Commercial Bar Stools for Restaurants, Bars and Hotels: What to Specify

Five things: proven strength under repeated heavy use, upholstery that meets fire regulations and resists abrasion, surfaces that survive nightly cleaning, joints that do not loosen, and parts that can be replaced without replacing the stool. A domestic stool can look identical and fail on every one of them.

The most important is construction. Bolted joints loosen under constant use and need regular re-tightening; welded steel and glued solid-oak joints do not. After that come testing and upholstery, which the next sections cover. Our guide to whether expensive bar stools are worth it sets out the build-quality checks in more detail.

For strength, EN 16139, the European standard for non-domestic seating, which tests seat, backrest and footrest under repeated loads and checks stability; level 1 covers general use and level 2 extreme use. For fire safety, upholstery tested to EN 1021-1 and -2 across Europe, CRIB 5 for UK contract use, and TB117 where California rules apply.

The table shows how our steel stools and fabrics meet these. Ask any supplier for the test reports, not just the claim.

For the heaviest use, Bruno, tested to EN 16139 level 2, with a full backrest and armrests; for most bars and restaurants, Freja, Philip and Svea, all tested by RISE to EN 16139 for non-domestic use. In oak, Ebba stands at the bar of Norrbottens Destilleri in northern Sweden, alongside our Karin chairs at the communal table.

For busy counters, choose vegan leather: it is rated for 300,000 Martindale rubs, wipes clean between services and carries CRIB 5 for UK contract use. Dark velvet suits lounges and hotel bars where a softer look matters. See steel bar stools for the four steel models.

Allow 55 to 60 cm (21.5 to 23.5 in) per stool, centre to centre, at a bar or restaurant counter, and 60 cm or more where guests stay for long meals or stools have armrests. Leave at least 110 cm (43 in) of clear floor behind the stools where staff and guests pass, more on main circulation routes.

Seat height follows the same rule as at home: the seat 23 to 26 cm (9 to 10 in) below the underside of the counter, which means 76 cm (30 in) seats for most bar counters of 99 to 102 cm. Counters outside the standards can be matched with custom heights on our steel models. See distance between bar stools and custom height bar stools.

Specify frames that need nothing more than a damp cloth, powder coating or lacquer, and upholstery that wipes clean or has a water-repellent finish. Plan felt pads or plastic feet under every stool, and a routine to replace them, since grit under worn pads damages floors quickly in busy venues.

Replaceable parts keep a project looking new for years: on Freja and Svea the cushion is fixed with two screws and can be replaced on site, and feet and pads are standard spare parts. Because we make every part in our own factory, replacement parts come from the same place as the original stool. Our cleaning guide covers each material.

Yes. Our steel stools can be made to custom seat heights for non-standard counters, and selected models come in white, beige or taupe frames as well as black. Quantities for restaurants, bars and hotels are made to order in our factory in Malmö and delivered fully assembled.

For projects, we work with architects, interior designers and owners on samples, finishes and delivery planning. Start on our page for professionals, or order frame and fabric samples to specify colours against your interior.