Bar stools are an important component of restaurants whether the bar itself is primary or secondary. Having the right stools can help highlight the surrounding decor, bring together the entire establishment, add to the ambiance, and greatly enhance the customer experience. Of course, choosing the right types of stools isn’t always a straightforward process. It’s no secret that upholstered Restaurant Bar Stools are more comfortable and enjoyable for patrons, but which type of upholstery is the best option? Is upholstery even the right way to go? Take a look at the following considerations to help you decide.
To Upholster or Not to Upholster
First off, think about whether you want to upholster your bar stools at all. For restaurants that have a more rustic feel, plush, cushiony stools may actually detract from the atmosphere you. If you want patrons to visit the bar but ultimately move along to the booths or tables, having simpler bar stools in place and upholstering the other seating in the establishment may be a helpful strategy. For restaurants that routinely cater to children, standard wood, plastic, or metal stools might be the best solution because youngster’s shoes and silverware just don’t meld well with upholstered furniture.
Which Type of Upholstery to Choose
If you decide that upholstered bar stools are right for your restaurant, you’ll need to determine which type of upholstery would suit your needs and the expectations of your patrons. Several materials are on the market, but not all of them are right in all situations. Choosing the right one will help save you a great deal of grief and expense in the long run.
- Leather and Vinyl. Leather has a distinct feel and smell. It’s certainly luxurious and works well with many themes and types of decor. It’s also one of the more expensive options and takes on damage fairly easily. Vinyl is an acceptable substitute, and it’s less expensive to purchase. That also means it’s cheaper to replace if your bar stools are damaged by customers’ keys, wallets, and other items.
- Cloth. Cloth is definitely a nice option to make available to patrons. It’s soft, comfortable, elegant, and available in an endless array of styles, textures, colours, and patterns. That said, finding a stain-resistant material that doesn’t fall short where texture and appearance are concerned isn’t necessarily easy. Think about your typical patrons’ habits. Do they routinely spill foods and beverages? If so, steering clear of cloth or finding a variety that repels stains well or can be treated to make it more resilient is advised.
- Polypropylene and Acrylic. If your establishment features an outdoor dining area, polypropylene or acrylic is undeniably the best solution for upholstered bar stools. Both are made for outdoor use, so they’re highly resistant to stains and fading. They can also ward off rips and tears more readily than some other materials. Though these materials are technically designed for outdoor use, they can also be used for indoor upholstery.
These are the most common materials for upholstered bar stools. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to go with upholstered bar stools, consider where they’ll be placed, your typical clientele, and the atmosphere you want to create among other factors to determine which one best meets your requirements. Don’t overlook the potential costs of reupholstering when the need arises.
