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The Designers’ Guide to Choosing the Right Bar Stool

The Designers’ Guide to Choosing the Right Bar Stool

The walls have been painted, the kitchen counters have been installed and the new range hood is in place and it finally feels like the kitchen overhaul is nearly done. Next up – the brilliant task of accessorizing and decorating to really make it look complete. And with that, there is no better place to start than with the furniture.

We’ve seen time and time again that clients struggle with choosing the perfect bar or counter stools. Even worse, some get so discouraged with the whole experience of decorating once the “big stuff” is done that things like choosing accessorizing furniture gets tossed to the wayside. To help you avoid the incomplete, we hope our advice here for choosing the right bar stool will come in handy.

Follow our step-by-step guideline on choosing a bar stool that not only completes your space but is one you’ll love for years to come.

DETERMINING HEIGHT

Before you start searching for the perfect set of bar stools to finish the room, take your measurements.

Bar stools range in size from 23”-36” and are often referred to as counter stools. Note the difference here. 

  • Counter Stools are generally lower to the ground, between 23”-28” from the floor to the seat and primarily used for counter-top height tables often designed into kitchen islands. With counter stools, the ideal counter height is between 35″-37”.
  • Standard Bar Stools range from 29”-32” and often fit the standard bar top table that measures between 41”-43” inches.
  • Extra-Tall Bar Stools range from 33”-36” inches from floor to seat and should be paired with table top heights of 44”-47” inches. Often referred to as “spectator seats,” these are commonly found at bars and restaurants alike.

When measuring, it is important to make certain you have between 9″-12” above the seat of the stool and the base of the counter-top to ensure you leave plenty of leg room.

CHOOSING YOUR STYLE

Choosing a perfect bar stool can be the most daunting part of the whole accessory buying experience – we know. And it’s because there are so many options.

For this, ask the following questions to guide you in your decision making:

  • Do you want to be able to swivel around? Or have adjustable height? Adjustable seats are helpful for the elderly and children alike and also are great if you aim to move the stools around the house to use in multiple locations when you entertain. Swivel stools are ideal for entertaining as they allow for easy movement.
  • What is the purpose of the bar stool? Are you wanting to use them for an area you entertain or are they mostly for kids to have breakfast at the table? This question will help determine what type of stool you want. For entertaining, a larger stool with a plush seat back will help your guests feel more comfortable. For in the eatery, stable, non-swivel metal chairs will ensure easier clean up and less falls.
  • Are you wanting statement pieces or wanting a stool that blends in the with the room? If the rest of the room design is top notch or has focal points you want to highlight, purchase chairs that can be tucked away or in neutral hues. If the rest of the room is of a neutral color, buy stools in bold hues or luxury fabrics to add some flair.
  • Who’s using the stool? The end user will dictate what you need. If you have kids, buy metal or wood stools that have easy- to-clean features. Have someone who needs support? Ensure you have stools with backs and arm rests to help them feel comfortable.

Once you’ve answered your own questions, you’ll be more likely to lean towards a certain design to help narrow your choices.

HOW MANY TO BUY

The general rule of thumb for how many stools you should have is to allow a minimum of 6” between each stool to ensure plenty of arm and leg room. For larger stools or stools that swivel, allow for 8 or more inches on each side.

Along the counter, only have as many stools allowed to leave between 12″-15” on the outside of the stools to the end of the bar. This will help make the space feel equally proportionate.

OUR FAVORITE STOOLS

  • The satin brass base and classic nail trim won us over on these Donegal Counter Stools from Vanguard Furniture. Custom to fit your design style with choices between leather or fabric upholstery and counter or bar height options to fit your table.
  • The Hinkley Bar Stool from Arteriors Home is rustic marrying industrial with its natural iron base and wood swivel seat. Although this particular one is for bar stool height only, Arteriors also has a corresponding counter stool if that fits your needs better.
  • These discreet but modern Merritt Bar Stools from Johnston Casual Furniture fit perfectly in a contemporary and casual design. Perfect for those who need to tuck the stools away when not in use.
  • The low-slung barrel shaped base and wrap-around arm rests make these Panavista Studio Bar Stools from Stanley Furniture livable yet fashionable. In either bar or counter stool height, these stools will charm any rustic or mountain design as well as a coastal or lakeside retreat.
  • Needing just one statement piece? This August Bar Bench from Lee Industries will capture the eyes of anyone in the room. Designed in either upholstered fabric or leather, the options are endless in bar or counter height.

For further guidance, stop in our showroom to see our on-hand inventory and talk to our designers. We’d love to help you find the perfect stool option.

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