Kitchen Bar Stools

The best stools for kitchen islands or counters are those with a seat height of 65–70 cm, as this fits comfortably under most kitchen counters, which are typically around 90–95 cm high. This height allows for comfortable seating with enough legroom while keeping your kitchen space tidy.

When choosing stools for your kitchen island, consider the following:

• Stools with backs for added comfort and support, especially if you’ll use them often.
• Cushioned or leather-look seats for extra comfort and easy cleaning.
• Sturdy bases, such as those made from brushed steel or wooden frames, match your kitchen’s style.
• Colours that suit your kitchen, whether you want a sleek neutral tone or a bright pop of colour.

These features will help you create a practical, comfortable seating area around your kitchen island for everyday meals, coffee breaks, and family gatherings.

For a kitchen island, your stool should have a seat height of 65–70 cm. This height fits nicely under most kitchen islands and counters, which are usually around 90–95 cm high.

This height gives you the following:

• Enough legroom for comfortable seating
• A good sitting position for meals, working, or chatting
• A tidy look, as stools, can slide neatly under the island when not in use

If your kitchen island is higher than average, you may need stools with a seat height of 75–80 cm. Always measure from the floor to the underside of your island and allow around 25–30 cm of space between the stool seat and the counter for comfort.

The number of stools you can fit at your kitchen island depends on its length and the size of your stools. A good guide is to allow around 55–60 cm per stool, which includes the stool’s width plus 15–20 cm of space between each stool for comfort and easy movement.

For example:

• A 180 cm kitchen island typically fits three stools comfortably.

• A 240 cm island can usually fit four stools comfortably.

This ensures everyone has enough room to sit, get up easily, and enjoy meals or chats without feeling cramped. Always measure your island and check the stool width before buying to get the best fit for your kitchen.

The terms kitchen bar stools and kitchen island stools are often used interchangeably, but there can be slight differences depending on your space:

• Kitchen bar stools typically refer to stools used at a breakfast bar or raised counter area. They often have a seat height of 65–70 cm for standard counters or 75–80 cm for higher bars.

• Kitchen island stools are stools specifically chosen to fit under a kitchen island’s overhang, often matching the island’s style and layout. They are used for casual dining, coffee breaks, or helping with homework while cooking.

In most UK homes, the same stools can often be used for both your kitchen bar and island, as long as the seat height suits your counter and the style complements your kitchen design.

For comfortable seating, your kitchen island should have an overhang of 25–30 cm (10–12 inches). This allows enough knee and legroom while sitting on your stools without bumping against the island.

Key points to consider:

• A minimum of 25 cm is recommended if space is tight, providing enough room for casual seating.
• 30 cm offers more comfort, especially if you’ll use the island frequently for meals or working from home.
• Ensure your stools fit neatly under the overhang when not in use to keep your kitchen looking tidy and organised.

Checking the overhang before selecting your stools will help you create a practical and comfortable seating area around your kitchen island.

Yes, swivel stools are an excellent choice for kitchen islands. They allow you to turn easily without moving the entire stool, making it simple to get on and off your seat or turn to chat with others while cooking or entertaining.

Benefits of using swivel stools at your kitchen island include:

• Easy movement in busy kitchens without scraping stools across the floor.
• Added comfort, especially for family meals or longer chats.
• Practical for multi-use spaces, letting you adjust your position while working, eating, or socialising.

Ensure the swivel stools you choose have the correct seat height for your island (typically 65–70 cm for standard counters) and that they fit comfortably under the island’s overhang when not in use.

Yes, many kitchen stools are designed to be easy to clean, making them practical for everyday use in busy homes.

Features that make kitchen stools easy to maintain include:

• Wipe-clean materials like leather-look finishes and metal frames.

• Removable seat cushions on some fabric stools for occasional deep cleaning.

• Stain-resistant surfaces, ideal for family kitchens where spills are common.

When choosing your stools, consider the materials and finishes to match your lifestyle. If you have young children or plan to use your stools daily, easy-care stools will help keep your kitchen looking tidy with minimal effort.

There is a wide range of kitchen stool styles to match different kitchen designs and personal preferences:

• Modern Stools: Clean lines, slim profiles, and metal or minimalist finishes for a contemporary look.

• Classic Wooden Stools: Warm, timeless designs that suit traditional and farmhouse-style kitchens.

• Swivel Stools: Practical for easy movement in busy kitchens.

• Stools with Backs: Added support and comfort for longer sitting.

• Luxury Stools: Premium finishes and materials for a sophisticated touch.

• Upholstered and Fabric Stools: Add softness and texture to your space.

• Colour Options: Choose from neutrals like grey or black, or add a pop of colour with bolder shades.

Whether you need a simple stool for quick breakfasts or a stylish feature piece for your kitchen island, you can find a stool that fits your needs and adds comfort to your kitchen.