A bar stool is a high stool, usually with a footrest to support the feet. The height and narrowness of the bar stool make it suitable for use in bars or pubs with bars and high tables.

There are many different types, of construction materials, and models. Bar stools are usually made of wood or metal. Bar stools with or without armrests, backrests, and padded or upholstered seating surfaces. Bar stools range from basic wooden designs to more complex designs with adjustable heights. Extra tall and extra short are common features, as well as indoor bar stools and outdoor bar stools. Some bar stools have a backrest, while most do not. Swivel and floor-standing bar stools are common in commercial settings.

The normal seat height for bar stools is 30 inches (76 cm), while the 26-inch (66 cm) stool is used to lean against the kitchen counter. Extra tall 36-inch (91 cm) stools are increasingly used for modern-style high bar tables to create a visual effect in contemporary interiors. Counter-height bar stools have a seat height of 24 inches (61 cm). In comparison, traditional dining chairs have a seat height of 18 inches (46 cm). Some bar stools use polyurethane foam as padding to improve comfort. Bar stools can be made of rattan or bamboo, which are used to create the tiki bar effect. The 1950s and 1960s vintage styles are popular in some bars and restaurants, which use chrome and vinyl stools in combination with matching benches or dining chairs. Stacking stools are often favored for their space-saving properties. Some establishments use matching bar stools and chairs.