At the bar, comfort comes down to a few centimetres. A stool that’s too high and guests have their knees under the counter; too low and they feel like a child at the dinner table. Here are the measurements to know.
The 25 to 30 cm rule
Keep 25 to 30 cm between the top of the seat and the top of the counter (or high table). In practice:
| Surface height | Recommended seat height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 73 to 76 cm (table) | 45 to 47 cm | Standard chair |
| 90 to 95 cm (worktop, low high table) | 60 to 65 cm | Counter stool |
| 105 to 110 cm (bar counter) | 75 to 80 cm | Bar stool |
Always measure your counter before you choose. Every product page for our bar stools gives the seat height.
The footrest
Essential: without one, legs dangle and guests don’t stay. The footrest is usually placed 25 to 30 cm below the seat. It can be built into the stool (rail or ring) or into the counter (foot rail).
Spacing
- 60 cm centre to centre for stools without armrests;
- 65 to 70 cm for stools with armrests or swivel stools;
- a counter overhang of at least 25 cm so guests can tuck their knees in.
On a 3-metre counter, that gives you room for 5 stools comfortably.
Fixed, swivel or adjustable?
- Fixed (wooden or metal legs): the sturdiest and often the most elegant.
- Swivel: makes it easier to get to the counter and to chat.
- Gas lift, height-adjustable: adapts to several surface heights and to every build, practical in multi-purpose spaces.
Our stools come on wooden legs, metal legs, pedestal bases and adjustable gas lifts: on each product page, the thumbnails show the available versions.
Backrest or not?
- No backrest: compact, ideal for narrow walkways and quick drinks.
- With a backrest: more comfortable for evenings at the bar, it keeps guests longer.
- With armrests: armchair comfort, for lounge bars.
Matching the bar to the dining room
Many of our models come as a chair, an armchair and a bar stool under the same name: the restaurant and the bar share the same style. See how to choose restaurant chairs.
The fabric
Bar seating gets heavy use: choose faux leather or a stain-resistant contract fabric with good abrasion resistance. Our fabric collection lets you match the stools to the rest of your seating.
High tables
For a high table, pair a tall version of our pedestal bases with a round or square top: guests can lean on it standing up or sit on a stool at 75 cm.
In short
- 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the surface.
- A footrest 25 to 30 cm below the seat.
- 60 cm centre to centre.
- Fixed for durability, adjustable for versatility.
Lead time: 4 to 6 weeks. Give us the height of your counter in your request and we’ll check compatibility.
