Furniture Shopping 101: Your Complete Bar Stool Buying Guide

Bar stools are the perfect seating choice that will lend a lot of personality to your space. Whether you’re outfitting an actual bar or your kitchen and dining space, stools are a great addition to your home. Bar stools can double as accent pieces that liven up a room and show off your unique personality.

However, there are some things you need to consider before clicking the add to cart button. Bar stools can be stylish and decorative, but they will also serve an important function. Gathering around a table for a meal or a drink is one of the crucial parts of entertaining guests, and you should choose bar stools that are comfortable and sit at the perfect height underneath your counter.

Measuring Your Bar Stools

If you don’t want to buy bar stools with adjustable heights, you will have to be precise about your measurements. Your family and your guests should be able to sit comfortably and rest their arms on the bar as they eat and drink. The perfect bar stool is not only aesthetically pleasing but one you can sit on for hours at a time.

Thankfully, traditional counter and stool measurements have remained consistent over the years. To make things even easier, there is a handy delineation between the two main types of counters and stools found in homes:

Counter Height Stools – The average kitchen counter is built between 34 to 39 inches. The perfect height for a kitchen stool sits 10 to 12 inches underneath the counter’s lowest point. This way, most adults will be able to sit comfortably with or without their legs crossed.

Bar Height Stools – Standard bar counters are built significantly higher at 40 to 46 inches tall. Most bar stools are built between 30 to 36 inches in height.

Another consideration is the number of stools that can fit around your counter or your bar. You don’t want the space to look too overcrowded or too sparse, and you don’t want to keep bumping elbows with the person next to you as you eat or drink.

Standard bar spacing is at least 6 inches between stools. Make sure to measure the total perimeter of your bar and plan your purchases accordingly.

Bar Stool Designs and Material

Bar stools are mainly used to relax over food or drink, so you should pick materials and designs that you can sit on for hours at a time. Leather bar stools are classy and elegant. Swivel bar stools are flexible and fun. There are thousands of bar stool designs to choose from, and it can be challenging to narrow down what’s best for your home.

Here are some important things to consider:

Backless vs. Low vs. High Backs – Will your bar stool double as your space to work from home? If so, a high, padded backrest will be the most ergonomic choice. If you’re only using your stools for dinners or a nightcap, low backs or even backless designs will do.

With or Without Padding – Upholstered stools can look cumbersome, but these may be a better fit for the living room. On the other hand, hard, wooden bar stools are perfect if you’re aiming for a minimalist, rustic style. However, sitting on a wooden stool will get uncomfortable after a while!

You can split the difference by choosing a wooden bar stool with light padding.

Conclusion

There’s a vast, sometimes overwhelming world of bar stools out there. You will be able to narrow down the choices bit by bit through precise height measurements and how and when you will be sitting on them. With a bit of effort, you will find a set of bar stools out there that will fit your personality, aesthetic, and daily needs.

Gather your friends and family around your stylish, comfortable bar stools today! Legacy Décor offers high-quality bar stools, folding room dividers, and other home furnishing items. We make it affordable for everyone to live in a home they love. Browse our collection and find the perfect piece you’re looking for!