Barstools are a comfortable seating option perfect for entertaining and relaxing. They’re the perfect addition to kitchen islands, bar-height tables, and raised countertops.
Learn how to pick the best barstool for any space and design.
Bar stools come in a variety of styles to accommodate your needs, whether they’re attached to a bar, tucked under a kitchen island, or seated at a dining table. Here are some of the most common design styles:
Backs & Sides
- Provide support and comfort
- Perfect for extended sitting
- Are great for frequent use
Swivel
- A rotating seat offers maneuverability
- Facilitates easy conversation with guests
- Easy to scoot in and out of counter surfaces
Adjustable height
- Can be raised and lowered
- Convenient for different locations and placements
Armless
- Easy to get in and out of
- Allow you to fit more stools in your space
- Come in backless, swivel, and adjustable options
Backless
- Tuck away neatly under the counter
- A great choice for small spaces
- It helps to keep the room open
Footrests
- Provide additional comfort while sitting
- Improves posture and elevates legs to a comfortable height
- Great for extended sitting
Barstool Materials
Whether your style is traditional, modern, or farmhouse, find barstools in a variety of materials and finishes.
Upholstered
Comfortable, refined, and modern, upholstered styles provide extra sophistication.
Upholstered and leather options are cushioned, while metal, wood, and plastic barstools are usually not. Consider your needs for the space when deciding if you want your stools to have cushions.
Stools without a cushion are easy to maintain and clean. Stools with a cushion are ideal for their plush looks and added comfort while sitting but require extra maintenance to keep clean.
The Difference Between Bar Height, Counter Height, & Table Stools
Bar, counter, and table-height stools come in different dimensions. Measure your surfaces and seating carefully before purchasing.
Bar Height
Bar-height stools range from 28 to 32 inches high and pair with surfaces that are 40 to 43 inches from the ground. These stools are often found in bars, restaurants, or other settings with high counter surfaces.
Counter Height
Counter-height stools measure 24 to 27 inches high, and these should be paired with a counter or tabletop 35 to 37 inches tall. These stools are perfect for home bars and kitchen islands.
Table Height
The standard tabletop stool measures 18 to 20 inches from the ground. These stools are paired with a standard table height of 28 to 30 inches. Table stools are an ideal choice for breakfast nooks and casual entertaining.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Barstools
1.
Measure the height of the counter or tabletop surface
To measure the tabletop’s exact height, measure from the floor to the top of the surface.
2.
Measure the height of the stool
A stool should be about 10 inches shorter than the tabletop surface, allowing room to sit comfortably. Measure from the floor to the top of the seat.
3.
Decide how many stools you need
You want your stools to fit comfortably next to one another. Measure the length of the countertop surface and the width of each stool.
For stools that are 16 inches wide or armless, allow for six inches of space between.
For stools that are wider than 16 inches or have arms, allow for eight to 10 inches of space between each seat.
4.
Match your style expectations
The type of stools you choose for your space should fit your personal preferences. Style, use, and functions all need to be considered.
Shop Quality Barstools
Ready to find the perfect combination of functionality, price, and style when shopping for your next barstools? At furniture.com, we have a variety of barstools to easily match your room preferences for a seamlessly designed and comfortable room.