This really isn't a design dilemma. I can't figure out how to pots a "story" so I'm just making a collection of bar stools I liked with pros and cons.

I like older styles and don't care for modern. I despise laminated mdf/particle board but it seems to be the most abundant option.

My must-haves for bar stools:

1. Comfortable seat-- I've found rounded front ones are a little less
comfortable and I prefer fronts designed with leg position in mind

2. Lumbar support- I have a bad back and need the support, so low or medium backed chairs are necessary

3. Swivel- makes it much easier to get in & out of

4. Foot rest

5. Sturdy/durable

6. Easy to clean

7. Sized to accommodate larger family members

Here are some that I liked:

Boswell Swivel Bar and Counter Stools - Frontgate · More Info
This can be customized with leather upholstery.

Pros- buttoned/tufted back, arms that hug the body a bit but still
give people room to get out, nice spindled design on front legs, love
the color of the wood, front crossbar can be used as foot support.

Cons- While I like the nailhead design, I think it might be
uncomfortable against the back of the legs, might be a tight squeeze for
larger individuals, I'm pretty sure its some sort of laminated particle
board instead of real wood so it will not be as sturdy, I'm not sure if
the construction is sturdy, I don't think it swivels, its expensive.

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81fdb16347a9bbc0714f5ced1671cc84.jpg (JPEG Image, 520 × 720 pixels) - Scaled (86 · More Info
Also from frontgate (and customizable so you can use different materials for upholstery)

Pros- comfy looking leather seat, swivel seat, metal wrapped foot
support, nice curved back, back support, design of front legs is pretty,
arm rests are nice.

Cons- looks like laminated particle board again, wood part might hit
the backs of legs, wood part on back and arms might be less comfortable,
arms might stick out a bit too far for comfort when trying to get in
and out of the seat, expensive.

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Chesterfield Swivel Bar and Counter Stools - Frontgate · More Info
Another offering from Frontgate- also customizable so you could
pick a different color for the fake wood. I personally like mahogany.

Pros- nice classy look, swivel seat, rolled armrests, nice leg supports.

Cons- Back might be a bit too high for comfort (or would block view
of the bar somewhat), front lower part of armrest might be uncomfortable
if you accidentally hit it wrong trying to get into the chair,
nailheads might not be comfortable, slightly curved front might not be
as comfortable as flatter front, laminated particle board.

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The Top 7 Factors to Look for When Buying Bar Stools - LA Furniture Blog · More Info
This one is a bit more modern than I prefer but it has many of the features I like

Pros: adjustable height, wrapped in vinyl, back support, swivel seat, foot rest

Cons- I prefer wood, it would be nice if the fronts of the arms
curved more for comfort-- arms are not very wide so might not be all
that comfortable for resting.

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The Top 7 Factors to Look for When Buying Bar Stools - LA Furniture Blog · More Info
Pros: nice design for the seat, swivel seat, buttoned leather back
at good height, curved arm rests with cutouts for people who have hip
shelves or wider behinds, adjustable height, foot rest, metal base.

Cons: buttoned leather on seat uncomfortable, collects crumbs, shiny chrome-- would prefer a wood look or darker metal.