Chairs

Choosing the Right Chairs for Your Home Bar

Whether you enjoy entertaining guests or unwinding with drinks and snacks at the end of the day, the perfect bar-height stool or chair can make a big difference to your comfort levels. While you may think that any counter-height stool will work in your kitchen or dining room, there are a few elements, such as height, style, material, and functionality, that you should consider to ensure you select the ideal counter bar stools for your home and lifestyle. If you’re also wondering what a bar-height chair is and how it is different from counter-height stools, keep reading our guide to find out everything you need to know to make your selection easier and hassle-free.

Bar Height

What are counter-height stools? These stools are slightly taller than a standard chair and are ideal for sitting at counter tables, which usually measure between 35 and 39 inches. They differ from bar-height chairs, which are taller and are commonly found in restaurants and bars where the table measures between 41 and 43 inches.

Houses typically have a counter-height bar or kitchen island, making stools between 24 and 27 inches high the most suitable option. However, to ensure you select the ideal counter-height stool height for your design, you should measure your home bar from the top to the floor. An ideal stool will sit approximately 11.8 inches below the bench. Be sure to account for the back of a chair or armrest if you tuck the stool under the counter.

Functionality

Will you use the stools as your main dining seating or have them as a showpiece in your home? Answering this question can indicate whether you require additional features, such as armrests, back support, or a footrest on your counter-height chairs. While backless stools can make it easier to get up and down from the seat, counter-height chairs with backs can make for a more comfortable seating experience as you can recline and relax slightly in the chair.

A swivel stool with a rotating seat can also make it easier to get in the chair without pulling it away from the counter. You can then seat yourself and turn toward the bar and sit at a comfortable distance with minimal effort. However, functionality will be a personal preference and depend on your lifestyle. You may possibly require only simple counter-height bar stools when you sit at your home bar.

Style

If functionality isn’t a must on your list of requirements, you can pay more attention to style. While your bar-height chairs don’t necessarily have to match your dining room chairs, selecting stools with complementing materials, colors, or shapes can finish your space. Stools with neutral finishes such as wood or white and black color suit a wide range of interiors and can fit seamlessly into your home. However, if you want to add contrast to your space, you can make your countertop stools a feature in your home by choosing a bold color.

Chair Material

The material you select for your bar stools will impact your comfort. If you plan on spending a lot of time sitting at your home bar or kitchen island, you may want to choose upholstered stools with some padding. A padded high-back support can also improve comfort and ensure you get maximum use out of your bar chairs. For upholstery, faux leather stools are easy to clean and come in various colors, making it easier to find some that will suit your home. They are also a more affordable option than real leather stools; however, genuine leather is more durable and may be worth the investment if you want your bar chairs to last.

Wooden bar stools and counter-height chairs are ideal for adding texture and warmth to your home. They are also easy to clean, making them ideal for families with active kids who may drop food or leave marks on the chair. You can readily wipe off marks without worrying about leaving behind stains on your upholstery.

Space and Size

Remember to measure the length of your home bar and find the ideal number of chairs that will fit your space. You want your guests to be comfortable and have enough elbow room so that they aren’t bumping into other people. A small gap between the stools can also make it hard for people to get in and out of their seats. Ideally, you want your bar stools to be between 16 and 18 inches wide, with an approximate 6-inch gap between each seat. You’ll need to leave 8 to 10 inches between your seats if you opt for chairs with armrests.

Find Your New Furniture at Home Zone Furniture

Whether you want counter-height chairs or bar-height stools, we have an extensive range of quality, affordable, and stylish furniture. We have stools and chairs to suit various home interiors and lifestyle requirements, such as ones with back support, swivel, armrests, cushioned seats, and more. You can browse our range online or visit us in-store, and if you have any questions, contact our team for assistance.