How to Choose Counter Stools
The right counter stools should fit your counter height, leave room to move and match how you use your kitchen, whether that’s quick breakfasts, homework or entertaining.
Counter Stool vs. Bar Stool Height
Counter stools: a seat height of about 24–27 inches, for counters and islands around 36 inches tall.
Bar stools: a seat height of about 28–33 inches, for bar-height counters around 40-42 inches tall. Shop barstools.
Leave about 10–12 inches between the top of the seat and the underside of the counter for comfortable leg room. Measure from the floor to the underside of your countertop before you buy.
How Many Counter Stools Fit?
Allow about 24 inches of counter length per stool. Go wider, closer to 28–30 inches, for counter chairs with arms or wider seats, so guests aren’t bumping elbows. For example, a 6-foot island typically fits three stools comfortably.
Backless, Low-Back or Full-Back?
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Backless stools tuck fully under the counter, keep sightlines open and work well in smaller kitchens. Examples include the Melbourne Cognac Leather Backless Counter Stool and the Hampton Backless Counter Chair.
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Counter chairs with backs add support for longer meals and lingering conversations, like the Brisbane and Aven counter chairs.
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Counter armchairs offer the most comfort and presence, like the Charleston 18" Counter Armchair.
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Counter benches seat more people along one side of an island, like the Stavenger 60" Acacia Wood Counter Bench.
Counter Stool Materials
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Leather: wipes clean easily and develops character over time, a smart choice for busy kitchens. Explore buffalo, hand-washed and antique whiskey leathers across the Brisbane, Melbourne and Galway designs.
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Hair on hide: a bold, textured look, seen in the Charleston collection.
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Fabric and suede: softer options like linen and eco-suede, as in the Avery and Aven counter chairs.
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Leather and iron: an industrial pairing with an urban edge, like the Lund and Melbourne designs.
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Wood: warm and classic, like the Stavenger in cinnamon brown and the Cordoba Vintage Reclaimed Counter Stool.
Complete Your Kitchen and Dining Space
Match your counter stools to the rest of the room with coordinating dining chairs, and light the island with a row of pendant lights. For entertaining, add a home bar or bar cart. Explore our full dining room collection.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a counter stool and a bar stool?
Counter stools have a seat height of about 24–27 inches for 36-inch counters. Bar stools are taller, about 28–33 inches, for 40–42-inch bar counters.
What height counter stool do I need?
Measure from the floor to the underside of your counter, then subtract 10–12 inches. That’s your ideal seat height.
How many counter stools fit at my island?
Allow about 24 inches per stool, or up to 30 inches for wider stools or chairs with arms.
Are backless counter stools comfortable?
They’re great for quick meals and smaller spaces, and they tuck neatly under the counter. For longer meals, a counter chair with a back offers more support.
Are leather counter stools good for kitchens?
Yes. Leather wipes clean easily, holds up to everyday use and develops a rich patina over time.
How much space should be behind counter stools?
Leave about 36 inches behind the stools so people can sit down, get up and walk past comfortably.
