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Bar stools have long been a staple in bars and kitchens, offering both style and functionality with their taller design, adjustable heights, and footrests for added comfort. Originally ideal for use at bars, their versatility has made them a popular choice in modern homes, especially around kitchen islands or home bars. With options like velvet upholstery, metal frames, and adjustable features, bar stools can complement any interior. At Danetti, we offer a variety of designs to suit your space and elevate your home décor.
So whether you’re wondering how to style a bar stool in your home, what bar stool height is right for your counter or whether to choose between a fixed height or gas lift seat, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog we will explore how to choose the right bar stool for your family and home, what is the right size and how to style it too.
What’s the Right Size Bar Stool for My Kitchen?
The first thing to consider when buying any piece of furniture is will it fit in your home, and this applies for bar stools too, as this will impact if it will accommodate your breakfast island, and how many bar stools you can fit. Below are the key measurements we recommend you look out for:
- 1) Height
- 2) Seat width
- 3) Seat height
- 4) Seat depth
- 5) Back height
- 6) Footprint
It is even more important to check these measurements when shopping online as you cannot physically see the item or get an idea of its proportions. For all of our bar stools and furniture, you will always find detailed dimensions and measurements on each products page. If you would like to see the items for yourself before buying though, and you are local to Bracknell, come visit our Showroom where our knowledgeable and friendly team will be more than happy to help.
Top Tip: As a general rule, we would advise it’s best to allow 15 cm between bar stools for a comfortable seating arrangement. If the bar stool has a swivel function, you’ll need to allow for a little more space so the seat can rotate easily and giving your guests space to get on and off.
What’s the Difference Between Counter Height and Bar Height Bar Stools?
You will typically find two main bar stool heights: counter height and bar height. A counter height stool is more suited to a kitchen worktop counter and is generally 58cm – 71cm from the floor to the seat. This sizing means it should be used with a surface that is between 88cm – 93cm high.
On the other hand, bar height refers to higher bar areas. A stool of this size is generally 73cm – 81cm from the floor to the seat. This should be used with a surface that is between 104cm -109cm high.
Fixed Height, Gas Lift or Cantilever?
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a fixed height, gas lift or cantilever bar stool, but rather what works best for you and your setting. A gas lift bar stool offers more flexibility while a fixed height stool will help keep your space looking uniform. A cantilever stool is something a little bit different and will instantly add a contemporary vibe to your room. Here’s a quick run down of the features and benefits of each.
Gas Lift Bar Stool
The key advantage of gas lift bar stools is their adjustability. This feature provides flexibility, allowing you to effortlessly match the stool to varying counter heights and your preferred seating height, ensuring optimal comfort.
Top Tip: Gas lift bar stools are usually on a pedestal base. Remember to account for the stools footprint when you are planning out your space, as some have a wider bottom half.
Fixed Height Bar Stool
A fixed height stool offers a straightforward solution, providing a set seat height that remains constant. This can be ideal if you find a stool that perfectly matches your counter height, ensuring a comfortable and optimal seating position. Typically lighter than gas lift bar stools, fixed height stools are also easier to move and reposition, making them a great choice if you want to use them for both your breakfast bar and dining area.
Top Tip: If you’re confident that adjustable functionality isn’t necessary and are being mindful of your budget, opting for a fixed height stool will allow you to save while still enjoying a stylish and practical seating solution.
Cantilever Bar Stool
While cantilever bar stools technically fall under the category of fixed height stools, they truly deserve a special mention. Unlike traditional fixed height stools, a cantilever base offers a subtle bounce when seated, providing just enough movement to enhance comfort without the full adjustment of a gas lift. Ideal for creating an airy, spacious atmosphere around your breakfast bar, cantilever stools have a refined design that minimizes visual clutter, opening up the space and contributing to a clean, minimalist look.
Top Tip: A stool with a flat front, such as our Form Chrome Bar Stool, can sit close to the panel of a breakfast bar when not in use, keeping the area looking effortlessly sleek and neat.
What Style of Bar Stool Should I Choose?
With so many different shapes and styles of bar stool available, we have a plethora of designs to suit your lifestyle. Below we've picked out some of the key design features of our bar stools for you to consider for your home:
Armrests
A bar stool with armrests provides additional support, offering a more enveloping and comfortable seating experience. Designed with a deep seat, our armrest bar stools deliver a generous, luxurious feel, ensuring that your guests can enjoy prolonged comfort as they relax at your bar or counter.
Back and Backless Bar Stools
A backless bar stool is an excellent choice for maximizing space, as it can be neatly tucked under a counter or breakfast bar. Its minimalist design also ensures a subtle visual presence in your room. However, if you’re seeking additional support, a bar stool with a backrest of 30cm or more provides enhanced lumbar support and greater comfort.
Footrest
A bar stool with a footrest offers that extra bit of help getting onto the stool and will also provide a place to comfortably rest your feet when seated.
What Material Bar Stool Should I Choose?
Faux leather Bar Stool
Easy to clean and maintain, faux leather bar stools are usually available in a whole variety of colours. Faux leather is also a more budget friendly alternative to real leather, but where it is cheaper in price, it makes up for in quality, with all of our faux leather fabrics being durability tested for longer lasting quality.
Great for – Easy to clean and suitable for everyday use. Faux leather is a really popular material choice as it’s ideal for seating that’s used every day, with all our faux leather bar stools created with high tear strength.
How to clean – Use a damp microfibre cloth and a mild detergent such as washing up liquid. Regular cleaning will help to prevent a build up of surface marks.
Real Leather Bar Stool
You’ll really feel the difference when you’re sat in a real leather bar stool, and it’s strength and durability means that it has great longevity. What’s more, this stunning material actually gets better with age.
Great for – Style and longevity. At a slightly higher price point, a real leather bar stool is an investment piece. If you spend a lot of time in your kitchen and want to create a “heart of the home” kind of feel, it’s definitely worth buying the best you can afford.
How to clean – Use an absorbent cloth or sponge to wipe the affected areas. If you really want to give your leather some TLC, it’s worth investing in a leather maintenance kit which will look after the leather before, during and after cleaning.
Velvet Bar Stool
Velvet bar stools are a sophisticated addition to any modern kitchen or dining space, offering a luxurious and elegant seating option.
Great for – Velvet bar stools add plush comfort and a touch of luxe to your home. Despite their soft texture, modern velvet fabrics are often stain-resistant and durable, making them more practical than ever for everyday family use. All our velvet fabrics on our bar stools have been tested for high abrasion resistance so they will last and last.
How to clean – Use a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove dust and crumbs. For spills, blot gently with a clean, dry cloth. If necessary, use a mild soapy solution or a specialist fabric cleaner, always testing on a small area first. Allow the fabric to air dry naturally to maintain its texture.
What Material Base Should I Choose?
Chrome Bar Stool
A chrome bar stool will add a really modern and contemporary feel to your space, due to its bright and reflective quality.
Great for – creating a really modern and bright look. If you have chrome finishes in your kitchen or dining chairs, it’s great to tie all the elements together for clean and coordinated look.
How to clean – Use soap and water on a soft cloth. You can always add a splash of vinegar to give your cleaning an extra boost. Don’t use abrasive cleaners on your chrome bar stools as any scratches caused can potentially expose the material to the air and cause rusting.
Black Ash Wood Bar Stool
Black ash wood brings a natural yet striking touch to your space, combining durability with contemporary elegance. Its rich, dark tone adds depth and sophistication to any interior.
Great for – Achieving a sleek, modern aesthetic with a natural edge. Black ash wood is ideal for creating contrast in lighter interiors or enhancing the warmth of darker, moody spaces. Its sturdy nature ensures lasting durability, making it both stylish and practical.
How to clean – Wipe down black ash wood surfaces with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For tougher marks, use a mild soap solution, ensuring you wipe clean and dry thoroughly to protect the wood's finish. Avoid harsh chemicals or overly wet cleaning methods to maintain its quality.
Black Powder Coated Steel Bar Stool
A contemporary and versatile finish, powder-coated steel offers a sleek and durable option with a refined, modern aesthetic. It's perfect for achieving a stylish yet understated look in your space.
Great for – Adding a modern, matte finish to your interior. Powder-coated steel is a great alternative if you prefer a subtle, sophisticated look without the reflective qualities of chrome. Its versatility makes it ideal for coordinating with other finishes seamlessly.
How to clean – Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water to wipe down powder-coated steel surfaces. For stubborn marks, a solution of water and vinegar can help lift grime without damaging the coating. Avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain its smooth finish and sleek appearance.
Want to read more Danetti Guides? We also have a handy How To Guide on Choosing Your Perfect Dining Bench.
