Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bar or Counter Stool

Design & Styling: Nancy Lane Interiors | Photos: Ellen Renee Photography

When it comes to barstools, finding the right fit is essential for both comfort and style. Whether you're revamping your kitchen counter or adding seating to a cozy bar area, today we're sharing our Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bar or Counter Stool to help guide you towards making the perfect choice in your space!

Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bar or Counter Stool

Material Magic

Choose materials that complement your home's interior design as well as your lifestyle. From sleek metal frames to warm wooden finishes to upholstered options, select barstools that harmonize with your existing decor and the overall ambiance of your home as well as your lifestyle. Got pets and kids? Consider materials that are easy to clean.

These simple barstools from our Modern Texas Transitional Project are small but mighty, and a great option for young families with small kids because they're easy to wipe down. We used them in a wood stain in order to pop against the black island. Small but mighty and good looking. The large island fits six bar stools comfortably since our clients host regular large family gatherings but with two toddlers they're able to switch out a barstool or two for high chairs when needed. At NLI, we think ahead on form and functionality not just what looks pretty.

Height Matters

Measure your counter or bar height from the floor to the top of the counter to ensure a comfortable fit. Counter stools typically have a seat height of 24-27 inches, suitable for counters that are 36 inches high while bar stools usually have a seat height of 28-30 inches, which are ideal for bars that are 40-42 inches high. Here at NLI, we opt for stools with a height that leaves a 10-12 inch gap between the seat and the counter surface for your legs.

Seating Comfort

Test the barstool's seat and backrest for comfort. Consider options with padded seats and ergonomic support, ensuring hours of relaxed dining and conversations.

Style & Aesthetics

Embrace your design taste and explore various styles like modern, industrial, or classic traditional. Barstools are a statement piece around your kitchen island or home bar area, so select one that adds a little je ne sais quoi to your space.

Space-Saving Solutions

If space is a concern, consider barstools with a stackable design.

Designer Tips:

• Consider the Style:

  • Choose a style that complements your existing decor, whether it's modern, traditional, industrial, or rustic.

• Materials Matter:

  • Consider materials like wood, metal, or upholstered options based on durability and aesthetic preferences.

• Evaluate Comfort:

  • Look for stools with padded seats or backrests if comfort is a priority.

  • Consider stools with footrests for added support.

• Think About Functionality:

  • Decide if you need swivel stools for easy movement or adjustable-height stools for versatility.

• Assess Space and Quantity:

  • Ensure there is enough space between stools for comfortable seating, typically 6-10 inches apart.

  • Determine how many stools you need based on the length of your counter or bar.

• Test Stability and Durability:

  • Check for sturdy construction and quality materials that can withstand daily use.

• Set a Budget:

  • Determine a budget range that suits your financial plan while considering quality and style. 

I hope these Essential Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bar or Counter Stool go a long way in helping guide you towards making the perfect choice in your space! If you're overwhelmed by the information shared today and want a help from a design expert, we offer one time design consultations for clients who have smaller design needs than what full service calls for OR who want to handle their project's implementation on their own. 

For those of you dreaming our help with your own full service design project in 2026, we would love to help - reach out here  to get the process started!

Scroll through to see some of my favorite finds for bar and counter stools or see the whole collection here.