Choosing from hundreds of silhouettes and countless combinations of finishes and upholstery, you’ll find it’s easier than ever to pick the perfect bar stool. Of course, making a purchase involves more than just searching for your favorite style. There are two key guidelines.
CHOOSING A HEIGHT
A beautiful bar stool isn’t that useful use if it doesn’t fit under your counter or bar. So start by measuring your bar or counter’s height. The key is to account for legroom when choosing a size.
A standard counter is 34–36 inches tall. When you shop for stools, the important number to assess is seat height. The seat should be about 9–11 inches from the bottom of the countertop. Anything higher or lower will be uncomfortable and look disproportionate.
A wet bar or pub table is typically 40–42 inches tall. You’ll need bar stools that, again, have a seat height about 9–11 inches from the top of the bar.
Don’t assume stools labeled bar height or counter height will automatically fit your space. Your bar or counter measurements might be outside the traditional range, so measuring is paramount.
THE PERFECT PLACEMENT
Next, measure the width of your counter or bar to determine how many stools you’ll need. You’ll want to leave enough room between each bar stool so you can sit comfortably without feeling crowded and get up with ease.
A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 6 inches between each stool. If your stools swivel or have arms, you should allow at least 8 or 10 inches between them.
TIME TO SHOP
Got your measurements? Now comes the fun part. Shop our collection of high-style bar- and counter-height stools to find your perfect fit.
