Updated February 6th, 2025

This is one of our most frequently asked questions in every project or consultation: How do I choose the right bar stool for my kitchen counter? With so many options, how do I pick the right one for my space? Well today you're in luck because I'm here to help you choose the best option for your kitchen counter.

By the way, make sure to get our Kitchen + Bath Remodel Toolkit, where we share every piece of information you need before renovating your kitchen and bath. It's a must-have for every homeowner!

Choose the Right Bar Stool for Your Kitchen Counter

I love how the right bar stool can complement the kitchen's look. In many cases, they can even become an opportunity to create a statement, so this decision is one you shouldn't take lightly.

Before finding out which bar stool looks better for your kitchen, it is time to ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you want a low back, high back, or not back? 
• What size and style? 
• Do you need something easy to clean? 
• What type of material – wood, metal, upholstered, or swivel?

Needless to say, you should also consider your kitchen's layout to find out what will look best in it, as well as your current needs and what would be more functional for your daily life and your style preferences.

Let's explore each of these features in detail:

Choose the Right Height

You need to consider two types of heights: counter height and bar height. Not knowing this tiny detail can cause costly mistakes! A while ago, a client told me he needed me to source bar stools for his kitchen island because the ones he bought were too high. The mistake: he bought bar-height stools for a standard kitchen counter. So, we sourced counter height stools for his kitchen.

A standard kitchen counter is 36” high, which means the height of the seat of your counter stool should be 24”-26” high. If you have a raised bar, which is typically 42” high, then you want bar stools with a seat height of 28”-31” high.

For our Revere Pewter and Dreamy Kitchen Project, our client requested a kitchen made for entertaining, so we sourced these fun stools at just the perfect height for this island! My favorite thing is the leopard fabric that really creates a statement! These particular ones were custom for our clients.

Choose Your Back

What type of back do you want? Stools with no back are very easy to slide on and off. I think these are great for kids. They can usually slide under the counter and be out of sight. 

I like low-back stools for this reason, too. The lower back doesn’t get in the way of sight, but it still provides support when sitting. A high back stool is generally the most comfortable if you plan to sit at your kitchen counter for longer periods.

Choose Your Style

Let’s talk about style. You know I like to mix it up with contrasting materials. Most kitchen counters are made of wood. If you select a wooden stool, you add to the wood cabinetry's heaviness. I suggest choosing a metal stool or another color or material to mix it up and add interest.

We selected these counter stools for our More Fun Than Fancy Project and combined performance fabric and metal. These two elements give a high-end look, and to "make it more fun than fancy," as our clients asked, we added the rattan pendant, which really makes a fun statement! 

For another of our projects, Modern Retreat, we sourced these barstools that compliment the white kitchen so well! See how mixing materials goes a long way here too!

Another one of my favorites is Serena and Lily! In this kitchen, you can see how these barstools pair well with the golden kitchen pendants. It really makes it inviting for anyone who loves to entertain, cook, or just create amazing memories with the family!

Serena and Lily

I hope this post was helpful! To make it easier for you, I've left some favorites and best recommendations for your kitchen. Please note these affiliate links, and if you make any purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Thanks for your help!

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