How to Measure the Perfect Bar Stool Height

October 11, 2025

How to Measure the Perfect Bar Stool Height (Why It Matters)

Choosing the right bar stool isn’t just about style. Comfort and proportion are essential. The diagram above shows a “Bar Stool Measuring Guide".It instructs you to allow 15–20 cm (6–8 in) between the top of the seat and the underside of your island or counter. That dimension gives your knees enough clearance while keeping you close enough to interact and dine comfortably.

In this post, we’ll explain how to use that guide correctly, share industry standards and statistics, and show how LUX SEAT offers a wide spectrum of made-to-measure stool heights so you always get a perfect fit for your space.

Step-by-Step: How to Measure for Your Bar Stool

Here’s a simple process (based on the diagram) to get your ideal stool height right:

Measure from floor to underside of the counter or island plinth
Don’t measure to the top surface of the counter. Measure to the bottom of the overhang or underside. That’s what your knees will “see.”

Subtract the recommended clearance
Use the guideline of 15–20 cm ( 6–8 in). This is essentially the same as the "gap" rule many furniture experts use (often phrased as 25–30 cm). That gives your legs breathing room without leaving you too far away from the surface. So for example, if your underside (floor → underside) is 1050 mm → 1050 mm − 150–200 mm = 850–900 mm seat height is ideal.

Double-check with the “golden rule”
Many sources suggest 25–30 cm (10–12 in) between seat surface and countertop surface (top of counter).

If your counter is 1100 mm high top surface, then subtract - 300 mm → gives - 800 mm seat height.

Account for overhangs, mouldings, or recessed ledges
Some islands or bars have decorative edges or overhangs. Make sure you don’t “lose” clearance to trim or panels. A thick countertop might eat up 1–2 cm you didn’t plan for.

Test (if possible)
If you can test a chair or stool of approximate height (or place a box or stool temporarily), sit and check if your knees feel cramped or too extended the 15–20 cm gap should feel natural, not forced.

Consider user height and flexibility
If your household has tall and shorter people, or children, you might want to offer some flexibility. That’s where adjustable stools or offering multiple height options helps.

Industry Standards & Why 15–20 cm Is a Good Rule

Many furniture guides and manufacturers advise a 25–30 cm (10–12 in) difference between seat top and counter top or underside.
One design guide notes that if a bar is 105–110 cm high, the ideal stool seat is 75–80 cm — that’s a 25–30 cm gap.
Another source states that in commercial bars (1000–1100 mm height), stool seats of 750–810 mm are comfortable, a 250 mm gap.
A practical “golden rule” used by several guides. Subtract 10–12 in ( 25–30 cm) from your countertop height to get your target stool height. So the 15–20 cm
In our diagram is a slightly tighter range (6–8 in), which is still reasonable especially if your counter height is modest or you prefer a cosier feel. It’s certainly within the lower side of common commercial/industry rules. And can work well in residential settings.

Why Many Standard Stools Don’t Fit — How Custom Solves It

One issue homeowners often face. Standard bar stools come in fixed height ranges (for example, 58–92 cm seat height).

But kitchen islands, bars, or counters are not uniform — some are 100 cm, others 105, others 110, or include thick counters. Buying a standard stool might leave you with too much gap or too little.

That’s where custom or made-to-measure stools shine. You can get the exact seat height that matches your environment — no guesswork, no compromises.

How LUX SEAT Solves The Height Puzzle

We’re proud that LUXSEAT offers one of the widest ranges of seat heights in all our made-to-measure bar stools. Here’s how we make it easy:

Every Lux Seat product is custom-made / bespoke, handcrafted in the UK to your exact specifications (seat height, fabrics, finishes, etc.).
You pick your desired seat height to match your measured dimension. We’ll build to that.
We guide you from measurement to finished product. The process is straightforward, transparent, and customer-friendly.
Because we’re not limited to a few “standard sizes,” you don’t need to choose between “too tall” or “too short” — you get precisely what your space needs.
In our “Guide to Buying Bar Stools,” we emphasise elbow room and spacing (10–15 cm between stools) to ensure comfort.
We also offer a free fabric sample service, custom finishes, and designer upholstery choices so your stool not only fits in height but also fits your style.

One example: the Arturo Bar Stool from LUX SEAT is listed with a seat height of 830 mm, but it’s customisable on request. Another, the Hermione Bar Stool, is offered custom seat heights like 680 mm or 800 mm.

Spacing & Width Don’t Forget These!

Even if your seat height is perfect, poor spacing can ruin comfort. Here's Some tips

Aim for 10–15 cm (4–6 in) between the edges of adjacent stools. That gives elbow clearance and ease of movement.
A typical bar stool width is 40 cm. If you allow 20 cm extra per stool, you’ll have enough breathing room.
For stools with arms, or swivel stools, you might need even more clearance (8–12 in).
Leave walking/traffic space behind the stools — about 90–100 cm is often recommended so people can pass behind seated guests. (Many kitchen layout guides use that as a standard.)

Why Measuring “Bottom of Counter → Seat Top” Is Better Than Floor to Counter

Using your diagram’s approach (floor to underside → subtract clearance) is often more reliable than other rules-of-thumb, because:

It accounts for overhangs, mouldings, or dropped edges that are common in kitchens.
It more directly measures what your knees will “see.”
It avoids confusion if your countertop is unusually thick or shaped.

Combining that with standard industry gap rules gives you a fail-safe method.

Benefits of Our Made-to-Measure Service

Precise fit — no more “it’s too tall” or “it’s too low.”
Wide choice of seat heights — you're not limited to a handful of standard options.
Materials and finishes your way — fabrics, leathers, leg stains.
Simplicity — we guide you step by step, from measuring to final product.
Support & guarantee — we stand behind our workmanship (e.g. LUX SEAT offers a two-year warranty on manufacturing faults)
Long-term comfort — proper ergonomics mean your seating is comfortable daily, not just pretty.

Call To Action

The diagram’s guideline (“allow 15–20 cm from top of seat to underside of island plinth”) is a useful, practical way to aim for comfort.
Many industry standards use 25–30 cm gaps from seat to counter, but your 15–20 cm falls within a workable margin, especially in residential settings.
To get it exactly right, measure carefully (to underside), subtract your clearance, and consider human variation.
Rather than settling for standard stool sizes, choose a custom-made stool — that’s exactly what we do at LUX SEAT.
We offer the widest choice of seat heights in all our products. Our process is straightforward and client-friendly, and we’ll guide you to ensure your bar stool is ideal for your space

FAQs

Why does bar stool height matter so much?

Choosing the correct stool height ensures comfort, proper leg clearance, and visual balance.

If your stool is too high, your knees will hit the counter. Too low, and you’ll feel distant and awkward.

The right gap (15–20 cm between seat top and underside of the counter) gives perfect ergonomics for dining, chatting, and working comfortably.

How do I measure correctly for a bar stool?

Follow these simple steps:

Measure from the floor to the underside of your counter or island (not the top surface).

Subtract 15–20 cm (6–8 in) for knee clearance.

The result is your ideal seat height. Example: If the underside of your counter is 1050 mm, then 850–900 mm is your target stool height.

What’s the difference between measuring to the top or underside of the counter?

Measuring to the underside accounts for overhangs, mouldings, and countertop thickness.

It reflects the real knee clearance, making it more accurate and comfortable for daily use.

What are standard bar stool height categories?

Counter stools: 650–750 mm seat height (for counters around 900–1000 mm).

Bar stools: 750–850 mm seat height (for bars around 1000–1100 mm).

Tall bar stools: 850–900 mm+ (for extra-tall bars or commercial use).
These are averages. But your exact space may vary, so measuring is essential.

Why do guides mention a 25–30 cm (10–12 in) gap instead of 15–20 cm?

Both are correct. They just measure from different points.

25–30 cm = seat top to countertop surface

15–20 cm = seat top to underside

Because countertop thickness averages 3–5 cm, both guidelines align closely once you adjust.

What if my counter is unusually thick or has an overhang?

Always account for this when measuring.

A thick worktop or decorative moulding can reduce knee space by 1–2 cm — which can make a big difference.

Measure carefully to the underside edge where your knees will be positioned.

Can I get custom bar stools made to the exact height I need?

Yes! That’s exactly what LUX SEAT specialises in.

Our made-to-measure bar stools are handcrafted in the UK to your required seat height. No compromises.

You provide the measurement, and we build to match your space precisely.

What happens if I buy the wrong height stool?

You might feel cramped or too far away from the surface.

That’s why standard stools (often 58–92 cm) can fail to fit unique counters.

With custom-made stools, you avoid guesswork. We Guarantee the right ergonomic feel.

How much space should I leave between each stool?

Allow 10–15 cm (4–6 in) between the edges of each stool for comfort.

If your stools have arms or swivel, leave even more (8–12 in).

Also keep about 90–100 cm behind the stools for walkway clearance.

What are the benefits of LUX SEAT’s made-to-measure service?

Perfect fit: You choose the exact seat height for your space.
Style freedom: Choose from fabrics, leathers, and leg finishes.
Comfort first: Proper ergonomics reduce strain and improve posture.
Quality assurance: Every stool is handmade in the UK with a 2-year warranty.
Expert guidance: We help you measure and select with confidence.

Do adjustable stools work as well?

Adjustable stools are great if multiple people of different heights will use them, or if you want flexibility.

However, they can have a more casual look. Custom fixed-height stools offer a tailored, designer appearance that fits your exact dimensions.

How can I order or get advice?

You can contact LUX SEAT directly for guidance, free fabric samples, and design consultation.

We’ll walk you through measuring, customisation, and delivery.

Customer Service: 07544381350
Email: info@luxseat.co.uk