Get a Leg up on Your Design Plans with Our Barstool Guide

Finding the perfect counter or barstools for your home involves considering several factors. For one, bar counters are much more suitable in small spaces since they could be the home's only formal space for meals. In larger homes, bar counters are a casual dining location separate from the main dining area. Whichever the case, you need to find the best seating for bar counters so this space can look its best. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the best bar and counter stools for your home!

Bar and Counter-height: What's the Difference?

The first thing to think of when considering bar or counter seating is the height of the surface. Counter- and bar-height stools have two different sizes; they are not interchangeable. Counter-height seating ranges from 23 to 27 inches high from floor to seat, matching the counter surface height of 35 to 37 inches. Meanwhile, bar stools are a little taller at 28 to 33 inches high since bar-height counters are 41 to 43 inches high.

It's also important to note that bar-height kitchen counters typically have a raised section, so there are two counter heights. When you're measuring, get the figures from the higher section, the surface you'll be using when seated.

Ensure that you're getting the correct measurement for the stools by measuring from the top of the seat to the bottom of the counter. There must be a clearance of ten to 15 inches between the surfaces to make sitting comfortable. If the gap is smaller than ten inches, your legs might not fit underneath the counter. Anything higher than 15 inches will be too large; you'll feel like a child sitting at the grown-up table because the counter will be hitting your chest.

What to Look For in Bar and Counter Stools

Once you have the proper measurements for the stool heights you're looking for, you can start thinking of the style. Choose your seats based on look, style, and comfort—here are some things you might like to consider.

Will You Get a Chair with a Backrest?

Barstools and counter stools can either have a back, like regular dining chairs or be backless. Backless stools are perfect for smaller spaces since you can tuck them under the counter, minimizing the dining area's floor space when not in use. They can be less comfortable than stools with backrests, though, especially if you sit on them for a long time. Some stools with backs have only lumbar support, while others have full backs.

Do You Prefer Seats with Armrests?

Armrests are only available on stools with backs, and they tend to give your space a formal vibe. They also provide more comfort—when your chair has armrests, you can sit on it for extended periods without getting tired. However, they make sliding on and off the seat tricky—stools with armrests are not the best choice for tight spaces.

Do You Prefer a Swiveling Seat?

Many barstools have swiveling seats, and swivel stools are perfect for open living spaces. When you have an open kitchen or dining space, you can swivel around to face other parts of the room. This makes your room dynamic, letting people socialize from different areas.

Do You Prefer Seats with Foot Rests?

If you dislike it when your feet dangle, you can choose stools with built-in footrests. There are some models with multiple bars, which can accommodate people of different heights. This feature also makes sitting for long periods manageable since periodically resting your foot on these bars prevents your legs or lower back from getting too tired.

Have You Considered Stackable Stools?

Some stools are stackable and are easy to nestle into each other. This is great if you only use stools in certain seasons, like spring and summer. Stackable stools are perfect for outdoor bar areas; when the colder or wetter months come, you can stack everything up and keep it in long storage.

Conclusion

Bars or counters are perfect for tiny homes, open concept kitchens, and outdoor dining areas. These types of seats are compact, and they have a range of features. Some stools allow you to swivel and speak to someone from across the room, others provide good back support, and still others can accommodate people of different heights. No matter the kind of stool you plan to get, though, make sure you keep in mind the needs of those who will use these seats the most.

Shop at Legacy Décor for modern, timeless pieces for your home. We have a range of barstools for all builds—whether modern, traditional, or rustic, we have you covered. We provide free shipping on all orders; browse our catalog or contact us for inquiries!