Who hasn’t faced this dilemma? What seat height should I choose for my bar stool?

The question seems simple, but many others quickly follow: 45, 65, 75, or 90 cm? How much space should you leave between your bar stool and the table? Should you choose a bar stool with backrest or without? Are armrests necessary?

The Ideal Bar Stool Height: Finding the Perfect Balance Between Comfort and Design

Here you’ll find a simple guide to choosing the perfect height for your high chair or bar stool. This practical guide will also help you answer other important questions about design, ergonomics, and comfort.

👉 Check out our full bar stool collection for modern and stylish seating options.

What Will Be the Use of Your Bar Stool?

Whether for home or commercial use, the bar stool is a central piece that must be chosen carefully. Furnishing a restaurant, bar, or kitchen island requires the right high stools adapted to your needs.

The seat height is essential not only for ergonomics and posture, but also for ensuring the right balance between comfort, design, and quality.

4 Essential Questions to Ask Before Choosing the Right Bar Stool Height

1. What is the Height of My Bar, Counter, Table, or Kitchen Island?

This is the starting point! To sit comfortably, the height of your bar stool seat must correspond to the height of your counter or table.

👉 Recommended rule: leave 30–35 cm (12–14 inches) between the seat and the top of the counter. For legroom, keep about 10 cm (4 inches) between your knees and the underside of the table.

2. How Often Will These High Stools Be Used?

Will your bar stools be used daily or occasionally? Are they meant for a quick drink at the counter or for long meals? Will they be used by adults or children?

👉 If your guests will spend long periods sitting, choose a comfortable upholstered bar stool with backrest. For quick use, a simple backless bar stool may be enough.

3. A Designer Bar Stool: With or Without Armrests?

Your choice depends on both usage and personal taste.

💡 Tip: If you opt for a bar chair with armrests, always check the seat height reference and not the armrest height. Otherwise, the stool might not fit under your counter.

4. Should You Choose a Bar Stool With or Without Backrest?

A bar stool with backrest offers support and comfort for longer periods, while a backless bar stool saves space and slides easily under the counter.

💡 Tip: Always measure based on the seat height, not the backrest height, to ensure a perfect fit.

Bar Stool Heights Explained: Visual Guide

Bar Stool with a 45 cm Seat Height

A 45 cm stool equals the height of a classic dining chair. It fits perfectly with a standard table of 75 cm.

💡 Decor Idea: A 45 cm low stool can also be used as a bedside table, a small side table in the entryway, or as extra seating in the living room.

Bar Chair with a 65 cm Seat Height

A 65 cm bar stool is ideal for a counter or bar of 90–95 cm.

Example: the trendy Hyge T38 Bar Stool used in modern restaurants.

Bar Stool with a 75 cm Seat Height

A 75 cm high chair is perfect for a bar, counter, or high table of 100–105 cm.

Example: the elegant Bella Bar Stool.

💡 Pro Tip: For optimal comfort, always choose a bar stool with a footrest.

Why the Bar Stool is a Must-Have in Modern Interiors

Interior design trends evolve! While past layouts favored closed and cocooning spaces, today’s trend is toward open living spaces.

The kitchen island has become the new social hub of the home, replacing traditional dining rooms. This explains why the bar stool is more popular than ever — it’s not only functional, but also a true design statement.

👉 Discover all our modern bar stools to enhance your home or commercial project.