Bar stools turn high tables and counters into comfortable seats – at receptions, at the bar, in the lounge or on the trade fair stand. Which bar stool is right depends on the length of the event, the look you want, the table height and where it will be set up.
In this guide we compare bar stools with and without a backrest, explain which seat height goes with which table, how many bar stools you need and what to look out for when planning, setting up and using them outdoors.
In brief: which bar stool is right?
- Short reception, trade fair, outdoors: Industrial bar stool – no backrest, stackable, allowed to get wet
- Longer event, gala, lounge: elegant bar stool with backrest and padding
- The right height: a seat height of 75 to 76 cm goes with tables and counters of 100 to 115 cm
- Clearance: 25 to 35 cm between the seat and the edge of the table
- Number: 3 to 4 bar stools per high table with a diameter of 70 cm
- Outdoors: Industrial even in the rain, the padded models preferably under cover
No backrest, stackable, robust
Industrial bar stool: the robust all-rounder
The metal Industrial bar stool is light, stackable and the most robust of our bar stools – up to 250 kg. With a seat height of 76 cm and a footrest at 30 cm, it is ideal for high tables 110 cm high. The clean lines in black or white look modern and urban.
Because it has no padding, it can also stand in the rain – ideal for summer parties and outdoor areas. Without a backrest, people tend to sit for shorter periods: it is particularly suitable for receptions, trade fairs and events where guests switch between sitting and standing.
Typical occasions: receptions & product presentations
summer parties & outdoor areas
trade fair stands & bars
With backrest and padding
Elegant bar stool: comfortable even for longer periods
With a padded seat and backrest, the elegant bar stool offers a high level of seating comfort – even when guests sit for longer. The seat height is 75 cm. In white it looks light and festive, in black with faux leather modern with a factory look.
It goes with high tables with covers and with counters. It can be used outdoors, but because of the padding it should not stand in the rain – plan it under cover. It is not stackable.
Typical uses: galas & weddings
lounges & bars
stage set-ups & panel discussions
With or without a backrest? The right bar stool for each occasion
The most important question is how long your guests will sit. For short receptions and trade fairs, a bar stool without a backrest is enough – it is light, stackable and takes up little space. If guests sit for longer, for example at dinner at high tables, at the bar or in a panel discussion, a model with a backrest is much more comfortable.
| Occasion | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks reception / networking | Industrial | Short sitting time, lots of movement |
| Trade fair stand | Industrial | Space-saving, robust, easy to move |
| Summer party / outdoor area | Industrial | Can also stand in the rain |
| Wedding / gala | Elegant white or black | Festive look, comfortable for longer periods |
| Bar / lounge | Elegant | Guests sit at the counter for longer |
| Panel discussion / stage | Elegant | The backrest ensures an upright, calm sitting posture |
The right height
Combining bar stools and high tables correctly
For guests to sit comfortably, there should be about 25 to 35 cm between the seat and the edge of the table. Our bar stools have a seat height of 75 to 76 cm and therefore go with tables and counters 100 to 115 cm high – for example our folding high tables at 110 cm and the elegant high tables at 101.5 cm.
Visually, the Industrial bar stool goes well with folding high tables with covers in black or white, and the elegant bar stool with high tables with a wedding cover or tablecloth. Which high table suits your occasion is explained in our high tables guide.
Planning: what to look out for with bar stools
1. Number of bar stools
Plan 3 to 4 bar stools per high table with a diameter of 70 cm. That leaves enough room for guests who prefer to stand and for putting down glasses. Not every guest needs a seat: at receptions most guests stand, and bar stools are mainly intended for guests who want to sit down now and then.
2. Space around the table
Bar stools need space for getting on and off. So don’t place high tables with bar stools too close together and keep walkways clear for guests and service – especially at the bar and buffet.
3. Ground
All our bar stools stand on rubber feet that protect the floor and ensure a secure footing. On grass or gravel the feet sink in more easily – firm, level ground is ideal.
4. Use outdoors
The Industrial bar stool is allowed to get completely wet. The padded models with a backrest are also suitable for outdoors, but should not stand in the rain – plan them under a marquee, parasol or canopy.
5. Delivery and set-up
The Industrial bar stool is delivered stacked to save space. With the Comfort package, we set up the bar stools at high tables and counters and dismantle them after the event.
Expert tip from Munich Event Rent
Mix them for longer events: Industrial bar stools at the high tables in the reception area, elegant bar stools with a backrest at the bar or in the lounge. That way guests who want to sit for longer have a comfortable seat – and the room still stays open.
Bar stools compared side by side
| Model | Industrial | Elegant with backrest |
|---|---|---|
| Backrest | No | Yes, with padding |
| Seat height | 76 cm, footrest 30 cm | 75 cm |
| Colours | Black, white | Black, white |
| Stackable | Yes | No |
| Load capacity | up to 250 kg – our most robust model | White up to 100 kg |
| Outdoors | Yes, allowed to get wet | Yes, preferably under cover |
| Strength | Robust, light, space-saving | Comfortable, festive look |
| Ideal for | Reception, trade fair, summer party | Gala, wedding, bar, lounge |
How to find the right bar stool
If you want to decide quickly, this logic helps:
- Short sitting, lots of movement: Industrial bar stool.
- Outdoors without cover: Industrial bar stool.
- Longer sitting, festive setting: elegant bar stool with backrest.
- Bar or lounge: elegant bar stool, complemented by lounge furniture.
If you already know what you need, go straight to the matching category:
Frequently asked questions about bar stools
Which seat height do I need for a high table?
There should be about 25 to 35 cm between the seat and the edge of the table. Our bar stools with a seat height of 75 to 76 cm therefore go with tables and counters 100 to 115 cm high, for example high tables at 110 cm or 101.5 cm.
Bar stool with or without a backrest – which is better?
For short receptions and trade fairs, a bar stool without a backrest is enough. If guests sit for longer, for example at the bar, in the lounge or while eating at high tables, a model with a backrest is much more comfortable.
How many bar stools do I need per high table?
We recommend 3 to 4 bar stools per high table with a diameter of 70 cm. That leaves enough room for guests who prefer to stand.
Does every guest need a bar stool?
No. At receptions most guests stand. Bar stools are mainly intended for guests who want to sit down now and then. For longer events you should plan more seating.
Are the bar stools allowed to get wet?
The Industrial bar stool is allowed to get completely wet. The padded bar stools with a backrest are also suitable for outdoors, but should not stand in the rain.
Which bar stool has the highest load capacity?
The Industrial bar stool is our most robust model and can take up to 250 kg.
Are the bar stools stackable?
The Industrial bar stool is stackable and is delivered stacked to save space. The elegant bar stool with a backrest is not stackable.
Which bar stool suits a wedding?
For weddings and galas we recommend the elegant bar stool with a backrest, for example in white with high tables with a wedding cover.
Are the bar stools suitable for grass?
The rubber feet stand most securely on firm ground. On grass or gravel the feet can sink in – level, firm ground is ideal.
Are the bar stools set up?
With the Comfort package, we set up the bar stools at high tables and counters and dismantle them after the event.
Non-binding advice
Not sure which bar stool is right?
We are happy to help you with your planning. Tell us the type of event, number of guests, location and the look you want – we will recommend suitable bar stools and high tables and, on request, prepare an individual quote.