Everything to Know About Counter Stools

Counter stools typically have a seat that is between 23″ and 28″ high, making them ideal for pairing with counters and tables that have a height of 35″ to 37.” To ensure everyone can sit comfortably at a counter (or counter-height table!) make sure that there is at least a 10″ clearance between the seat height of your stool and the table’s height. The best way to prevent any height issues? Measure, measure, and, well… measure! There’s no harm in double checking, lest you find that you have to return the counter stools you’ve already fallen in love with because they’re too tall or too short to accommodate your counters. If all of this is enough to make your head spin, good news: there are adjustable height counter stools! These are (very obviously) amazing, since every guest will be able to adjust their stool to their ideal height, from your kiddos to your tall uncle Che.

While they both serve pretty much the same purpose and their names are often used interchangeably, bar stools and counter stools do have one major difference: their heights! Bar stools (and bar tables, for that matter) tend to be just a few inches taller than their counter-loving counterparts. As for style, both bar stools and counter stools come in a wide variety of styles, so regardless of whether you need counter or bar stool, you won’t have to make any style concessions. However, based on what kind of vibe you’re after, it’s definitely possible to create different environments with different style bar stools and counter stools. If you’re looking to create a family-friendly environment for casual snacks and breakfasts, then plush, upholstered counter stools with a full back can be a great option for promoting comfort (and lingering). For a legitimate bar area where style rules, (i.e. you don’t plan on eating full meals there), you might consider counter stools with acrylic or brass construction and forgoing a counter stool with a back.

Depending on your counter width and the length of the counter stools of your choice, this number can vary. There are many different ways to prevent overcrowding or, on the flip side, risking the space looking too empty. For most counters and stools, you can simply take the total length of the counter and divide by 30 to get the number of counter stools (i.e. a 90″ counter can comfortably fit 3 stools). A good rule of thumb is to have at least 6″ between each stool (measured from edge to edge) so no one has to perform gymnastics to get in and out of the seats. Alternatively, you can measure 28″ between the centers of each stool. Remember: although it might be tempting to match the number of stools to the number of people in the house, it’s important to keep in mind the ultimate goal of practicality and aesthetics.