Build Your Bar Around The Bar Stools
Bar Stools could be the most important part of your home bar. Not only are the bar stools where you and your guests will spend many hours enjoying drinks and conversation, but the bar stools will help define the theme of your bar.
When shopping for bar stools, there are a few things to consider even before the bar's theme. Before the asthetics of the bar stools, you must consider the functionality.
The height of the bar stools is the most important specification. Typically a the bar stool's seat should be 11-12 inches below the bar top. So whether your bar top is countertop height (35"-37") or you're buying stools for a tall cafe table (44"-47"), matching the stool height to the bar top height should be the first factor in your decision.
The next aspect to consider is a foot rail. If your bar has a traditional foot rail attached to the base of the bar, then your bar stools will not necessarily need foot rails. But if your bar does not have a foot rail attached, then you will definitely want your barstools to have foot rails. Having no place to rest your feet while sitting at the bar will be very uncomfortable.
Another comfort aspect of a bar stool is the back. Backless bar stools may work fine for a 50's Diner style bar, but you're probably going to want backs on your stools if you plan on spending much time at your bar. This is especially true if you have a TV in your bar. Without a back on your bar stool, you probably won't be inclined to sit at the bar for very long.
One other issue of functionality is whether the bar stools swivel. Swivel bar stools are generally more comfortable than stools that don't swivel. And if you use bar stools that don't swivel, then the floor under the bar stools will surely get scratched and worn much quicker. Even with swiveling bar stools you should use floor protectors on the feet of you bar stools to preserve your floor.
Once you have taken into consideration all the functional aspects of your bar stools, you can now apply those to the intended "theme" of your bar.
If you're trying for the art deco look of the 1920's and 30's, it may be difficult to find 33" stools with foot rails. Just as it may be hard to find 24" bamboo stools that swivel.
Although there are many styles and sizes to choose from in both new and antique bar stools, it's often a good idea to design your bar around your bar stools.