Introduction
Many people confuse restaurant chairs with bar stools, and the right choice depends on the setting, height and materials. This guide compares materials, sizing and sustainability considerations to help you choose the best seating for your venue or home.
Materials
Metal Chairs
- Durable and sturdy; resistant to fire and water.
- Suitable for high-traffic environments.
- Often stackable for storage.
Wood Chairs
- Offer natural warmth and upscale aesthetics.
- Require solid hardwood frames and joints for long-term durability.
Upholstered Chairs & Stools
- Provide cushioned comfort for extended sitting.
- The quality depends on the foam or lattice inside; new sustainable options like EcoLattice—a 3D-printed elastomer lattice made from recycled TPU—offer recyclability and design flexibility.
Aluminum Patio Chairs
- Lightweight and weather-resistant.
- UV-resistant finishes make them suitable for outdoor patios.
Bar Stools vs. Counter Stools
Bar stools and counter stools differ in seat height. Counter stools typically have 24–27-inch seat heights to pair with standard 36-inch-high kitchen counters, while bar stools have 28–33-inch seat heights for 40–42-inch-high bars. A simple rule of thumb: measure from the floor to the top of your bar or counter, subtract around 10 inches to allow for legroom, and choose a stool height that matches.
| Type | Seat Height (inches) | Surface Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Counter stool | 24–27 | 36 |
| Bar stool | 28–33 | 40–42 |
| Extra‑tall stool | 34+ | 43+ |
Benefits of Commercial‑Grade Seating
- Style and customization: choose from finishes, upholstery and footrests to match your brand.
- Space‑saving design: bar stools encourage shorter stays and can increase turnover.
- Durability and economy: commercial furniture is built to withstand heavy use and offers better long‑term ROI than residential options.
- Use cases: high‑back wood stools suit upscale lounges; metal stools with footrests fit casual pubs and quick‑service restaurants.
Sustainability & Innovation
The upholstered furniture industry is exploring sustainable materials like EcoLattice, a 3D‑printed elastomer lattice made from recycled TPU that can replace conventional polyurethane foam. Choosing furniture made from recyclable or sustainably sourced materials reduces environmental impact and differentiates your business. For more on our sustainability practices, read our sustainability article.
Practical Buying Checklist
- Measure your counter or bar height and subtract 10 inches to determine seat height.
- Choose materials that match your environment (metal or aluminum for durability, wood for a warm look, upholstery for comfort).
- Look for commercial‑grade construction: welded joints, mortise‑and‑tenon or corner block connections, and high‑density or sustainable padding.
- Consider sustainability by selecting chairs with recycled or eco‑friendly materials.
- Order a sample if possible to test comfort and fit.
Key Takeaways
- Restaurant chairs and bar stools differ primarily in seat height and intended use.
- Material choice affects durability, aesthetics and comfort.
- Commercial‑grade seating offers advantages for high‑traffic venues.
- Sustainable materials like EcoLattice are emerging alternatives.
For examples of commercial‑grade seating made in Chicago, visit our Upholstered Restaurant Bar Stools collection and our Restaurant Chairs collection.