How To Choose The Right Kitchen Counter Bar Stools

Finding the right bar stools for your kitchen counter can be a difficult task. When we lived in Texas, we had these huge, clunky bar stools that I didn’t really like… they were too hard to move, uncomfortable, and super rustic. Now that we’ve moved to Colorado, we have these gorgeous modern bar stools that work perfectly for the entire family…they’re lightweight, have comfortable, low backs so they don’t obstruct the view and I love the way they look!

Finding the PERFECT kitchen bar stools comes down to 2 KEY tips. Keep scrolling to find out more…

For a full home tour, you can check out this post and video here.

kitchen counter bar stools, best family friendly white modern Wayfair kitchen bar stools

kitchen counter bar stools, best family friendly white modern Wayfair kitchen bar stools

kitchen counter bar stools, best family friendly white modern Wayfair kitchen bar stools

white leather and chrome modern kitchen counter bar stools at white waterfall kitchen island

Step 1: Carefully Measure

Step number one for choosing the right bar stools is to take certain measurements! It seems like a no brainer. But it is REALLY important. First, measure the height of your countertops. Next, figure out what number would be 10 to 12 inches less than that. Put another way, you should have 10-12 inches between the top of the chair and the bottom of the counter. You need to have room to sit after all!  Let me say that again… cause I feel like it’s confusing… the SEAT of your bar stool should be 10 to 12 inches BELOW your countertop.  (I might be projecting my own disdain of math onto you.)

white leather and chrome modern kitchen counter bar stools at white waterfall kitchen island

Step 2: Choose Your Stool Type

Once you dive in, you’ll realize just how many choices there are: backless, full back, low back, with arms, without arms, swivel, upholstered, etc. And then, of course, there are all kinds of materials to choose from like metal, wood, acrylic, and more. This is where you have to think about your home décor and what will compliment your needs or lifestyle. Our kids like to sit at the counter for breakfast, to do homework, and talk to me while I’m in the kitchen. So I knew we wanted bar stools with backs that are lightweight, easy for the kids to get in and out of…  and also very modern to go with the rest of our kitchen and living space. I also wanted leather because it’s super easy to wipe down with a cloth. Linen is pretty, but I wouldn’t want to do with all of our spills on upholstery.

white and chrome kitchen counter bar stools in a row under white waterfall kitchen island

Shop Bar Stools By Interior Design Style

Our home is very modern. I know that’s not everyone’s style so I’m sharing kitchen counter bar stools in different interior design style types including modern, traditional, bohemian, mid-century mod, and coastal.

Modern Bar Stools

Traditional Bar Stools

Bohemian Bar Stools

Mid-Century Modern Bar Stools

Coastal Bar Stools

Is there another home decor related topic you would like us to cover?? Please share in the comments below.  For more home inspiration, be sure to check out my full home tour post and video here.

Thank you for stopping by!

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Team Busbee

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