From height to material, there are several factors that are essential to consider before committing to kitchen counter stools. But no need to worry! We’ve collected all of our favorite tips for choosing the perfect kitchen counter stools, all in this simple guide.

In search of the perfect counter stools?

While kitchen counter stools make it easy to entertain and visit with friends and family, knowing which is the right counter stool for your space is a process that can quickly become overwhelming. We put together tips here to help you with the process of choosing that perfect kitchen counter stool, from start to finish.

What’s the difference between a counter stool and a bar stool?

Before laying out the go-tos for picking the right kitchen counter stools, you want to be sure it’s counter stools you need and not bar stools.

Counter stools typically stand between 24” to 26” inches from floor to seat, while a bar stool stands 28” to 30” floor to seat. Try to select kitchen counter stools that allow for 9” to 12” of space between the bottom of the countertop and the top of the counter stool – this ensures the stool will slide easily beneath the counter and everyone’s legs have plenty of room.

1. Determine the height of the kitchen counter stool you need.

When considering height, you do not want to play the guessing game – it’s extremely important to have counter stools that allow you and your guests to sit comfortably. This is an especially crucial step if you're ordering online, so… time to bust out that tape measure!

Start with taking down the height of your current countertop. Measuring the height of your countertop is typically pretty straightforward: counter height is typically 36" from floor to surface, and bar height is 42", so you want to be sure and pair counter stools with counter-level seating, and same for bar stools with bar-level seating areas.

Sometimes people can run into issues when their countertop height is in between 36” to 42” – we see this in many custom homes where clients may be a bit taller and prefer to have their countertop higher than the 36”. It’s also possible that some countertops have an apron, or a lip, on the edge. This can cause less space between the seat and the bottom of the apron countertop. You want enough leg room to let people slide in and out of the seat, so in cases like these, just keep the 9” to 12” rule in mind and measure your counter height accordingly.

2. Choose a style of kitchen counter stool that suits your lifestyle and taste.

A beautiful home is great, but a functional and beautiful home is even better. Depending on your lifestyle, there are various reasons to choose one style of stool over another. If you have kiddos consider kid-friendly counter stools. These safe and stylish counter stools let your children join in on the fun of working in the kitchen and will inspire them to help out and get involved in the process.

Whatever you choose, you want to love the way it looks, right? We suggest choosing stools as functional as they are lovely because these are pieces you and your family will use every day.

1. Backless Kitchen Counter Stools

Backless stools may not always be the most comfortable option but are easy to tuck and conceal under the counter. This makes them visually less distracting, which is ideal for tight spaces or if you don’t want the focus of the kitchen to be on the stools. It is also important to note that guests may not sit as long in a backless stool due to comfort.

Explore Backless Kitchen Counter Stools from Scout & Nimble

2. Kitchen Counter Stools with Arms

Stools with arms are exemplary for comfort, making them an ideal option if you and your family and friends plan to occupy them often. However, they may be more difficult to slide beneath a counter and can be a tasteful focus of your kitchen. If you have another statement piece or design element you’d rather have as the focal point of your kitchen space, counter stools with arms may not be the right choice for you. 

Explore Kitchen Counter Stools with Arms from Scout & Nimble

Explore Armless Kitchen Counter Stools from Scout & Nimble

3. Swivel Kitchen Counter Stools

If you have a passion for entertaining, swivel stools are the way to go, especially if you have more of an open floor plan, where they make for easy socializing from kitchen to the adjoined living or family area. These stools prevent potentially damaging scooting across the floor and allow for easy movement— though they’re not the most kid-friendly option. Households with younger children may want to steer away from swivel stools and opt for a stool with a back or arms.

Explore Swivel Kitchen Counter Stools from Scout & Nimble

3. Decide how many kitchen counter stools you need for your space.

Here are two important factors to consider when deciding how many kitchen counter stools you need:

Calculate the perfect number of stools for your space.

Luckily, we have an easy formula to help you figure out just how many kitchen counter stools you need for your space. You may have come across it in our post about kid-friendly bar stools: 

Counter Length / (Counter Stool Width + 6) = Counter Stools You Can Fit at Your Counter

Essentially, you take the total length of your counter and divide it by the width of your desired counter stool, then add six inches. Adding six inches to the width of the counter stool allows for an adequate amount of breathing room, making them more visually and functionally appealing.

4. Find the right material.

The material of your counter stool depends on the look you want and its level of maintenance. From industrial to organic modern, the possibilities for achieving the exact look you want are endless!

1. Wood

Loving the look of wood but stressed about keeping it clean? Wood is a material that wipes down easily. However, wood kitchen counter stools may be more susceptible to unwanted knicks and scratches.

2. Metal

Looking to add an industrial or modern aesthetic to your kitchen? Metal complements any countertop with a modern, sleek, classy feel without sacrificing durability.

3. Rattan/Wicker

As suited for a kitchen as they are a sunroom, rattan and wicker stools give a light and breezy, more casual aesthetic. Rattan’s beautiful, woven texture adds warmth and depth to any home. Something to keep in mind, however, is that these materials require a bit more upkeep with spills due to their spaces and gaps.

Explore Mixed-Material Kitchen Counter Stools from Scout & Nimble

4. Upholstery

Upholstered stools are an excellent choice for anyone who wants some added coziness in the kitchen. You might consider, though, that they take a bit of extra work to maintain, so choosing a durable fabric like polyester or leather will enhance its performance and prevent cleaning headaches.

If your kitchen counter often serves as additional dining space, upholstered stools add a bit of luxury and class to countertop dining.

Explore Upholstered Kitchen Counter Stools from Scout & Nimble

Find your perfect balance of form and function.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, a space for making memories and gathering with loved ones — it deserves the perfect counter stools! By following this step-by-step guide, you can achieve beauty and function with ease.