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The Best Bar Stools

Last updated on July 29, 2023
Best Bar Stool

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Whether you need accent seating for a kitchen island or workhorse seats for a fully functioning home bar, the barstool you select can make or break your decor. It may seem like a simple piece of furniture, but even in its most perfunctory use, it’s going to dominate a large part of your kitchen decor. And if you’re entertaining at that bar? Don’t expect guests to stay long if they can’t stay comfortable in their seats.

The first thing you’ll need to do before buying that stool is belly up to the bar in question — and make sure you bring measuring tape. Measure from the floor to the bottom of the counter and use that as your guide. You’re going to want to allow at least 10 inches of space between the seat and your counter for people to be comfortable. For example, if your countertop is 50 inches high, you’ll want a barstool no higher than 40 inches — and a little lower is preferable.

Most barstools will list the seat height prominently in their specs, but you can shop for certain types and narrow down your choices more effectively.

Counter-height barstools will usually be 23 to 28 inches from the floor to the seat. These are typically made for high tables or kitchen counters, so they’re basically high-top chairs. People sitting on them should still be able to touch the floor with their feet without much effort.

Bar-height (or pub-height) stools measure in at 29 to 32 inches high. As you might imagine, these are a popular commercial size.

Extra-tall barstools are usually exclusively commercial, but don’t let that stop you if you have an especially tall surface to seat for. These chairs are anywhere from 33 to 36 inches high.

MORE: Best Home Bar Sets

Now that sizing is out of the way, you’ve got a myriad of options to choose from. Classic barstools are wood, but the quality of that wood can vary wildly — and may not be the most comfortable thing to sit on long-term. Make sure your wood is treated for moisture if it’s going to be in the kitchen, and that goes double if it’s an outdoor barstool.

Materials like metal are going to cost a bit more, but it may be worth it if you’re keeping that stool long-term. You can also bet that a metal barstool won’t be as prone to break or warp. (Though again, make sure it’s weatherproofed if we’re talking about a patio or other outdoor space.)

Barstools with seatbacks are almost universally more comfortable than their plain, flat counterparts. Expect to pay more for this additional material, but your guests will definitely appreciate it the longer the party wears on.

Finally, you might consider a lift seat if your guests are going to vary in height. These barstools are equipped with levers that can allow you to raise and lower the seat as needed.

And of course, there’s the important consideration of swivel seats. Do swiveling seats serve a valuable function? They do not. But making yourself dizzy on a stool is a joy some people never grow out of, and you can’t really put a price tag on that. No judgment here.

Our Picks For The Top Bar Stools

View All Recommendations
Our Recommendations
  1. 1. BestOffice PU Leather Swivel Counter Height Bar Stools
  2. 2. Homall Modern Black Leather Barstool, Set Of 2
  3. 3. AmazonBasics Classic Saddle-Seat Bar Stools, Set Of 2
  4. 4. Ball & Cast Wood Swivel Bar & Pub Stools
  5. 5. Christopher Knight Home Dax Snakeskin Barstool, 2-Piece
  6. 6. Angel Line Cambridge 24-Inch Bar Stools
  7. 7. Linon Home Decor Padded Folding Counter Stool
  8. 8. Ashley Challiman Industrial 29″ Pub Height Barstool, Set of 2
  9. 9. Roundhill Furniture Biony Fabric Nailhead Trim Bar-Height Chairs, Set Of 2
  10. 10. Christopher Knight Avondale Faux Leather Backless Bar Stools, 2-Piece
  11. 11. Homelegance Upholstered Faux Leather Bar-Height Chars, Set Of 4
  12. 12. COSTWAY Padded Leather Bar-Height Chairs, Set Of 4
  13. 13. AmazonBasics Classic Saddle Shaped Seat Bar Stools, Set Of 2
  14. 14. Leopard Outdoor Products Modern Square PU Leather Bar Stool
  15. 15. Boraam Augusta 29-Inch Cappuccino Bar Stool
  16. 16. Signature Design by Ashley Swivel Barstool
  17. 17. Winsome Square Leg Bar Stool, Set Of 2
  18. 18. Furmax Leather Barstools, Set of 2
  19. 19. Stone & Beam Sophia Modern Swivel Counter Height Stools
  20. 20. Yaheetech Adjustable Swivel Bar-Height Chairs, Set Of 2
  21. 21. Nova Microdermabrasion Swivel Bar & Pub Stools
  22. 22. AmazonBasics 29-Inch Walnut Saddle Seat Barstools, 2-Piece
  23. 23. ALPHA HOME 30-Inch Grey Leathaire Barstools, 2–Piece
  24. 24. Linon Home Decor Keira Folding Counter Stool, 24-Inch
  25. 25. Superjare Swivel Bar Stool Chairs
  26. 26. UrbanMod Counter Height Bar Stools, 24-Inch
  27. 27. Amazon Basics 24-Inch Saddle-Set Bar-Height Chairs, Set Of 2
  28. 28. BestOffice Leather Barstools, Set of 2
Product Overview
Our Take
 Our Top Pick

BestOffice PU Leather Swivel Counter Height Bar Stools

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

BestOffice

Swivel Counter Height Bar Stools

The faux leather material covering these bar stools gives them a more upscale feel. The stools come with a handy foot rest and a sturdy round base. Users will also love that the height can be adjusted from 25 inches to 33 inches.

Overall Take

Elegant DesignIt takes less than 10 minutes to assemble these attractive bar stools.

 Our Top Pick

Homall Modern Black Leather Barstool, Set Of 2

Homall

Modern Black Leather Barstool, Set Of 2

These modern, elegantly designed barstools feature footrests, black boned leather and high-density sponge filling. Each stool swivels around 360 degrees and can be adjusted to different heights.

Overall Take

Added Back SupportStay comfortable with these suave chairs, thanks to a number of enhanced features.

 Best Overall

AmazonBasics Classic Saddle-Seat Bar Stools, Set Of 2

AmazonBasics

Classic Saddle-Seat Bar Stools, Set Of 2

These bar and pub stools are made of dark, solid wood that fits in with any home bar. The seat rest and curved top are especially comfortable. Despite their size, they can support plenty of weight.

Overall Take

Low, Comfortable SeatingThese bar stools are durable and understated enough to fit any decor.

 Best Saddle Seat

Angel Line Cambridge 24-Inch Bar Stools

Angel Line

Cambridge 24-Inch Bar Stools

With this set of bar stools, you'll get a choice of finishes and cushion colors. Each cushion is decorated with an elegant nail head trim. Assembly is quick and easy and all you need for maintenance is a damp cloth.

Overall Take

Can Go AnywhereThese bar stools stand 24-inches tall and look great when place at a breakfast bar, home bar or kitchen island.

What to Look For

  • How many barstools will you need? Good question. And believe it or not, the correct answer is not, “however many friends I have.” The traditional spacing of barstools at any commercial bar allows for 28 inches of space between the center of one stool and the center of the next. That allows ample room for animated talking without anybody’s drinks getting knocked over. Just measure the length of your bar, do a bit of division and you’ll be able to determine the proper seating.
  • Seat width generally isn’t the main consideration, especially if the barstool has any kind of cushioning. The seat surface should be at least 15 inches wide, but feel free to pay a bit extra for 17 or even 20 inches or more to accommodate larger body types.

Bar Stool Rankings

More to Explore

Most of us associate bar stools with relaxation, but it’s no surprise that some odd ideas have been concocted on top of them. We suspect that the seldom-practiced activity of bar stool racing is one of them. A couple of the most notable examples of the “sport” include an annual event in Drummond, Wisconsin where stools are outfitted with skis and raced in the snow. And they’ve been racing bar stools since 1998 at the Bonneville Salt Flats, where the land speed record for a stool is over 45 miles per hour.

More to explore