This question comes up a lot. How do I choose the best bar stool for my kitchen counter? There are so many options! You are in luck because today I am here to help you choose the right bar stool for your kitchen counter!

There are several factors to consider. Do you want a low back, high back or no back? What size and style? Do you need something that’s easy to clean? What type of material – wood, metal, upholstered? Maybe you want it to swivel?

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEIGHT

First, let’s talk about counter height vs. bar height. Recently, a client of mine told me he needed me to source bar stools for his kitchen island because the ones he bought are too high. The mistake: he bought bar height stools for a standard kitchen counter. So, I sourced counter height stools for him, no problem.

Studio McGee

A standard kitchen counter is 36” high, which means the height of the seat of your counter stool should be 24”-26” high. If you have a raised bar, which is typically 42” high, then you want bar stools with a seat height of 28”-31” high.

CHOOSE YOUR BACK

What type of back do you want? Stools with no back are very easy to slide on and off. I think these are great for kids. They can usually slide all the way under the counter and be out of sight. I like low back stools for this reason too. The low back doesn’t get in the way of sight, but it still provides support when sitting. A high back stool is generally the most comfortable if you plan to sit at your kitchen counter for longer periods of time.

CHOOSE YOUR STYLE

Let’s talk about style. You know I like to mix it up with contrasting materials. Most kitchen counters are made of wood. If you select a wooden stool, you are adding to the heaviness of the wood cabinetry. My suggestion is to select a metal stool or another color or material to mix it up and add interest. This is best explained in photos.

I love how these gold stools pop against the navy blue cabinetry as well as tie in with the pendant lighting. Check out the ultimate guide to pendant lighting for you kitchen.

C. Walker Designs

I selected these clear acrylic stools for this kitchen to give a more contemporary feel in the overall vibe. Read more on how to modernize a traditional kitchen.

I added these black stools to this client’s gray and white kitchen and they are so great! They are comfortable, easy to clean and basically indestructible, which is what this family of four needs with two active boys.

I really love this California style bistro stool from Serena and Lily!

Serena and Lily

Do you think you’re ready to choose the right bar stool for your kitchen counter now? Let me know how I can assist if this is something you’re trying to decide. I’ve gathered my favorite styles in a design board. Check it out, and have a great day!

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