Bar stools and counter stools are a stylish and effective way to incorporate additional seating. They work well for an inside or outside home bar, around countertops in the kitchen, and any other location in the home where people tend to gather but there aren’t always enough places to sit.
Before buying or making a bar or counter stool, homeowners should take measurements to confirm the right stool size. Sitting on a stool that’s too low is uncomfortable and makes it difficult to reach anything on the counter. When the stool is too high, people risk injury by hitting their knees.
Choose a perfectly sized bar or counter stool by following the tips below.
Start by Measuring the Height of the Bar, Bistro Table or Counter-Top
First consider the dimensions of the space where the stools will live. Starting at ground level, pull up a tape measure until it reaches the bottom of the counter or bar.
After taking the measurement, remember to allow enough space for legroom to ensure everyone who sits on the bar furniture remains comfortable.
The typical kitchen countertop is 34 to 36 inches in height. When selecting a new stool, there should be a space ranging from 9 to 11 inches between the top of the stool and the bottom of the kitchen counter.
Home bars generally range between 40 and 42 inches tall. The same rule applies here to allow 9 to 11 inches between the stool top and the bottom of the bar fixture to allow for adequate legroom.
Even with these averages provided, always check measurements to ensure you select the right-sized stool.
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Consider Details of the Bar or Counter Stools
Counter stools typically range between 24 and 26 inches starting at the floor and ending at the seat cushion. Bar stools are a bit longer with an average height of 26 to 30 inches from the floor to the seat cushion.
You should also account for space in between them and for the style of the stools. Both of these factors affect the decision of where to place each stool. Below is a formula to follow for traditional bar or counter stools:
- Allow between 21 and 22 inches of space for each stool if its measurements fall between 16 and 18 inches. Take measurements at the widest part of the stool.
- Allow between 24 to 25 inches of space between stools if the widest part of each stool measures between 19 and 22 inches.
Bar and counter stools with arms or swivels require additional space between them. To determine the correct placement, measure between the widest point of each arm or swivel.
Measuring the length of the countertop or bar and dividing it by one of the above sets of numbers helps to determine how many stools to put in the available space.
Bar Stools Come in Many Available Styles
Homeowners have several style options to choose from in addition to arms and swivels on their bar or counter stools. Below are some popular style examples.
- Adjustable height
- Fixed height
- High backs
- Leather seats
- Low backs
- Traditional wooden frames
- Upholstered with a metal frame
Fitting the bar or counter stools in with the rest of the décor inside or outside the home should be a primary consideration. The stools should look like they were place haphazardly.
At the same time, the new stools don’t have to blend in perfectly to create a pleasant visual aesthetic. The process of selecting the right style of stools will go better when people focus on pairing them with other components in the room or outdoor space but not necessarily the entire house.
Another issue to consider is how much maintenance the stools require. For example, stools constructed from metal or wood are usually simple to clean and maintain.
Upholstered stools may need more frequent cleaning but help to create an elegant setting. Style choices all come down to the priorities of the homeowner.
Once you complete measurements and choose chairs or stools, the only thing left is the shopping.