Kitchen design
Breakfast Bars and Stools: Getting the Heights Right
Counter height or bar height, how tall the stools should be, and how much knee room and width each person needs.
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A breakfast bar gives a quick place to eat and somewhere for people to sit while you cook. The most common mistake is buying stools that are the wrong height for the counter.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Match the stool to the counter
| Counter | Typical height | Stool seat height |
|---|---|---|
| Table height | 72–76 cm | 45–48 cm (an ordinary chair) |
| Kitchen counter height | 90–92 cm | 60–66 cm ("counter stool") |
| Bar height | 105–110 cm | 75–80 cm ("bar stool") |
As a rule, leave 25–30 cm between the seat and the underside of the counter. Measure your own counter rather than relying on the name in a listing.
Space
| Measurement | Guide |
|---|---|
| Overhang for knees | 25–30 cm |
| Width per stool | about 60 cm |
| Clear space behind stools | about 90 cm, more if it is a walkway |
Choosing stools
- Backs are more comfortable for long sits; backless stools tuck fully under.
- Footrests matter on tall stools.
- Adjustable gas-lift stools suit families and uncertain counter heights.
Short of space? A bench or window seat at a table may seat more people. Planning an island? Read island or farmhouse table?.
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