If your kitchen counter is the same height as your sink, you need a stool with a 24” or 26” high seat. Shop counter height stools
Bar Height
If your kitchen counter or pub table is higher than your kitchen sink, you need a stool with a 30” high seat. Shop bar height stools
Spectator Height
If your kitchen counter or pub table is high such as 46" to 48", you need a stool with a 34” high seat. Shop spectator height stools
Extra Tall Height
If your kitchen counter or pub table is really high such as 50", you need a stool with a 36" or 37" high seat. Shop extra tall height stools
Questions to Consider
Will the arms fit under my counter?
We have height measurements for nearly all of our stools with arms. Please make sure to check these measurements or the stools might butt up against your countertop and you won’t be able to tuck in.
Most of our stools with arms fit under standard counter overhangs, but it’s important to double check!
Does my counter have an underhang?
Most kitchen counters will have nothing beneath the counter, in order to give you the most space for pulling up a stool.
You should take special care with counters like the one on the right, with “underhangs” below the counter. Sometimes these counters weren’t made with stools in mind.
Overhang (left), Underhang (right):
Will I use the stool in more than one place?
If you plan to move the stool between different height counters, we recommend an adjustable height stool.
Adjustable stools are also great if you’re concerned with ergonomics and want to get the perfect height. Shop adjustable height stools
You want your guests to be comfortable when seated at your bar or counter. It's a "Goldilocks and The Three Bears" dilemma -- the stools can't be too short or too tall, and people do notice a difference of an inch or so in seating. If you've shopped for bar height stools, you know that they come in many shapes and sizes, and you may despair at finding bar stools that are "just right." Don't worry; we're here to help.
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Measure First
Even before you start browsing for counter stools, bar stools or kitchen bar stools, take note of the height of the counter or bar where you plan to use them. Get this number by measuring from the floor to the top of the counter.
Most bars and counters fall within standard height ranges. Standard kitchen counters are 36 inches high, and standard residential bars are 42 inches. Standard counter stools and standard bar stools are designed for these heights. However, actual counters and bars can range several inches taller or shorter, so always measure.
Once you have the exact height of your bar or counter, look for a bar stool that's approximately 10 inches shorter. Measure the height of a stool from the floor to the top of the seat; this leaves enough room to sit comfortably with legs crossed.
Bar Stool Width and Spacing Guidelines
Another measurement you need is the length of your counter or bar. Combined with the width of your chosen stools, this measurement determines how many stools will fit comfortably in your space so people can get in and out of their seats easily. For 16-18-inch seats, leave 6 inches between chairs. For seats 18 inches or wider, or if the stool has arms or swivels, leave 8-10 inches.
Bar Stool Dimensions
Most bar stools come in one of four popular sizes: the short stool, counter stool, standard bar stool and extra-tall stool. Check below for the common sizes associated with each, and measure your bar to get a feel for which type will work best for your space!
Short Stool Height: 22”- 23”
Counter Stool Height: 24”-28”
Standard Bar Stool Height: 29”-36”
Extra-Tall Bar Stool Height: 37”-40”
How high should your bar stool be?
The answer depends on how high your bar is. Refer to this table for exact measurements:
Bar Stool Height
Bar Height
Short (22”-23”)
32”-33”
Counter (24”-28”)
34”-38”
Standard (29”-36”)
39”-46”
Extra-Tall (37”-40”)
47”-50”
Bar Stool vs. Bar Height Chart
Bar Stool Features
Now that you know how many bar stools you need and what their height should be, you can start the fun part -- choosing the style.
Stools backs vary, and the type of back has a large impact on the look and feel of the stool:
No back: You can slide backless stools under the counter, but they are less comfortable for long periods of sitting.
Back with a lip for support: The lip section can be barely there or up to mid-back.
Fullback: These are the most comfortable, especially for sitting a long time.
Stool style is also influenced by the presence or absence of arms, whether the seat or back is padded, and whether the stool is stationary or swivels.
Design Choices
Take a look at your overall design theme where the stools will be, and decide whether you want to match or contrast. Popular decor styles include:
Contemporary/Modern: Look for metal elements, low to mid-height backs and padding for comfort.
Traditional: These stools are generally made of wood. If they're for a bar, backless with padding is classic. For a dining counter, stools with fullbacks and arms, much like traditional dining chairs, are a good choice.
Industrial: This style focuses on industrial materials such as metal and plastic, and industrial bar stools often have swivel seats.
Transitional/Casual: These stools are usually backless or with a lip back. They have a minimalist vibe with little padding and are often made of wood. This is a great choice for small spaces where the kitchen counter also serves as a breakfast bar.
When you're armed with the proper measurements and a sense of the style you want for your space, bar stool shopping becomes simple and easy.
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Editorial Disclaimer: Articles featuring tips and advice are intended for educational purposes and only as general recommendations. Always practice personal discretion when using and caring for furniture, decor and related items.