Bar Stool Facts

History and Purpose

• Bar stools are as old as commercial bars themselves, dating back to the earlier part of the 20th century. Their primary purpose was to inexpensively seat more people in often-tightly packed bars without having to invest in larger premises.

  Bar stools have evolved from stools -- seats that comprise one of the earliest types of furniture, dating back to ancient Egypt and China.

Dimensions and General Characteristics

• Bar stools are narrower and taller than typical dining chairs, with additional rings or footrests. The average bar stool ranges between 30 and 32 inches high to appropriately complement the average 42-inch tall bar table, according to Ray Foley and Heather Dismore in the book "Running a Bar for Dummies." Bar stools have one or four legs, depending on their design.

Types

• According to the authors of the book "The Bar and Beverage Book," bar stools come in three fundamental varieties: bar stools with arms and backs, stools with backs only and backless stools. Commercial bar stools are designed to be sturdier their residential counterparts, owing to the rigors of business use. Swivel bar stools -- common features of bars -- are a type of bar stools that allow their users to talk easily with people beside them.

Materials

• Bar stools are made of metal, wood and/or plastics, while their backs and seats are upholstered with plastic, leather and/or cloth. Footrests are typically available in different finishes, such as chrome and brass.

Uses

• Bar stools are used for design, luxury and functional purposes. Interior decorators choose between their various colors and styles to create or accentuate a particular look. Bar stools make an essential component of the contemporary home and mesh well with modern living spaces and kitchens. They are also used in gardens to complement outdoor bar furniture.

Price

• Standard bar stools cost between $75 and $100, while custom-made stools cost around $400, according to the author of the book "Start your Own Bar and Club."