Bar Stools and Counter Stools for the Kitchen
Bar stool, also known as a counter stool or high stool, is an elevated seat designed for kitchen islands, peninsulas, high tables, or home bars. At Eye on Design, you will find over four hundred designer models – upholstered, wooden, and metal, with or without backs.
What Height Bar Stool Should You Choose?
This is the most important decision when purchasing, as a mistake means an unusable piece of furniture. The rule is simple: leave 25–30 cm for legroom between the seat and the underside of the countertop.
In practice: for a standard kitchen island height of 90–95 cm, a stool with a seat height of about 65 cm is suitable. For a high bar of 105–110 cm, you will need a model around 75–80 cm. For a regular 75 cm table, a bar stool is too high – chairs will work better there.
If the countertops in your home vary in height or are used by several people, adjustable models are the solution. We have detailed guidelines on selection in our guide: how to choose a bar stool.
Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands
For an island, count about 60 cm of countertop width per seat – with this spacing, seated individuals won’t touch elbows. A 180 cm island can comfortably accommodate three stools, while a 240 cm island can fit four.
Also, check if the countertop has an overhanging edge: without it, knees may bump against the cabinetry. A minimum of about 25–30 cm of overhang is recommended.
With Backrest, Swivel, or Low?
Models with a backrest are more comfortable for longer sitting – at an island that serves as a table, this is usually the better choice. Stools without a backrest can be easily tucked under the countertop and visually disappear when not in use.
Swivel models make it easier to get up and are great for kitchens open to the living room. Low stools with a height of 45–55 cm serve an intermediate role – they fit lower countertops and can function as a stool or pouf.
Materials and Colors
Wooden stools provide a warm, natural character and look great in Scandinavian and Japandi kitchens. Upholstered seats are more comfortable but require easy-to-clean fabrics in cooking areas. Metal and black finishes suit loft and modern interiors.
The safest color choices are black, beige, and natural wood – they easily match any cabinetry. A bolder color works well when the kitchen is more subdued.
Bar Stools in the Kitchen, Dining Room, and on the Terrace
The natural place is the kitchen with an island, but bar stools also work well at a bar table and at a bar in the living room.
If the kitchen is open to the dining room, it’s worth choosing stools and chairs in a similar style – they don’t have to be identical, just a common color for the base or seat material will suffice. For the terrace, choose outdoor bar stools that are resistant to moisture and sunlight, and you can find a full range of seating in the chairs and armchairs category.
Bar Stools – Frequently Asked Questions
What Bar Stool for a 90 cm Island?
The best choice is a model with a seat height of about 65 cm – this leaves 25–30 cm of legroom under the countertop.
How Many Bar Stools at the Island?
Count about 60 cm of countertop width per person. A 180 cm island can accommodate three stools, while a 240 cm island can fit four.
What is the Difference Between a Bar Stool and a Counter Stool?
These terms refer to the same type of seating. In Poland, the terms bar stool, counter stool, and high stool are used interchangeably.
Bar Stool with or without a Backrest?
With a backrest – when you eat meals at the island and sit for longer. Without a backrest – when you prefer a lighter look and the ability to tuck it under the countertop.
What Bar Stool for a Low Counter?
For counters lower than 90 cm, choose a low stool with a seat height of 45–55 cm, or a model with adjustable height.
Discover bar stools and counter stools at Eye on Design – free delivery on orders over 1000 PLN, showroom in Warsaw.
