Here's to picking bar or counter stools where every seat feels like the best seat in the house.
Let's pull up a virtual stool and chat about one of my favorite furniture pieces: bar and counter stools! They're not just pieces of furniture or filling a space they can truly elevate your cozy breakfast nooks, kitchen island, bar area for that morning coffee, or a lively hub for evening gatherings. From measurements that fit like a glove to styles that elevate your home decor, let your stools be more than just seats; let them be statements! So, how do you pick the perfect ones? Let’s explore how to find the bar stool that fit your style and needs to a T!
Pick Your Height
Whether you’re outfitting a cozy kitchen island or a stylish bar area, first things first, measure, measure, measure! You want your stools to be —not too high, not too low, but just right.
Bar Stools
Bar stools generally range from about 74 cm to 81 cm in height. This elevation ensures that you can comfortably sit at the bar, enjoying drinks or conversation without feeling like you’re perched too high or too low. For bars, aim for stools about 25-30 cm below the countertop height.
Counter Stools
The standard counter stool height ranges from about 61cm to 74 cm. For counters, look for stools that leave about 23-28 cm between the seat and the counter surface. Your stools should do more than provide a place to perch— It's where you sit comfortably without feeling like you’re towering over or hunched under the counter.
Measure Up for Comfort
If your counter or table (measured from the bottom, where the leg fits) is:
- Approximately 89-94 cm high, opt for a counter-height barstool typically ranging from 58 to 71cm floor to seat.
- Between 104-109 cm high, you'll need a bar-height stool, which ranges from 74 to 81 cm floor to seat.
- Anything above 112 cm (often custom heights—impressive!), falls into the "extra tall" category of barstools. There are stools made just for those heights too with a floor-to-seat height of 84 to 91 cm.
Choose stools that not only fit your needs but also add a touch of personality to your home decor—because every detail counts!
Consider Function
Now, think about how you’re going to use these stools. Are they your go-to spot for morning coffee and toast? Or maybe they’re the VIP seating for family dinners or cocktail parties with friends? If you’re planning on lounging longer than it takes to read the morning paper, consider stools with a bit of back support and cushy seats that are easy to slide in and out. This makes mealtime and extended sits much more enjoyable. And if your kitchen is the heartbeat of your home where everything from cooking experiments to homework sessions happens, durability is key. For bustling kitchens or family-friendly spaces, easy-to-clean materials like metal or wood —because life’s too short to worry about scrubbing stains out of delicate fabrics!
If you're doing a bit of "window shopping" for barstools, these stools can complement your kitchen decor while offering a perch for guests or casual visitors.
Choose Your Style
Here’s where the fun begins—style! Your bar stools or counter stools should complement your existing decor while adding a dash of personality to the kitchen island. Love the sleek modern vibe? Consider stools with clean lines and metal accents for that chic urban loft feel. Prefer a cozy farmhouse feel? Look for bar stools crafted from warm wood with charming details like woven seats or metal accents for that cozy, lived-in look.
Your seating should be as inviting as it is beautiful
Check out the William Counter Stool—it combines comfort and style effortlessly! A beautiful blend of wood and rattan textures ensures excellent back and arm support for a truly cozy seating experience. And who says you have to stick to one style when it comes to living space decor? Mixing and matching is not just allowed—it’s encouraged! Blend those styles to bring depth and charm to your space.
Bonus Round:
How to pick/pair barstools with nearby dining chairs/table
Now, let’s talk about the complementing moments between your barstools and dining chairs. Your bar or counter stools don’t exist in isolation—they’re part of a larger ensemble that includes your dining chairs, tables, and overall home decor scheme. They don’t need to be identical twins, but they should definitely be cousins at the family reunion—related enough to get along. If your dining area and bar are part of an open plan, choose barstools that blend seamlessly with the overall decor scheme. Look for common threads like materials, finishes, or even design motifs that tie them together. If your dining chairs are rocking a chic upholstery, consider barstools with a similar fabric vibe or a complementary texture. Match those wood tones or metal finishes across your dining set and bar area for a seamless flow.