Top Tips for Picking the Perfect Kitchen Bar Stools
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How to find And Pick the perfect stools for your kitchen island With Wayfair
This post was kindly sponsored by Wayfair. All opinions are my own.
I’ve been looking for some attractive but affordable kitchen island stools ever since we moved in almost 3 (!!!) years ago. I did buy some at one point, but they were a total fail as they were too high and they just didn’t look the way I wanted them to look. Those were promptly returned and we will never speak of them again 😅
After my first failed attempt at buying island stools, I was discouraged so we had just been using 2 very sad wooden stools for the longest time. And the truth of the matter is that because we didn’t have proper island seating, we just never sat there, which sucked! We definitely weren’t utilizing the full potential of that area of our home.
Anyways, that failure made me realize that there were a few things about counter and kitchen bar stools that I didn’t know. So, I wanted to share some key points that I learned along the way. Now is the perfect time to do so, because from now until 5/6, Wayfair is having their amazing Way Day sale where you can score up to 80% off home favorites AND get free shipping on everything!
1. Height is important
When choosing a counter or kitchen bar stool, I’d say beyond the looks, the most important factors to consider is height. You want to make sure that your stools fit comfortably under your countertop or bar and allow enough room for your legs!
You’ll definitely want to leave about 10-12 inches from the top of the stool seat to the underside of your countertop. Standard countertop height usually ranges from 36-39 inches high, so aim for a seat that’s 24-26 inches from the floor. This gives you enough legroom under the countertop.
Kitchen stools are typically offered in two different heights: counter height (24-26 inches) and bar height (28-30 inches) so measure and make sure you get the height that suits your space! Of course you could also get adjustable height stools and that would give you even more flexibility.
See more of Wayfair’s kitchen stool options I love HERE!
2. Back support is key
If you plan on using your stools for extended periods of time, it’s important to consider the level of back support they offer. Stools with high backs provide more support and can be more comfortable for longer sitting periods, while backless stools are better suited for quick meals or socializing. Consider your seating needs and choose accordingly.
3. Style matters
Bar stools come in a variety of styles, from modern and sleek to rustic and traditional. Consider the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or dining area when choosing a style for your stools. Do you want them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the decor or make a statement on their own? Think about your personal style and the vibe you want to create in your space.
See all of Wayfair’s bar stool options HERE for any style!
4. Material matters
Bar stools come in a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstery. Each material offers its own unique look and level of durability, so think about what will work best in your space, but also what kind of lifestyle you live. For example, if you have young children or pets, you may want to opt for easy-to-clean materials like metal or leather.
5. Consider swivel options
Swivel stools allow for easier movement while seated, making them a great choice for areas where people are often turning or socializing. However, keep in mind that swivel stools take up more space and may not work well in smaller areas.
See all of Wayfair’s bar stool options HERE with all of the options!
6. How many stools will you need?
This is also important. We have 3 island lights and I didn’t really want to do matchy-matchy with 3 lights and 3 stools, but that’s what worked in our space. 2 stools would have looked weird and empty, and 4 would have been too cramped (I share pics below). Our island is 8′ long so 3 stools is ideal.
Curious about how many counter stools will fit at your kitchen island? Experts suggest allowing 28 to 30 inches per seat. Just divide your island’s length by 30 to find the perfect fit! So for example my island is 8′ so 96″/30 = 3.2. Boom! 💣
Those are the main things I learned and those tips were enough to help me confidently choose some great bar stools for my kitchen!
Ultimately, I decided on a set of 3 solid wood bar stools in black which I got from Wayfair. I hoped the black would add a little boldness to our relatively bland kitchen, and also play in with the lights which I had just finished painting black and gold (our island pendant lights are also from Wayfair!). I learned my lesson and I got the shorter 24″ height so that it would allow us to sit comfortably at the island without cutting off the circulation in our thighs 😂
My Favorite island Bar Stools
I wanted to round up some of my favorite bar stools currently available – but also … 📢 Way Day is happening between May 4 and May 6 and they’re offering up to 80% off plus FREE Shipping on everything! Of course all good things come to an end and the sale is only for 3 days so NOW is your chance to snag the deals!! If you see anything you like below, grab it now to save money!
