We believe home design should be stylish and distinctive. Whether you are looking for a chic set of backless stools for your breakfast bar or mixing and matching wooden stools for a dynamic kitchen, finding the perfect bar and counter stools to buy for your space lets you highlight your style with an essential seating element. At Lulu and Georgia, our thoughtfully curated collection has something perfect for your space.
If your island or counter is a social anchor where your family gathers for everything from cooking and snacking to projects and homework, comfortable Island stools are an essential part of your everyday routine. Perhaps you’re finishing a family room or den with a dry bar and want modern bar stools or richly upholstered stools to complete the look. Or maybe you have a new tall table that needs a set of high bar stools tailored to fit. Shopping stools is about finding pieces that seamlessly fit into your design while reflecting and elevating your unique aesthetic.
Not sure what style of counter or bar stool you want to buy for your space? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out our tips below for choosing and styling bar and kitchen stools for your home.
A Matter of Height: What Is the Difference Between a Bar Stool and Counter Stool?
Often, terms are used interchangeably in design—over time, the distinction between words like couch and sofa may blur, or a console table may alternately be referred to as a sofa table, entryway table, or accent table, depending on its placement. But when it comes to bar and counter stools, double-check those names and dimensions before you make your purchase—the difference will be noticeable, and it has to do with height.
Modern bar stools are designed to accompany a traditional bar (about 42 inches tall)—so the seat height will be 28 to 32 inches. This also accommodates bar-height tables—you can shop our dining tables by height using our handy filters. Modern counter stools sit lower to accommodate standard counter and island heights (around 36 inches), so their seats will be 24 to 27 inches high.
You may see counter-height stools called island stools or simply kitchen stools, but mind your dimensions as these terms can be used more generally. Many styles, such as our Adrien Stool, are available as either bar or counter-height stools. Just as with dining chairs, you want about a foot of space between the seat and surface, so if in doubt, just measure the height of your bar or counter and subtract twelve inches to find which size stools you need.
How To Choose a Bar or Counter Stool for Your Space
When it comes to specifics, much comes down to the space and your taste—two areas where you are the expert. Perhaps it's wooden stools in a light finish for your Scandi-inspired kitchen—we love the pared-back frame of the Jonah Counter Stool—or perhaps a more ornate design for a new traditional edit. In addition to the silhouette, the materials and finishes can help tie the stools into your existing curation.
Upholstered stools let you add color and comfort to mix—but as with upholstered dining chairs, we want to match the material to the space. This Temi Counter Stool by Sun at Six adds a bold pop of color, and the performance fibers are stain-resistant—perfect for everyday spaces or a stylishly casual home bar where drinks are served and occasionally spilled. As with any element in your home, we’re looking to balance a personalized style with those practical touches to create a livable design.
If you’re shopping for a bar or island, you may also be asking: how many stools should I get? Time to get out the measuring tape again. You want to leave about six inches of space between stools (or closer to ten inches if the design has arms) and you want to make sure to account for that when making your purchase. By adding six inches to the width of the stool, you can get a good idea of how many stools will fit visually (and comfortably).
However you style them, bar and counter stools allow you the flexibility to showcase the nuances of your design aesthetic. Whether you want to buy streamlined backless stools for a minimalist edit or modern counter stools for your kitchen re-design, our collections and filters will help you shop.
Lulu and Georgia Bar Stools + Counter Stools
When you shop dining room furniture at Lulu and Georgia, you'll find pieces that complement the style of your home but also make it feel more elevated. You can choose from our wide selection to find the perfect purchase, no matter what you're looking for. Check our dining room inspiration page for more ideas to outfit your home for everyday dining and entertaining.
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