Despite traditionally belonging to such spaces as bars, pubs, diners, and lunch counters in the early 20th century, tall stools have become integrated more frequently into modern homes, styled in creative, tasteful ways to fit seamlessly into residential spaces. But how did a traditionally commercial item like the bar stool become such a staple in modern homes?
The bar stool “trend” (if you can call it a trend) emerged naturally alongside the popularity of open-concept, modernist-styled homes. Bar stools feel right at home anywhere kitchens open up to adjacent rooms with a bar instead of being separated by traditional doorways. Counter stools are also popular for extra seating at kitchen islands in lieu of a traditional kitchen table. Finally, if you prefer high-top dining, bar or counter stools can be used instead of standard height dining chairs. So bar stools have a wide variety of uses beyond simply providing seating for a standard bar area.
Whether you’re updating your kitchen island seating, adding stools to your home bar, or just trying to fill an awkward corner in your home, bar stools can help, and choosing the right height, style, and finish of your stools is key to making them work for you.
Top 3 Benefits of Bar and Counter Stools
Bar and counter stools do plenty more than just provide extra seating (although this may come in handy at family gatherings or parties). First popularized in modern homes around the mid-20th century, bar stools are equally a design statement and a functional addition to any home. Here are some ways bar stools can be beneficial to your home:
1. Space-Saving Seating for Everyday Living
Bar and counter stools are perfect for maximizing seating without taking up too much floor space. Because they tuck neatly under an island or counter, they’re ideal for open-concept layouts, apartments, or smaller kitchens. If your space is tight, you may find you prefer the utility of a bar and stools to a traditional dining table. Even if you have a kitchen separate from your dining area, you may find a kitchen island with bar stools that can be tucked underneath to be a more utilitarian option than a kitchen table or breakfast nook, since kitchen islands can be used for both dining and food prep.
Bar stools also have useful potential when it comes to minimizing clutter. Besides some seat options that feature hidden storage, bar or counter stools can also be used to conceal under-counter storage shelves or cabinets from view.
2. A More Inviting, Connected Home
When designing an open-concept home, few furniture pieces pull a space together quite like bar and counter stools. Both functional and stylish, bar and counter stools functionally link kitchens, dining areas, and living or family rooms, making them a comfortable yet practical place to gather, cook, dine, or chat together.
Modern kitchens that are partly open to other areas of the home have more to offer when it comes to creating a social space. Adding stools to your kitchen island or peninsula is an easy way to encourage gathering and conversation in a common space. Guests can sit comfortably while you cook, or kids can do homework at the island, making the kitchen the true heart of the home. Use your space efficiently by inviting means for connection into every room of your home.
3. Endless Design and Style Options
From minimalist metal frames to rustic hardwood joinery or plush upholstered seats, bar and counter stools come in endless styles and finishes. You can easily find a set that complements your décor, whether your home is modern, rustic, farmhouse, or a transitional blend of styles. Mixing textures like wood, leather, or metal may also add personality and warmth to your kitchen or dining space. Choosing custom bar or counter stools allows you even more freedom than shopping at a traditional furniture store.
You may be surprised at how much stylistic freedom is truly available to you when it comes to bar stools. We will take a look at this in the next section.
Some Popular Styles of Bar or Counter Stools
Bar and counter stools come in a wide variety of styles and materials, offering flexibility for every taste and room design.
Backless Stools
Sleek and compact, backless stools like the Canadel Loft 5057 stool or the Jane stool by Dining Solutions are great bringing a clean, modern look to smaller spaces. Many popular options have wooden legs and seats, but metal industrial-style backless stools are also a popular choice, as well as more abstract styles like the upholstered Hugo stool by Wesley Allen.
High-Backed Stools
If you plan to use your stools for everyday sitting or frequent meals, you might prefer high-backed stools. Stools with backs provide extra comfort and a polished aesthetic, ideal for longer sitting. No matter your style, there are many comfortable high-backed stools to choose from, including many options that are taller variations of standard dining chairs. There are plenty of solid wood stool options, like this Stanton stool by Dining Solutions, as well as upholstered–like the Canadel Gourmet 901, or the Glenn and Linea stools, both by Amisco.
Low-Backed Stools
If you like the versatility of backless stools but crave the additional support of a high-backed chair, a low-backed stool may be the perfect compromise. Low-backed stools like the Canadel Downtown 8138 are easier to slide out of the way beneath an overhanging surface, but still provide something to lean against. Other options, like the Canadel Downtown 8139, offer a slightly higher back but are still more compact than most high-backed options.
Upholstered Stools
Whether it’s a minimalistic backless stool like the Amisco Miller stool or a complete seat like the luxurious Canadel Core 817, adding upholstery to your bar stool adds unbeatable comfort. If you want your bar stools to rival your living room seating for comfort, browse some of our upholstered bar stool options that are available to customize in over 50 different fabrics.
Wooden or Metal Frames
Choose wood for a classic, cozy look, like this Blair stool by Dining Solutions, or metal for an industrial or urban vibe, like this Amisco Barbara bar stool. Both wooden and metal bar stool options are sturdy and provide a wide variety of options.
Swivel and Adjustable Stools
Swivel stools are convenient for multipurpose seating or open spaces where movement and flexibility matter. See the Wesley Allen Edmonton stool or Hudson stool by Dining Solutions. Adjustable stool options may be helpful if you are looking for something more versatile.
Static Stools
Static or stationary stools offer solid, stable seating with timeless simplicity. Many stationary stools, like the Canadel Core 8270, resemble your typical dining chair, but with some added height – perfect for a high-topped dining table or kitchen island.
This wide range of style is the reason bar and counter stools can blend beautifully with farmhouse-style kitchens, coastal retreats, modern apartments, or urban lofts alike. No matter your vibe, we have a bar or counter stool for you.
What Is the Difference Between Bar Stools and Counter Stools?
We have been using the terms “bar stool” and “counter stool” quite a bit. What’s the difference? Bar stools and counter stools are not the same thing, but people commonly use the terms interchangeably–not realizing they are actually referencing different items! The key distinction between bar and counter stools is their height, and it’s important to keep this in mind while shopping for stools so you purchase the correct size.
- Counter-height stools typically measure 24–27 inches from the floor to the seat and pair best with counters or kitchen islands that are 36 inches high.
- Bar-height stools usually measure 28–33 inches from the floor to the seat and are designed for bar tops about 42 inches high.
Many bar stool manufacturers like Amisco and Dining Solutions offer their stools in either a bar or counter height, but since they are intended for such different purposes, it’s critical to make sure you are purchasing the correct stool height for your space. Choosing the right height, even within the bar or counter ranges, will help ensure a comfortable fit. Ideally, you should reserve 9–12 inches of space between the seat and the underside of your counter or bar, so make sure to keep your measuring tape handy.
How Many Bar or Counter Stools Do I Need?
Most island or bar counter spaces can fit somewhere between 2-4 stools, but how can you be sure of the ideal number? To determine how many stools will fit comfortably, simply follow this rule of thumb:
- Allow 26–30 inches of space per stool so guests have enough room to sit and move.
- Measure your counter or island’s total length and divide by that number to find the ideal amount.
For example, a 6-foot island typically seats three stools comfortably. Adjustable or backless stools can also help if your counter varies in height, or if the space is being used for different purposes.
Some bars also have shelf supports spaced at intervals that also may provide a helpful framework for where each stool would go. Evaluate your bar area and assess if you could realistically place 2, 3, or 4 seats there without it looking off-balance or overly crowded.
Where to Buy Custom Bar or Counter Stools
When you’re ready to find the perfect stools for your home, look no further than Room Concepts Furniture. Serving the Wexford and Pittsburgh South Hills areas, Room Concepts is a furniture design store offering a wide selection of customizable furniture, including bar and counter stools that are available in a range of finishes, fabrics, and materials to suit your unique space.Visit one of our showrooms or browse online to discover bar stools for your kitchen island, home bar, or dining area that blend comfort, craftsmanship, and timeless design. From dining to bedroom and beyond, Room Concepts offers solid wood, American-made furniture that’s built to last—and built for you. Get in touch with our team today or stop into one of our showrooms in Pittsburgh, PA (South Hills) or Wexford, PA (North Hills) to explore our products or to talk to our furniture experts about choosing the best furniture to add comfort to your home.
