BAR DESIGN IDEAS – WHAT IS THE BEST BAR STOOL SPACING?

What is the best bar stool spacing

Bar stool spacing – what are the design standards for bars? To design a bar for economic viability, the question is how much space should be between bar stools.

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DESIGN STANDARDS FOR BARS

In bar design we’re always asking our clients how close they want their bar stools. The average size for a commercial bar stool is 18” x 20”, as shown in this example. The most common mistake I see is when people attempt to place the stools too close together, when featuring 3” side-to-side clearance. It’s important to note the following:

  • By architectural standards, 3” of bar stool side-clearance will allow less than 5% of male users access without disturbing the adjacent patron.
  • On the opposite side of the bar I’m featuring backless stools placed 12” apart; this will accommodate 95% of the patrons. The trade-off is one less stool for every 10’ of bar length.
  • Not many bar owners would opt for the latter solution, but a good compromise would be 6” of side-clearance as shown with both the backless stool and the first stool.
  • Side-to-side bar stool clearance of 6” is the most popular choice among the majority of our commercial bar design clients.

Don’t be fooled by the center-to-center bar stool dimension people often discuss, as the information can be misleading. Use the above bar stool options and your interests will be better-served.

Architectural drawing depicting 3" of bar stool side clearance
Architectural Drawing Depicting 3" of Bar Stool Side Clearance

STRIVE TO CREATE A BALANCE BETWEEN CLEARANCE AND COMFORT

Creating generous side-to-side bar stool clearance and optimizing the number of seats is a balancing act affected by the sizes of the stools themselves. As a general rule, the most expensive bar stools are the largest. Backless bar stools will provide the maximum number of seating opportunities, as shown in our earlier example. Shown here is the model 709-30 Labella bar stool by MTS Seating, a very popular manufacturer of hospitality seating. This stool is 16” x 16” and costs about $100 ea. A larger, more comfortable bar stool is the MTS model 902-30, which is 21” x 23 ½” and costs about $300 ea. Cut sheets for these and other MTS seating are downloadable below.

Architectural Drawing Depicting 6" of Side Clearance for Bar Stools
Architectural Drawing Depicting 6" of Side Clearance for Bar Stools

THE OPTIMAL BAR STOOL SPACING

The takeaway today is to not overcrowd your bar stools. Backless bar stools will help maximize the number of seats and for best results, prudent bar design is to plan for 6” – 12” of side-clearance.

 

DOWNLOADS FOR THIS POST::

MTS_900_Series_Bar_Stools_Cut_Sheet.pdf
901-30-K_Bar_Stool_Cut_Sheet.pdf

MTS_CLUB_SEATING_GUIDE.pdf

709-30_GR6_Labella_Bar_Stool_Cut_Sheet.pdf

 

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RICK UZUBELL

President of Cabaret Design Group, Rick holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, and is a F&B consultant and well-known bar design expert with years of experience serving hotels, restaurants, sports bars and destination bars. He has developed a command of bar design solutions involving ergonomics, equipment, systems and finishes that bridges the "Gray Zone" between interior designers and architects. He's also a champion of ADA design in commercial bar applications. Through his unique architectural engineering approach he calls "Integrated Bar Design," Rick solves complex bar design challenges beyond the expertise of typical design professionals. His proudest achievements include curved bar design solutions using the modular bar die system and steel as a core design element. As a commercial bar design specialist, Rick has cutting-edge knowledge of draft beer systems, liquor systems, keg room design and batch cocktail systems. He will add significant value to any commercial bar design project. Rick is a proud member of the F&B consortium known as the "Magnificent 7".
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