Adjustable Swivel Bar Stool

Contrasting Seat Heights
An obvious dissimilarity is their difference in height due to the varying locations they're intended to be used in. Meant for use at a table – whether in the kitchen, restaurant, home office or beyond - the majority of chairs are fixed at standard dining table height. Dining tables generally measure around 75cm from the ground, and therefore we recommend you choose seating somewhere in the 43-48cm range for a comfortable fit.

Conversely, bar stools are designed for use in a variety of environments, from nightclubs to beauty salons, to medical practices. Commercial bars are fairly high at 105cm and above, and therefore when used in these settings we'd advise a stool height of 75-80cm. Alternatively, stools can also be used in the home at the kitchen worktop and breakfast bar. Kitchen worktops measure approximately 90cm, and so for domestic use we'd suggest a seat height of around 65-70cm. For your convenience, our collection of kitchen stools have been handpicked for this setting.

Variation in Backrest Height
From three course dinner parties to homework sessions at the kitchen table, we're often sat on chairs for longer lengths of time than bar stools. What's more we sit on them in a different way, and hence our posture has helped to influence their design. As the tendency is to lean back and relax into a chair, they require a higher backrest for optimum support. Additionally, they typically have more padding and upholstery to ensure a comfortable seating experience when sitting for extended periods.

In contrast, a large backrest is not needed with bar stools as the inclination is to lean forward and rest our elbows on the bar. Nevertheless many customers appreciate a backrest, as seen in the Drift, or a minimalist low lip like on the Lulu for that extra feeling of security.

There is also an aesthetic reason for bar stools not having backrests that are too large, as if they had a high back like a chair they'd look very out of place. Not only would they take up more room, but they'd be visually crowding and you wouldn't be able to see over them to the bar or worktop area. Instead, stools are often more compact in size, shape and style, which suits their purpose beautifully. Yet it's worth noting that whilst chairs are generally bigger, they do provide a wider variety of stackable designs for neat and tidy storage.

Additional Stool Features
Whilst the majority of chairs are fairly standard in what they offer, bar stools come with an impressive range of added extras for state-of-the-art functionality to meet their differing purpose. First of all, a footrest is included to provide a supportive perch for the feet. This feature is not needed with chairs where your feet can reach the floor.

Central column framed stools will largely possess a gas lift mechanism for adjustable height, allowing each user to achieve the ideal seating position, whatever their size. Included with this is 360 degree swivel, making the seat easily accessible when getting on and off. Instead of having to move the entire stool away from the bar, which can be difficult if it's heavy, its enhanced mobility means you can simply swivel round without disturbing those around you.

It's important to clean your bar stools regularly if they're to stay looking their best and in top condition. Luckily, it's relatively simple to keep yours clean. After closing, use a clean cloth and warm, soapy water to wipe the metal parts of the bar stools. This will clean any spills and will also stop dust from accumulating over time. Make sure that any spills are wiped up rapidly to reduce corrosion and stains.

Remove Rust
If your metal bar stools are becoming rusty to a lack of cleaning, it's possible to remove rust by using aluminum foil, crumpled into a ball with its shiny side outwards. Dip the foil in water then rub it on the rusted areas. This will remove it effectively then you can brighten any dark marks remaining with alcohol or vinegar.

Polish a Metal Bar Stool
After cleaning, polishing your bar stools will ensure a high-shine and give a clean and reflective look that will make your bar look aesthetically pleasing. You can polish the metal parts of your bar stools by using a clean microfiber cloth to rub furniture polish or baby oil into the metal to restore its shine.

Repairing a Metal Bar Stool
If a bar stool is badly damaged, it should obviously be replaced for your customers' safety. However, if there are minor damages in the metal parts, one of the good options is to use a strong metal glue to repair the damage. Make sure to choose a product designed for use on metal and ensure that the parts to be repaired are properly held together during the drying process to ensure a tight fit and a strong repair.

Caring For a Bar Stool Seat
Bar stool seats can be made from many types of material, from faux-leather to wood and from fabric to plastic. All require different care to keep them in good order and looking their best.

A faux leather seat can easily be cleaned with a duster with any marks being wiped off using a damp cloth. Serious stains will require white spirit to remove but check first to ensure it won't bleach the surface.

A real leather stool can easily be wiped with a duster to keep it looking good.

A fabric-covered stool can be cleaned using a suitable upholstery cleaner, but again, check that no bleaching of the material occurs.

A vinyl or plastic-covered seat can be dusted and then wiped clean with a wipe or a damp cloth.