This post was updated in January 2022.
Finding the right counter stool height for your kitchen is challenging because there are so many factors to consider. Aside from finding the perfect counter stool height, you’ll also want to consider comfort and style. Below is our quick guide to helping you find the best stools for your kitchen counter, kitchen island, breakfast bar or even your in-home pub.
Choose the right counter stool height
Chair, bar or counter height? To determine which stool you need, measure the height of your table or counter. Keep in mind you need 9″-13″ between the seat and the counter for seating comfort.
- Heights of chair stools are generally 18″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 28″-30″ in height.
- Heights of counter stools are generally 24″-26″ inches from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 36″-39″ in height.
- Heights of bar stools are generally 28″-30″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 40″-42″ in height.
Determine how many stools you can fit
It’s important to provide enough space between stools for people to eat, drink and socialize without bumping elbows. Especially at a kitchen island which is usually the center hub of a kitchen. Here are the rules of thumb we use:
- If the widest part of your stool is 16″-18″ allow 21″-22″ of space per stool.
- If the widest part of your stool is 19″- 22″ allow 24″ to 25″ of space per stool.
- If you choose stools that swivel and/or have arms, you’ll need to add a bit more space between stools.
Consider the style of stool
Do you want to make a design statement or do you want more discreet seating? Do you want to match or layer materials in your kitchen? And do the stools you really want work in the space you have? Your answers can help you determine the style and height of stool that will ultimately work in your kitchen.
If your stools are in a busy or narrow corridor or you don’t want a tall profile that overwhelms your island, choose backless seating that can easily tuck under and away. But if you love to entertain and want something more lounge-worthy, choose a broad-backed stool with deep seating.
If you’ll use your stools where food is served, consider a low-maintenance material, such as leather, wood or metal. If you choose upholstered stools, choose a microfiber that easily wipes clean. Or, choose cushions that you can swap out.
Whether the style of your kitchen is traditional, rustic or contemporary, you can find a stool that complements your look. There’s no need to be too matchy-matchy. If, for example, your dining room is adjacent to your kitchen, it’s not necessary to match the style of seating. And if you already have a lot of wood, try mixing it up with metal stools. Keep an open mind, and you’ll find just the right look for your kitchen.
Browse our selection of bar stools and counter stools and for more inspiration, read these helpful posts below:
- Best Breakfast Nook Ideas for a Small Kitchen
- How to Style Your Kitchen Wall Shelves
- Podcast, Ep. 146: Dining Room Basics
- How to Pick the Right Dining Chair Size and Style
To stay up to date with all things How to Decorate, sign up for our monthly newsletter.
Cameron
Hi – My counter height is 36 inches. I am looking at purchasing the Bailey Woven Stools (counter height) but afraid the seat may be too high (Counter Stool Seat: 26 1/2″H (w/cushion) & 25 1/2″H (w/o). Can you please advise? Thanks!
Mallory Thomas
Cameron,
When counter stools are between 24″-26″ from floor to seat, we suggest pairing with a counter 36″-39″ in height.
Happy Decorating!
Mallory
Holli Amato
Hello, I have a 24″ overhang on my marble island and my cabinetmaker has added two legs and a wooden table skirt to wrap around the overhang for that custom look. Do I take that into account when measuring for counter stools? From the floor to the bottom of the skirt is 31″, but to the counter is 36″. What do I do here? Thanks for your help!
Abbey Nolte
Hi Holli,
This is a tricky one. I would definitely try counter first because it’ll be the most appropriate for your overall island height. You may run into an issue with your knees bumping into the apron. Try stacking some books onto a chair to the appropriate height and test it against your island!
Carolyn Carver
Hello:
I just ordered four bar stools that were advertised as “29-32 inch seat height”. I need them to be 32″; not 29″ and that’s what they are. Is there anyway to make an adjustment to get the height where I need it to be.
Thank you!
Heather Daly
Hi Carolyn,
While not knowing which bar stools you ordered, you may want to call our customer service for clarification on this.
The Customer Service number is: (800) 536-7551
Karen
I have a bar height counter with stools would a high top table look good next to it or a normal height table?
Heather Daly
Hi Karen,
Since most high top tables are typically counter height, if the table would be right next to your bar height counter, it may be too much for the space to have the varying heights. We suggest maybe going with a normal size table.
~Heather
Ellen Hughes
The best part of your blog for me is when you talked about the importance of making sure that there will be enough space between tools for people to dine, so you must consider determining the number of stools that can fit in your space. This is a nice tip for me because I’m planning to buy new kitchen stools and covers for it. My goal is to have a comfortable space in my kitchen while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. Thanks!
Linda Hudson
Thank you for share this useful information, It has helped me a lot in selecting the best kitchen chairs or really it’s beautiful as well. I have purchased it now to Artefac.
Lelia Audino
HI, i’m trying to find two suitable counter height chairs that will compliment my kitchen. Do i try to match them to my kitchen table chairs or change it up. Also colours??
Caroline McDonald
Lelia,
Whether to match your stools with your kitchen chairs is a question we get a lot and a tricky one! My vote is to change it up, mostly because it’s so hard to find chairs and stools that match perfectly. If they aren’t exactly the same, try something different but coordinating. It’s hard to make a color suggestion without seeing photos.
Best of luck!
Nadine Singh
My counters are 46 inches high. Have you seen bar stools that are taller than 30 inches so a person would be able to sit comfortably? If I got normal bar stools the counter would reach my chest.
Annika Dupree
Nadine,
We do offer bar stools in which the seat is taller than 30 inches. For instance, our “Bailey Woven Stools” have the seat at 32 & 3/4 of an inch high with a cushion. The overall height of the chair is 43 inches high. You can find this bar stool here: .
Florence
PS, or should I just put one large Moravian star light in the middle like a chandelier???
Thank you!
Florence
Hi there, I have a two-fold question – my 36″ x 60″ kitchen peninsula is attached to a wall on one of the short ends and one of the long ends has cupboard doors so only one short end and one long end are free for seating. The cupboards are white, the counter top is black granite and I have gunstock coloured wood floors. Ten years ago when I had the peninsula installed, I intended it as a breakfast bar for my three kids never imagining it would turn into the hub of everything. At that time I purchased 3 very good quality Cape Code type chairs (white painted wood rather roomy chairs with vertical slats in the back rest and foot rests) that are 17-1/2″ wide at their widest point which is the front of the seat. Two chairs are placed along the long side of the breakfast bar and 1 at the short end. My kids are grown up and moved away now and I find that when I entertain, everyone heads for the kitchen and those seats are highly coveted prime real estate. Everyone one wants to sit at the breakfast bar but there are only 3 chairs. What kind of seating can I get that would be comfortable and fit 3 along the long edge? Is this possible for a 60″ space? I wouldn’t be able to use my current chairs as it is way too tight with all 3 of them along the long edge. I considered a bench at one point, but 37″ from the long edge of the breakfast bar there is a wall the length of the kitchen so it would make it difficult to get in and out as it is pretty much boxed in there. And second question, I am changing the location of my ceiling lighting, moving it to over the breakfast bar and installing pot lights throughout the kitchen. I want to install some Moravian star pendants over the breakfast bar as pictured in this post, but I don’t know how many to use and what size they should be. Should this decision be based solely on the 60″ length of the breakfast bar, or does the number of seats along the long edge come into play, or does the fact that one edge is adjacent to a wall count for anything? Help please!
Caroline McDonald
Florence,
You’re question is difficult for me to answer without seeing photos, but our Design Solutions team could easily make some recommendations for you. Submit your question (with photos) to this form, and they’ll reach out to you. Sorry I can’t help, but I don’t want to suggest something that wouldn’t work in the end. Our DS team can do a layout plan and make more specific measurement-specific recommendations. Best of luck!
Caroline
Corey Bronstein
hi we have an island that is 9′ long and want to put 4 chairs (with arms) under it….can we accommodate 4 or should we go w/3? thx
How to Decorate
Corey,
That’s a tricky question, but we do have some suggestions for you. We’ll assume that your barstools are between 19-24 inches wide, and as a general rule of thumb, we recommend leaving 8-10 inches between stools that wide. If you have a more narrow stool (19 inches), we think you can squeeze in 4 stools. However, if your stools are closer to 24 in wide and if they swivel, we would suggest just using 3.
Hopefully that helps! Also you can reference this handy guide if you need.
Best of luck.
Caroline
I am trying to decide if the end caps on my island are long enough for counter stools. The openings are only 22 inches wide. Is that enough space to fit a counter stool with still being able to comfortably scoot in and out without bumping your knees?
How to Decorate
Caroline,
It really depends on the width of the stool you’re using. We typically recommend leaving at least 6 inches on either side of your stool to allow for space to get in and out. If you’re using a narrow, backless stool — something like our Allen Stool, we think you could probably squeeze it into the space. Because it’s backless, you don’t need quite as much room for maneuvering in and out.
Hopefully that helps. Best of luck!
Katie
Hi! I am wondering if you could tell me where I could find the white stools with the low back that are pictured? what is the name?
How to Decorate
Katie,
Those are the Lemans Counter & Bar Stools.
Tanya
My counter top is around 43 inch in height-question is would bar stools 26 inch in height going to be small for my counter tops?
Caroline McDonald
Tanya,
We typically recommend a 28-30 seat height to work with a bar height counter, and since your bar height is already a touch higher than most at 43 inches, we recommend at the very least getting a thick cushion that could help make up that extra height of your 26″ stools.
Kathy Brennan
I’m wondering if a patterned fabric on upholstered counter stools is too busy against granite counter tops….
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Kathy,
We don’t think so at all! It all depends on the type of granite and the fabric. We suggest ordering some swatches and holding them up to your countertops!
Another advantage to patterned counter stools? They’re better at concealing spills!
Happy Decorating!
Elaine
We have an outdoor bar and everyone is a different height and size! We are 5′ 0″, 5’5″, 6′ 1″, and 6’5″. Our bar is rustic. Any suggestions?
Edith
My lunch bar is 46′ can I get the 33′ or 36′
Connie
oh I love this look….where di the lights come from please!?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Connie,
The green kitchen has the Moravian Star Pendant, and the white kitchen has the Eldridge Pendant.
We hope that helps!
Ane Fagerhøi
Hi!
Can you tell me the color code on the green kitchen with the gold handles and the big star lights, please?
Best regards Ane
Caroline McDonald
Ane,
The color is Pewter Green (SW6208) by Sherwin Williams. It’s a gorgeous kitchen. So glad you like it!
Caroline
Paul
Hi. I have a 36″ island in my kitchen but the clearance from the floor to the moulding is 31.5″. I am interested in a counter stool that is 26″ that has a good amount of padding on the seat. I imagine that the padding will give an inch or two when sitting on it. Is this enough of a clearance? This will be our primary eating area and we want to make sure we are comfortable. Thanks!
Caroline McDonald
Paul,
As a general rule, you want between 9-12 inches of clearance between your seat and your countertop.
cat
Do all bar stools need to match? I purchased two stools (which are actually too high), however, feel the need for two more and couldn’t find them so I opted with another set of two similar in colour. Should I just continue to look for 4 matching?
Caroline McDonald
Cat,
While it’s possible to pull off a set of 4 mix and matched bar stools, our strategy would be for each of the barstools to be drastically different. Rather than a pair of matching and a second set of matching. Does that make sense?
Debbie
Which stool would you recommend ? The top of my counter is 44 inches high but there is a ledge and the leg clearance is only 38 inches.( it is 15 inches deep)
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Debbie,
Our Design Solutions team can offer some suggestions for you. Simply complete this form and our Design Solutions team will reach out to you. Be sure to include photos of your space so we can give you the most helpful advice and tips!
The How to Decorate Team
Jean
I have a table 32 inches high. What height bar chairs should I get
Caroline McDonald
Jean,
A regular seat height chair (about 18″) would work best.
jen
i only have an 8 inch overhang. is that enough space to put a stool that is 18 inches deep?
Caroline McDonald
Jen,
Generally speaking, 8 inches is too shallow for a traditional bar or counterstool, but as with so many things in the home, it’s a question of personal preference. We might suggest choosing a backless stool as that should help the stool tuck under and not feel like it’s protruding into your room so much.
Katherine
How can I get the barstools in the fourth photo? I don’t see them on your website.
Thank you!
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Katherine,
We’re so sorry, but they’ve been discontinued!!
Karen
Hi. Can you tell me the color of the paint used in the first and third photos? Thank you. Such an informative article. LOVE YOUR BLOG
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Karen,
The paint color in the third photo is Benjamin Moore’s Bennington Gray #HC-82. The green kitchen cabinets are Sherwin Williams Pewter Green #6208.
Happy Decorating!
Ann Martin
Can I send you a pictire of my kitchen island colors so you could help me with the color of the chairs to go with it. Thank you
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Sure! Simply upload the images here and be sure to include plenty of details for our design team!
Valerie
I love your Perry Counter Stool, however hesitant to order because the description says the seat height is 28.5″. My counter is 36″. That seems high for a counter height stool. Can you please advise. Thanks.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Valerie,
Our Perry Counter Stool is meant for a standard counter height, so it should be perfectly fine with your 36″ counters. The seat of the stool does give a good bit when you sit down on it, so when you’re actually seated it would be around 26-27″ high.
Hope that helps!
The How to Decorate Team
Jbarbs
Hello –
I just had a carpenter cut my wall to as low as he could go in my Kitchen. Leaving the kitchen side looking lower than the den side because of a step down into the den. The 1/2 wall where I’d like to put a bar stool is 108 inches tall and I am having a hard time finding a stool. Any suggestions?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi jbarbs,
We can definitely make some stool suggestions. Simply complete this form (don’t forget to include photos and measurements!), and our design team will contact you with a plan and next steps!
The How to Decorate Team
Ann
Which stool do you feel compliments a country kitchen? Our island will be counter height.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Ann,
There are a couple of options we think would work nicely in a country kitchen, depending on which direction you’d like to go. For backless counter stools, we love either the Dorchester Stool or the Mallory Slipcovered Counter Stool. The Mallory Slipcovered Stool would look fabulous with a large buffalo check fabric on the slipcover!
For a counter stool with a back, we imagine a Constance Counter Stool in either weathered oak or worn white would look fantastic. Or the classic lines of a Windsor Counter Stool might complement the details of your kitchen as well!
We hope that helps.
Happy Decorating!
The How to Decorate Team
Susan
i have a kitchen island /w counter height stools at it. I can’t decide whether to purchase an counter high table & stools or a bar height table & stools to be put relatively close to the island. Is there a general rule of thumb or is it just personal preference?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your comment. It’s really a personal preference as to what you like!
The How to Decorate Team
Terisa
I want to purchase the gingham kitchen valance and panels. The inside of my window frame is 36″. How would I hang these curtains?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Terisa,
You can find the check panels here. We also suggest hanging drapery panels 3-6 inches above the top of the window moulding.
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Linda
Hi..I just received 2 Dorchester Bar stools and the farmhouse coushions.Love them! My counter height is 40.I did read your article.My question is with the farmhouse cushions being so thick(which I love) could I use the counter stools with the cushions at the 40 inch counter or will that be to low..They are a bit to high with the bar stool and I would like to keep the cushions…Thank you
Caroline McDonald
Linda,
This should work. It might be about a half an inch too short, but that should be fine!
Jose Santa Cruz
Can i get a free catalog send to my address 1625 Rain tree circle
Sulphur Springs TX, 75482
We need Great ideas from Great people like your selfs to help in the decor of our home . Thanks!
Carole
I have a bar/counter that is 42 inches off the floor to the top of the counter. The granite width is 12 inches with only a 3 inch deep overhang. What size barstool would you use? What total height since I want stools with a back on them. I’m looking at a stool with these dimensions 46”H x 18”W x 22”D Would these work. Please give me any pros or cons you might see.
Thanks you
Caroline McDonald
Carole,
Any standard bar height stool should work with your space.
Sudarto
You are right. Choosing the right stool for our kitchen is not easy. My wife’s been looking for it for days. Moreover, if funds are limited. Of course, many factors must be considered so as the wishes to get the best can be fulfilled. Cheap but good. It is difficult. Your instructions are very helpful to us.
Sandy
When the stool specifications state Seat Height – 25 inches – does that mean from floor to the base of the seat or to the top of the padding of the seat?
Thank you.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for your comment. That is to the top of the padding, so if you are sitting in it, some upholstered stools may sink a little bit. But all of our counter stools are meant to be used at a standard counter height island or peninsula, and likewise with bar stools.
Hope that helps!
The How to Decorate Team
Lisa P.
I have an island that has an 8 inch overhang. I’d currently have saddle style stools, but would like to buy some 18″ square stools. Is the overhand to short for the square stool? Also, there is 38 inches between the edge of the overhang and my built in oven. Will the square stools take up too much space?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your comment. Stool shopping can be tricky, so we understand. In terms of the size, it depends a lot on personal preference. Standard overhang depth for a counter is usually about 12-15 inches for the most comfortable seating, but again it depends on your preference. Look around your house for a chair that is about the same size as the stool you’re considering and test it at your counter. You can also use some painters tape on the floor tucked under the counter to see if it will take up too much floor space and create traffic issues near your oven. Hopefully that will ease your concern!
Best of luck,
The How to Decorate Team
Pat
I have a carera cook top island where the top of the island is 39″ from floor but the bottom is 37′ from floor. What height seat do you recommend?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your comment. A standard counter height stool should work perfectly in your space.
Happy Decorating!
Karen b
Thank you for this post! I am working backward. Have some nice counter stools but not the counter to put them at any more and they never fit well at the old counter. Can’t wait to get the right size table for them and I appreciate the information.
Debra
Q: We like your Constance counter and barstools. I have two questions: (1) Our counter height is 46″. Would the 29-3/4″ height barstools be too low? (2) Our kitchen table and counter are just feet away from each other. I was thinking of the Weathered Oak finish for the barstools and the Chestnut finish for the counter stools at our table. Do you think this would look okay?
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Debra,
Thanks for your comment. We actually have a free service for our customers called Design Solutions where offer problem solving and design plans. We’d be happy to help you pick the correct stools for your space. Simply complete this form, and our Design Solutions team will create a plan for you!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Melissa
Hello..
this is a great article..but I need more help! My counters are 34.5 inches tall. What size counter stool should I get? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!!
Thank you,
Melissa
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Melissa,
It sounds like your countertops are just a touch shorter than standard height, but we would still suggest a counter height stool.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
norma
I am searching for comfortable barstools for my customized 45″ high counter. Would love to spend less than $100 each if possible. Any ideas.
Caroline @ How to Decorate
Hi Norma,
Thanks for your comment. We would love to give you some suggestions for bar stools. Our design services team can create a full plan for your space! You’ll need to submit your questions using this form and our team can get working on it. Usually there’s about a week turn around!
Happy Decorating,
The How to Decorate Team
Brandi
I have a 42 inch breakfast bar at my new house and I’m hoping to use the 27 inch stools from my previous house. Do you think it will be too short? One of my friend has the 31 inch bar stools at her breakfast bar and I always find those uncomfortable to get on and off.
How to Decorate Team
Hi Brandi,
Thank you for your comment. We would love to help you figure out the right size height for your stools – in fact, we wrote an article about just that topic! We hope this helps you determine the best size for you and your family.
Hope that helps,
The How to Decorate Team
Nan
Is the kitchen featured at the top of the article (with the green cabinetry and marble counters) the Southern Living 2013 Idea House kitchen? Looks exactly the same and it’s driving me nuts.
How to Decorate Team
Hi Nan,
Yes, you’re correct. This is the kitchen from the Southern Living 2013 Idea House in Nashville which we sponsored. We’ll also be sponsoring the 2014 Southern Living Idea House. Good eye!
Thanks for your comment,
The How to Decorate Team
Nan
I love it! Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Wendy
I have a chocolate brown leather sofa and matching recliner. My end table and coffee table is the industrial style with metal and mango wood tops (light natural wood color). I have black granite counter tops. Would a wood cappuccino color swivel bar stool with black leather seat covers work? Have a new town home and have not chosen a table and chairs yet either. Thinking about a cream distressed display cabinet in my kitchen. Would best stools blend ok? Thx
Billy
I have a light colored wood bar top, would an expresso bar stool with black seat work?
counter height dining set
Thanks for your wonderful post. I really like the information which you have sgared in your post.
Sheryl
I am remodeling my kitchen completely and am putting in new cabinets with a counter height bar. My question is I would like a counter height chair with depth like 24″ and have not been able to find any except with arms. I am afraid the arms will prevent chair from being close enough to bar to be comfortable. The stool swivels and I think that might also keep chair further away from bar. Do they make armless couter height chairs with depth in seat of 24″? Thanks
Stephanie
Can I put a barstool with my island that doesn’t have an overhang? My island is 36 inches tall. Would I need your 24 or 30 inch barstool?
Ballard Designs
You can use stools around your island, although there is no overhang. The stools should be 9″ up to 13″ lower than the height of the counter, so using a stool that is 23 up to 27″ is about the size you should look at.
The Style Studio Team
Pat
I have a dining table in my kitchen, just a few feet away from the bar. Should the barstools match the table chairs?
Ballard Designs
Pat: The barstools can coordinate or you can try to match them. Sometimes if you can’t match a finish closely, the best thing to do is coordinate another color into the mix.
The Style Studio Team
yanni
Hi Ballard,
I need a stool that can fit my counter top. I measured the height of my contertop from the floor is 43″. You suggested to choose the metal one if we have a lot of wood chairs already, what color is the best to match the brown colour of my dining table?
Thank you.
Ballard Designs
Dear Yanni: The height of your counter determines that you will need a bar height stool. Because we do not know what color brown nor the style of your dining room set is, it is impossible for us the suggest a color fro your bar stools.
Sincerely,
The Style Studio Team
Pam
Hi Ballard:
This page was helpful. It would be even better if:
a: The photos under each guideline matched and illustrated each piece of information given under each segment. For example: height, overhang, swivels, arms/no arms, style options, narrow passages, overhang, seating material, etc…
b: Diagrams for measurement would be helpful.
c: There were more related photos and style suggestions (for stools available through Ballard, under each segment of info.
Thanks.
Ballard Designs
Pam: We would love to add additional information to all of our “How To” articles, but feel that they would be exceedingly long. We try to give as much information as we can in a few concise paragraphs. Our hope is that if anyone has additional questions – that they will email Style Studio so that we can answer their questions directly. We constantly strive to give our readers information that will help them make informed decisions when it comes to home decor.
The Style Studio Team
Cynthia Fogle Yunk
We need a bar stool that the seat is over 30″ high; preferably 36″ because our bar heigth is 48″. Does your company have any that high? If you don’t do you have any suggestions.
Ballard Designs
Cynthia: Unfortunately Ballard does not do custom bar stools. The seat height ( 36″) you are looking for is a custom feature. Our bar stools are between 28 to 30″ high (seat). Our suggestion is to go online and locate companies that produce custom bar stools – you ahould be able to order exactly what you want.
The Style Studio Team
Jennifer
Thank you so much for this advice. I am trying to find stools for my kitchen and now I can order with more confidence that I’m getting the right thing!
Joanne Fishman
Helpful with stylish examples.
Jenny
Thanks – I like info-driven ads so I can make a better decision before purchasing. We’re in the market for new kitchen island chairs and this ‘informercial’ helps.
Marcia Clapp
How much overhang should a counter have to comfortably fit a bar stool under?
Ballard Designs
Marcia: Overhangs can vary – the average barstool is approximately 18 to 20″ deep, so if you choose a barstool with no back you may want the overhang to be about 18″. It all depends on whether you want all of the stool to be tucked under the counter. If the barstool has a back – measure from the front to the beginning of the back to determine the amount of overhang you want. An average overhang for a counter is between 10 to 12″ but nothing is etched in stone. Just make sure that the overhang is supported by counter brackets or corbels for a sturdy countertop.
The Style Studio Team