2020 was a tough year for everyone. The whirlwind effect of tier restrictions and national lockdowns have had a devastating impact on so many businesses, and unfortunately the pub trade has been dealt an especially cruel hand given the forced closures of so many establishments.

However, with renewed hope that this current lockdown could be the last, this is a golden opportunity for all you landlords and landladies to treat your tavern to some brand-spanking new stools, ready for a re-opening to remember.

But where to start? There are a whole host of options out there, and depending on the extent of your revamp, choosing the correct bar stools could really make the difference to that all important footfall.

That’s why this week we’ve put 7 top tips together to help you consider the most important aspects of a perfect bar stool. So, let’s run through the list before last orders, shall we?

1. Durability - Built to Last

Unlike those bought for the home, pub bar stools need to be extra durable given the wear and tear they endure over their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important to consider the materials used, making sure your stools are built to last.

Robustness is a must in the pub furniture trade, so in general, stick with metal. Metal bar stools are easily wipeable and take spillages in their stride.

Metal stools can also be used either indoors or out without worrying about weather damage. Wooden stools can be a worry in pub gardens if it rains, but their metal contemporaries offer you peace of mind.

There’s an abundance of metallic bar stools out there to choose from, but we can’t recommend our Memphis Bar Stools highly enough. Offering a sumptuous metal and leather combo, this beauty is built to last and looks a real treat!

2. Height - A Tall Order!

So, you’ve chosen your dream stools in the perfect colour and material, and eagerly await their arrival. Come the big day, you proudly place them up against the bar,  but… uh-oh, they’re way too low!

Don’t be caught out in getting your figures wrong. Having to send back your ideal stools because your punters can’t reach the bar is no desirable scenario, but as long as you get your dimensions in check, it’s one that can easily be avoided.

In general, most UK bar heights are around 100cm to 110cm. Taking this into account, the optimal height range for commercial bar stools is between 75cm and 80cm.

Here at WSG, we offer a range of bar stools ideal for the commercial sector. We always provide a handy size-chart for each of our stools which you can consult below.

3. Style - Looks Matter!

Ok, so looks aren’t everything in life, but in décor terms they carry a lot of sway! There’s no point in getting your measurements and materials right, only for the stool itself to stick out like a sore thumb against the rest of your designer bar.

Once you know your preferred style (classic, contemporary, vintage, industrial, leather etc.) then you can start matching up your new bar stools appropriately.

For a mid-century look, it’s hard to look past our Diner Bar Stool (see below) that offers a gorgeous, ribbed leather and metal synergy, but don’t be afraid to take your time – a desirable look that results in countless compliments makes all the difference!

4. Comfort

One area that cannot be neglected is the comfort of your bar stools. They may look a million dollars, but if they’re a pain in the backside (quite literally!) to get comfy on, your punters are less likely to hang around, leading to a direct loss in takings and profits.

If you want your pub to be the only logical choice for bar-dwellers far and wide, make sure you choose stools that are a dream to sit on.  

This stirs up an age-old debate as to which is better – bar stools with backs or no backs? Consumers looking to dine with their drinks are more likely to want stools with backrests for extra support, whereas drinkers up at the bar itself are less prone to be fussy. Offering both is usually a good compromise.

For a super comfortable backless stool, our Singer ticks all the boxes. A sumptuous leather and metal pole with a cast iron base and button seat, you’ll be forever singing the praises of this one. We offer three sizes, so you can even kit out your kitchen too if you’re feeling the love with these perfect perches.

5. Affordability

There are no two ways about it, everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment due to the knock-on effect of the pandemic. Whilst we’d all love to splurge, this is rarely an option nowadays.

However, there’s a big difference between spending savvily and scrimping too much. The latter results in poor quality stools that won’t last, causing you to fork out again for replacements not before long.

That’s what makes our WSG products so great. Our items offer the styling and durability of top-end products at affordable prices, making us a natural choice when it comes to choosing bar stools that promise plenty of bang for your buck.

6. Colour - Splash the Shades!

Just as important as the overall style of a stool, choosing the right colour is crucial to achieving your desired display.

Ideally, the colour of the bar floor should mark a distinct contrast to the shade of stool for best results.

Black is a solid option for classic styles, but our Road House bar stools come in a dazzling array of colours and finishes, giving you extra scope to experiment and really personalise your pub space. What’s more, their comfortable backs provide extra support, and they add a real dose of sophistication thanks to their leather and cow hide upholsteries. The only tricky part is choosing!

7. Weight

Finally, the weight of your stools is another key consideration.

Do you desire solid bar stools that are difficult to move, ensuring that they stay in place around the bar?

Or would you rather give your customers flexibility, offering them lighter alternatives that are more manoeuvrable? This allows them to ‘pull up a pew’ for guests that arrive late to the party, or for when separate groups want to huddle together as one.

You could opt for both, splitting the pub into separate areas depending on the situation. Dining areas, or sections for pub quizzes may benefit from lighter stools, such as our Tapas Bar Stools, whereas something sturdier with a solid foundation like our Club Bar Stool might be better placed nearer the bar itself.

These little tips and tricks should help you get your thinking cap on before you ultimately make your decision.

We hope that these ideas have offered some useful inspiration for publicans during these tough times.

We’ll see you next week, as always Saints.

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