Choosing the Best Barstools for Your Space
Sep 21, 2022
Selecting a barstool can prove to be more of a challenge than dining chairs, as they come in a wider variety of dimensions. Determining what barstool height to choose, and the spacing between those barstools, is key to comfortably utilizing them! We have a series of steps below to help guide the process of choosing the best barstools for your space.
STEP 1: Determine Your Barstool Seat Height
- Measure the height from your floor to the top of counter
- The height of your barstool seat should be approximately 10-12″ lower than this measurement
- See the table below to determine the name of the height you need
- If your counter height is not listed in any of the ranges above, you may need to explore a custom barstool option or use the closest standard seat height
- If your table or countertop has a large support structure (ie: a skirt or apron) under the top surface, make sure you factor this in to your height and width determinations
STEP 2: Determine How Many Stools You Can Fit
Rather than focusing on the width of the barstool itself when determining how many stools will fit, you need to focus on the width of a comfortable place setting to maximize space and comfort.
For Barstools without armrests (and up to 22″ wide)
About two feet of personal space is typical for optimal dining comfort. The simplest way to determine how many barstools will fit under this category is:
Length of Bar ( in inches) divided by 24 = Quantity of Stools
*If you end up with a fraction, round down to the next whole number
For Barstools with armrests (and/or greater than 22″ wide)
When the width of the bar stool exceeds 22″, you’ll want to allow for more space at each place setting. The simplest way to determine how many barstools will fit under this category is:
Length of Bar (in inches) divided by 30 = Quantity of Arm Stools
*If you end up with a fraction, round down to the next whole number
Factors that can cause exceptions to these rules:
One: you have an open-ended counter and can scoot the bar stools out on the edges to create the appropriate amount of space for each person
Two: you have a closed in counter with walls, legs, or cabinets and may not have as much room as the countertop itself may indicate
STEP 3: Check The Space Behind Your Bar Stools
Most barstools won’t tuck completely underneath your countertop overhang, and that is okay so long as you don’t have a very tight walkway behind the barstools.
If your stool absolutely needs to be tucked completely under the countertop, your only option will be a backless saddle seat bar stool as it is the only stool with a depth of approx. 12″
There should be a minimum of 24″ of space from the edge of your countertop to the next obstruction in the room (ie: wall, cabinet, appliance, another piece of furniture, etc.)
If your bar stools back up to another chair or bar stool, be sure to allow an extra 24″ + of space from the edge of that table or countertop so both chairs can pull out comfortably. See the diagram below for reference
We hope this information is helpful in choosing the best barstools for your space!
If you have any additional questions after reviewing this document, please do not hesitate to contact us.
And if you are struggling to find the perfect barstools, Studio A’s private collection may have exactly what you are looking for! We would be happy to review options with you and help complete your beautiful spaces.