Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands

Shopping for bar stools for a kitchen island? You’re in the perfect place! Use this complete kitchen island stool guide to help you understand size, spacing and style.

We’ll even narrow down the field with a curated collection of beautiful kitchen island stools. Your shopping just got so much easier!

Choosing the right bar stool is about more than style! You’ll need to consider height, functionality for cleaning, comfort, and space.

When we finally took the leap and remodeled the existing oak kitchen in our St. Louis home, we were aiming for a comfortable, cozy space. We wanted an island for seating that also doubled as a great work space.

With a little maneuvering and planning, we made it happen. You can read more about our island in this Kitchen Island Dimensions guide. It’s a handy post to keep in your back pocket if you’re planning a renovation, too!

If you’ve got a kitchen island, or event a basement bar that requires seating, you’ll know that the search for stools can be overwhelming. The options are endless and it’s difficult to understand sizing, right?

Well, we’re here to rescue you from that with this simple guide! Learn a little about bar stool sizes, understand how to space them correctly, and find the prettiest options at every price point.

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Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands

If you’ve been checking out the options already, you’ll know that there are two different heights: traditional bar stools and counter height stools. What’s the difference? Which one is right for you?

• Standard Counter Height: 36”                                                                                  
• Standard Bar Height: 42”
• Standard Counter Stool Height: 24”-26”                                                                
• Standard Barstool Height: 30”-32”

Counter height stools are specifically meant to fit a lower 36″ counter height and bar height stools are for a 42″ high bar area. You’ll want 10″-12″ between the top of the stool seat and the underside of your countertop.

Measurements and Spacing

It’s important to understand how many stools can sit side-by-side at your island. Ideally, each of your bar stools should have at least 24” of space (up to 30″ for a spacious feel). However, if more stools matters to you, squeeze that spacing down to 21″ per stool if you’d like.

Read more about our Ikea bar stools and the charming slipcovers that a friend made for us, and find all my favorite Rattan Bar Stools here!

How to Choose

1. Consider Size: Measure the length of your island or bar, as well as the height from the underside of the countertop to the floor. Divide according to the guidelines above to achieve the desired look and function.
2. Functionality: It’s important to choose stools that function well for your family and frequent guests! Consider how easy they are to clean, their support (back or no back) ease of pulling in and out, and padding or no padding.
3. Style of Your Home: Choose island stools that work well with your decor style, whether it’s rustic, refined, farmhouse or beach house!
4. Budget: Last but not least, everyone has a budget. Set one for your purchase and stick to it! As you’ll see below, there are gorgeous island bar stools available at a wide variety of price points.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

You can find even more decor, high end dupes and furnishings inspiration in our Facebook group, Simple Steals!