?
Traditional stools
Traditional stools are made from pine wood and have cushion pads with varying weights. They are usually non-adjustable with a traditional build.
Metal bar stools
These stools look modern and are very durable. Some of them do not have a backrest, but there are a variety of different models and designs to choose from.
Backless bar stools
These bar stools are ideal for cafés or lunchrooms. They are also perfect for kitchen areas, but as the name implies, they have no support for the back.
Pub style stools
Pub-style models are the ones you will find in cafes, bars, and certain restaurants. Most of them are not adjustable but they come in different heights.
Bucket stools
These are very popular for commercial bars and restaurants due to the sturdy build and resistance to cracks. They are very easy to clean as well.
Things To Consider
Finally, before investing in a bar stool, be sure to consider the following features:
Where is the stool going?
Considering where the stool will be located is important and should always be top of mind when making your decision.
Think about the height, style, and color of the barstool and imagine how it would look in your space.
Size
Consider the height and check the positioning of the footrest, especially if you’re very tall or very short.
Features
Backrests
Not having a backrest is not a bad thing, but if you’re overweight or have a spine condition, you may need some back support, so keep that in mind.
Armrests
Most stools do not have armrests, but there are some with armrests for those who need added comfort and stability.
Swivel motion
Make sure your bar stool has swivel motion as well. This is a standard function in most models and should be expected.
Hydraulic lift
Some models do not have height adjustments but if the one you’re considering does, be sure to assess the type of lift it has.
A hydraulic lift is one of the best in this regard because it makes the adjustment remarkably smooth and durable.
References
https://www.richardsonseating.com/pages/about-us
https://www.lampsplus.com/ideas-and-advice/a-guide-to-bar-and-counter-stools/
https://www.wayfair.com/sca/ideas-and-advice/guides/bar-stool-dimensions-how-to-choose-the-right-ones-T494
