Raise the Bar: The Ultimate Bar Stool Buying Guide

While they’re an absolute essential, not enough is said about bar stools. Creating a nice bar area depends on many different elements and the bar stools are one of the most important. But it’s not just about choosing between Coastal bar stools and modern bar stools or any other style. It’s also about making sure the height and size are right.

So, today, we want to provide the only guide you’ll need to find the perfect bar stools for your home. This way, you can ensure that your choice is not only stylish but also comfortable and right for the space!

 

How to Find the Right Bar Stools: 5 Essential Steps

Finding the perfect bar stool is not without its challenges. However, knowing what to look for will allow you to have an easier time with the process. Here are the most essential steps you need to follow:

1. Measure the Height of Your Bar

Whether you’re approaching an outdoor bar table and stools or an indoor bar countertop, the height is the most important factor. That’s why you need to measure your bar before you look into anything else. It’s very important to take your time with this, so grab the measuring tape and get to work.

Be careful when measuring the height of your bar and make sure to double-check your notes. This is essential in determining the optimal height for the bar stools, which makes a difference in user experience. If the bar stools are too short, they will look out of place. If they’re too tall, they will stand awkwardly over the counter. You have to find the sweet spot.

 

2. Identify the Optimal Bar Stool Height

Now, finding that sweet spot is easier than it may seem. Once you have the height of your bar countertop or table, the process is pretty straightforward. All you have to do is calculate 20 to 30 centimeters worth of clearance between the underside of the bar and the top of the stool. When we talk about bar stool height, we’re talking about the distance between the ground and the top of the stool. So, keep that in mind.

Let’s say that your bar countertop is 85 cm tall. In that case, you want the bar stool to be around 60 cm high. This will allow you to sit comfortably and reach the surface of the bar without issue to enjoy drinks, rest your elbows, etc. Now, if your bar is taller, say 102 to 107 cm, you need the stools to be 71 to 76 cm tall.

This is why it’s so important to measure the bar correctly. A lot of people make mistakes with the tape measure, which can lead to awkward bar stool options. Some people choose to eyeball it and we don’t recommend that at all. It’s very difficult to say, just by looking, whether a bar stool will be too short or too tall. So, measure well and measure twice.

3. Determine the Right Size for the Bar Stools

Once you have the height all figured out, it’s time to consider the size of the bar stools. Now, this will depend on the type of bar stool and the style you’re going for. For example, wishbone bar stools or cane bar stools are wider than Hamptons style bar stools, which are usually quite minimalistic and sleek.

Of course, the size can also depend on design elements like whether the bar stools have backrests, armrests, etc. For example, bar stools that only have seating, such as mushroom stools, are often narrow, small, and short. To choose the right bar stool size, we recommend considering the surface area.

Determine how many stools you can have at your bar by making some calculations. Ideally, you should allow for 60 cm of space between each stool so people can be comfortable. So, if your bar area is 2 meters, you’ll be able to fit either three small stools with a narrow design or two large ones with a wider design.

 

4. Choose the Right Material and Color

When you know what height and size you need your bar stools to be, you can start shopping. You’ll be happy to know there are plenty of material and color options to consider. There are bar stools made of stainless steel, rattan, wood, wicker, leather, plastic, and even polyresin, among other materials.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to color, so you won’t have a difficult time finding the right one for the room. We recommend you follow the color palette you’ve already established, but you could always use the bar stools to add a pop of color to make the bar more visually interesting.

5. Determine the Style and Extra Features You Want

Last but not least, you have to determine the style and extra features you want the bar stools to have. So, how is your bar area? Is it coastal or modern? Mid-century or rustic? Retro or industrial? Whatever kind of style you’re going for, you can rest assured there will be a bar stool design to match it.

Consider options like Hamptons style bar stools, coastal bar stools, farmhouse bar stools, contemporary bar stools, and more. When it comes to additional features, determine if you want the stools to have backrests, armrests, adjustable height, swivel, and more. Making a note of all the elements you want your bar stools to have will make the search a lot easier.

 

Bar Stool Purchasing Guide: Final Words

Bar stools are available in all different kinds of heights, sizes, designs, materials, and styles. So, when you dive into the vast market of bar stools, make sure you know what you want. Moreover, make sure you get your measurements right.

Take your time measuring your bar height and determining the right size and height for the bar stools. Precision is the most important thing here, so measure well and choose your bar stools wisely.

Whether you want wishbone bar stools, coastal bar stools, Hamptons style bar stools, etc., browse our store to find great options!