Start by measuring the surface
When choosing bar stool height, the starting point is not the stool but the surface you will sit at. Measure from the floor to the top of the counter. There are three standard heights: dining tables at 72–76 cm, kitchen counters and islands at 90–95 cm, and bars at 100–110 cm. Kitchen islands in homes and offices are usually built to counter height, while poseur tables and bar counters in cafés and pubs are usually bar height. A stool at the wrong height either knocks your knees against the counter or leaves guests reaching up to their plates.
The 25–30 cm rule and size chart
The basic rule is simple: leave 25–30 cm between the seat and the top of the counter. If the counter has a thick top, a drawer or an apron underneath, check from that underside as well and keep at least 20 cm of clear legroom.
| Surface | Surface height | Recommended seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Dining table | 72–76 cm | 44–47 cm |
| Kitchen counter / island | 90–95 cm | 63–68 cm |
| Bar counter | 100–110 cm | 73–80 cm |
In practice, stools with a seat around 65 cm are sold as counter stools and those around 75 cm as bar stools. If in doubt, subtract 27 cm from your counter height and you will be very close to the ideal seat height.
Footrests and knee space
Because feet do not reach the floor, a footrest is essential on tall stools. It should sit roughly 40–45 cm below the seat, which means 20–25 cm from the floor on a 65 cm stool and 30–35 cm on a 75 cm stool. Footrests take constant contact with shoes, so a solidly welded metal footrest with a durable finish wears far better over time.
Knee space in front of the counter matters too. On kitchen islands the overhang should be at least 25 cm, ideally 30 cm. At bar height, where guests sit more upright, an overhang of 20–25 cm is usually enough.
Backrest or backless?
Backless stools tuck fully under the counter, save space in tight rooms and suit cafés with fast turnover. Low-back models, with a back rising 15–25 cm above the seat, add lumbar support while staying visually light. Full-back stools and stools with arms work best where guests stay longer, such as cocktail bars, restaurant bar areas and home kitchens. With armrests, always check that the arms clear the underside of the counter. Swivel seats make getting on and off easier but need a little more space per stool.
Spacing between stools and kitchen islands
Allow 60–65 cm of counter length per stool, measured centre to centre, and 70–75 cm for swivel stools or models with arms. That leaves a 15–20 cm gap between seats so guests do not bump elbows. A quick way to plan the number of stools is to divide the counter length by 60: a 240 cm island takes 4 stools and a 300 cm bar takes 5.
- Keep at least 90 cm of free space behind the stools.
- Increase this to 110–120 cm if it is also a walkway.
- Seat diameter or width is usually 35–45 cm; wider seats are comfier but take more room.
If you are building a freestanding high table, pick table bases for a 100–110 cm top and match the stools using the same rule. Browse our bar stools for counter and bar height models.
ASF Sandalye manufactures metal bar stools and chairs at its own facility in Sancaktepe, Istanbul, with custom colours and fabrics for projects. Get in touch by WhatsApp or phone for a quote.
Common questions
What height bar stool do I need for a kitchen island?
For a kitchen island of 90–95 cm, choose a counter stool with a seat height of 63–68 cm. Models around 65 cm are the most common choice.
How much space should there be between a bar stool and the counter?
Leave 25–30 cm between the seat and the top of the counter. If there is an apron or drawer underneath, keep at least 20 cm of clear legroom.
How far apart should bar stools be?
Space stools 60–65 cm apart centre to centre, or 70–75 cm for swivel stools and models with arms. That leaves roughly 15–20 cm between seats.