Backless bar stools

At 7:40 AM the queue reaches the register, and every stool back poking into the aisle costs you walkway. Backless stools slide under the ledge instead. 34 are here, nearly all on metal frames, some fixed and some swivel. Start by measuring the height of your counter or window ledge.

What a backless stool gives back

Inches are the whole game in a narrow shop. A stool with a back sticks out into the walkway. A backless seat tucks under the edge, and the aisle stays as wide as you drew it.

Spacing is the other half. Each stool wants 24 to 30 inches of ledge, measured center to center. A 10-foot ledge at 24 inches seats five; at 30 inches, four. Picture the 8 AM line with five people on stools and a stroller trying to get past. That is the number to test.

Sizes and seats in this group

Four examples show the spread. Footprints run from 16 by 16 inches to 19 by 19, and heights from 28 1/2 to 30 3/8 inches. That sits close to bar height: stools of about 29 to 31 inches go with a 40 to 42 inch ledge. One example stands a little under, so check before you count seats.

Seventeen of the 34 have metal frames and one is wood. Seats are vinyl on 8, wood on 7 and fabric on 2, and 4 list upholstery options if you want them to match a bench. Nine have a retro look, 6 are tolix style, and 7 swivel. Prices start around $79, with the median near $105.

Measure three things before you order:

• The ledge height, floor to top.
• The overhang, so you know how far a seat can tuck under.
• The aisle behind the row, which should still read about 36 inches with every stool in use.

When to add a back

The backless swivel bar stool is the smallest footprint among the examples, 16 by 16 inches. Guests who settle in with a laptop for the lull between rushes may want more support. For a backrest, see modern bar stools. For more swivel choices, try swivel bar stools.

Is your counter 34 to 36 inches instead of a bar ledge? Then you want counter stools, which sit lower. Only one stool in this group is listed for patio use, so a sidewalk ledge belongs with patio bar stools.

Sketch the window row in a cafe plan, set the spacing at 24 inches, and count what fits.