Your dining room and kitchen can benefit from quality seating, including around your countertop or dining table. Bar and counter stools vary in size, shape, height, and style, so all homeowners can find an option that works best for their home design. When choosing the best stool options, you should focus on the correct height and a style that fits the rest of your home decor. This blog will share some tips and insight on how to find the best bar and counter stools.
Typical Bar And Counter Height
Understanding the typical heights of kitchen islands, bars, or countertops will help you choose a stool that fits appropriately. Counter heights are typically between 34 and 39 inches, but a designated bar can be taller, ranging between 40 and 43 inches. You should choose counter stools or bar stools that are slightly shorter than the countertop (24-26 inches for counters or 28-30 inches for bars). A good rule of thumb is to have the gap between your seat and the tabletop be around 10 inches.
The Difference Between Bar Stools And Counter Stools
The biggest difference between bar stools and counter stools is the height, but there are also other style differences. The construction of and the materials used for bar and counter stools can range widely. They can also be customized to colors or designs that match your other decor. Barstools often have a seat and offer a distinct look. Counter stools typically look like chairs with a back, but are higher than a typical dining chair.
Choose Comfort Over Aesthetics
While having pieces that are aesthetically pleasing is important to a nice home, seating options also need to be functional and comfortable to sit on. When shopping for stools and chairs, you should consider how they will be used. If they will be more decorative, then comfort might not be important, but if you are going to use them for dinner each night, during hosting, or while kids are working on homework, comfort should be top priority.
Adjustable Options
There are many options that can be adjusted to multiple heights, allowing you to choose a seating option you love, even if it isn’t a comfortable height. Adjustable bar stools and counter stools can allow people of all heights and kids to sit comfortably at your bar. This will help you avoid making the mistake of getting a stool that is too short or too high because you can adjust it to the most appropriate height.
Matching Your Other Furniture
In addition to practicality, bar and counter stools should also match your aesthetic. All elements in your interior design should work together to create a cohesive look. When choosing seating options, you should think about colors, metal finishes, and cushion designs that will work well in your home. Couches, chairs, and accessories are often the last things to be added in a home, so it is important to use them to help tie all your hard work together.
Choosing A Child-Friendly Option
If you have children, you will also need to consider what heights will work for them. Stools often have bars to step on or rest your feet, which may be helpful for small children needing to access the countertop or kitchen island. Counter stools with backs and armrests may also reduce the risk of falls from the higher seats. Even if you have a barstool or counter stool that is the perfect height for an adult, children may need a booster or pad to reach the counter. Keep this in mind if you are worried about these add-ons changing the look of your dining space.
Dining Room Furniture From Sugar House Furniture
Sugar House Furniture has some of the most durable mission-style furniture on the market. From bedroom furniture to office chairs and bar stools, we have something for every home. Choosing the right seating can help complement your table and dining room design. Our team crafts all of our pieces from durable and easy-to-maintain wood species, adding warmth to your space.
When you shop with Sugar House Furniture, there are hundreds of options to choose from. While our furniture may not be everyone’s style, there are pieces that can fit many different home styles. Customers can shop in our warehouse or online to see how a piece will look in their home. Learn more about home design and custom furniture from Sugar House Furniture.
