We all know which bar stools fall into the ugly and uncomfortable realm. They are the ones that have no backs and no real structure to the seat. These bar stools are often comprised of metal frames that function as stiff legs protruding out of the bottom of an awkwardly rounded seat that is covered with a tough plastic material.

Not only are these seats unappealing to the eyes, they can also wreak havoc on the lower back. The bar stools have no support and the rounded edges of the circular-shaped seat make the threat of sliding off of the seat loom over the occupant’s comfort. These bar stools are also heavy and awkward to move. I know this from a number of years of sweeping beneath these obtrusive structures. I would try anything to avoid having to move them.

Next are the more comfortable designs that accommodate the lower back but still wreak havoc on the eyes. These bar stools are also constructed out of the metal and plastic combination. The thing that makes these bar stools particularly unappealing is the awful array of colors the manufacturers chose.

These colors include an evergreen hue that really belongs outdoors and should only be used in the manufacture of plastic products in the form of, well, evergreen trees. Somehow the color screams plastic. The other popular color for bar stools among some bar owners is burgundy, which is normally an attractive color until it is pressed in plastic “leather-like” panels that cover bar stools. It really loses its appeal.

Among the attractive yet comfortable breed of bar stools comes the group that resemble actual furniture. These seats are often constructed out of wood and may have fake leather upholstery but you really can’t tell unless you have a trained eye. One important feature of the comfortable bar stools is that they have enough cushioning for the area where the person sits.

Another important feature is the swivel. Good bar stools swivel. This helps the individual move in and out of his seating area in one sweeping motion rather than having to move the entire seat to get up. Any bartender will tell you that moving bar stools is no fun.