Picture this: You’re decorating your pub, kitchen, or at-home bar. Whether you already own a set of stools or have found a good set and are interested in purchasing it, you may be conflicted because you don’t know if they should be counter or bar height. So, what is the difference between counter height, bar height, and adjustable stools?
There are many differences between a counter height, a bar height, and an adjustable stool. The main difference is that a counter height stool is 24 – 27″ high at the seat and is meant to be used at a kitchen counter high of 36.” A bar height stool is 28 – 33″ high at the seat and is intended to be used at a bar counter high of 42.” Adjustable barstool is 24- 30″ seat height and can be used from both counter height and bar-high tables.
Keep reading to learn why counter height, bar height, and adjustable stools are different and whether or not you can use counter height stools at bar counters, bar height stools at counters, or an adjustable barstool for either one. You can also find out how to choose a bar, counter, or adjustable stool and some recommendations for all three.
Table of Contents
What Is the Standard Height for Counters?
The standard height for counters is 34″ to 36″, and for a good reason. When we think about kitchen counters and islands, we think about preparing food. The perfect height for making food without bending over or reaching too far is 36 inches or 3 feet high.
This is opposed to dining tables, which are 30″ in height, because their purpose is for sitting down and eating your meal.
What Height Should Counter Stools Be?
The average height for counter stools is 24″ to 27″.
The height of your counter stool should depend on the height of your counter. You will want it to be tall enough to reach everything on the countertop but not too tall so your legs can fit under it comfortably.
What Is the Standard Height for Bar Counters?
The standard height for bar counters is a little taller than a kitchen counter, measuring 40″ to 42″; However, some pubs can have bar counters that measure up to 46″.
Bar counters can be so tall because they are most frequently used in businesses like pubs, and their height encourages customers to converse freely with other customers and bartenders who are standing to see eye-to-eye.
What Height Should Bar Stools Be?
Bar stools should be about 28″ to 30″ high.
However, this measurement may not be accurate if your bar counter is either taller or shorter than the standard height. In this case, look for bar stools 9 to 13 inches shorter than the bar counter.
Can You Use Counter Height Stools at a Bar?
You can use counter-height stools for those with bar counters that are a bit on the shorter side. Following the rule we mentioned above, if your bar counter is 40″ tall, you can use a 27″ counter stool because it is 13 inches shorter than the bar counter.
However, if your bar counter is taller at around 42″ to 46″ inches, you shouldn’t use a counter stool of average height. This is because the gap between the seat and the countertop may be too big depending on the person sitting there, and they wouldn’t be able to reach things as well. Plus, it will be less comfortable and awkward.
What are Adjustable Stools?
The average height for counter stools is 24″ to 30″.
Adjustable barstools allow a counter or bar height stool to move up or down. The stool is equipped with an adjustable mechanism.
- Gas Cylinder: The first stool is a gas cylinder inside the stem of the barstool that allows the stool to adjust vertically.
- Swivel: The last option is a stool that swivels 360° and twists to adjust up or down to match the surface height.
- Removal Legs: Another option is a stool that will enable you to remove the legs of the stool.
All options allow the stool to adapt to a counter or bar-height table.
Can You Use an Adjustable Stool for a Counter or Bar?
You can use an adjustable stool for both a counter or bar-height table. Adjustable stools give you the option of both worlds. However, you might find a limited selection of stools. An adjustable stool can adjust from 24″to 30″ seat height.
How to Choose Counter, Bar Stools, or Adjustable?
When putting together your pub, kitchen, or at-home bar, it’s important to choose the right counter and bar stools so everything looks aesthetically pleasing. Things might look cluttered when your furniture clashes with the rest of your decor. Also, choose an adjustable stool if you’re unsure of the right height, but selections are limited.
This is especially important for businesses, as you’ll want your customers to enjoy their stay. Keep reading to find out how to choose the counter and bar stools right for you and your space.
Material
Different materials for counters or bar stools and adjustable can serve as a good way to break up your space or put it together. Choosing the right material your stools are made from can set the vibe for your home or business.
Here are some materials for counter and bar stools compared to different factors your space may have and how they can make your space feel:
- Fabric: This is a great way to break up the space so there isn’t too much of one material in the room, plus it is the most comfortable option
- Wood: This material can make a space feel more natural and can fit great if you have wood cabinets
- Leather/Pleather: This option is great if you want your space to feel more luxurious
- Cow Hide: This is a great option if you’re going for a country look
- Stainless Steel/Metal: This is a great option if you have stainless steel accents (oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, sinks, microwave, etc.)
- Glass: This material is great if you’re going for a modern look
- Plastic: If you can’t afford glass, this is a great alternative
- Mesh Webbing: This material can give your space a boho vibe and also holds up great in outdoor bars and kitchens
Now, let’s look at the different finishes you can choose from.
Finish
Mixing light and dark woods can be aesthetically pleasing; for example, espresso-colored wood cabinets and pine counters, and bar stools. You can also match the finish of other wood furniture and appliances in your home or business to your counter and bar stools to make everything look more together.
You can choose from different finishes if your counter and bar stools are wood-made. Some finishes for wood include:
- Alder
- Aspen
- Cedar
- Cherry
- Chestnut
- Ebony
- Hickory
- Mahogany
- Maple
- Oak
- Pine
- Sequoia
- Teak
- Walnut
Now, let’s look at the different colors you can choose from.
Color
Color is another important factor when choosing the right counter and bar stools for your space. Unless you’re going for a monochromatic theme, using too many of the same colors can make a space feel boring.
Here are some color schemes you can choose for your bar or counter stools depending on how you want the room to feel:
- Light: White, blush pink, periwinkle
- Dark: Jet black, maroon, deep emerald green
- Fun: Yellow, teal, magenta
- Beachy: Sandy yellow, ocean blue, white
- 70’s: Tangerine orange, yellow, olive green
- Natural: Sage green, tan, sky blue
- Sophisticated: Beige, slate gray, chocolate brown
Now, let’s see some different styles you can choose from.
Style
Style is just as important a factor as the others on this list when choosing counter and bar stools. Let’s say you own a pub that’s in a brick building with concrete floors, and there are exposed pipes. You can embrace these features and decorate your space with industrial-style stools.
Here are some other examples of styles you may want your space to have that you can find counter and bar stools in:
- Boho
- Country
- Midcentury
- Modern
- Rustic
- Steampunk
- Traditional
- Vintage
Now, let’s move on to comfortability.
Comfortability
Their comfort is important whether your stools are for your business or your home. Customers may not want to stay long at a bar when the bar stools are uncomfortable. Additionally, your home is meant to be a space you feel… Well, at home. And uncomfortable counter stools will put a damper on that.
Some different factors that can contribute to the comfortability of your counter and bar stools include:
- Backless
- Back
- Armless
- Arms
- Cushioned
- Solid
Now, let’s look at the functionality of different counter and bar stools.
Functionality
Another important aspect of choosing your counter and bar stools are their functionality.
If your kitchen or bar area is outdoors, it will need to be able to function outdoors; i.e., made with outdoor fabric, waterproof to prevent getting you wet once you sit down after it has rained, UV protected to avoid fading, etc. So, in that case, you should look for outdoor counter and bar stools.
Additional Features
There are some additional features that manufacturers add to counter and bar stools, and though they aren’t necessary, they’re a plus:
- Adjustable
- Anti-slip
- Footrest
- Foldable for easy storage
- Removable/washable covers
- Swivel
Quantity
Another thing you should consider when choosing counter and bar stools is how many you need. Sometimes sellers only list one chair at a time, but other times they come in sets of two, four, or more.
If you purchase counter and bar stools for a pub, it’s best to look at sets to save the most money. If you’re looking for counter and bar stools for your home and have a big family, remember to have one chair per person so everyone can use the space when they please.
Conclusion
As you can see, many factors come to placement choosing the right counter height or barstool for your home. Measuring the height of your counter or table will help you determine which store you will need to purchase for your home. Among other factors picking the suitable material, finish, style, colors, and quality are essential. Remember, the best option is an adjustable stool to help if you need to adjust stool height or are unsure of the table height. We hope this information has been helpful. Please see further articles below for opportunities for more barstool information.