Stools and chairs are both types of seating, but they have different purposes and provide different levels of comfort.
A chair is a piece of seating with a backrest and often armrests. Chairs are designed to provide support and comfort for extended periods of time. Chairs come in an almost limitless variety of styles. Dining chairs, lounge chairs, and office chairs are just a few of the options available when it comes to chairs. They can be crafted of virtually any material, but common options are wood, metal, acrylic, or upholsteries like leather or velvet.
In contrast to a chair which generally has a back and arms, a stool is a backless and armless. As a result, stools are intended to be used for shorter periods of time and are usually associated with casual or informal settings like bars, counters, or kitchen islands. They are designed for tasks that can be accomplished quickly and don’t require the support of a backrest, such as having a quick meal or a drink. Like chairs, stools can come in a wide variety of materials or style, but you will generally find options to be much more limited than chairs.
