All of life’s best moments happen in the kitchen, so why not include your kiddos? Today we are rounding up our favorite kid-friendly counter stools for any style kitchen and telling you our secret to buying the perfect number of stools. Warning: there is math involved! Get your calculators out and let us introduce you to the kid-approved stools you’ll love!

Already have the perfect kid friendly counter stool? Here’s an additional look at Jesse’s kid friendly pieces to create a gorgeous and functional home.

Why should I use counter or bar stools?

Counter or bar seating not only opens up more space for your family or guests, but also creates a sort of viewing station for any curious little cooks. Letting your children join in on the fun of working in the kitchen will inspire them to help out and get involved in the process. A counter stool gives your kids the perfect perch to watch you mix, sauté, chop, or clean, all from the safe position of a stool.

How many counter stools do I need?

Trying to decide just how many kitchen stools you need? You should consider two very important factors: How many people will utilize your kitchen seating and how wide is your counter? If you live alone or with a partner, two stools are all you need. If you have kids who love to be involved with meal prep or who you want to keep a closer eye on as they do their homework, you’ll want to consider a stool for each child.

To get an accurate measurement of how many stools you can fit at your counter, take the total length of your counter divided by the width of the counter stool you like + six inches. By adding 6 inches to the width of a counter stool, you are giving the stools room to breathe and be moved without disturbing their neighbor. At Scout & Nimble HQ, we have a 124 inch counter and our counter stools are 22 inches wide. When we add six inches to the counter stool, our formula becomes 124 divided by 28. This means we can safely fit four counter stools.

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

What is the difference between a counter stool and bar stool?

We get this question a lot. To put it simply, bar stools are taller than counter stools. To put it less simply, your standard counter is around 34-36” tall while your average bar is around 40-42” tall. The seat height of a counter stool should be around 25” while the seat height of a bar stool should be around 30”. Always, always, ALWAYS measure your bar or counter before purchasing stools.

The Best Wood Kid-Friendly Counter Stools

If you’re a no-muss, no-fuss kind of parent, wooden counter stools are the way to go. There’s no upholstery to take care of or cover and no woven elements like rattan that seem to excel at trapping crumbs. A post-dinner wipe-down is all a wooden counter stool needs. Options like The Paramore Swivel Counter Stool are great for kids who love to twist and move while The Lewis Windsor Counter Stool provides a good frame for smaller kids who might be recent graduates of the high chair.

The Best Leather Kid-Friendly Counter Stools

For a more comfortable option than a wooden counter stool, opt for leather. When spills are addressed quickly, leather seats can last for years! Cozy options like the Smart Counter Stool are so comfortable and an awesome, cool touch to any kitchen. For a textural feature without those stain-prone fabrics, we love the new Garza Counter Stool. To really make your stools stand out, select a finish that is a good contrast to the paint color on your island or peninsula. White island? Go for dark stools that add depth to the space.

A beautiful home is great, but a functional and beautiful home is best! Save yourself stress and time and go for wooden or leather counter stools next time you want to make a change in your kitchen. What style are you loving right now? Need help with more kid-friendly home design tips? Let us know in the comments!