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Design 101
The Best Barstools: Counter, Swivel, Backless, and More
Published: September 19, 2024
Barstools can turn a kitchen island or bar into a welcoming spot for meals and conversation. Look for features like swivel seats, cushions, or backless designs for comfort and flexibility. Consider space and function to choose the right height, type, and style for your home.
Design 101
The Best Barstools: Counter, Swivel, Backless, and More
Published: September 19, 2024
Barstools can turn a kitchen island or bar into a welcoming spot for meals and conversation. Look for features like swivel seats, cushions, or backless designs for comfort and flexibility. Consider space and function to choose the right height, type, and style for your home.
Design 101
The Best Barstools: Counter, Swivel, Backless, & More
Published: September 19, 2024
Barstools can transform a counter or bar from a place to serve and prepare food and drinks into an inviting gathering space for conversation and sharing meals. The best barstools for your kitchen island, counter, or bar may swivel to invite conversation, have cushioned seats for added comfort, or be backless to slide under the counter more easily. Â
Consider space and function to determine the perfect height, type, and style when shopping for the best barstools for your home.Â
Placing Barstools
Barstools invite conversation in many areas of your home, including the kitchen and dining room.Â
Kitchen: Place barstools around your kitchen island or counter to invite family and friends to chat while you prepare meals or dine together.Â
Living room or basement: Friends can gather at your living room or basement bar to watch the big game or try trendy drinks.Â
Dining room: Include table-height barstools around your dining room table to add variety as you furnish your dining room.Â
Carefully consider how many barstools you place around your counter or bar and how close they are to each other. Barstools should be far enough apart that you have enough personal space but also near enough to each other to encourage conversation. Â
Before You Buy
Take a few minutes to measure your counter or bar before you buy your new barstools. Measuring properly will help you determine the correct barstool height and appropriate number of barstools. Â
How to measure for barstools
Barstools are measured from the floor to the top of the barstool seat, not including a backrest.Â
To find the right barstool height, measure (in inches) the distance from the floor to the bottom of the counter or bar and subtract 10 from this measurement. The result is the optimal height for your barstools. If this doesn't work for you, try 9 or 12 inches instead of 10.Â
How to determine the right number of stools
The optimal number of stools for your kitchen island, counter, or bar is determined by the length of the surface area and the personal space needed between each stool.Â
To determine the number of stools needed, measure (in inches again) the length of the counter or bar and divide by 24 — the amount of personal space typically recommended for comfortable dining. The result is the optimal number of stools for your counter or bar. Â
Another rule of thumb is to allow 6 inches of space between each stool. If you have wider stools or stools with armrests, add a bit more space, about 8 to 10 inches.Â
How to choose the right style and function
Whether you're searching for barstools that fit neatly under your counter in a smaller kitchen or comfortable barstools for your basement bar, there is a style just right for you. Â
Find barstools that complement the style of the room. For example, consider shiny, chrome barstools for a modern kitchen or wicker seats on cane legs for a coastal design. Natural wood barstools will fit right in with the other furniture and decor in a cottagecore kitchen.
But looks aren't everything. You'll also want to consider functionality.Â
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Comfort: Barstools can provide full support with cushions, backs, armrests, and even footrests. Consider whether you and the people in your household find the added support more or less comfortable. 
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Space: For smaller spaces, consider backless barstools that take up less space and can slide easily under the counter or bar. 
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Movement: Choose swivel barstools to facilitate conversation. Some swivel stools can be attached to the bar, so they won't scratch the floor when moved. 
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Height: Stools with adjustable heights allow you to raise or lower the stool for different-sized people or if you expect to use the stools at counters or bars of different heights.
Different Types of Barstools
There are many different types of barstools available. Before you begin shopping, take a moment to learn about their different features. Â
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Swivel barstools
Swivel barstools have seats that rotate, allowing you to turn the seat without adjusting the whole stool. At a swivel barstool, you can easily pivot to the side to engage in conversation, reach for something on the counter, or get up without moving the entire stool.
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Backless barstools
Barstools can provide complete support with back, arm, and footrests, or some or none of those features. Because backless barstools take up less space, you can fit more around your counter, and they tuck neatly under the bar when not in use. 
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Bar-height stools
Bar-height stools are designed for commercial bars and restaurants but are sometimes also found in home bars as well. They're the tallest kind of barstool, made for bars that are 40 inches high or taller. They're typically around 28 to 32 inches high.
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Counter-height stools
At 24 to 27 inches tall, counter-height stools are shorter than bar-height stools and taller than standard chairs. They are designed for dining and gathering around kitchen islands and counters, which are usually about 35 inches high.
The Best Barstools for Your Home
The best way to choose the right barstools for your home is to explore what makes the best barstools better than others. Consider design, comfort, and functionality as you shop. Â
Best barstools for your kitchen island
The best barstools for kitchen islands complement the design style of your kitchen, fit around your island without interrupting the flow of kitchen work, and are comfortable for guests to lounge in to keep you company while you prepare meals.Â
Best swivel barstools
Swivel barstools encourage conversation, as guests can easily twist the stool in different directions. The best swivel barstools for smaller spaces are armless and backless, making it easy for them to slide under the counter. Armrests and backs provide added comfort when sitting for longer periods.Â
Best counter-height stools for kitchen islands and counters
If you are adding a kitchen island to your home, the best counter stools for kitchen islands and counters allow about 10 inches of space between the seat and the counter. Typically 24 to 27 inches high, these counter-height stools allow for more comfortable seating than a taller bar-height stool. Â
Best backless barstools
Backless barstools slide neatly under the counter when not in use and are easier to get on and off than barstools with backs. You can find plenty of backless styles to complement your design style — for example, rattan seats for coastal charm or distressed wood for a rustic feel. Â
Best Barstools by Style
Once you have determined what kind of barstool will work best in your home, it's time to focus on style. The best modern barstools out there may not work at all in a traditional kitchen. Explore different styles to find barstools that best complement the style of your home. Â
Best modern barstools
Modern barstools complement the clean lines, neutral colors, and creativity associated with the modern design style. Sleek, chrome finishes with other materials, like smooth light brown leather or geometric patterns complement the contemporary aesthetic. Â
Best traditional barstools
The traditional design style incorporates vintage elements into an aesthetic that, while sophisticated, promises comfort. Traditional-style barstools elevate comfort with cushions or upholstery in plush but subtle fabrics like leather and cotton.Â
Best minimalist barstools 
The best minimalist barstools are functional above all else. Most are armless and backless. If they do have armrests or backs, they have minimal lines and ornamentation. Look for neutral colors and functional, easy-to-clean materials for minimalist barstools — like those associated with the calm and serene Scandinavian style. Â
Barstool Shopping 
The best barstools for your bar or kitchen may be very different from those that work perfectly in your neighbor's home. Armed with this overview of barstool types, features, and styles, you can find the right combination of functionality and comfort in a style that fits your home's aesthetic. Â
Before you begin searching for barstools, remember to measure the counter height and width to help you determine the right number of barstools and the perfect barstool height for your space. For more information about barstool shopping, check out the furniture.com barstool buying guide.Â
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