Choosing a bar stool isn't just about looks — it comes down to seat height, material and how the piece will actually be used. At Diiiz, the Bar Stools & Benches collection brings together over 190 pieces — rattan counter stools, metal bar stools, upholstered bar chairs, stackable stools, entryway benches, dining benches, low pouffes — designed for everything from a kitchen island to a professional bar or restaurant. Below is a full guide to getting the height right, comparing styles, and answering the questions people ask most before buying.
What Seat Height Should You Choose?
Seat height is the one measurement that determines everything else: a stool that's too tall or too short makes for an uncomfortable seat and puts strain on your lower back. Three height categories cover most of the market:
| Seat height | Matching counter/bar height | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 45 cm (low stool) | Coffee table, low island, 65-70 cm | Living room, reading corner, occasional seating |
| 63-65 cm (counter height) | Kitchen island, low counter, 85-90 cm | Kitchen, quick meals, beauty bars |
| 75-76 cm (bar height) | Standard bar counter, 105-115 cm | Bars, restaurants, standing-height tables |
A simple rule of thumb: leave around 25-30 cm of legroom between the top of the seat and the underside of the counter or worktop.
Some pieces are designed to work either way: the Square rattan and cane counter stool, for example, is available in 45 cm or 63 cm, so it works equally well as a living room seat or under a kitchen island. The Turner industrial stool goes a step further with a screw-adjustable frame that runs continuously from 65 to 84 cm — a genuinely useful option when several counters of different heights need to be furnished with the same model.
Bar Stool or Bar Chair: What's the Difference?
A bar stool is typically a tall, backless seat — usually armless too — built for quick, casual use (breakfast, a coffee, an aperitif). A bar chair (or upholstered bar stool with a backrest) adds back support, and sometimes armrests, for comfort over longer periods, such as a full meal or a long evening with friends.
- For a quick perch and compact storage under the counter, a backless, stackable stool is the better choice.
- For chair-level comfort — especially in restaurants or under heavy daily use — look for a model with a proper backrest and a generous seat, like the Ferra metal and fabric bar chair, which pairs armrests with a tall, wraparound backrest and a built-in footrest — a hybrid between a stool and a bar armchair that's popular in restaurants and cocktail bars alike.
The Main Bar Stool Styles
Rattan Bar Stools: Natural and Bohemian
Rattan remains one of the most in-demand interior trends, especially for kitchens in light tones — bleached wood, oak, polished concrete. The Square rattan and cane counter stool is a good example of the style: an ash-wood frame, a hand-woven rattan seat, four finishes (natural, walnut, white, black), and a stackable design that's a real advantage for cafés and restaurants working with limited storage space.
Metal Bar Stools: Industrial or Minimalist
Metal dominates the "commercial bar" segment for its durability and easy upkeep. Two distinct looks stand out:
- Industrial/retro, embodied by the Turner industrial stool: a 360°-swivel wooden seat on a four-legged angular metal base with exposed bolts, and a screw mechanism for height adjustment — a nod to classic workshop and laboratory stools, ideal for a loft or a kitchen with a raw, industrial edge.
- Clean, contemporary, with the Aria wire bar stool: a slim metal frame available in gold, white or black, a cushioned seat and a built-in footrest, for a light silhouette that fits equally well in a modern kitchen or a high-end restaurant setting.
Glamorous Bar Stools: Velvet, Leather and Gold Frames
For more dressed-up interiors — a walk-in dressing room, a hair salon, a beauty corner, or a kitchen with a low island — the Golden Veil's Bride bar stool, 65 cm, offers a padded seat in velvet, leather or premium fabric on a frame available in gold, silver or black, with a curved backrest and integrated footrest — a 65 cm seat height that's particularly suited to low counters and professional settings such as beauty studios and boutique fitting rooms.
Upholstered Bar Chairs: Comfort First
When a seat needs to hold up over a full meal, models with a tall backrest and armrests — like the Ferra metal and fabric bar chair — take over from the classic backless stool.
Stackable Bar Stools: Why It Matters for Businesses
For restaurant owners, hoteliers and bar managers, storage footprint is a real consideration. A stackable stool like the Square rattan counter stool frees up floor space at the end of service, unlike a bulkier design or one with a wide base. By contrast, more decorative pieces like the Aria or the Veil's Bride are built for a fixed setting rather than daily moving and stacking.
Designer Benches: Comfort Meets Versatility
Versatile and timeless, the designer bench is a piece that keeps being reinvented. Far from its traditional role, it now has a place in every room of the home — and outdoors too.
In an entryway, it becomes a practical, stylish welcome. In the living room, it adds extra seating without overwhelming the space. In the bedroom, it takes the form of an elegant seat at the foot of the bed. And outdoors, it's part of relaxed moments in the garden or on a terrace.
The bench stands out for combining style and practicality. Warm wood, contemporary metal, refined leather — the materials adapt just as easily to classic interiors as to modern ones. A genuine decorative asset, it creates a welcoming, sophisticated atmosphere while staying thoroughly functional.
Browse the full selection in the Benches category, from compact entryway benches to full dining benches.
Pouffes and Low Stools: Comfort and Character
Small in scale but big on impact, pouffes and low stools bring lightness and versatility to any room. Easy to move, and available in a wide range of shapes and materials, they fit into any space with a bit of originality.
In the living room, a pouffe becomes extra seating or a comfortable footrest. In the bedroom, it adds a cosy, welcoming touch. In a professional space or lounge area, it invites relaxation and conversation.
Velvet, wood, fabric or contemporary finishes: each model reflects its own personality, letting you play with colour, texture and style. Far more than a purely functional object, the pouffe is an invitation to build a warm, characterful interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the right bar stool height for a kitchen island?
For a standard kitchen island (90 cm high), a stool with a seat height of 63-65 cm is generally the right fit, leaving about 25-30 cm of legroom between the seat and the worktop.
How much space should I leave between two bar stools?
Allow roughly 60-65 cm between the centre of each stool so everyone has enough elbow room.
Are rattan bar stools fragile?
Not if the rattan is good quality and paired with a solid wood frame, as on the Square rattan and cane counter stool — this combination holds up well over time, provided it's kept away from prolonged direct sunlight or damp conditions.
What's the difference between a bar stool and a counter stool?
"Counter stool" generally refers to a seat height of around 60-65 cm, suited to kitchen islands, while a classic "bar stool" sits higher, typically 75-76 cm, matched to a standard bar counter.
How do you care for a fabric or velvet bar stool?
Regular dusting with a soft vacuum brush, plus the occasional clean with a mild soapy solution, is enough for most upholstery fabrics; for leather, use a soft cloth and a dedicated leather-care product.
Can bar stools be used outdoors?
Only models specifically designed for outdoor use (treated materials, woven resin, galvanised metal) hold up to the weather; natural rattan, solid wood and fabric pieces are intended for indoor use only.
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.