5 Best Leather Bar Stools
Best leather bar stools
There’s nothing quite like the feel of leather furniture. Soft, smooth, supple, with an unmistakable scent, genuine leather exudes a sense of luxury. A leather sofa, easy chair, or ottoman isn’t the only option you have for leather furniture, however. Another example of functional, versatile seating is the leather bar stool.
Leather bar stools have a couple of advantages over other bar stools. Genuine leather is one of the few upholstery materials that gets better with age. If cared for properly, real leather gets softer and more supple. It can be cleaned easily with a damp cloth. Real leather also resists ripping and tearing better than fabric. Modern synthetic leather can be almost indistinguishable from the genuine article and is more water resistant as well.
If you’re thinking of getting some leather bar stools, there are a few factors to consider. A good buying guide and some recommendations can make your shopping easier.
How to buy the best leather bar stool
Materials
When shopping for leather bar stools, you have a choice between genuine and synthetic leather.
Genuine leather from cured and processed animal hides has been a popular material for millennia. When properly maintained, leather is one of the most hard-wearing and long-lasting materials for furniture. It becomes softer and smoother over time and often develops a beautiful patina and shine. The unmistakable aroma of real leather furniture evokes luxury and prestige.
Synthetic leather, also known as faux leather, pleather, and leatherette, includes materials made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or vinyl, on a fabric backing and newer products made of polyurethane (PU) that more closely mimic the texture of real leather. These materials can be much more affordable, but they lack the pleasant aroma of real leather and don’t last as long. Note that while synthetic leather is animal-friendly and vegan, most types are made from substances derived from fossil fuels.
Bonded leather is a synthetic leather made of real leather fibers with a rubber or polyurethane binder. It replicates some of the qualities of genuine leather for a lower price.
Components
Back: Leather bar stools have either a full back or mid-back or are backless.
- Full back stools emphasize comfort. The tall back allows you to relax more comfortably and is ideal for a stool that people will sit in for long periods. These leather bar stools come with a closed or open back that can be upholstered or not.
- Mid–back stools provide a bit of lower back support and structure without the bulk of a full back.
- Backless bar stools take up less space physically and visually. They’re easier to get on and off and store than other types of stools.
Arms: A stool with arms supports your arms and is more comfortable to sit in for long periods. These stools are generally wider than armless models and take up more space. Note the height of the arms if you want the stools to fit under a bar or table.
Base and legs: You can find leather bar stools with traditional legs or a more contemporary pedestal or sled base.
Footrest: A footrest also makes a stool more comfortable to sit in for long periods. The footrest might be a rail between two legs or a ring attached to the pedestal. Some bar stools have more than one footrest at different levels.
Height
Height is a key consideration when selecting bar stools of any type. There are at least four standard heights for bar stools.
Counter height bar stools (24 inches to 27 inches tall) are designed to fit comfortably at kitchen counters (35 to 39 inches tall).
Bar height bar stools (28 to 33 inches tall) are designed to fit at bars (41 to 43 inches tall).
Dining table bar stools (17 to19 inches tall) are designed to fit at dining tables (28 to 32 inches tall).
Spectator height bar stools (33 to 34 inches tall) are extra tall, and many are adjustable.
Adjustable: With an adjustable bar stool, you can change the height to fit different needs, people, and uses. One convenient mechanism in stools is the pneumatic lift like those found in office chairs. Other mechanisms include a threaded column and legs that adjust individually.
Despite the fact that synthetic leather is derived from fossil fuels, the environmental impact of its production can be significantly lower than that of genuine leather, which uses a lot of water and chemicals. However, synthetic leather biodegrades much more slowly than real leather.
Features to look for in leather bar stools
Style
You can find leather upholstery on furniture of almost any style. Most bar stools come in one of three styles.
Traditional leather bar stools are what you might see in a club, pub, or sports bar. They’re made of wood with a dark finish and polished, padded leather in a similar or complementary color. Many of these stools have a back and arms and can swivel. They might be embellished with carved or tooled decorations, button tufting, or nailhead trim.
Modern and contemporary stools have a simpler, sleeker design that relies on color, texture, and finish for visual interest. A popular subcategory is the retro bar stool whose design is associated with mid-20th century diners and soda fountains.
Rustic leather bar stools bring to mind the country or farmhouse. These might feature lighter-colored wood, wood with a lighter finish, as well as wrought iron or cast iron. The leather might also be lighter colored or have a lightly napped texture like buckskin, nubuck, or suede.
Color
Genuine and synthetic leathers come in a multitude of colors, although the most popular remain black and brown. Genuine leather can be pigmented, with a coating on the surface, or aniline dyed so the grain and texture of the leather come through.
Swivel
A bar stool that swivels allows you to turn to face different directions without moving the stool. There are two types of swivel commonly used in bar stools: the 360° swivel, which rotates around completely, and the memory-return swivel, which turns 90° left or right and returns automatically to the front-facing position.
How much do leather bar stools cost?
Inexpensive
These leather bar stools cost about $150 or less per stool. You can sometimes find them in sets of two or more. Invariably, these inexpensive stools use faux leather, usually PU leather for its realistic appearance. Many modern and retro-style bar stools with aluminum or steel pedestals are available in this price range, including those with swivels and pneumatic lifts. These stools usually require some assembly.
Mid-range
These leather bar stools cost between $150 and $500. You can find all designs and styles in this range, from traditional to rustic to industrial to retro, in synthetic leathers and sometimes real leather. The frame might be made of engineered wood, steel, or aluminum and require some assembly.
Expensive
From $500 to $1,000 and more you’ll find high-quality bar stools featuring hardwood with good craftsmanship and genuine, often premium leather. Classic traditional bar stools are in this price range along with designer-label pieces with modern and contemporary designs.
Most real leather comes from domesticated livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs. Other sources of natural leather include horses, deer, reptiles, and ostriches.
Tips
- Leave enough clearance between the seat and the counter. A good rule of thumb is 10 to 12 inches between the top of the bar or counter and the top of the seat.
- Leave enough elbow room between stools. The length of the bar or counter determines the number of bar stools you need. Leave 6 to 8 inches between armless bar stools and 8 to 10 inches between bar stools with arms.
- Air out synthetic leather stools before using. New synthetic leather can have a chemical odor. To get rid of the odor, let the stools air outside on a dry day, or wipe down the stools with a dilute mixture of vinegar and water.
FAQ
Q. What bar stools are the most comfortable?
A. The comfort of a bar stool, including a leather one, comes down to a few factors: the presence of a back and arms, the amount of cushioning or padding, and the depth of the seat. A shallow, backless stool may be convenient, but it won’t be as comfortable as a deep stool with a full back and arms.
Q. How do you clean leather bar stools?
A. Generally, they should be cleaned with a damp soft cloth or sponge and a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Don’t use harsh chemicals, alcohol, or abrasives on leather furniture. Rinse and wipe the stool dry immediately. Don’t use artificial heat like a blow dryer on leather. For the frame, use a gentle wood oil or polish on hardwood and metal polish on shiny steel, brass, or chrome.
Q. How do you condition leather furniture?
A. You might need to moisturize or condition the leather from time to time, and it’s best to use a specially formulated leather conditioner for this purpose. This product returns some of the oils to the leather without staining or discoloring it.
Q. How do you keep synthetic leather from cracking?
A. Keep synthetic leather bar stools away from heat sources and out of direct sunlight. You can use a small amount of baby oil or leather conditioner on faux leather to keep it pliable.