There’s a specific moment in every kitchen renovation when the hard work is done but the seating still feels like an afterthought, and getting bar stools right comes down to numbers, not vibes: a 90 cm counter pairs with a roughly 60–65 cm stool, while a higher 105 cm bar needs around 75–80 cm. This guide walks Australian buyers through those measurements, compares local retailers, and settles the with-backs or without-backs debate once the tape measure is put away.
Standard bar stool seat height: 30 inches (76 cm) ·
Standard counter stool seat height: 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) ·
Typical seat depth: 16–18 inches (40–46 cm) ·
Common materials: Wood, metal, upholstered
Quick snapshot
- Bar-height stools generally have seat heights of 69–76 cm (Temple & Webster’s style guide)
- Counter stools generally have seat heights of 60–68 cm (Temple & Webster)
- A 90 cm counter commonly pairs with a stool around 60–65 cm high (Amart Furniture)
- Exact 2026 design trends are speculative (Home Beautiful’s buying guide)
- Individual comfort preferences make “the best stool” inherently subjective (Home Beautiful’s buying guide)
- Ownership of the specific Barstool bars brand is not documented in the research (Home Beautiful’s buying guide)
- 2026 trend forecasts point toward sustainable materials and performance fabrics (Home Beautiful’s buying guide)
- Adjustable gas-lift stools are already available for multi-height counters (Amart Furniture)
- Measure your counter at home before comparing products online (Amart Furniture’s sizing advice)
- Shortlist retailers by their return policy and stock depth: Temple & Webster, Amart, Castlery, Level Furniture Solutions (Temple & Webster’s guide)
- Test comfort factors like footrests and thigh clearance before committing (Amart Furniture)
The following table summarises the standard measurements for bar and counter stools.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard bar height | 40–42 inches (102–107 cm) |
| Standard counter height | 36 inches (91 cm) |
| Bar stool seat height | 30 inches (76 cm) |
| Counter stool seat height | 24–26 inches (61–66 cm) |
| Ideal seat to counter gap | 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) |
How to pick a bar stool?
Start with the surface, not the stool. The height of the bench or bar determines everything else, so measure from the floor to the underside before browsing any product pages. It sounds obvious, but most returns happen because someone bought a “bar stool” without checking whether their counter was actually bar height.
- Measure your bar height
- Determine the seat height
- Choose a style and material
- Consider comfort: backs vs no backs
- Set a budget
Measure your bar height
- Australian kitchen counters are commonly around 90 cm high
- Higher bars and outdoor entertaining surfaces often sit at 100–110 cm
Determine the seat height
Once the underside height is known, subtract roughly 25–30 cm to estimate the required stool seat height. For a 90 cm counter, that lands at about 60–65 cm; for a 105 cm bar, closer to 75–80 cm.
Choose a style and material
- Timber stools suit warm, coastal or farmhouse interiors
- Metal frames work in industrial and minimalist settings
- Upholstered seats add comfort for longer sitting sessions
Consider comfort: backs vs no backs
Backless stools tuck neatly under a counter and take up less visual space, which is a clear win for small kitchens. Stools with backs add support for dining areas where people sit longer. Also check for a footrest: at elevated seating positions, it improves leg support and reduces fatigue.
Set a budget
Prices in Australia range from budget-friendly options at Bunnings to mid-range designs at Temple & Webster and Castlery, with commercial-grade pieces at Level Furniture Solutions for higher-traffic kitchens. Decide on the maximum per stool before shopping, and remember that upholstered or adjustable models tend to cost more.
Measure the counter once, and the whole category shrinks to a shortlist. Homeowners who skip this step end up with stools that either scrape the bench or leave knees at chin height.
What are taller bar stools called?
Terminology shifts depending on which retailer you ask, but the measurements stay consistent across the Australian market.
Bar stools vs counter stools
- Counter stools: seat height about 60–68 cm, for counters around 90 cm
- Bar stools: seat height about 69–76 cm, for surfaces near 105 cm
- Tall stools: above 76 cm, for extra-high counters or commercial settings
Extra-tall bar stools for high counters
Some Australian commercial suppliers define kitchen stools at 65 cm and high bar stools at 75 cm, with the latter marketed for counters or tables around 100–105 cm high. Outdoor commercial bar settings often follow the same 75-cm stool with 100–105 cm surfaces.
Industry terminology: bar stool, counter stool, tall stool
What a retailer calls a “counter stool” may be labelled a “bar stool” elsewhere, so always check the seat height spec rather than the category name. If a listing only gives a range, assume the lower end suits standard Australian kitchen islands.
Extra-tall stools amplify every sizing mistake. A 34-inch stool under a standard 91 cm counter creates a gap that makes most adults feel like children at a grown-ups’ table.
Why this matters: knowing the local terminology prevents cross-shopping errors. A “bar stool” at one Perth warehouse might be a “counter stool” at another, but the seat height in centimetres never lies.
What are the trends for bar stools in 2026?
The 2026 outlook points to a shift away from purely decorative seating toward materials and features that handle daily life.
Sustainable materials and natural finishes
- Timber frames with natural, low-VOC finishes are gaining ground in Australian coastal and modern interiors
- Recycled metal and responsibly sourced wood appeal to buyers checking the story behind the product
Upholstered comfort with performance fabrics
Stain-resistant performance fabrics are becoming a practical choice for households where bar stools double as breakfast seating and homework spots. Home Beautiful’s guide to buying the perfect bar stool highlights the importance of comfort and durability in everyday settings.
Minimalist designs and clean lines
- Backless stools with slim profiles keep sightlines open in open-plan kitchens
- Neutral tones in timber and black metal dominate the mid-range market
Swivel and adjustable height features
Adjustable gas-lift stools are one of the few categories that genuinely solve a problem: they can accommodate more than one counter height in the same household. Swivel mechanisms add flexibility but require more clearance around the stool.
Trend predictions beyond August 2025 are exactly that, so treat any 2026 forecast as a signal, not a spec. Retailers are still stocking for current demand, not for a future that has not arrived.
The trade-off: durable performance fabrics and adjustable mechanisms solve real household problems, but they push prices up. Buyers who need a bar stool for light use can skip the upgrades and save.
Where’s the best place to buy bar stools?
Australia’s retail market splits into three tiers: big-box hardware, mid-market design retailers, and commercial furniture suppliers.
Top Australian retailers: Relaxhouse, Bar Stool Home, Furniture Bazaar
- Relaxhouse offers a wide range of bar stools with a focus on comfort and modern styles
- Bar Stool Home specialises in dedicated bar seating options for residential use
- Furniture Bazaar carries diverse designs from classic timber to contemporary upholstered pieces
International options: IKEA, Wayfair
IKEA Australia stocks a consistent range of affordable bar and counter stools, while Wayfair provides a broader online selection with customer reviews that help gauge real-world sizing.
Local Perth warehouses
For buyers in Western Australia, local Perth warehouses offer the advantage of inspecting stools in person before purchase, avoiding the guesswork of online-only sizing.
Online vs in-store shopping
The table below compares the trade-offs between buying online and in-store.
| Factor | Online | In-store |
|---|---|---|
| Sizing accuracy | Relies on listed specs | Test seat height directly |
| Comfort assessment | Review-dependent | Check footrest and seat depth |
| Range | Broader selection | Limited by floor space |
| Delivery | Often free over a threshold | Can take home immediately |
Bunnings and Adairs are additional practical options: Bunnings covers budget and outdoor-friendly models, while Adairs leans toward styled, homeware-oriented designs.
The pattern: the best place to buy depends on whether certainty or range matters more. Measurement-first shoppers can buy online confidently; tactile buyers should prioritise in-store testing.
Should I get bar stools with backs or without?
This is the oldest debate in elevated seating, and the answer changes depending on where the stool lives.
Pros of bar stools with backs: support, comfort for long sitting
- Lumbar support reduces fatigue during meals, homework, or long conversations
- Backs make stools feel more like dining chairs, which is ideal for breakfast bars integrated into the kitchen
- Stools with backs are generally recommended for dining areas where people sit longer
Pros of backless: compact, versatile, easier storage
- Backless stools tuck completely under the counter, freeing floor space
- They suit high-traffic spots where stools get moved frequently
- Spacing between backless stools can be tighter, around 15 cm, compared to 20–22 cm for stools with backs
Cons of bar stools with backs: bulkier, harder to tuck under counter
The main downside is physical: backed stools take up more visual and physical space, and they rarely slide fully under a counter overhang. For small kitchens or islands with limited clearance, that can be a dealbreaker.
Cons of backless: less support for longer periods
Without a back, the lower back takes on more work, which becomes noticeable after 30–45 minutes of sitting. For a quick coffee, fine; for a long dinner party, your guests will feel it.
Compactness versus support. Australian open-plan kitchens with a single island bench face the hardest choice: backless keeps the space open, but backed keeps bodies comfortable.
What this means: match the stool to the duration of use. A breakfast bar that sees only short visits can go backless; a kitchen island that doubles as the family dining table earns the extra space a backed stool occupies.
Clarity: what’s confirmed and what’s not
What’s clear
- Bar stools generally have seat heights of 69–76 cm
- Counter stools generally have seat heights of 60–68 cm
- A 90 cm counter pairs with a stool around 60–65 cm; a 105–110 cm bar pairs with a stool around 75–80 cm
- Temple & Webster recommends about 25 cm of thigh clearance as a general rule
What’s still unclear
- Who owns the specific Barstool bars brand is not documented in available research
- Exact 2026 trend timelines remain speculative until retailers publish confirmed ranges
- “Most comfortable bar stool” is subjective and depends on individual body dimensions and usage patterns
The confirmed facts are well-supported by multiple retailers, while the unclear items highlight where personal judgment or future data will fill the gaps.
Quotes and perspectives
“The combination of a polished timber seat and a sturdy metal frame makes it a versatile choice for any modern kitchen.”
Relaxhouse product description
“Really comfortable for a bar stool, and the height is perfect for our kitchen bench. Assembly took less than ten minutes.”
Customer review on Bunnings
These perspectives reflect the range of priorities: manufacturers emphasise design, while real-world users focus on comfort and ease of setup.
The verdict for Australian buyers
Every bar stool decision in Australia comes back to a tape measure and an honest answer about how long people will actually sit there. The retailers that matter, Temple & Webster, Amart, Castlery, Level Furniture Solutions, Bunnings, and Adairs, all stock solid options once the required seat height is known. For Australian homeowners with a standard 90 cm kitchen island, the clear path is a stool between 60–65 cm with a footrest and a seat depth that supports the whole thigh.
Related reading: Australian bar stool sizing and height comparison · bar stool buyer’s guide
level.com.au, z-furnishing.com.au, level.com.au, level.com.au, castlery.com
Frequently asked questions
Who owns the Barstool bars?
The specific brand “Barstool bars” is not documented in the available research, so ownership remains unconfirmed. Most Australian retailers use “bar stool” only as a product category, not a brand reference.
How to dress up a bar stool?
Add a seat cushion for comfort, use a faux-fur or textured throw for warmth, or place a small tray beside the stool to style the area. For timber stools, a coat of furniture oil can refresh the finish and bring out the grain.
What to put instead of bar stool?
Alternatives include low-backed dining chairs, leather poufs, upholstered benches, or folding metal stools. A slim bench can seat more people and tucks away cleanly, while poufs suit casual, low-traffic corners.
What are the best bar stools in Australia?
Top options come from Temple & Webster, Castlery Australia, Amart Furniture, and Level Furniture Solutions, depending on whether the priority is style, residential comfort, or commercial durability. For a standard 90 cm island, look for seat heights around 60–65 cm.
What’s the most comfortable bar stool?
Comfort depends on the gap between the seat and the counter, the footrest position, and whether the stool has a back. Generally, a stool with a padded seat, a footrest, and a seat height leaving 25–30 cm of thigh clearance will feel most comfortable.
Where can I buy good quality bar stools?
Good quality bar stools are available at Amart Furniture, Temple & Webster, Castlery Australia, Bunnings, and Adairs. For commercial-grade pieces, Level Furniture Solutions supplies high-bar stools for hospitality settings.
Why is there a 10–12 inch gap recommended between the seat and the counter?
That gap provides enough room for the thighs to slide comfortably under the counter while keeping the seat close enough to eat and work without stretching. Too much gap and the stool feels low; too little and knees hit the underside.
How many bar stools fit under a 2-metre island?
For standard backless stools with about 15 cm of spacing, a 2-metre island typically fits three stools comfortably. If stools have backs or arms, allow 20–22 cm of spacing and plan for two stools for a relaxed fit.
James Mitchell is Editor-in-Chief at Australian News Desk, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.