When buying furniture for your home, there are always things you need to consider prior to jumping into your search. Before we get into that, I wanted to remind you that because there are endless furniture pieces that you could buy, it does not mean that all of them are essential. Bar stools/counter stools are absolutely essential in my opinion. They accommodate seating for anyone who wants to join you in the kitchen. And yes, I know a dining table accommodates seating too but it’s different. First of all, not everyone has a dining table that is in their kitchen. Second, if you do have a dining table that’s in your kitchen, sitting at the table versus the bar stool is a very different experience. The bar stools look into the kitchen and make immerses you into what’s going on in the kitchen. The dining table is always at a distance and the height of the table is always lower than the height of the counter. Additionally, the counter is usually the place where the hostess will serve hors d’oeuvres. Bar stools and/or counter stools make the accessibility to hors d’oeuvres much more convenient.
Difference between bar stools and counter stools
The key difference between bar stools and counter stools are the height. Bar stools are usually 5-6 inches taller than counter stools. The reason they are taller is because the bar counter is normally taller. A typical bar counter is anywhere between 42-44 inches tall whereas counters/kitchen islands are anywhere between 36-38 inches tall.
Things to consider before buying your bar or counter stools:
Height
When picking your next bar or counter stools, you need to make sure they fit perfectly under your counter. For measuring purposes, measure from the floor all the way up to the underside of the counter. Additionally, if you’re thinking of getting a chair with arms, you’ll want to take measurements to ensure that the arms will fit under the counter when tucked it.
How many?
Considering the space between each bar stool or counter stool is important. It will give you an indication of how many stools you’re going to need. The general rule of thumb for the space in between each chair is about 26-30 inches. The typical number of stools per counter is anywhere between 2 and 4 stools.
Back or backless?
The back or backless choice is both a visual and a comfort thing. The chair will be more comfortable if it has a back as well as more visually appealing. However, if your kitchen space is small, having bar or counter stools that have a back may make the space feel even smaller than it is. Backless bar/counter stools can make the space feel bigger and give more of a sleek look but will not be as comfortable. When making this decision, I would think about how much time you plan on sitting in the stool.
Style
Your stools do not need to match your counter or match each other. In my opinion though, I think bar stools / counter stools that match each other give off a cleaner look. That being said, you need to think about the vibe you’re going for and the vibe in your kitchen. Is it modern? Is it rustic? Is it minimalist? Is it mid-century? Is it colorful? What is the color of the kitchen? What are the finishing’s in your kitchen? Are they wooden? Is there art in the kitchen? What color is the art? The number of stool styles that exist are never ending. Therefore, it’s important that you have ideas in mind and that you ask yourself these questions in order to help narrow down your search.
Material
The material of your counter / bar stools is another important consideration. Are you going for a durable stool? Are you going for a stylish stool? Are you going for a comfortable stool? Do you want stools that come with removable cushions? Some suggestions are the following: Leather is great if you want a durable stool. Cotton is great if you’re looking for a unique color or pattern. Cotton is also easy to clean, so it may be something to consider if you have pets or children.
Adjustable or not adjustable?
I personally prefer adjustable bar/counter stools. The reason for this is obvious, they can accommodate many heights. You also won’t have to worry about it fitting under your counter. This one’s a personal choice, some people may not prefer chairs who swivel and adjust.
Options
Bar stools
Bar stools – prices vary
Bar stools – prices vary
Bar stools – prices vary
Counter height bar stools
Counter height bar stools – prices vary
Counter height bar stools – prices vary
Counter height bar stools – prices vary
Ikea bar stools / counter stools
Stig bar stool – $17.99
Ingolf bar tool – $59
Glenn bar stool – $79
Nilsolle bar stool – $45
Janinge bar stool – $99
Nordviken bar stool – $55
More ikea bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Wayfair bar stools / counter stools
Saleh Solid Wood Bar & Counter Stool (Set of 4) – $202.41
Swivel Solid Wood Adjustable Height Bar Stool (Set of 2) – $146.99 (on sale now)
Fragoso 29″ Bar Stool (Set of 2) – $159.99
Marte Adjustable Height Swivel Bar Stool (Set of 2) – $117.99 (on sale now)
Harlow Adjustable Height Swivel Bar Stool (Set of 2) – $139.99 (on sale now)
More wayfar bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Target bar stools / counter stools
Copley Upholstered Counter Height Barstool – Project 62 – $65
Claridge Counter Height Barstool – Linon – $79.99
Ellis Wire Counter Height Barstool – CosmoLiving by Cosmopolitan – $94.99
Set of 2 Kamryn Mid Century Modern Barstool – Christopher Knight Home – $191.99 (on sale now)
More target bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Amazon bar stools / counter stools
SUPERJARE Set of 2 Adjustable Bar Stools, Swivel Barstool Chairs with Back, Pub Kitchen Counter Height, Retro Brown – $149.99
Bar Stool Counter Height Bar Stools with Footrest Pu Leather Backless Kitchen Dining Cafe Chair with Thick Cushion & Sturdy Chromed Metal Steel Frame Base for Indoor Outdoor – $65.99
Roundhill Furniture Masaccio Cushioned Leatherette Upholstery Airlift Adjustable Swivel Barstool with Chrome Base, Set of 2 – $102.48
More amazon bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Modern bar stools / counter stools
Modern bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Modern bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Modern bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Modern bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Minimalist / mid-century bar stools and counter stools
Minimalist/mid-century bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Minimalist/mid-century bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Minimalist/mid-century bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Minimalist/mid-century bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Funky bar stools / counter stools
Funky bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Funky bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Funky bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Wooden bar stools / counter stools
Wooden bar stool / counter stools – prices vary
Wooden bar stool / counter stools – prices vary
Wooden bar stool / counter stools – prices vary
Glass bar stools / counter stools
Glass bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Glass bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Glass bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Velvet bar stools / counter stools
Velvet bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Velvet bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Velvet bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Swivel bar stools / counter stools
Swivel bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Swivel bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Swivel bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Metal bar stools / counter stools
Metal bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Metal bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Metal bar stools / counter stools – prices vary
Bar stools with backs / counter stools with backs
Bar stools with backs / counter stools with backs – prices vary
Bar stools with backs / counter stools with backs – prices vary
Bar stools with backs / counter stools with backs – prices vary