Bar Stools & Counter Stools

Revive Your Home Bar or Kitchen with Functional, Beautiful Bar Stools

Your kitchen and home bar can be a hub of entertainment for your guests, or where your family spends most of their day-to-day living. With that in mind, your seating should make both spaces more enjoyable for everyone! Here are some important things to think about as you shop for bar stool chairs.

How tall should my bar stools be?

Bar stool height is the most important measuring factor you will need to consider. Most bar tops are around 42 inches high, so look for bar height bar stools with seat heights of about 30 to 32 inches tall.

Counter height tables are typically between 34 to 46 inches high, so look for a counter stool between 23 and 28 inches tall.

What else should I know about bar stool sizing?

Understanding bar stool sizing is important for keeping yourself and your guests comfortable. When you're seated at a bar stool, your elbows should rest comfortably on the kitchen counter at a 90-degree angle and your knees should also be at a 90-degree angle with your feet on the footrests. Make sure your bar stools' seats are about 10 to 12 inches below the underside of the kitchen counter so your legs don’t feel squeezed.

Also plan for each stool to occupy about 28 to 30 inches along the counter's perimeter — that includes the 6 inches you should leave between stools. Bar stools often come in 15-, 17-, or 21-inch widths. If you want wider seats keep in mind that you won't be able to fit as many at the bar. Think about whether this extra width or the ability to fit more stools is your priority.

More: How To Figure Out Bar Stool Height

What bar stool styles are available?

Whether you're building a new bar or redecorating an old kitchen, there are stools that'll help your vision come to life. Learn more about the different styles available to narrow down your favorite choices.

• Rustic: Rustic style emphasizes natural, rugged materials and textures. Many rustic bar stools are crafted from wood with visible knots and organic, asymmetrical lines.
• Modern: Modern style has roots in German and Scandinavian design. Simplicity is key, and modern bar stools often have clean lines and little to no embellishment. They're a great way to add color to a space without introducing lots of extra details.
• Industrial: Industrial-style stools might look like they came from an old warehouse or factory. Distressed textures are common, and metal is often used in industrial furniture.
• Farmhouse: Charming and cozy, French country bar stools are full of warmth and interesting textures. Rough-hewn wood and galvanized metal stools look at home in a farmhouse kitchen.
• Mid-Century: Clean, organic lines and natural materials are standard hallmarks of mid-century style bar stools. This translates to geometric shapes, curves, and lots of wood and metal mixed together.
• Coastal: Light and breezy, coastal bar stools look like they came from a beach house. They're often white, blue, gray, or beige, taking their design cues from seaside colors. Natural materials like wood, rattan, and wicker are commonly used in coastal-style stools.

Whatever style you envision around your bar, kitchen island, or breakfast area, there's a stool to match. Check the height and length of your bar counter, and enjoy the process of browsing for stools that catch your eye and suit your home.