Everyone knows—an extra stool can always come in handy. From the kitchen counter to the patio, stools are a casual, versatile seating option both indoors and out. When shopping for stools, beyond figuring out what style works in your space, you also need to consider the height of your surface and how many stools you need. Here, we've put together some tips and videos to help you get started.
There are three main types of stool heights: table, bar, and counter. Most tables, counters, and bar tops have a standard height range, but before you purchase stools, the first thing you need to do is measure the height of your surface to be sure. We recommend keeping around nine to 13 inches between the seat and the underside of your surface to give you enough leg room.
Table stool height: Tabletop surfaces are typically 28 to 30 inches tall, which means you’ll need a table stool with a seat height around 18 inches from the floor.
Counter stool height: Countertops range from 36 to 39 inches, so you'll need a counter stool that ranges from 24 to 26 inches high.
Bar stool height: Bar tops are usually around 40 to 42 inches high, so opt for a bar stool about 28 to 30 inches tall.
If you’re adding multiple stools to your surface, you’ll want to make sure there’s plenty of space between each one for people to easily sit and move around. Because the length of your tabletop, counter, or bar may vary, calculate how many stools you'll need based on the recommended amount of space between each one.
The amount of space you should have between each stool depends on the overall diameter of the stool seat, and whether it has swivel functionality. Here’s some spacing guidelines:
For stools 16 to 18 inches wide, leave at least six inches between each one and the either end of your bar or counter.
For stools 19 to 22 inches wide, or a smaller stool that swivels, maintain around eight to 11 inches between each stool.
Once you know what type of stool you’ll need (table, counter, or bar) and how many will fit beneath your surface, it’s time to consider style options. Our stools come in a range of materials, designs, and aesthetics—from modern to traditional—to coordinate with the look of your space.
Customizable Stools
If you want a more personalized look and feel, our Cobb Collection, where you can choose between counter and bar height, finish colors, and wood seat finishes. The result is an industrial-inspired bar stool personalized for your space, made to last and endure everyday wear.
Vintage Stools
Add character and create an eclectic look by mixing vintage stools into your home from our curated collection of Antiques & Vintage. Available in different sizes and stylistic eras, from Industrial to Mid-Century Modern designs, find the right piece for your space.
Backless or Full-Back Stools
For a cleaner look, opt for a backless stool that can easily slide underneath your table or countertop when not in use. If you need more back support while sitting, full-back stools are a sturdy solution that provides ample comfort. We have options in a range of materials, including solid wood, metal, and upholstered in fabric or leather.
Find the right seating option for your space with our versatile table stools, counter stools, and bar stools—shop our selection to get started.
Before diving into styles, materials, and aesthetics, it's paramount to first find out which seat height you need. Getting this fundamental step right is the foundation for ensuring comfort, functionality, and the overall harmony of your space.
If your kitchen counter is the same height as your sink, you need a standard counter height stool with a 24” or 26” high seat.
If your kitchen counter or pub table is higher than your kitchen sink, you need a stool with a 30” high seat.
If your kitchen counter or pub table is high such as 46" to 48", you need a stool with a 34” high seat.
If your kitchen counter or pub table is really high such as 50", you need a stool with a 36" or 37" high seat.
Learn how many stools you need to fit comfortably at your counter.
Learn the correct stool height you need to fit comfortably at your counter.
What is the difference in height between a bar stool and a counter stool?A bar stool measures 30-32 inches from the top of the seat to the floor.
A counter stool measures 24-29 inches from the top of the seat to the floor. This is a standard counter height.
The highest seat height we have seen is 40 inches and that is recommended for counters that are 50 inches or higher.
What is the shortest bar stool height?The shortest seat height for a bar stool is 17 inches, but that is also referred to as a vanity stool. Stools at this height are ideal for bathrooms, children’s rooms, and garages.
How tall should a bar stool be for a 36 inch counter?For a 36 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of around 24-26 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
How tall should a bar stool be for a 42 inch counter?For a 42 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of around 30 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
How tall should a bar stool be for a 44 inch counter?For a 44 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of 32-34 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
How tall should a bar stool be for a 48 inch counter?For a 48 inch counter, a bar stool should have a height of 36-37 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
How tall should a bar stool be for a 50 inch counter?For a 50 inch counter, a bar stool should have a seat height of 40 inches. This measurement takes into account the average thickness of a countertop, which is typically around 1 to 2 inches.
How do you add height to a bar stool?While bar stools may vary by manufacturer, if you have purchased a bar stool from us, there are a few options to increase its height. Firstly, you can consider ordering a thicker foot glide specifically designed for our bar stools.
Alternatively, if your bar stool has a wooden seat, you can explore the option of ordering a tie-on seat cushion, which can provide some additional height. Unfortunately, beyond these options, there are limited alternatives for increasing the height of a bar stool.
In the event that you accidentally purchased a bar stool with the incorrect seat height, you may want to consider ordering a base in a different height to meet your specific needs.
Most manufacturers offer the ability to order a new base. Some of them, like our Holland brand, allow returns so you can swap out a base with the right height.
Will the arms fit under my counter?We have height measurements for nearly all of our stools with arms. Please make sure to check these measurements or the stools might butt up against your countertop and you won’t be able to tuck in. Most of our stools with arms fit under standard counter overhangs, but it’s important to double check.
Most kitchen counters will have nothing beneath the counter, in order to give you the most space for pulling up a stool. You should take special care with counters like the one on the right, with “underhangs” below the counter. Sometimes these counters weren’t made with stools in mind.
Overhang (left), Underhang (right):
If you plan to move the stool between different height counters, we recommend an adjustable height stool. Adjustable stools are also great if you’re concerned with ergonomics and want to get the
perfect height.
Chair and vanity-height stools have a seat height of approximately 17-inch.
These low height stools are perfect for your desk or vanity table.