You don’t have to own a local pub or tavern to enjoy the beauty, comfort, style and functionality of stools. Once relegated to the dark corners of a seedy bar, bar stools have become one of the most versatile pieces of furniture in your home.

Part of the reason is its versatility. The stools can be used in any number of rooms in your home, from sitting at a pub-style table in your kitchen and breakfast bar to being used on an outdoor covered patio near the barbecue. In between, you’ll find them in your family room, game room, and even your home theater.

This renaissance in popularity is due in large part to the wide selection of stools on the market these days. They can be found in all major furniture styles, including modern, contemporary, transitional, and traditional.

When selecting bar stools for your home, you need to keep a few things in mind.

First, you need to decide on the style. Since this has probably already been determined by the other furniture or décor sharing the same space, this should be relatively straightforward.

The following are the features. Yes, the stools have features. You can choose a very basic stool that has a fixed, unpadded, no back seat, or you can get ones that have all of these features and more, including the ability to swivel. If you want your guests to be comfortable, you probably want to go with stools that have backs. However, this may not be ideal if you want to store them away when not in use, such as under your pub table or breakfast bar. A back, especially one that is curved or has arms, can greatly affect how you store them.

That being said, guests will appreciate the added comfort of a backrest, especially one with arms. They will also enjoy a padded seat. Fortunately, manufacturers make bar stools in a wide range of fabrics and many retailers, especially online, allow you to order your choice of fabric to match your decor.

Another nice feature to have is a footrest. With many stools, lower stands give guests a place to rest their feet. With others, a special foot bar is added. Just make sure the footrest isn’t too high or too low for your average family member.

Bar stools come in various heights, from 24″ to 32″, although you can also find them a bit taller or shorter. You want to make sure you get a stool that is not too tall or short for your counters. Just measure your countertop and understand that the height refers to the height of the seat part, not the total height of the stool.

Lastly, you want to consider the material. The stools come in almost any material imaginable, from sleek stainless steel for a more modern look, oak, maple or pine for a more traditional look, or even bamboo and wicker for a tropical feel. Some stools, especially those for outdoor entertaining, may appear to be bamboo, but are instead made of metal, adding strength and durability while withstanding all kinds of weather.

When shopping for quality stools, expect to pay $50 or more. While cheaper stools may be tempting, they may not last. A good place to buy stools is online. Online retailers often have a fantastic selection, and with free shipping, prices can be very competitive. Best of all, you can easily shop for different styles, as you can use a built-in search engine to narrow down your choices. Some models come in different heights, so you’ll want to check your selections before finalizing your order.