Grab a stool at the bar where everyone definitely knows your name
Sometimes, the best spot in town to grab a cocktail or a great cup of coffee is right at your kitchen counter or finished-basement bar. But choosing the right barstools can make or break a dining experience—the last thing you want is to knock your knees against the counter or the neighbor next to you. Whether you're on a barstool hunt for your kitchen island, home bar, or outdoor dining area, here are all the tips you need for your shopping list.
Before you start debating between modern vs. vintage barstool styles—or whether you'd prefer chairs—it's time to break out the tape measure. There’s a predictable rhyme and reason to chair, stool, and table dimensions and how to pair the perfect set.
You'll typically find three main categories of seat height: table, counter, and bar. In other words, your barstool must fit beneath a dining table, kitchen counter, island, or bar.
While there are no one-size-fits-all measurements across the board, use an easy equation to choose a stool height. Always leave about 12 inches between the countertop and the top of the stool. Otherwise, you run the risk of hitting the bottom of the table or counter with your leg, or you might end up sitting too low to enjoy your meal.
Let's break this down further:
The standard counter height for kitchen counters and islands is 36 inches, so a counter stool around 24 inches high is best.
Most bar height tables range between 40 and 42 inches—meaning you'd need barstools that measure around 30 inches.
On occasion, you'll also find extra-tall bar tables up to 46 inches high that fit stools up to 34 inches.
And on the rare occasion you need to tuck a small stool under a 28-inch table, you'll need a stool measuring just 16 inches.
Kitchen island and bar seating should also take width and spacing into account. Account for about 6 inches on either side of each stool to make enough space for multiple diners. If a stool or chair swivels, then bump this up to at least 11 inches on either side to avoid leg traffic jams. This measurement will also indicate how many stools will fit under your counter or bar.
Now that you have the right numbers in mind, let's talk about materials. Wooden or metal barstools are the most common varieties and may or may not come with a comfortable upholstered seat to balance out the sturdy base. Consider matching the barstool material to the aesthetic of your home—such as a modern stool for a minimalist home or a diner-inspired metal stool for a retro theme.
For backyard kitchens and patios, opt for weatherproof materials that can hold up against rain, wind, and hail. Upholstered outdoor barstools may require covers that hold up against the sun and rain.
Remember to keep size and weight in mind as well. How often do you want to move the barstools? Will you need to move them every time you shift the floating kitchen island?
While we all love a swift spin on a swivel chair, rotating barstools are not right for every room. As we noted above, you'll need to leave more space between swiveling barstools for people to swivel.
On the other hand, swivel chairs can expand the function of a room. This is particularly important when deciding how to lay out your kitchen. If guests can spin around and look in the opposite direction, kitchen barstools become more versatile for watching TV or chatting with the rest of the room.
Stationary barstools typically offer a more formal style, especially if they come with armrests and backrests.
Keep two main elements in mind when debating between backed and backless stools: function and space. Barstools with backs will offer more comfort and safety, especially if you have older or much younger family members in your home. Also, if your island acts as a dining room table, backed barstools are simply more comfortable for everyday use.
Backless barstools, however, take up less space. When measuring, it's important to note that most backed barstools will not fully tuck beneath the countertop, leaving you with a few extra inches of stool jutting into your room.
Much like dining chairs, there are endless varieties of barstools on the market. Diminutive metal stools with wooden bucket seats, fully upholstered stools with or without backs, or leather swivel stools that look right out of the 1960s are just a few examples.
If you envision moving homes in the near future, choose a set of stools that are more versatile than statement pieces. Going for a vintage or casual look? Mix and match stools of similar styles for a bit of eclectic character.
The moral of the story is to choose barstools that meet your measurements, are easy to use on a daily basis, and match the style of the space. Barstools often make excellent thrift-store finds, but never sacrifice proper measurements and practicality for a fun look.
If you're in the process of redoing your kitchen or installing a bar in the basement, speak with a local interior designer before picking out barstools online. They can provide the stamp of approval that your barstools will add to your dining and lounging experience and round out the room.
