Barstools are becoming more popular because their varied styles not only are more appealing than the common wooden bar stool but actually accentuate the theme of a home. Bar stools allow for a higher view when eating, drinking, or socializing and can add to the atmosphere, given the right bar stool.

There are many different constructions. Barstools are often made of wood or metal. There are bar stools with and without armrests, back, and padding on the seat surface. Barstools can range from basic wooden designs to extremely detailed ones with a custom height for the perfect fit. Extra tall and extra short are common features, as well as indoor bar stools and outdoor bar stools. Some bar stools have backs, while most do not.

In commercial settings, swivel and floor mounted bar stools are common, floor mounting renders the stool less likely to be moved, stolen or used as a weapon. Floor mounted stools generally are mounted on a column but stools with legs can also be secured to the floor using metal angles.

The normal seat height for a bar stool is 30" (72cm) with a twenty six inch (66cm) stool being used against kitchen counters. Extra tall 36" (91,5cm) stools are increasingly used in contemporary styles with high pub tables to create a striking visual effect in modern interiors. By comparison a conventional dining chair seat height is 18 inches (46cm).

The seating industry is a major consumer of polyurethane foam as padding for comfort[citation needed].

Bar stools can be made from rattan or bamboo and these stools are useful in creating a tiki bar effect. The retro styling of the fifties and sixties is extremely popular in commercial premises[citation needed]and chrome and vinyl stools combined with matching benches or diner chairs are great for creating a retro look.

Similarly in commercial premises stacking stools are often favored for their space saving qualities and it is common for bar stools and matching chairs to be used.

Aluminum is a good choice of material for stools that will be used outdoors and stacking aluminum stools and patio chairs are extensively used by commercial premises. Indoors wood and upholstery are very popular choices in traditional settings.

Bar stools are commonly used in pool or billiard halls and the style of chair customized for such use is often called a "spectator chair".

Seating is a growth area for consumers and on line purchasing is on the increase, with drop shipped bar stools and dining chairs now forming a large market[citation needed]. Seating products are usually made to order and customers can specify a wide range of fabrics and finishes as well as specifying other options such as height and custom foot rests.