Bar Stools vs Counter Stools: Height Guide

Find the Perfect Seat Height

TOOU Design Canada · Guide

Choosing between bar stools and counter stools is not just a style decision – it’s about comfort, posture, and how your kitchen, island, or bar actually feels in daily life. This guide walks you through the key differences in height, how to measure your surfaces, spacing guidelines, and how TOOU collections like Cadrea, YARD and TA can help you create functional, beautiful seating for Canadian homes and commercial spaces.

1. Understand bar stools vs counter stools

The main difference between bar stools and counter stools is seat height. Getting this wrong can make a beautiful kitchen island uncomfortable, or a restaurant bar feel awkward to sit at. The right stool height keeps your knees, hips and elbows in a natural, relaxed position.

  • Counter stools: Designed for standard kitchen counters and islands with a surface height of around 34–36 inches (86–91 cm). Typical seat height is 24–26 inches (61–66 cm).
  • Bar stools: Designed for bar-height tables and ledges around 40–42 inches (102–107 cm). Typical seat height is 29–30 inches (74–76 cm).
  • Table-height chairs: For standard dining tables around 28–30 inches (71–76 cm), seat heights are usually 17–19 inches (43–48 cm).
Side-by-side comparison of bar stool and counter stool heights at different surfaces
Start with surface height: your counter or bar dictates which stool you need.


2. How to measure your counter or bar

Before looking at stool designs, grab a tape measure. Seat height should always be chosen based on the actual height of your surface – not just “kitchen” vs “bar”.

  • Step 1 – Measure surface height: Measure from the floor to the very top of your counter, island, or bar ledge.
  • Step 2 – Subtract legroom: Subtract 10–12 inches (25–30 cm). The result is your ideal seat height range.
  • Step 3 – Consider flooring: If you plan to add rugs or mats, keep them in mind – they can slightly change the perceived height.
  • Step 4 – Check consistency: In open-plan spaces, try to keep stool heights consistent across connected counters and bar zones for visual harmony.
A simple rule: leave roughly a hand-span plus a little extra between the top of the seat and the underside of the counter.


3. Recommended seat heights and legroom

Here are quick reference ranges to help you choose bar stools or counter stools that feel natural for everyday use.

  • For 34–36 inch (86–91 cm) counters: Choose counter stools with seat heights between 24–26 inches (61–66 cm).
  • For 40–42 inch (102–107 cm) bars: Choose bar stools with seat heights between 29–30 inches (74–76 cm).
  • Legroom: Aim for 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) of space between the top of the seat and the underside of the counter or bar.
  • Knee space: Consider any apron or overhang under the counter; this can reduce usable legroom.
Diagram showing recommended distance between stool seat and counter surface
The most comfortable setups keep 10–12 inches of space between the seat and the counter.


4. How many stools will fit? Spacing tips

Seat height is just one part of the equation. You also need enough elbow room and space to move in and out comfortably – especially in busy Canadian kitchens and commercial bars.

  • Stool width: Most stools are 16–20 inches (41–51 cm) wide. Always check product specs.
  • Spacing between stools: Leave about 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) between each stool so people aren’t bumping elbows.
  • End clearance: Leave at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) at each end of the counter for comfortable access.
  • Traffic flow: In open kitchens, make sure pulled-out stools don’t block key pathways or appliance doors.


5. Comfort, backrests, and footrests

Once the height is right, comfort finishes the job. Backrests, armrests, and footrests all play a role in how long people want to sit and stay.

Backrests vs backless stools

  • Backless stools save visual space and tuck fully under the counter.
  • Stools with backrests, like those in the TA collection, support longer sitting sessions.
  • For family kitchens, backrests are usually the more comfortable choice.

Footrests and posture

  • Integrated footrests help keep legs relaxed and support better posture.
  • On higher bar stools, a footrest is almost essential for comfort.
  • Check that the footrest sits at a natural height for most users.

Soft vs hard seats

  • Polypropylene seats (Cadrea, YARD) are easy to clean and very durable.
  • For extended sitting, consider adding seat pads in indoor settings.
  • In commercial spaces, prioritize wipeable, low-maintenance finishes.
For quick breakfasts and casual drinks, almost any perch will do. For long dinners and work-from-island days, ergonomic support matters much more.


6. Residential vs commercial projects

TOOU bar stools and counter stools are designed for flexible use in both private homes and high-traffic hospitality spaces across Canada.

For homes and condos

  • Focus on comfort, silhouette, and how stools integrate with your kitchen design.
  • Counter stools are the most common choice for kitchen islands and peninsulas.
  • Consider low-back or open designs to preserve sightlines in smaller spaces.

For cafés, bars and restaurants

  • Bar-height stools are ideal for drink rails and bar counters.
  • Prioritize durable materials, easy cleaning, and stable bases.
  • Stackable designs in certain collections make closing and opening easier.

For designers & specifiers

  • Match stool heights carefully to custom millwork and non-standard counter heights.
  • Coordinate stools with corresponding dining chairs for cohesive projects.
  • Use a consistent material and colour story across table-height, counter-height and bar-height seating.


7. Materials, durability and style

Beyond height, materials and overall design language determine how your bar or counter seating performs over time – especially in busy Canadian households and commercial venues.

  • Polypropylene shells: Lightweight, strong, and easy to clean – perfect for everyday use in kitchens and cafés.
  • Metal bases: Provide stability and a refined silhouette; ideal for both residential and contract projects.
  • Colour and profile: Slim, minimalist frames help counters feel open; bolder silhouettes can create a focal point in the room.
  • Mixing heights: In open-plan spaces, combining table-height chairs, counter stools and bar stools from the same family creates a seamless visual flow.
Modern kitchen island with coordinated counter stools in a Canadian home
Consistent materials and forms keep multi-height seating feeling cohesive.


8. Quick FAQ

How do I know if I need bar stools or counter stools?

Measure your surface height. If it’s around 34–36 inches (86–91 cm), choose counter stools. If it’s around 40–42 inches (102–107 cm), choose bar stools.

How much space should I leave between each stool?

Plan for about 6–10 inches (15–25 cm) between each stool so people can sit and move comfortably without bumping elbows.

Can I use bar stools at a standard kitchen counter?

Not ideally. Bar stools will usually sit too high at a standard counter, reducing legroom and making the posture uncomfortable.

Are TOOU bar and counter stools suitable for commercial use?

Yes. Many TOOU stools are designed with durable materials and stable bases that work perfectly in cafés, restaurants, and bars.

Can TOOU stools be used outdoors?

Some TOOU collections are suitable for outdoor use, especially polypropylene-based models. Always check product details for outdoor compatibility.

Shop Bar & Counter Stools by TOOU Design

Discover comfortable, design-forward stools tailored to your counter height, from compact condo kitchens to full-scale hospitality projects.

Shop Counter and Bar Stools Shop Cadrea Stools

Back to Learn