Bar Stools Buying Guide

Creating the perfect bar in your rec room is no easy task, particularly when it comes to picking out bar stools to match your tables or counter top. There’s so many sizes and types of bar stools, which makes your decision a bit difficult.

However, there are some things you should know before you go out and buy a bar stool, and we’ll be covering those things here.

Things to Consider When Buying Bar Stools

• Size. Go with a bar stool that is the right height for your table. Take measurements to make sure of this.

• Style of the Stools and Room. The stools should match your room and table to create the right bar-like atmosphere. Try to buy stools that go with the overall theme of your room.

• Wood or Metal. Bar stools come in either wood or metal. Which you choose will depend on your table (is it wood or metal?) and the look of the bar stool itself.

• Comfort. If possible, try out your bar stools first to make sure they’re comfortable enough to sit at for hours at a time.

• Price. Buy whatever you can afford (obviously) and, when possible, go for the more expensive model of bar stool — particularly if you’re a heavier individual. These tend to hold up longer than cheaper bar stools and should give you many years of use.

The Sizes and Types of Bar Stools

You might think that buying a bar stool is as simple as buying chairs for your dining room table. However, that’s not the case, as bar stools come in at least three different types and sizes. These are:

Counter Height

Counter height bar stools are designed to be used at either a shorter table or counter. They generally are around 24-26 inches tall, so they’re ideal with tables/counters that are 36 inches tall. It’s important to not pair these with tables that are shorter or taller than 36 inches, as you may run into the problems of not being able to reach the table or being too cramped at the table.

Bar Height

If you’re a fan of the tall bar stools at the local pub, you’ll love the look and feel of bar height stools. They go great with tables that are 40-42 inches tall, and the stools themselves are roughly 30 inches tall.

Both sizes of bar stools mentioned above come in a variety of styles. There are those that come with leather seating, while others come with upholstered seating. Which you choose will depend on how often they will be used. For the most part, upholstered seating holds up longer than leather seating and is less prone to tears.

You also have options when it comes to the specifics of the bar stool itself. There are backless bar stools, bar stools with backs and bar stools that swivel. Consider what would be most comfortable for you and your guests and then buy those stools.