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rustic bar stools

Rustic Bar Stools: 4 Ideas for Comfort, Sturdiness & Price

In this day and age where we are all constantly caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to lose touch with nature.


But rustic bar stools are a style-savvy way of maintaining our precious connection with Mother Earth.


Exuding a one-of-a-kind pastoral charm, these stunning pieces of furniture are an excellent addition to any home. Their organic appeal makes them coveted by homeowners who value the understated elegance and benefits of natural furniture


Made from traditional materials, particularly wood, rustic bar stools offer a distinguishable country look that’s much sought-after and rapidly getting incorporated into our modern homes. 


Here’s why: 

  • Rustic bar stools are durable furniture pieces that will stand a test of time
  • The stools have distinctive lines, knots, and holes that make every piece unique
  • They’re versatile, hence can be combined and paired with different materials, such as metals
  • Every piece of rustic furniture has an incredible warmth that makes a home more inviting and comfortable

However, with all the different types of rustic bar stools in the market, settling on the best choice truly worth investing in can be a challenge. 


The following tips will serve as a guide to help you find quality rustic bar stools that are super comfortable, made with high-quality materials, and whose prices won’t break your bank.

1 - Choose the Right Height for Your Rustic Bar Stools

You want your family or guests to be comfortable when they're seated at your bar or counter, right? Choosing the right height for your rustic bar stools is an excellent way to do so.


First, bar stools come in four standard heights as shown in the table below. 

  • Short stool height: 16–23”
  • Counter stool height: 24–27” 
  • Standard bar stool height: 28–33” 
  • Extra tall bar stool height: 34–40” 

Each bar stool height is designed for a specific table height.


Therefore, to determine which stool you need, simply measure the height of your tabletop or counter. 


And always ensure the distance between the top of your bar stool’s seat and the bar table surface is about 10 inches to enjoy maximum seating comfort.


Refer to the table below for the ideal measurements:

Bar Table Height (Inches) Ideal Bar Stool Height (Inches)
26–33 Short (16–23)
34–37 Counter (24–27)
38–43 Standard (28–33)
44–54 Extra tall (34–40)

For customized bar tables or counters, opt for the closest match.


Luckily, when you purchase your rustic bar stools from Rustic Furniture Marketplace, you can choose from different heights, from the shortest to extra-tall. 


We offer a wide variety of rustic bar stool heights since we understand that not all homes have the same bar measurements. The varying range of furniture will ensure you find the most comfortable seats for your space.

2 - Only Go for the Best Material

The material used to make your rustic bar stools determine their durability.


There are three main materials for making rustic bar stools: 

  • Wood: Hand-carved seasoned wood, distressed wood, or reclaimed wood gives plain bar stools that attractive rustic look and feel. 
  • Leather: Genuine leather blends well with the rugged look, feel, and smell of rustic furniture. It will add comfort, a luxurious appeal, and develop a rich patina that gives the stools character.
  • Metal: Quality distressed metals or black brushed iron will help keep the bar stools sturdy and well-balanced. Metal is also easy to clean and will effortlessly complement your home’s modern aesthetic. 

Rustic bar stools are primarily made of wood, but not all woods will produce durable and long-lasting stools.


Woods have varying characteristics, advantages, and challenges. We discuss a few of them below:

Type Of Wood Species Features Drawbacks
Cedar
  • Has a rich red hue
  • Easily withstands high temperature
  • Naturally repels bugs
  • Lightweight
  • May fade after a chemical reaction
  • May need regular maintenance
Aspen
  • Comes in different beautiful shades—white, light brown, and blonde
  • Resistant to splitting
  • Has knots and unique grain patterns
  • Lightweight
  • Not readily available
  • Can be easily damaged by wate
Pine
  • Has an attractive white or yellow hue
  • Takes stains nicely
  • Resistant to wear
  • Fairly easy to work with
  • Can scratch easily if not treated
  • Tends to darken with age

Besides their qualities and drawbacks, your choice of wood will depend on the kind of look you want for your rustic bar stools. 


For instance, for a traditional rustic look with visible knots, similar to what you’d find in a mountain cabin, an aspen or a pine rustic bar stool would be the perfect choice. 

rustic bar stools

3 - Go for a Bar Stool With a Backrest

One of the key features that will determine your rustic bar stool’s comfort is its back or lack thereof.


If it’s added seating comfort you’re after, a stool with a backrest is an investment worth considering.  


There are two key back styles of rustic bar stools: backless and those with a back. 


Backless bar stools give a sleeker, cleaner look and take up less space, making them a key consideration for small spaces.

And since they lack a back, they can easily slide underneath the bar table or countertop when not in use. 


However, backless stools aren’t a good fit if you’ll be spending lots of time sitting on them.


When it comes to the most comfortable rustic bar stools, those with backs undoubtedly take the lead.

Backed bar stools offer full back support and also encourage better sitting posture, which will allow you to stay comfortable for longer periods. 


It’s also an added accessory in a home with small children and elderly who may have trouble maintaining an upright sitting posture. These backed bar stools will give them that extra safety and support they need.


If you want your bar stool to provide even more comfort, especially if you intend to sit on it for longer periods, ensure it comes with a padded seat.


A padded seat offers the softest and warmest surface for sitting while having a drink or working from your counter. 


If your top choice rustic bar stool doesn’t come with a padded seat, you can always add your own home cushions instead. They come in many shapes and sizes and can be easily removed and washed when needed.

4 - Don’t Just Settle for the Lowest Price

Let’s be honest, you only need to buy bar stools every few years. 


You’ll be very lucky, indeed, if you’re able to invest in a quality set of rustic bar stools that last you for decades and become family heirlooms.


Price is one of the key factors to consider when buying your home furniture, and in most cases, it will tell much of your stools’ longevity.


Getting the best rustic bar stools doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to break your bank, but it is worth paying a little bit extra for improved functionality and durability. 


Several factors will influence the final cost of your rustic bar stools: 

  • Material used: Reclaimed or recycled wood is more expensive than the regular wood because of the intense refinement and procurement process it has to go through.
  • Build quality: The best rustic bar stools are made by skilled artisans and exude a high level of craftsmanship. They don’t just look good but are also made with quality materials to ensure they’re solid and durable for long-term use.
  • Design sophistication: The more complicated the design of the rustic bar stools, the more it will cost. This is because more labor efforts will be needed to curve and implement the designs.

For example, bar stools with a swivel, a padded seat, or an armrest, will cost more than a simpler one.


Remember, furniture made of quality materials may be pricier but they’ll last longer. That’s why it’s crucial to only invest in the best quality available.


This will mean spending more money on your rustic bar stools, which might mean choosing quality over quantity


It’s okay to start with two quality bar stools that will last a lifetime instead of buying six stools made with low-quality wood or finished with a cheap varnish.


Knowing exactly the features you need on your stools will also save you time, effort, and money. 


For instance, if you have extra seat cushions, then you can opt for a stool without a padded seat, in case you’re working with a tight budget. 


Likewise, you may not need a stool with a backrest if you won’t be spending much time sitting at the bar station.


The beauty of our rustic bar stools are the endless options you have to create a space that’s unique and personal, rather than just accepting what mass retailers are selling. 


This can all be done without breaking your bank, as we have varying prices to fit every buyer’s financial needs, while still getting them quality products. 

Don’t Settle For Less, Choose Only the Best

Buying the best rustic bar stools isn’t something to take lightly. 


Choose the right set, and you’ll be able to enjoy your stools for a long time to come. Buy the wrong ones, and you’ll end up spending lots of money without much to show for it.


The rustic bar stools most worth your purchase are those made with quality materials, have added features such as a backrest or armrests for extra comfort, and boast a high level of craftsmanship.


Rustic Furniture Marketplace offers a wide range of quality rustic bar stools from reputable USA brands such as Montana Woodworks and Vin de Flame to cater to your personal furniture needs.


There are options for everyone, whether wood seats or padded seats, with a back or backless, with armrests or without, all depending on your style and preferences.


We also offer complete bar sets besides the bar stools. 


Browse our entire selection to find something for you.

"Workmanship, style, comfort, and looks all come together with this product ... Great that it’s 100% made in the USA. Shopping was personable and easy. Totally satisfied."

— David D, Verified Buyer

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