When searching for the perfect bar stool, aspects like price, availability, and style often dominate the decision-making process.
Given that your stools will host you for extended durations—be it during a relaxed morning coffee or a vibrant evening with guests—it’s essential to ensure they provide a comfortable seating experience.
To aid your selection process, we’ve curated a list of 10 characteristics that denote a comfortable bar stool.
Looking for comfortable seating at a bar or counter? Comfortable bar stools with backs are a top choice. Not only do they provide superior comfort, but they are also ideal for those who anticipate lengthy conversations or extended periods of sitting.
Backrests promote better posture and can reduce the risk of backaches or discomfort.
Additionally, they can add an element of safety, preventing accidental backward falls and providing a sturdier seating option.
Lastly, stools with backrests often have a more refined aesthetic, enhancing the overall ambiance of a room or space.
On the other hand, if you’re only using the stool for a quick cup of coffee or for short periods, backless stools could be more suitable.
Macias Biscaro BrixtonFor those in search of seating comfort, bar stools with cushioned seats are a game-changer. The padded surface, being softer than wooden seats, makes these comfy bar stools an excellent choice for those desiring added comfort.
If you prefer the look of wooden seats, you can still achieve a higher level of comfort by using tie-on seat pads. These removable cushions can be added to wooden seats and provide an extra layer of padding. They are also convenient for washing, ensuring that your bar stools remain hygienic and comfortable to use.
Raleigh Creation Collection RonnyBar stools with deep seats are more comfortable for those who are taller or have longer legs.
With a deep seat, you can rest your legs comfortably without feeling any discomfort or pressure on your thighs, which is a common issue with shallower seats.
For those on the taller side, bar stools with deeper and more spacious seats are essential. Investing in comfortable counter stools like these ensures that you get better support for your legs, allowing for a relaxed seating experience without any undue pressure or discomfort.
Humphrey 660 CharlieIt’s essential to choose a bar stool with a seat size that matches your body type for optimal comfort.
Shallow seats, which are shorter from front to back, work well for shorter individuals with shorter legs because they provide better leg support.
If the seat is too shallow, it can be uncomfortable for taller individuals as their legs might not fit comfortably on the seat. This can lead to their legs dangling, causing additional pressure on the thigh, ultimately taking away from comfort.
On the other hand, if the seat is too deep, the person might not be able to reach the footrest, which can also affect comfort.
Woodland Costa ChateauWide seat bar stools offer exceptional comfort, especially for taller or larger individuals. Even for those of average height and size, wider stools provide a more relaxed and comfortable seating experience.
Wide bar stools provide a greater sense of space and a more expansive seating experience.
If you have enough room in your space and are in search of comfy bar stools, we highly recommend considering extra wide bar stools for their added comfort and overall aesthetic appeal.
Catalina XL Metra Ethan XLBar stools with curved backs provide better support for the back, making them more comfortable than those with flat backs.
A rounded shape to the back of the stool offers more significant support, reducing the strain on your lower back muscles.
It’s important to note that everyone has a unique body structure and preference when it comes to comfort. While curved backrests are generally considered more comfortable, some individuals might feel more at ease with a flat backrest.
Ultimately, the best approach is to try out different stool designs to find the one that suits your body type and provides optimal comfort.
Liv Ace BostonBar stools with low backrests, around 8 inches high, can be very comfortable if they have a rounded back design that supports the lower back.
The rounded backrest design offers a comforting embrace to the lower back, fostering improved posture.
It’s essential to keep in mind that lower backrests do not support the upper back and may not be suitable for those who have upper back problems.
If you plan to sit at the counter for an extended length of time, a full-size backrest on the stool will provide fuller support and prevent upper back pain.
Therefore, if you have any upper back issues or plan to sit for an extended period, it’s recommended to choose a bar stool with a full-size backrest to ensure optimal comfort and support.
Ethan Ronny GenPadded bar stools with backs provide an added layer of comfort compared to those with metal or wooden backrests.
The cushioned material offers a softer feel, making the stool more comfortable to sit on for extended periods, a hallmark of comfortable counter stools.
While some people may not mind the feeling of cold metal or wood against their back, upholstered backrests are an excellent option for those who prefer a warmer, cozier feel.
Furthermore, plush upholstered backs and seats are sometimes preferred in specific styles and designs that evoke a softer, more luxurious vibe.
Arthur 1 Umbria ClassicBackless bar stools can be a comfortable seating option, particularly when they have padded seats that offer extra cushioning.
When selecting a backless stool, it’s crucial to ensure that the seat is wide enough to accommodate your buttocks without feeling unstable or uncomfortable.
Backless saddle bar stools have wide seats, but are relatively narrow, making them ideal for tucking under an island or bar. They feature indented seats that resemble a saddle, which offers added comfort and support.
Keep in mind that although backless stools do not have a backrest, padded seats can provide enough comfort and support to make up for it.
Miller Nyx DodgeBar stools with arms can be more comfortable for extended periods, as they provide a place to rest your arms and relax while socializing with friends or family.
Keep in mind that armrests will make the stool wider, so it’s essential to measure your space to ensure the stool will fit comfortably.
If you have a larger area, stools with arms are an excellent option to consider. They can provide additional comfort and support, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed seating position.
On the other hand, armless stools can also be comfortable, particularly when you can rest your arms on the counter.
It all comes down to personal preference and what works best for your specific needs and space constraints.
977 Edmonton CardinMemory foam, high-density foam, or thick polyfill are often recommended for maximum comfort.
What features make a bar stool more comfortable?Features like backrests, footrests, armrests, padding, and a swivel mechanism can enhance comfort.
What’s the importance of a footrest on a bar stool?Footrests allow you to place your feet comfortably and can reduce pressure on the thighs, enhancing overall comfort.
How does the material of the frame (wood, metal, etc.) impact comfort?While the frame material might not directly influence the cushion’s comfort, a sturdy frame ensures stability, indirectly affecting the comfort and safety of the stool.
As showcased above, the essence of comfort in a bar stool cannot be stressed enough.
From the design of the backrest to the depth of the seat, each element plays a pivotal role in ensuring your seating experience is unparalleled.
Whether it’s for a brief morning routine or a lengthy evening chat, investing in a comfortable counter stool enriches both your physical well-being and the overall ambiance of the space.
Utilize our list as a guide, and ensure your chosen stool resonates with your comfort preferences and complements your room’s aesthetics. Happy seating!
Article updated on October 12, 2023
The piano stool (or bench) is often one of the most overlooked parts of buying an acoustic or digtial piano. It is easy to think “I’ll just use a chair”, but just because the stool itself doesn’t make the music, it’s not worth compromising on!
In the same way that you wouldn’t drive a car with a broken seat, a piano stool is just as much a part of your piano as the hammers and pedals. Being essentially the ‘drivers seat’ for all of the intricate movements during playing, pedaling and will impact the overall comfort of your piano playing experience.
That is why today, we wanted to break down some of the key things to consider when purchasing a piano stool or bench as well as some of the reasons that choosing the right piano stool for you matters!
Explore Quality Piano Stools
It’s easy to get caught up in lingos on the differences between stools and benches, but ultimately they are two halves of the same whole and the principles of what makes comprises a great stool or bench remain the same. They dictate your positioning, your posture and allow you to control things such as the height that you are playing at.
Conventionally, piano benches are longer, as they are usually used for duetting, and are a little heavier and bigger than stools. Ultimately however the difference is more of a stylistic choice, so for the purposes of today, we will be using the two terms interchangeably.
When purchasing a piano, it's often common for dealers to 'throw in' a piano stool free of charge. Whilst at first this may seem like a fantastic package deal, in reality these kinds of stools are often lower quality and overtime, we have seen many cases where they become wobbly, squeaky or the mechanism may even break.
The same goes for piano stools that can be found online for maybe £20 or so, these stools are almost always lower quality and can in fact affect your playing more than you may first think. We've even had one client come to us looking for something more high quality after they brought a cheap stool online that collapsed whilst they were playing!
A great example of this is the cheaper 'foldable' piano stools that are often supplied with digital pianos. Due to their x-frame design, these stools are often increidbly wobbly and lack the padding and comfort to encourage good piano posture. We would personally recommend avoiding these options for home use unless you have no other space.
A far better approach when it comes to piano stools is to consider them an extension of your piano and home. We have spoken about this in our interior design guide for pianos, but having a high quality piano stool can really maximise the impact that your piano has on the room and will leave you want to keep coming back to play more and more.
The easy ways to spot low quality piano stools are often:
Some great examples of quality piano stools that we personally offer are the Toledo, a highly adjustable entrypoint to piano stools and also the Madrid, which features not only a slightly more durable and quality adjustable action, but also allows for personalisation of colours and tops to match your home.
As expected, there’s no bigger point to make than comfort. If you’re not comfortable on your stool, you won’t have a great time playing your instrument. That’s why many companies such as Hidrau have invested countless time, techniques and materials in order to create the ultimate comfort experience for pianists across the globe.
Many premium benches, many have been ergonomically designed to alleviate pressure on the lumbar spine and thighs through rounded edges and secure padding.
For those who do especially struggle with back pain, it is even possible to get piano stools with supported backrests. If this is of interest, contact our experts today to learn more.
Much like when sitting at a computer desk, it’s easy for piano players to find themselves slouching forwards without proper back support, adding more pressure onto your back, thighs, shoulders and neck.
For optimum piano posture, your back should be straight, your arms relaxed from the shoulder, your elbows elevated slightly above the keys and your feet firmly on the floor and in reach of your pedals. There is an awful lot of technique also in piano posture, which you can read about further here.
Another easy one to overlook, but the actual stability of your bench will impact your playing a lot! There’s nothing more annoying than a squeaky or wobbly chair. A lot of this comes down to the mechanics of the bench itself and is why some stools actually use a hydraulics system in order to be as silent as possible during playing and adjusting. Entry level stools however typically have legs that are bolted on and can loosen overtime, whilst this is an easy fix via tightening, they can begin to squeak and lose their robustness after multiple fixings.
Higher end benches typically have the legs directly glued into the frame, meaning that they are ultimately more robust, harder to break and more sturdy to play, some even use dovetail joints to keep things in place.
When it comes to piano stools, it’s certainly not one size fits all and your stool should reflect both your needs and personality. That is why it is generally a better idea to get a stool that has the ability to be adjusted up or down based on your height.
Particularly for younger players, you will want a stool that still allows them to comfortably reach both the pedals and keys without strain.
Another great point to touch on is storage within a bench, many benches allow the user to store their music books or other utensils within the seat itself. Generally speaking this is purely personal preference, however particularly for young children, if you are moving the stool around a lot, it can be easy to get your fingers trapped in the hinge, so urge to move with some level of caution!
Again, this is covered extensively in our interior design guides for piano, however we personally believe that your piano stool should enhance your piano and reflect your personality. That is why we offer a number of finishes and tops across our piano stool range to help find a stool that matches your piano, style of play and the room it is in.
A fantastic model to start with here is the Hidrau Madrid Adjustable Piano Stool that comes in both polished and matt finishes as well as a kalidoscope of top colours.
Explore Piano Stools
Hopefully this guide has helped give you a little more insight into the world of piano benches and has given you some food for thought when purchasing your own bench!
If you would like any further assistance on choosing the right piano stool for you, our showroom team are available and ready to help! Get in touch today!
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