How To Choose A Bar Stool

When shopping for a new bar stool, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself to ensure you find exactly the right one for you and your family—or, as it might happen, your business. Taking the time to properly consider what you need out of your bar stools before you start splashing the cash could save you a headache in the long run, as well as prevent that awful feeling of buyer’s regret.

 

1. FUNCTION OVER FASHION

As furniture tends to be a bigger purchase than most we make (groceries, socks and undies, etc.), it makes sense to being by thinking about your priorities carefully. For example:

• Is your main concern the right vibe, or do you care mainly about comfort?
• Do you prefer stationary designs or do you want your bar stool to swivel?
• Does the height of your bar stool need to be adjustable? (More on this below.)
• Do you want a bar stool with the back support or are you looking for more of a classic bar stool look?  

These are all important questions and it can be useful to ask the other members of your household for input, especially those who might be found sipping a G&T on them one day!

 

2. MIX OR MATCH?

Once you've assessed your priorities, you can move on to the fun stuff: interior design. This is all about whether you'd like your new bar stools to blend in with your existing décor, or whether they ought to make a bold statement in your dining area. The first option is the most practical and the easiest (see, for example, the images above and below), although in some situations you might be missing a big opportunity to transform your bar space. For example, in a room with relatively mellow aesthetics, bar stools in a contrasting colour or style are utterly striking and can really define the room as yours.

 

3.  GET THE HEIGHT RIGHT

Bar stool height can be one of the most befuddling parts of the whole buying process. Often, this because many of us approach buying bar stools with mistaken assumptions. One we encounter all the time is that bar tables proper and breakfast bars are roughly equivalent. To put it bluntly, they simply are not. By Australian standards, kitchen breakfast bars are usually around 900mm high, while bar tables and bar-height counters tend to measure around the 1050mm mark.  

The corollary assumption is that bar stools and breakfast stools can be used interchangeably. After, it would save money and be highly convenient if you could pop your matte black breakfast stools under a bar table in the next room! Alas, as you now can appreciate, the 150mm height difference between a breakfast bar and a bar table proper makes all the difference.

Below, we've tabulated the standard relationships between seat heights and various tables you might find in a kitchen or commercial restaurant. But remember: if your bar-height counter or table is more than a centimetre or two outside of standard Australian dimensions, you should seriously consider a bar stool with an adjustable seat so that you can adapt the height to your needs. Note also that your needs may change if the people using the seats are unusually small or large.

Dining table Breakast bar (aka counter-height dining table) Bar table proper Table height 750 mm 900 mm 1050 mm Chair or stool height 450 mm 650 mm 750 mm

 

STILL STUCK, OR WHAT TO LEARN MORE?

If you still don't really know what to do, never fear! Our staff are here to help you at your nearest store. While you're there, you can see and feel our great range of bar stools and other dining furniture in person to help you finish your family home in a way that doesn't cost the earth.

Since the kitchen is the number one choice when homeowners consider a room renovation, let’s take a look at a design element that gets an A-Plus for both form and function. We can all agree that the kitchen draws people.

It’s typically the hub of the home, especially in today’s open floor plan home designs in which the kitchen transitions seamlessly into the family room. Much of life happens in the kitchen, so it’s fitting that bar stools are a go-to, must-have element in thoughtful kitchen design.

Bar stools add both style and practicality to any kitchen which is why in this article we will cover the top 20 FAQs about bar stools. We’ve skinnied down the considerations so that you can hone in on what matters, decide what you like, and buy what works.

Country Style Barstool

Does a kitchen island really need bar stools?

Designers will tell you that a kitchen island does need bar stools. The eye wants to see them and the activity of the kitchen calls for them. Preparing food, eating meals, chatting, and even doing homework all happen at the kitchen island, so seating is a must!

What’s the difference between bar stools and counter stools?

The difference is in their respective heights. Bar stools are taller than counter stools. Typically a breakfast bar or kitchen island is 42 inches tall while the height of a commercial bar is 48 inches.

Sexy Girls Bar Stool

Where do I even begin?

With today’s endless online resources, I like to start by looking at images found on the internet. Do a quick internet search for bar stools and see what you find. You’ll be astonished by the array of choices.

Do I need to spend a fortune on bar stools?

While the answer to this question is no, you do want to be aware that price often dictates quality. A cheaper chair is likely to have cheaper construction and probably won’t hold up to frequent use. If you invest in bar stools with quality workmanship, you will likely have those stools for years and appreciate how they work for you day after day.

Wooden Swivel Stool

What look do I go for?

Search for a bar stool style that fits with the aesthetic of your kitchen and the design feel of any adjoining rooms. Bar stool styles range from country to classic to mid-century modern. From industrial to French cafe chic. Consider proportion as well as lines.

Mid Century Bar Stool 

What materials should I look for when considering purchasing bar stools?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here. Consider who will be using your barstools. If children will be, I would say steer clear of cane and rush seating. I learned the hard way that these materials do not hold up to the strains presented by little ones. But if your bar stools will only be used by adults, you may want to consider leather, linen or a beautiful textured upholstery fabric. The array of materials used to create bar stools is wide and includes materials such as wood, metal, acrylic, resin, and wicker.

Is it necessary to custom order my bar stools?

While custom ordering can be a welcome luxury, it is not necessary when it comes to barstools. The materials used in the construction of barstools readily available today run the gamut and can even have a custom look. If you want a custom look, but don’t care to pay the freight for custom, tailor your internet search to include phrases such as ‘upholstered barstool with nailhead detail.’

Do my bar stools need to match?

The experts answer this question with a definitive yes. Be sure to choose the same bar stools versus the mix and match approach because it will contribute to a more unified look in your kitchen area. In a home with an open floor plan, this is even more important.

Cane Back Bar Stool

Do my bar stools need to match my dining table and chairs?

The word match is a strong word. The bar stools don’t need to be the exact style of chair as the chairs surrounding your dining table. However, there should be a connecting detail. Maybe the bar stools and the dining table chairs have a similar silhouette. Maybe they have different designs but are of the same distressed wood. Keep in mind that you don’t want the elements of your home to fight with one another. You want them to compliment each other and hang together visually as a pleasing whole.

Do my bar stools need to have backs?

This is personal preference. Most people would probably choose at least a partial back for a bar stool. It will contribute to lower back support and the overall comfort of the seating. However, if you have space constraints, maybe backless bar stools which can tuck easily are right for your space. If you can, before choosing your bar stool, try sitting in the styles you like. Are they comfortable? This matters!

Do my bar stools need to have arms?

Again, this will depend on your personal preference. Armless bar stools are a bit easier to get into and out of, so you may prefer them. On the other hand, if you work from home on your computer for hours at your kitchen island, you may appreciate having bar stools with arms. Here you are going to want to consider your space. Bar stools with arms take up extra space, so be aware of this if choosing them.

Do my bar stools need to swivel?

Again, you guessed it, the answer to this question will depend on your personal preference. Bar stools that swivel are easier to get into and out of which is an especially important detail when the barstools themselves are heavy, as many are. However, a row of bar stools that swivel require more space between each, so let your space constraints dictate whether or not swivel bar stools are a good option for you.

Do my bar stools need to have a footrest?

For true bar stools, the answer to this question is yes. The higher the stool, the greater the need for a footrest. There’s nothing worse than sitting on a bar stool and coming up empty when your feet fish around for a spot to perch. For counter height stools, you might be able to get by without the footrest.

Cast Iron Bar Stool

What color bar stools go with white cabinets?

Yep, this too will depend on your personal preference. Gray, white, beige, and stained wood bar stools are tasteful choices with earthtones which compliment white cabinets. That said, an unexpected pop of color can be a welcome contrast in a white kitchen, and barstools can be the perfect design element for adding that surprise color punch.

How much countertop overhang is needed for bar stools?

12 to 15 inches is the overhang of countertop you’ll need to allow proper knee-room for those sitting in your bar stools.

How much vertical space is needed for bar stools?

The industry standard is to allow 10 to 13 inches from the bottom of the countertop to the top of the bar stool seat.

How much elbow room should I plan for when choosing the number of bar stools?

24 inches is enough but 30 is better if you can swing it. A little extra elbow room is always a good thing.

How many bar stools should I buy for my space?

Let the answer to the prior question steer you in the right direction here. You don’t want to cram too many bar stools into one space. Prioritize proper spacing over the desire to have one more seat.

Is there anything else I need to think of when buying bar stools?

Don’t forget to buy a few packs of those felt chair pads. They will save your wood floor! Change them frequently so you don’t wind up with scratches on your hardwoods.