Choosing the right bar stools sounds simple until you realise how many details affect comfort, spacing, style and everyday usability. The right stool should suit your bench height, give customers or guests enough legroom, fit neatly into your layout, and handle the way it will be used every day.
At Cafe Solutions, we supply bar stools for cafes, restaurants, bars, commercial venues and Australian homes, so we know a good stool needs to do more than look the part. It needs to be the right height, easy to clean, durable enough for regular use and comfortable enough for people to enjoy sitting on.
Browse our commercial bar stools range at Cafe Solutions to compare heights, materials, colours and styles for your space.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your bench, counter or bar before buying stools.
- Leave about 25–30 cm between the stool seat and the underside of the benchtop for comfortable legroom.
- Standard kitchen benches usually suit counter-height stools, while raised bars need taller bar stools.
- Allow enough width per stool so people are not sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.
- Choose backrests, cushions, footrests and swivel features based on how long people will sit.
How to Choose Bar Stools | Cafe Solution’s Complete Guide
| Step | Summary |
|---|---|
| Start with the right bar stool height | Match the stool seat height to your bench, counter or bar height. |
| Know the difference between counter stools and bar stools | Counter stools are shorter, while bar stools are taller for raised bars and high counters. |
| Measure before you buy | Check bench height, bench length, knee room, clearance and walkway space first. |
| Work out how many bar stools you need | Allow around 60–70 cm of width per person to avoid overcrowding. |
| Choose between backless, low-back and high-back stools | Backless stools save space, while high-back stools provide the most support. |
| Decide whether you need cushions or upholstery | Cushioned stools add comfort, while hard-seat stools are easier to clean and maintain. |
| Look for a footrest | A footrest improves comfort, posture and stability on taller stools. |
| Consider swivel vs stationary bar stools | Swivel stools allow easier movement, while stationary stools are simpler and more durable. |
| Choose the right material | Pick materials based on durability, comfort, cleaning needs and indoor or outdoor use. |
| Choose indoor or outdoor bar stools carefully | Outdoor stools need weather-resistant, rust-resistant and UV-resistant materials where possible. |
| Match the stool style to your venue or kitchen | Choose stools that suit your existing furniture, colours and overall design style. |
| Think about cleaning and maintenance | Smooth, wipe-clean surfaces are best for cafes, restaurants and busy homes. |
| Prioritise stability and safety | Check frame strength, base width, footrests, floor protection and weight capacity. |
| Choose bar stools based on how they will be used | Cafes, restaurants, bars, kitchens and outdoor spaces all need different stool features. |
| Set a realistic budget | Focus on long-term value, especially for commercial spaces with regular use. |
1. Start With the Right Bar Stool Height
Height is the first thing to get right. The most important measurement is the distance between the floor and the underside of your bench, counter or bar. This tells you how much room a person has for their legs once seated.
| Surface Type | Approx. Surface Height | Suggested Stool Seat Height |
|---|---|---|
| Standard kitchen bench or island | Around 90 cm | 65–70 cm |
| Raised breakfast bar | Around 100 cm | 70–75 cm |
| Commercial bar or high counter | 105–110 cm | 75–80 cm |
| Extra-tall custom bar | 110 cm+ | 80 cm+ |
The goal is to leave about 25–30 cm between the stool seat and the underside of the benchtop. This gives most people enough space to sit comfortably without their knees hitting the counter.
2. Know the Difference Between Counter Stools and Bar Stools
Counter stools are shorter and are usually designed for kitchen benches, islands and lower counters. These are common in homes, cafes with lower service counters and casual dining spaces.
Bar stools are taller and are designed for raised bars, pub tables, high benches and commercial bar areas. These are more common in restaurants, clubs, pubs, breweries and venues with standing-height counters.
Choosing between the two comes down to your surface height. Always check the seat height listed in the product specifications.
3. Measure Before You Buy
Before choosing a style, colour or material, take a few basic measurements.
- Floor to underside of the bench or bar
- Total usable bench length
- Bench overhang or knee space
- Distance between table legs, walls or obstacles
- Clearance under the bench if you want stools to tuck away
- Walkway space behind the stools
4. Work Out How Many Bar Stools You Need
Once you know the length of your counter or bar, work out how many stools will fit comfortably.
A good rule is to allow around 60–70 cm of width per person. This gives each person enough elbow room and helps prevent stools from feeling overcrowded.
| Bench Length | Suggested Number of Stools |
|---|---|
| 120 cm | 2 stools |
| 180 cm | 3 stools |
| 240 cm | 4 stools |
| 300 cm | 5 stools |
For cafes and restaurants, it is usually better to have slightly fewer stools that customers can use comfortably than to squeeze in too many and make the space feel awkward.
5. Choose Between Backless, Low-Back and High-Back Stools
The backrest changes both the comfort and the look of a bar stool. We’ve listed the main differences, benefits, and considerations between the stool types.
| Stool Type | Main Benefit | Best For | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backless bar stools | Clean, compact and easy to tuck under a bench. | Small kitchens, narrow counters, compact cafes, fast-service venues and spaces where stools need to be stored away. | They offer less support, so they may not suit long sitting periods. |
| Low-back bar stools | Provide some support while keeping the overall look light. | Kitchen islands, breakfast bars, casual dining venues, open-plan spaces and modern interiors. | They are a good middle ground, but may not offer enough support for longer dining sessions. |
| High-back bar stools | Offer the most support and comfort for longer sitting. | Restaurants, long dining sessions, cocktail bars, hotel lounges and family kitchens. | They take up more visual space and may not slide fully under the bench. |
6. Decide Whether You Need Cushions or Upholstery
Cushioned stools are more comfortable for longer sitting, but they also require more care than hard-seat stools.
For homes, cushioned stools can make a kitchen island feel softer and more inviting. For cafes and restaurants, they can improve the dining experience, especially in venues where customers sit for longer meals.
However, upholstery needs to suit the environment. In a busy cafe, fabric that stains easily may not be practical. Vinyl, faux leather and other wipe-clean materials can be better choices for food and drink areas.
7. Look for a Footrest
A footrest is one of the most underrated features of a bar stool. Because bar stools are taller than dining chairs, many people’s feet will not reach the floor.
Without a footrest, the stool can become uncomfortable quickly. A footrest gives the user somewhere to place their feet, helps support posture and makes the stool feel more stable.
For commercial use, check that the footrest is strong enough to handle repeated daily use. In cafes and restaurants, footrests often take a lot of pressure from customers getting in and out of the stool.
8. Consider Swivel vs Stationary Bar Stools
Swivel stools can be useful because they let people turn without dragging the stool across the floor. This can be helpful in bars, kitchen islands and social spaces where people move between conversations.
Stationary stools are simpler, often more stable and usually easier to maintain. They are a strong choice for busy cafes, restaurants and venues that want durable seating without moving parts.
Before choosing a swivel stool, think about who will use it. In family homes or busy venues, spinning can sometimes become a distraction or cause the stool to bump into benches, walls or other furniture.
9. Choose the Right Material
The best bar stool material depends on where the stool will be used, how often it will be used and how much cleaning it needs.
| Material Type | Main Benefit | Best For | Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal bar stools | Strong, durable and easy to clean. | Commercial venues, high-traffic spaces, industrial-style fit-outs, casual dining areas and easy-clean environments. | They can feel harder or colder than timber or upholstered stools. |
| Timber bar stools | Add warmth and suit natural, coastal, rustic and classic interiors. | Warm cafes, residential kitchens, coastal spaces, Scandi-inspired interiors and restaurants with natural textures. | They may need more care to protect against scratches, moisture and wear. |
| Polypropylene and plastic bar stools | Lightweight, colourful and easy to clean. | Casual cafes, outdoor areas, family-friendly venues, bright interiors and spaces needing easy-clean furniture. | Check whether the specific stool is suitable for outdoor use. |
| Upholstered bar stools | Offer extra comfort, softness and a more premium look. | Premium dining spaces, cocktail bars, hotel lounges, comfortable kitchen islands and venues focused on comfort. | Fabric can stain more easily, so wipe-clean upholstery may be better for food and drink areas. |
| Rattan, rope and woven bar stools | Create a relaxed, coastal and inviting look without feeling too heavy. | Coastal cafes, alfresco-style venues, light interiors, resort-style spaces and casual dining areas. | They may need more care in high-moisture or heavy-use environments. |
10. Choose Indoor or Outdoor Bar Stools Carefully
Not all stools are suitable for outdoor use. If your stools will be placed outside, they need to handle sun, moisture, temperature changes and regular cleaning.
For Australian venues, outdoor durability matters. Sun exposure, coastal air, rain and humidity can all affect furniture over time. If your stools are going into an alfresco dining area, beer garden, balcony, poolside space or outdoor cafe area, choose materials that are designed for those conditions.
11. Match the Stool Style to Your Venue or Kitchen
Bar stools should complement the space around them. They do not need to match every piece of furniture exactly, but they should feel intentional.
Think about the mood you want to create. Common style directions include:
| Style | Bar Stool Features to Consider |
|---|---|
| Industrial | Metal frames, matte black, timber seats |
| Coastal | Light timber, white frames, woven textures |
| Modern | Slim profiles, clean lines, neutral colours |
| Classic | Timber, upholstered seats, simple backs |
| Casual cafe | Stackable, lightweight, easy-clean stools |
| Premium restaurant | Cushioned seats, backs, richer finishes |
| Outdoor venue | Polypropylene, aluminium, weather-resistant materials |
If you already have tables and chairs, choose stools that feel connected to them through colour, material or shape. They do not have to be identical, but they should belong to the same overall design story.
12. Think About Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning is especially important for cafes, restaurants and bars. Stools are touched constantly, exposed to food and drink spills, and moved around throughout the day.
For easy maintenance, look for:
- Smooth surfaces
- Wipe-clean seats
- Durable frames
- Minimal grooves where crumbs can collect
- Strong footrests
- Finishes that suit commercial cleaning
- Materials that suit indoor or outdoor exposure
13. Prioritise Stability and Safety
A good bar stool should feel stable when someone sits down, leans slightly or places their feet on the footrest. In commercial venues, stools need to handle constant use from different customers every day. A stool that works in a quiet home kitchen may not be suitable for a busy cafe or bar.
14. Choose Bar Stools Based on How They Will Be Used
The best stool for one space may be the wrong stool for another. Before buying, think about the main purpose of the seating.
For Cafes
Choose stools that are durable, easy to clean and comfortable enough for casual dining. Stackable or lightweight options can be useful if you regularly change your layout.
For Restaurants
Comfort matters more if customers are sitting for full meals. Consider stools with backs, cushioned seats and strong footrests.
For Bars and Pubs
Look for sturdy frames, easy-clean finishes and styles that suit the venue atmosphere. Swivel stools may suit some bar areas, while fixed stools may be better for high-traffic spaces.
For Kitchen Islands
Think about daily comfort, family use and whether the stools can tuck away neatly. Low-back or cushioned stools are often a good middle ground.
For Outdoor Areas
Choose weather-resistant materials and avoid indoor-only upholstery unless the area is fully protected.
15. Set a Realistic Budget
Price matters, but the cheapest stool is not always the best value. If a stool wears quickly, becomes unstable or needs replacing sooner than expected, it can cost more in the long run.
For commercial spaces, it is worth investing in stools designed for regular use. Strong frames, quality finishes and practical materials can make a major difference to lifespan.
Find the Right Bar Stools at Cafe Solutions
The right bar stools can completely change the way a space feels and functions. They can make a cafe counter more inviting, a restaurant bar more comfortable, or a kitchen island more practical for everyday use.
At Cafe Solutions, we offer a wide range of commercial bar stools in different heights, colours, materials and styles to suit Australian homes, cafes, restaurants and venues. Whether you need tall stools for a bar, easy-clean stools for a cafe, or outdoor stools for an alfresco area, our range makes it easier to find seating that suits your space.
Explore our bar stools online or contact Cafe Solutions for help choosing the right stools for your venue.
FAQs on How to Choose Bar Stools
What height bar stool do I need?
The right height depends on your bench or bar. As a general rule, leave around 25–30 cm between the stool seat and the underside of the benchtop. Standard kitchen benches usually need stools around 65–70 cm high, while raised bars often need stools around 75–80 cm high.
What is the difference between a counter stool and a bar stool?
A counter stool is usually shorter and designed for kitchen benches or lower counters. A bar stool is taller and designed for raised bars, high tables and commercial bar counters.
How many bar stools do I need for my bench?
Allow around 60–70 cm of space per stool. A 180 cm bench will usually fit three stools comfortably, depending on the stool width and whether the stools have backs or arms.
Are backless bar stools a good choice?
Backless bar stools are a good choice for small spaces because they can tuck under the bench and keep the area looking open. However, they offer less support than stools with backs, so they may not be ideal for long sitting.
Are stools with backs more comfortable?
Yes, stools with backs usually offer better support, especially for longer meals or extended sitting. They are a good choice for restaurants, kitchen islands and venues where comfort is a priority.
Should I choose cushioned or non-cushioned bar stools?
Choose cushioned stools if comfort is your main priority. Choose non-cushioned stools if you want lower maintenance, easier cleaning and better durability in high-traffic areas.
What material is best for commercial bar stools?
Metal, polypropylene, timber and commercial-grade upholstered stools can all work well, depending on the venue. For busy cafes and restaurants, choose durable, easy-clean materials that can handle regular use.
Can bar stools be used outdoors?
Only if they are designed for outdoor use. Outdoor bar stools should be weather-resistant, easy to clean and suitable for exposure to sun, moisture and changing temperatures.
Do bar stools need footrests?
Footrests are highly recommended because they make taller stools much more comfortable. They give people somewhere to rest their feet and help support a better seated position.
Where can I buy bar stools in Australia?
You can buy commercial bar stools online from Cafe Solutions, with a wide range of styles available for cafes, restaurants, bars, outdoor areas and home kitchens.
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