Simona is an interior design and décor writer for Homedit. Since 2011, she has been writing about interior design, DIY solutions, and the latest trends in home architecture.
Bar stools are pretty controversial, not exactly something you’d expect for something so common and widely used. They’ve become a must-have for a lot of modern and contemporary kitchens and then of course we have the bars and man caves that make the most of them. There’s a surprisingly big number of variations related to the design and structure of the bar stool. A common debate is the choice between backless bar stools and those with backrests. Each type has its own pros and cons.
The general opinion is that bar stools with backs are more comfortable than the backless ones. It’s quite logical actually. Having something to rest against is definitely comfortable and even ergonomic, especially if you’re sitting on the stool for long periods of time. Backless stools can be comfortable too, usually if they’re only used periodically or for short periods of time.
Besides the backrest or lack thereof, another important part of a bar stool is the footrestSaddle stools have a wide and curved seat which makes them very comfortable to sit onIf you choose backless bar stools, make sure the seats aren’t too smallBackless bar stools are often preferred because of how sleek and stylish they lookOpt for backless stools if you want to avoid clutter in the room or around the table/ counterAnother advantage of having backless bar stools is that you can store them under the counterLook for stools with padded seats. They’re more comfortable which is important, especially when there’s no backrestThese cork-top bar stools even have a handle from which to hold them when you’re moving them aroundSome bar stools have really interesting forms and designs and a backrest would only hold them back
Of course, the backrest isn’t the only thing that makes a bar stool comfortable. Its entire design and structure are important. The type you choose has to do with the size of the room, its function and also how often you plan on using the stools. You should focus on the height, material and style of the stool. For example, decide whether you want a swivel system or not and, if you plan on getting a backless design, the seat should be padded and big enough to be comfortable.
The backless design allows the colored seats to stand out and to become focal pointsIf you don’t want a backrest, at least make sure the seat is nice and comfyBackless bar stools are quite controversial and usually not very safe for kidsA backless design is better for small spaces, being a way to avoid visual clutterAlthough most commonly paired with kitchen counters, bar stools can also complement a corner tableWhen paired with a small table, bar stools with no backs are less visually imposingBackless bar stools are easier to store and conceal when they’re not usedThis is design that comes in two versions, both with and without a backrestThe type of bar stool you choose has a lot to do with the setting and the proportions of the counter or tableThis is a seat with a shape designed to be comfortable and to compensate for the lack of a backrestHeight-adjustable chairs have an advantage over the others, being more flexible and versatileSome backless bar stools can be stacked for storage or easy cleaningSome designs look better when there’s no backrest to break the symmetryA lot of bar stool classics have backless designs, serving as inspiration for a lot of models
Even though the stools with backs win when it comes to comfort, there’s more to consider when choosing a style for a particular space. Backless stools have their charm too. For instance, a lot of people prefer them for the simple fact that they look sleek and beautiful and that they don’t clutter the space visually. Backless bar stools are also practical in the sense that you can tuck them under the counter to save space. So now that you know a little about both types and that you’ve also seen some wonderful designs, which one do you prefer?
