How to Choose the Right Barstool Dimensions

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Barstools are a popular and fun seating option. They are a great addition if you have a kitchen island or a bar in your home. They create an atmosphere that promotes gathering. Whether it’s with your family or friends, a solid place to sit around to eat, talk, or play games can build lifelong memories. Before this can happen, you have to find the right barstool for your home. Below you will find how to choose the right barstool dimensions. This includes the stool height, seat height, width, and the number of stools.

How to Choose the Right Barstool Dimensions

There are several things to consider when choosing the right barstool for your home. Consider the following as you shop for your home.

Barstool Total Height: 

There are several types of luxury furniture-style barstools, including full-back, low-back, and backless. The total height of a barstool includes the backrest. Because of this, full-back barstools are the tallest, and backless are often the shortest. There is no hard rule about how tall your stool should be overall, including the backrest. However, it’s important to consider the look of the barstool in comparison to the table and the surrounding area. Barstools are generally meant to blend in well. It’s helpful to consider that when you look at which ones will seamlessly fit in your space. 

Barstool Seat Height: 

The total height and the seat height of a barstool are different. In fact, the rule of thumb for finding the right barstool height is roughly 12 inches lower than the height of the bar or counter it will be placed against. The 12 inches should be measured from the seat, not the backrest. This allows for ample space between the person seated and the table.

Seat Width: 

Most luxury barstools are between 15 and 21 inches. However, there are larger options for optimal comfort. It’s important to consider how wide the bar or kitchen island you are putting these barstools under is. This can impact how wide of a stool you get, as you also need to consider the amount of space between each stool. Measure the length of your table and allow for roughly 26 to 30 inches between the centers of each bar stool.

Space Between Barstools: 

The amount of barstools you get depends on the width of the seat. However, it’s also necessary to consider extra space in between your stools to allow people to easily get in and out of their seats. It is recommended that you leave roughly 8 to 10 inches between each stool. Or, you can allow for 26 to 30 inches between the centers of each bar stool. You may need to spend some time measuring your space to ensure you purchase the right amount of barstools for your space.

Extra Space: 

It’s aesthetically important to leave some space at the edges of the table. Whether you are purchasing stools for a kitchen island or bar, consider leaving at least 12 to 18 inches at each end. This ensures that the space doesn’t look cramped. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about running into any chairs when you turn the corner. Bars and kitchen islands can be great places to gather. However, it’s important to ensure there is enough space to easily navigate the area.

Additional Considerations: 

If you are concerned about the height of the barstools, consider barstools with adjustable heights. This can provide you with some cushion in the event that your measurements aren’t perfect. It can also be beneficial if you have some exceptionally tall or short friends or family as they can adjust it to their comfort.


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