Quick Guide to Breakfast Bar Stools

A breakfast bar is a staple in many homes and restaurants. Whether you’re trying to add a cosy spot for the family to gather in the morning or enhance the appeal of your restaurant, consider several qualities when selecting new chairs for your breakfast bar.

When you typically think of a breakfast bar, you may envision a space where the kids gather to eat waffles and cereal shortly before heading to school in the mornings and where the whole family chats for extended weekend periods. While this space is common for breakfast bars, you may also set one up outside. As the weather improves, breakfast outdoors is a refreshing way to start the day. If you are going to set up a breakfast bar outside, then you need to pick chairs that are going to be able to withstand the weather. You can cover them up or bring them inside at specific points, but you can’t predict every rainstorm.

Breakfast Bar Stools

Choosing sturdy, heavy chairs is often a good idea; it helps provide your guests with greater comfort. Some people are uncomfortable sitting on flimsy chairs that feel like they will break. Perhaps all of your immediate family members are okay with lighter chairs, but that doesn’t mean extended family, friends and other guests at your home will be. Opting for chairs that support higher weights is also wise for restaurants. You don’t know who your guests will be, and you want to ensure they are comfortable. When people are uncomfortable while eating, they are likely to choose other restaurants in the future.

Material

The chairs’ material is essential for both functional and aesthetic purposes. Wood, for example, might not hold up for an extended period if you tend to have issues with humidity. You may want to select a material that will last you for a more extended period. On the other hand, wood can create a beautiful and cosy feeling in the proper conditions. You should also take into account what the other furniture looks like. While you may fall in love with certain chairs and decide to base all of the colours in the kitchen around those chairs, not everyone has the luxury to manage that.

Budget

Money always arises when you’re thinking about purchasing new furniture. A bright idea is to set a budget before browsing different styles. If you don’t, you may discover that you desperately want a set of chairs that is out of your price range. Setting a budget allows you to eliminate those options immediately. If you are searching for chairs online, you can usually filter the selections by price and other features.

Fabric

Some breakfast bar stools have fabric coverings, so you need to decide if you want that. When you have little children constantly spilling food all over themselves and the chairs, you may want to wait a while to get breakfast bar stools with fabric coverings. One option is to select stools that could be covered later on if you so choose. You may also want to avoid fabric if you have pets that like to jump on the furniture. For example, cats are often notorious for making beds for themselves out of chairs and other pieces of furniture.

Seat Size

When you purchase breakfast bar stools, you want to ensure that people can comfortably sit on them—Have you ever had the unpleasant experience of going to a bar to find that they are constantly sliding off the seat? While breakfast bar stools are often great for saving space, you don’t want them to be useless. If people don’t want to sit on the bar stools, you may not have them. Ensure you purchase bar stools large enough for people to sit on them comfortably. Testing out some bar stools for yourself can give you an idea.

Height

Always check the height of the bar stool. Two things commonly called Knees get caught between the chair and countertop if your measurements are incorrect. The other popular option is bar stools with a gas lift action which provides flexibility.

Breakfast Bar Stool Sizing Guide

Selecting the perfect breakfast bar stools for your space involves more than just picking a style you love; sizing is crucial to comfort and functionality.

Main Measurements:

Seat Height:
The distance from the floor to the top of the stool’s seat is the seat height. This measurement ensures your stool fits comfortably under your breakfast bar or counter. Standard kitchen counter heights are typically around 90cm (35 inches), requiring a stool seat height of about 65-70cm (25-27 inches). For commercial bars or taller counters that measure around 100-110cm (39-43 inches), opt for stools with a seat height of 75-80cm (29-31 inches).

Overall Height:
Consider the stool’s total height if it has a backrest or armrest. It is important to ensure it can tuck neatly under the counter without obstructing movement or sightlines in your space.

Seat Width and Depth:
Seat width and depth affect how comfortably a person can sit. A too-narrow seat might be uncomfortable for extended periods, while a too-deep seat can hinder posture. Average seat widths range from 40cm to 50cm (15-20 inches), offering a balanced space for most users.

Leg Room:
Aim for about 20-30cm (8-12 inches) of clearance between the seat of the stool and the underside of the counter. This space allows for comfortable seating without knees bumping against the underside of the counter.

Stool Spacing:
To ensure that everyone has enough elbow room and can move freely, leave about 15cm (6 inches) of space between each stool. You may need to increase spacing if the stools swivel or have arms.

Stool Height:

To determine the best stool height for your space, follow these steps:

Measure your counter or bar height:
Measure from the floor to the underside of the counter or bar surface.

Calculate the ideal seat height:
Subtract approximately 25-30cm (10-12 inches) from your counter or bar height to find the ideal seat height. This calculation ensures comfortable legroom.