Metal Bar Stools

When people talk about metal bar stools, they mean either standard backless stools that have metal legs and swivel seats, or stools that are made entirely from metal and have stationary seats. The difference is important, because each has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your intended uses for them.

Standard bar stools that feature metal legs (or stands) with a swivel seat that is cushioned are found in all kinds of settings. They are the what most of us think of when we envision 1950's diners with stools at their counters. The seats are often vinyl (for easy clean-ups and lower cost). This type of bar stool is great in a retro eatery or in your home game room.

Then there are all-metal bar stools. These are typically made of aluminum or stainless steel. They usually have seatbacks, but no arms. This type of stool is a good choice in commercial settings where heavy use is expected. They are not the most beautiful of bar stools, but they serve a basic seating function nicely. And, of course, they can withstand a lot of wear and tear, being 100% metal.

Other than their plain look, another potential disadvantage of picking all-metal bar stools is that the seats lack any cushioning. If you have visitors seated in them for more than a few minutes, they'll become uncomfortable. No one likes to sit for long on something hard and unyielding, after all. One solution is to buy some chair cushions that tie on to the slats of the seatback. This not only will make your visitors more comfortable, but you will have complete control over the colors and designs, making it easier to match your other furniture and the room's décor. Just remember that fabric on metal can slide a lot, so you might try adding Velcro to the underside of the cushion and the top of the seat to hold it in place.

If you do opt for metal bar stools, pay particular attention to the type of metal used. Aluminum is light, so if you anticipate moving the stools around a lot, that's your best option. If, on the other hand, you expect to keep the bar stools in more or less the same location, stainless steel is often the more stylish material, even though it's considerably heavier.

 

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