What Are the Different Bar Stool Heights?
Knowing the height of where you want to use your bar stools, such as a typical counter height, will make sure you get the correct seat height. An easy estimation for seat height is to measure from the kitchen counter height or table height to the floor and subtract 10 to 12 inches. This will be your approximate seat height.
Dining-Height Stools
Replacing old bulky kitchen dining chairs with dining stools can give your table a fresh and quick revamp. Dining tables have an eating surface between 28 and 33 inches high. Dining stools come in seat heights between 16 and 23 inches, making them right for comfortable seating. The shortened bar stool height will allow you to slide them under your dining room table, safely out of the way. Dining bar stools also are useful in small breakfast nooks or apartments where a standard dining chair will take up too much room.
Seat height refers to how far the cushion or seat area of the stool stands from the ground.
Counter-Height Stools
Slightly higher than a dining table, the height of a counter-height table or eating surface will be between 35 and 40 inches tall. A counter-height bar stool will have a seat height from 22 to 26 inches. With most kitchen counters and islands being standard counter height, these stools are perfect for use while eating, preparing food or even doing homework. The casual setting of the kitchen can provide a gathering area for entertaining, so having a place for guests to sit with a proper stool height for the counters is important. The taller height of counter height stools make them a better choice over regular dining stools.
Bar-Height Stools
Do you have a bar or entertaining area in your home? Need new stools for a restaurant or pub? Then a bar stool is the answer. Taller than countertop stool heights, bar-height stools, as the name suggests, are made for the taller bars and tables typically found in taverns. Bar surface heights are usually around 41 to 43 inches tall, and bar-height stools can run from 27 inches to 35 inches for the seat heights. Bar stools are designed to stand up to heavy use, with most featuring footrests and the ability to swivel, and work better when considering pub height vs. counter height for seating.
Bar-height stools can be heavy and awkward to move and get in and out of. Children and the elderly may have difficulty with them.
Tall Bar Stools
For places and surfaces that are 44 inches and taller, you should look for a tall bar stool. Seat heights for tall bar stools are 36 inches or higher. Tall bar stools are usually found in commercial use situations.
More Bar Stool Considerations
When you know what size of bar stool you need, there are a few questions to ask yourself to make sure you’re choosing the best stool to use.
- Do I want armrests? If so, then the clearance of the stool will be less to accommodate for the extra space the armrest requires.
- What type of counter do I have? Most kitchen counters have an overhang, but some kitchen islands may not.
- Is the stool going to be used in more than one area? To be ready for various heights, think about an adjustable stool that can work in several different situations.
For more ideas and suggestions on finding the perfect bar stool, check out our guide on How to Choose the Best Bar Stools.