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Whether you use it for a quick bite at your counter or a cocktail at your home bar, dining stools provide casual, versatile, and stylish seating options.
But how do you choose the right height? Well, when selecting the ideal stool, it’s crucial to match the stool height with your counter or table height to ensure comfort for you and your guests.
La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston offers a range of custom-made dining and bar stools in collaboration with Canadian-based Canadel Custom Dining, making it easy to find the perfect stool.
In this article, we simplify the measuring process and guide you through selecting the right stool for any seat height, covering barstools, counter stools, and table stools.
Key Takeaways:
- The correct stool height is generally 10 inches shorter than the counter or tabletop height.
- Standard stool categories include bar stools (29-32 inches), counter stools (23-28 inches), and table stools (18-20 inches.)
- Measure both the height of your surface and the space needed between each stool for comfort.
- Canadel, Kincaid, and Hammary offer custom options at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, suitable for diverse design preferences.
In This Article…
- How to Measure the Perfect Stool
- Standard Dimensions Based on Stool Type
- Stool Selection at La-Z-Boy
- FAQs
How to Measure for the Perfect Stool
Before shopping for the right stool, precise measurements are essential.
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“To find a stool seat height that is the perfect match, you will need to measure the height of the surface, the height of the stool, and the length of the surface,” explains Mitch Beaulieu, a sales consultant at La-Z-Boy Kanata.
To accurately determine your counter or table’s height, measure from the floor to the top of the surface. The surface refers to the top of the table, bar or counter.
Dining table stools mostly have standard height ranges. But, other surfaces in your home do not come standard, so it is always important to take measurements yourself.
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Once you have measured the height of the surface, make sure that your counter stool seat height is about 10 inches shorter. This allows room to sit comfortably with your legs underneath the surface. To determine the stool’s height, measure from the floor to the top of the seat.
If you intend to add multiple dining table stools to your kitchen or dining room surface, you will need to account for the width of each stool. This is where your measurement of the surface length will come in handy!
“It is important to allow at least 6 to 11 inches of space between stools to ensure comfort,” says Mitch.
- For stools 16 to 18 inches wide: Leave at least 6 inches between each.
- For stools 19 to 20 inches wide or with a swivel feature: Allow for 8 to 11 inches of space between stools.
- For stools 16 to 18 inches wide with a swivel functionality: it is also recommended to leave 8 to 11 inches between them.
Standard Dimensions Based On Stool Type
Knowing standard stool heights simplifies the selection process. Let’s break down the options by type:
1. Standard Bar Stool Height
Bar stools range from 29 to 32 inches and should pair with bar heights of 41 to 43 inches. Extra-tall bar stool seats, also called "spectator-height stools," measure between 33 to 36 inches from the floor and are suitable for bar heights ranging from 44 to 47 inches.
2. Standard Counter Stool Height
Counter-height stools are usually shorter than bar stools, measuring between 23 to 28 inches from the ground. A counter height stool measurement is a perfect match for 35 to 37-inch-high countertops, which are the average height of most kitchen counters, coordinating well with the height of most kitchen appliances.
3. Standard Table Stool Height
Finally, the standard tabletop surface is typically 28 to 30 inches tall, so you will need a table stool with a seat height of around 18 to 20 inches from the floor.
Bar Stool vs Counter Stool Height
As you may have noticed, barstools and counter stool heights are pretty similar. So, when do you choose which one over the other?
According to Mitch, counter stool seat heights typically go for anything the same height as the average counter, which is 35-37 inches. “This also can include islands, but there are also kitchen island bar stools that exist, as well,” he says.
The main thing to remember is that bar stools will always be taller than counter stools, no matter the measurement.
Stool Selection at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston
Once you know your measurements, explore the selection at La-Z-Boy Ottawa & Kingston, including options from Canadel Custom Dining, Kincaid, and Hammary.
Canadel Custom Dining
La-Z-Boy’s collaboration with Canadel, a Canadian company based in Quebec, provides handcrafted, North American-made dining furniture. With Canadel’s U-design tool, customers can easily customize over 35 stool models. Canadel offers both 30-inch bar stools and 24-inch counter stool heights, allowing you to choose the perfect fit.
To learn more, see Canadel’s various collections at La-Z-Boy:
1. Canadel Collection
Kincaid & Hammary Stools
For additional styles, La-Z-Boy’s subsidiaries Kincaid and Hammary bring diverse designs to their stool collections. Kincaid is known for its detailed wooden barstools, perfect for traditional interiors, while Hammary offers versatile styles across over 70 collections, adding options for both contemporary and rustic aesthetics.
“Kincaid’s focus on wooden craftsmanship brings a classic touch, while Hammary’s designs add flexibility,” shares Mitch.
The dining stools below are just some examples that you can find from Hammary and Kincaid. Make sure to speak to a La-Z-Boy Design Consultant for all the latest info on our dining stools.
FAQs
How Tall Should a Bar Be for a 36-Inch Counter?
The ideal counter height stool measurement for a 36-inch counter should be around 24 to 26 inches for maximum comfort. It is okay to be slightly above or below the 10-inch sweet spot mentioned before since this doesn’t make too much of a difference in comfort.
How much space should I leave between stools?
For stools 16 to 18 inches wide, leave at least 6 inches. For stools 19 to 20 inches wide or with a swivel, leave 8 to 11 inches between each stool.
What’s the difference between bar stools and counter stools?
Bar stools are taller, fitting bar heights of 41-43 inches, while counter stools are shorter, matching counter heights of 35-37 inches.
What's Next?
With your measurements in hand, you are one step closer to finding the perfect stool for casual and versatile enjoyment! Why not get started at La-Z-Boy Ottawa and Kingston?
Our team of expert design consultants and talented interior designers would be happy to help you find a dining table stool that not only matches your measurement requirements but also exceeds your style expectations.
Take advantage of our complimentary design services to ensure that the stool you choose coordinates seamlessly with the style of your kitchen, dining room, or home bar.
Visit us at a furniture stores in Ottawa or Kingston showroom to start shopping today. If you prefer to plan ahead, schedule a visit online. To learn more about La-Z-Boy dining selection, take a look at our Comprehensive Dining Buyer’s Guide.
Related Links:
The Cost of a Dining Room Chair: Factors that Affect Cost & Deciding How Much to Spend
Cost to Reupholster a Chair: Dining, Living, and Leather Chairs