156 Bar Stools & Counter Stools

How do I choose the right height for my bar stools?

The last thing you want is a stool that has you cramming your legs under the counter, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the height of the area you’ll be sitting at. The most common bar stool sizes available are table height, counter height, bar height and extra tall. You’ll want to aim for about 9 to 13 inches between the top of the stool seat and the bottom of your countertop, but to make things even easier, we’ve put together a handy guide that matches up standard counter heights with bar stool heights:

• Table Height: These range in height from 18 to 23 inches and can accommodate a surface height of 28 to 30 inches. They’re a great alternative to your more traditional dining table chairs.
• Counter Height: These vary in height from 24 to 26 inches and will fit a surface height of 36 to 39 inches. They’re smaller than a typical bar or restaurant stool.
• Bar Height: These go from 28 to 30 inches in height and are perfect for a bar with a surface height of 40 to 42 inches. You can find stools in this height at many restaurants.
• Extra Tall: Get a spectator’s view with a height of 33 to 36 inches. You’ll want to pair these with a counter that has a surface height of 44 to 47 inches.

You should also keep in mind the horizontal space around your bar stool. Six inches between each stool is optimal for socialising and eating, but if your dream bar or kitchen has swivel bar stools or stools with arms, you’ll want to add just a bit more space.

What style of bar stool is best for my counter or bar?

Have a look around your kitchen or bar and decide if you want your new stools to stand out or blend in with the colour, style or materials already present. For placement in a narrow hallway or next to a kitchen island, backless bar stools are a great choice, because they can be tucked out of the way under the counter overhang. If your stools are the pièce de résistance to your kitchen or eating space, look for easy to clean surfaces like leather, wood, metal or even microfibre.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match, either. Metal bar stools can add contrast to a kitchen or bar that is predominantly wood, and wooden bar stools can bring a bit of nature inside a modern, high gloss kitchen.