Hill Cross Furniture 
What do people do while they’re waiting for their table? Or just getting a quick drink? They sit at a raised table or at the bar. There’s an added element of freedom in this type of custom, with an understanding that you might need to run off at any moment. This more casual visiting experience needs to be facilitated by high-quality contract stools. But knowing exactly what to look for can be hard when starting or revamping a hospitality business.
This article will offer guidelines on how to shop for commercial barstools (or bar stools), touching on everything from stylistic direction to signs of structural integrity. This way, picking out pieces for your venue should feel more straightforward than ever.
Check for build quality, durability & safety
One of the most important things about contract barstools is that they need to withstand heavy use. Domestic stools don’t nearly have to tolerate as much human traffic as those in professional spaces. That’s why you need to choose stools that are made with heavy-duty construction, with materials and make notes including:
- Real hardwoods, like beech or oak
- Reinforced joinery for metal-to-metal fixings (fewer joints means fewer points of failure)
- High-gauge steel frames on metal stools
- Powder-coated finishes to prevent chipping
- ISO 9001 certification is a clear sign of manufacturing quality
- Crib 5 BS 5852 and BS EN 16139 standards are clear signs of fire and stability safety
These are clear, easy-to-notice elements that help to confirm that the contract stools you purchase will be of a high quality and very safe. If you can’t see the details immediately, it’s worth contacting a supplier you’re interested in.
For the sake of durability, you can also check for easy-clean surfaces and Martindale rub counts, as this will make it easier to keep stools clean and pristine. This is especially important in bar environments where people might be more prone to spillage.
Picking based on branding & purpose
After you’ve found a supplier that deals in quality pieces, you need to think about how you want them to function in the space.
Height: You need to consider how high your bars, counters and high tables are, then pick stools that fit with that height.
Desired dwell time & comfort: Do you want bar stools with backs or backless pieces? The former can be a little more comfortable, while the latter can be better for high-traffic, fast-paced workplaces.
Swivel vs Static: Swivel chairs can be a little more sociable, while static chairs can feel a little more formal. Consider the atmosphere you’re aiming for.
Upholstered vs Non-upholstered: pholstered seats can be more welcoming, however, with higher maintenance, whereas non-upholstered stools are easy to clean and versatile.
General aesthetics: It’s important to pick based on your overarching aesthetic style. Simple black bar stools are versatile, while patterned upholstery can suit more lavish interiors.
Completing bar furniture with stools needs to be a considered process that accounts for your existing environment.
Finding the right contract stool supplier
If you’re interested in finding the perfect contract stools for your business settings, visit Hill Cross Furniture, the UK’s leading contract furniture supplier.
We have a massive range of different stools, along with plenty of other categories, suitable for all manner of different settings. For more insights into commercial furniture, check out our blog now.
