My petty gripe: bar stools – have we not suffered enough?

The Endless Struggle with Bar Stools

Why must every café, pub, restaurant, or event force its customers to perch awkwardly on bar stools as if reenacting their days in a highchair? These tall, unstable seats turn a simple outing into an exercise in balance and endurance.

A Triumph of Style Over Comfort

Bar stools seem designed less for comfort and more to match some aesthetic ideal. Their narrow seats, lack of back support, and dizzying height make them the sworn enemies of relaxation. Patrons end up clutching the counter like climbers clinging to a cliff.

"Bar stools are a bona fide torture device."

The Illusion of Coolness

Despite decades of complaints, the trend persists. Perhaps bars cling to the illusion that sitting higher makes people feel cooler, more connected, or more social. Yet, it often has the opposite effect—creating discomfort and making long conversations almost impossible.

Time to Reclaim Comfort

Surely humanity has evolved past this form of public seating punishment. Ordinary chairs exist for a reason: they keep drinks upright and dignity intact. It’s time for cafés and pubs to prioritize comfort over design minimalism.

Author’s summary: A humorous critique of bar stools that highlights how aesthetic choices in public spaces often sacrifice comfort for style.

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The Guardian The Guardian — 2025-11-27

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