How to Select the Best Kitchen Bar Stools

Love Your Home
Written By Sarah Abbott

In these unprecedented times, when the majority of us find ourselves working from home, the kitchen has become an all-purpose room for most families. 

Islands serve as makeshift desks for working parents. Dining tables serve as classrooms for virtual schooling. And of course, the kitchen still needs to be available for meal preparation, too. Talk about a well-used space!

If you’re finding yourself thinking that your kitchen could use an upgrade, but a kitchen renovation simply isn’t in the cards this minute, we do have one surefire way to make your space more comfortable and functional for your family... adding great bar stools!

Bar stools that are the perfect height, spaced appropriately, styled for your home, and crafted with comfort in mind can transform your kitchen into a place you enjoy more fully and more peacefully.

Why is counter-height seating so important?

Open floor plans have become the norm and for good reason. This means kitchens have become more social and begun flowing into other rooms of the house. We regularly see dine-in kitchens here, where couples and families are foregoing the traditional dining room and opting for one larger living space.

With these multi-purpose, open-concept spaces, islands have become an essential part of any kitchen design. They are replacing the breakfast nook altogether, and even providing an alternative to the dining table in many cases. With the decline in formal dining rooms (since our lifestyles are becoming increasingly more casual), many families are opting for seating around the kitchen island alone. 

Because of this, it is now more important than ever for counter height kitchen seating to be durable, stylish, easy-to-clean, and of course, comfortable. After all, your family is likely using these bar stools for more than just meals.

Do the size and height of your bar stools really matter?

A beautiful new bar stool is not particularly useful if it doesn’t fit under your counter or bar, so when shopping for new seating, taking measurements should always be your first step.

Start by measuring the height of your counter or bar. Then, in order to determine the height of the seat of your stool, you must account for leg room. The seat should be 9-11” from the bottom of the countertop. Anything higher or lower will not only be uncomfortable, but it will also look out of place. 

Source: Pinterest / Credit: BarStoolGuide

Once you know the height of the stool you need, you can determine the category of bar stool that you are looking for. You’ll find that there are generally three different groups: Bar Height, Counter Height, and Table Height. But what’s the difference?:

  • Counter Height stools are generally 24- 25” tall and will fit under a counter height of 36”.

  • Bar Height stools generally have seat heights of 29-32”. These stools will fit under counter heights of 41-43”, which are common dimensions for a raised breakfast bar.

  • Table Height stools, otherwise known as your traditional dining chairs, typically have seat heights of 18”, as most dining tables are 30” high.

Source: Pinterest / Credit: Unknown

Disclaimer: Don’t assume stools labeled Bar Height or Counter Height will automatically fit your island. Not only are there variables from one manufacturer to another, but your bar or counter height might also be outside the traditional range.

By measuring your bar or counter height prior to shopping and double-checking the specifications of the stools you are interested in, you will save yourself considerable time by ordering correctly the first time. 

How many stools can fit around your island?

There is certainly a difference between how many stools you can fit around an island and how many stools you should fit there. 

One of the most common mistakes we see people make is crowding too many bar stools into a space. Not only is it uncomfortable for anyone who sits at the island, but it also makes your kitchen appear cluttered. 

Ideally, you want to have enough seating for the number of regular diners in your household. But you also want adequate elbow and breathing room so that family members (and guests) don’t feel crowded or uncomfortable. 

Source: Pinterest / Credit: Unknown

As a general rule of thumb, the minimum amount of space we recommend is 24 linear inches per person between stools. So what does that look like overall?

  • To seat 4 people at the kitchen island, you want at least 10’ of counter length (24” x 4 people + 12” clearance on either end = 10’).

  • To seat 5 people at the kitchen island, you want at least 12’ of counter length (24” x 5 people + 12” clearance on either end = 12’). That’s a big island!

If your island isn’t this large though, don’t worry. To create space for 4 or 5 along a smaller island, simply wrap seating around a corner. If your bar or counter allows for this, this is actually ideal for conversation, as you are able to face the person you are talking to instead of sitting directly beside them. 

However, if your current island isn’t suited for this, give us a call, and let’s chat! Our team might be able to help you reimagine your island without a full kitchen renovation. 

What style of bar stools do we recommend?

Now that you have determined the layout of your kitchen island and the ideal height of your bar stools, you can begin narrowing down your options by doing some online shopping. This is the fun part!

As you start to browse, you’ll see the vast array of choices you have when it comes to stools. Some helpful features to consider:

  • Do you want a bar stool with a back or do you prefer backless?

  • Do you want chairs that are upholstered or do you prefer solid wood/metal?

  • Do you want armrests or will those get in the way?

  • Do you want the stool to swivel or do you prefer a stationary design?

Don’t forget to give consideration to the aesthetics of the stool as well. If you have a modern kitchen with clean lines and neutral colors, ornate bar stools with scrolling patterns may not be the best choice for your space. And if you have a traditional kitchen with lots of wood and warm tones, stainless steel bar stools may feel cold and abrupt when placed at your island.

If you are the type of person who really needs to sit and experience a chair before you make a purchase, I recommend calling around to local retailers to see what the current mid-pandemic showroom policies are in your area.

However, if you are comfortable reading about the stools and visualizing from photos, I suggest checking out these online vendors (listed in no particular order). These are companies Steve and I trust to provide quality products with a large selection, from basic wood stools more elaborate upholstered options:

As we have mentioned in previous blog posts, there are such a multitude of decisions that must be made for every kitchen that we design. And as simple as it may sound at first mention, bar stools are no exception. 

Getting the height and spacing just right, selecting a stool that flows with the style of the home, making sure the features are appropriate for those who will be using them, and ensuring comfort with extended use... those details really do matter!

Whether you’re simply looking for help selecting the perfect bar stools for your space, or you’re ready to discuss a larger kitchen renovation, let’s talk. We would be thrilled to work with you to make sure your kitchen is living up to its name as the heart of the home.

Warmly, 
Sarah

Sarah Abbott
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