Besides aesthetics, high function and optimal comfort should be of paramount importance when choosing a bar or counter stool for your space. Not only is a stool's size and design in relation to the user important, the way in which the stool fits a space and relates to other furnishings should be equally considered.

Stool Type & Seat Heights

Common stool types range according to seat height (as measured from floor to seat), they are: table stools, counter stools, bar stools, and commercial stools. When shopping, choose a stool type which is height proportionate to your table, bar or surface height. The general rule of thumb remains the same no matter how high your dining surface is from the floor - a stool's seat height should be 9 to 12 inches lower than the height of the surface to allow for optimal use and comfort. Below we've provided a simple guide for reference.

• For a 28-30" H Table or Desk surface, choose a 18-23" Table or Short Stool
• For a 35-39" H Counter or Table surface, choose a 24-26" Counter Stool
• For a 41-43" H Bar or Table surface, choose a 28-30" Bar Stool
• For a 44-47" H Commercial bar surface, choose a 33-36" Bar Stool

Stool Width & Spacing After stool seat height, the next consideration is stool width and its relation to additional stool and their users. The ideal amount of space between armless stools dictates at least 24" or two feet should be allowed for user comfort and function and for stools with arms, at least a 30" allowance for each stool is required. To determine ideal spacing, you'll measure 25 to 30" from the center of one stool to the center of the next. Seat widths vary according to stool style options; base type, with arms or armless and backrest. Below are the most common varying widths per style option.

• Backless Stool with Legs: Width range of 14" to 18"
• Backless Stool with Swivel or Gas Lift: Width range of 15" to 17"
• Mid Height Backrest: Width range of 15" to 18"
• High Backrest: Width range of 15" to 20"
• Stool with Arms: Width range of 20" to 24"

Additional Spatial Considerations:

• Surface overhangs can vary, for those with less overhang consider purchasing stools with less seat depth.
• If your space is narrow, choose backless stools or stools with arms that tuck under your dining surface.

Helpful Iron Bar and Counter Stool Guide

We have put together this basic guide in order to provide the user with industry info and tips for selecting the ideal seating solution in terms of stools. We hope that this guide will answer your questions and concerns and help you in finding the best stool(s) that meet your requirements. Using this guide, you can decide on the size and style of stools that meets your needs.

What is the appropriate height of a stool to ensure comfortable seating?

When deciding on a stool height, always consider the fact that there should be a height difference of 10"-13" between the seat and table.

Standard Seat Heights:

• Vanity Stools= 17"-19"
• Counter Stools = 24"-26"
• Bar Stools = 28"-31"

Standard Table Heights:

• Vanity Table = 28"-31"
• Island/Counter Table = 35"-36"
• Bar Table = 40"-42"
• High Bar Table = 45"-48"

How many stools can be accommodated at one table?

When planning table seating, the main objective is to ensure the comfort of the people sitting at the table. Make sure that there is enough room for each person and avoid overcrowding the table.

Seating Guideline:

Each person seated at the table should have about 28"-34" of space. Out of this, 24"-28" are reserved for place setting while a gap of 4"-6" is left between place settings to ensure comfort. Also keep in mind that you will need 24"-28" behind each stool when a person is seated in it.

Lastly, there should be a depth of 12"-14" beneath the table so that the person's legs don't get cramped.

Buying stools with arms:

When deciding on a stool design, whether you go for an armed stool or not is purely a personal preference. While armed stools suit elderly people by providing support when sitting or getting up, you should also consider the fact that arms will increase the height of the stool and this may cause trouble when you slide the stool underneath the table. So keep in mind that the table height should be greater than the arms on the stool.

Whether to buy swivel bar stools or counter stools?

This depends on preference as well as your budget. While the swivel stools are usually a bit more expensive than the stationary stools, they do allow for easy maneuvering while getting on and off of the stool.
Note: You can find the dimensional details such as width, height, depth, and seat height on the product pages of each individual bar stools. This helps in deciding the perfect bar stool that fits best for your use. To shop through our selection of wrought iron bar stools click here - For counter stools click on this link.

Bar & Counter Stools aren't the only iron seating options available - To shop our entire line of wrought iron seating options please click here.