Bar Stools vs Counter Stools - Your Guide
Updated: 11th March, 2026
People often confuse kitchen counter and bar stools. Whilst they often look the same, there is actually a big difference, namely in the height. If you don't pay attention to your bar/counter height and the seat height of the stool you could find yourself with a piece of furniture that doesn't meet your needs, where you are either reaching up to the counter top or banging your knees on it.
Quick Summary
- The main difference between bar stools and counter stools is the seat height
- Bar stools: usually 72–80 cm seat height, designed for bar tops around 100–105 cm high.
- Counter stools: usually 59–71 cm seat height, designed for counters around 90 cm high.
- Leave about 25–30 cm of space between the seat and the counter for comfortable legroom.
- Measuring your counter height before buying helps ensure the perfect fit.
Key differences between bar and counter stools
In general, bar stools have a seat height of 72-80cm and are suitable for bar tops of 100-105cm. Whilst counter stools have a seat height of 59-71cm and are suitable for counter heights of approximately 90cm. With these measurements it will allow around 25-30cm of leg room, which is a comfortable amount of space. Below we take you through how to measure your kitchen bar or counter top in order to determine which type of stool will best fit your needs.
How to take measurements to determine what size of Counter or Bar Stool you need
- Measure from the floor to the underside of the counter or bar top.
- Subtract 25-30cm from this to get the range of seating heights for your stool.
So for example if you counter height is 90cm to the top and 86cm to the underside, subtract 25-30cm from 86cm, which will mean you are looking for a stool with a seat height of approximately 56-61cm. This would be a counter stool, as oppose to a bar stool.
Once you have determined whether you need a bar or counter stool you can then look into styles. At Milola most of our kitchen stools come in a bar or counter stool height. Contact us if you need help to determine which size is suitable for you.
When it comes to style you need to think about the size of the space. For small kitchen bars you may want to choose a narrower, slighter and/or backless stool so it doesn't take over the space. But then if you plan on sitting in the stool for long periods of time you may want to consider a back and an upholstered seat to ensure comfort.
Our Favourite Bar Stools
Below we share with you a few of our favourite bar and counter stools and tell you why we love them so much:
1. Ram Bar Stools by Kristensen Kristensen
Kristensen Kristensen are the masters of craftsmanship and their RAM stools are no exception with a comfortable oak or ash curved back, combined with a steel frame and upholstered seat. We love them because these stools are so customisable and you can choose between more than 10 different wood stains and hundreds of fabrics and leathers.
2. NEVA LIGHT Bar Chair by Artisan
3. FLAIR Counter Stool by Danform
4. MELA Bar Chair by Artisan
5. ORBIT Counter Stool by Danform
Looking to add a little luxury to your counter area with some bouclé? Pick ORBIT Counter Stool by Danform. Bringing together sculptural elegance and inviting comfort with its rounded and oversized silhouette, this counter stool feels welcoming and yet impactful. Available in a range of colours from beige (as shown above) to deep brown, grey and dark cream. Customise your ORBIT Counter Stool with Milola today.
Bar Stool vs Counter Stool: Key Takeaway
Bar stools and counter stools serve different purposes based on counter height. Bar stools are designed for taller bar tops around 100–105 cm, while counter stools suit standard kitchen counters around 90 cm. By measuring your counter and leaving enough legroom, you can choose a stool height that is both comfortable and practical.
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