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Bar Stool Spacing Guide for a Comfortable Fit

Bar stools in kitchen, sketch

Time needed: 2 minutes.

How many bar stools do I need?

  1. Measure your counter in inches.

  2. Bar stools typically measure 16-21 inches wide.

  3. For comfortable seating, allow 24 inches of seating space per person.

  4. Divide 24 by your counter width.

    For example, for a 72 inch wide counter, you will do: 72 ÷ 24 = 3 stools

Please note: bar stools with arms will occupy about 2 inches more than ones without arms.

Note: If the ends of the island are open and there is no wall, you will have slightly more clearing for stools.

Don’t like doing math? Use our calculator:

Bar Stool Quantity Calculator

Learn how many stools you need to fit comfortably at your counter.

What is the distance needed between a stool and a wall?

To get in and out of a stool, you will need 18 inches of clearance, meaning that from your counter’s edge and to the back of your stool, you should have 18 inches so you can comfortably get in and out of it.Distance between bar stool and wall

If you have 2 foot, that is more than enough.

However, if you want people to walk behind a person already seated, add another foot. Then 3 feet would be needed. 


Time to Shop

Now that you have the correct measurements, it’s time to dig in and shop!

Shop our collection of high quality custom-made bar stools:

Amisco's Ronny Modern Swivel Bar Stool in Silver
Trica Biscaro Parsons-Style Stool
Amisco Modern Fame Swivel Stool for Modern Kitchens
Amisco's Cardin Modern Swivel Bar Stool with Arms in Brown
Darafeev's Bellagio Luxury Swivel Upholstered Wooden Bar Stool with Arms
Darafeev's El Dorado II Upholstered Swivel Bar Stool with Multiple Upholsteries on Back Cushion
Amisco's Bradley Modern Backless Bar Stool in Gold and White
Wesley Allen's Miami Upholstered Swivel Bar Stool in Expresso Metal and Blue Cushion
Amisco's Melrose Stationary Upholstered Bar or Counter Stool

Posted by Deborah

on in Bar Stool Tips

Deborah

Deborah has spent over 20 years as a design professional helping others create the kitchen of their dreams. She's drawn to modern kitchens, colorful interiors, and living comfortably.