Bar stools Buying Guide

Guide to Bar Stool Heights

Whether you want to foster a homely bar atmosphere, add a modern accent to an open plan kitchen or save space in a busy thoroughfare, the bar stool has quickly emerged as the go-to seating solution for modern home decorators. At Cymax, our bar stools come in a range of materials and fabrics – think classic hardwood, sturdy stainless steel or inviting brown leather – as well as a number of sizes. But with such a large selection, it is useful to understand the major height categories and their ideal uses.

The height of style

Bar stools fit broadly into four categories: short, counter height, bar height and extra tall. However, there is no industry standard for measuring the height of a stool: some manufacturers calculate the distance from the floor to the top of the seat while others measure to the top of the back or arm rests. It’s always best to consult individual product descriptions before you hit the checkout.

It is also important to consider where the stools will be placed. If they are for a bar or counter, measure the distance from the floor to the bench or lip. You are advised to choose a stool that is at least 10 inches shorter than the serving surface to allow for leg room. But no matter what your tape measure shows, Cymax is sure to have a stool to match your setting and your budget.

Short height – 18 inch bar stools

International Concepts Round Top Stool	Homelegance Saddleback Stool in Oak	Great American Barstools Square Cushioned Stool	Regal Petrolina Classic Upholstered Swivel

Slight and cost-effective, the short height bar stool, or 18 inch stool, is particularly popular in the garden or music room. But not only do these seats allow you to get down low to plant veggies or to rest a guitar in your lap, they can also be used as handy step-ladders in the kitchen and around the home. These stools often come with saddle-shaped tops for extra comfort. They also commonly feature spindle backs or round tops. But don’t be fooled – they are usually not large enough to be used at in a kitchen, dining area or bar.

Counter height – 24 and 26 inch bar stools

Hillsdale Montello 26 Inch Faux Leather Stool	Boraam Kyoto 24" Cherry Swivel Stool	Regal Campino 26" Round Chrome Stool	Armen Living Black 26" Backless Swivel Stool

Counter height bar stools are intended to be used with benches around 36 inches high – usually kitchen counters or dining surfaces. Cymax’s 24 inch bar stools and 26 inch bar stools are often used as a sleek, space-saving alternative to regular dining chairs, which tend to be wider, and they are ideally suited to pass-through eating spaces. However, if you are more interested in drinking than eating, read on.

Bar height – 30 and 32 inch bar stools

Steve Silver Antoinette Bicast Leather Stool	Boraam Sumatra 29" Stool	Winsome 30" Stools in Walnut	John Boos Backless Bar Stool in Natural Oak

Perhaps the best known of all size categories, bar height stools are perfect for enjoying a drink at a home bar and for socializing up high. These 30 and 32 inch bar stools are taller than the average dining chair, and are often upholstered for comfort, to match a theme or to compliment the general homeliness of a bar or games room if your bar top is thick, consider opting for the 30 inch bar stool as it will insure enough room for your guests' legs.

Extra tall – 34 and 36 inch bar stools

Great American Barstools 36 Inch Square Bar Stool	Wholesale Interiors Baxton Studio 29" Leather Stool	Pastel Furniture Bostonian Bronze 34" Bar Stool	Great American Barstools 36" Square Stool

If you were chanting ‘bigger is better’ as you assembled your home bar or restaurant, you should browse Cymax’s collection of 34 inch bar stools and 36 inch bar stools. Due to their height, almost all of these stools come fitted with supportive footrests and backs. The latter is an important consideration if children will be using the stools because they help reduce the risk of falling – it’s a long way down.

Did you find what you were looking for?

Still looking for a particular product? Check our main bar stools page for our full selection, including adjustable height bar stools.