Over the years, we’ve consistently encountered the same problem: people complain that the stool height isn’t right. They usually order online, and when they’re delivered and placed next to the kitchen island, they’re either too low or too high. And then pleasant conversations at the bar or meals turn into a real nightmare.
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A bar stool has a seat height of 75 to 80 cm and suits a bar counter that is 105 to 110 cm high.
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A counter stool has a seat height of 61 to 68 cm and suits a standard kitchen countertop that’s 90 to 95 cm high.
In other words, bar stools are meant for a high bar counter, while counter stools are meant for a standard kitchen island. Leave 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the bottom edge of the countertop.
Well, if you’re already confused by all these numbers and don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. With our article, you’ll be able to measure your counter correctly, choose the perfect height and material, and even decide how many stools you need before placing your final order.
Measure First: The Only Number That Matters
Take a tape measure and measure the distance from the floor to the underside of the countertop. Not to the top surface, but specifically to the underside.
Why is this important? A thick stone countertop can add 4-5 cm. If you measure from the top, it’s easy to make a mistake and buy chairs that don’t leave enough room for your knees.
Usually, you’ll get one of three results:
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90 to 95 cm: This is a standard kitchen countertop; you’ll need bar stools.
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105 to 110 cm: This is a bar counter or a raised breakfast bar; you’ll need bar stools.
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About 75 cm: This is the height of a dining table, and you’ll need a regular chair, not a tall one.
Now about the clearance; there should be 25 to 30 cm between the seat and the bottom edge of the countertop. This is ideal, because if there’s less space, your thighs will press against the tabletop and you’ll have to sit sideways; and if there’s more space and you’re sitting too low, you’ll be uncomfortable constantly reaching for your food. That’s exactly why bar stool height is chosen based on the tabletop, regardless of your height.
By the way, people often choose adjustable stools with gas lifts. But in reality, they’re only useful if the adjustment range actually covers the height you need. And for many models, that range is quite narrow - just 10 or 12 cm, which is much less than standard heights. So be sure to check what the bar stool height is at both the minimum and maximum positions.
Counter Stools: The Height Most Dubai Kitchens Need
Let’s start with these, because most Dubai apartments have a standard-height kitchen island. So if you’re choosing stools for your kitchen, you’ll most likely need counter stools.
The seat height ranges from 61 to 68 cm. These stools are suitable for:
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a kitchen island
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a breakfast bar at countertop height
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a peninsula that also serves as a work surface
How do counter stools differ from bar stools? A breakfast bar stool is lower, usually slightly wider, and is more often used for a full meal rather than just a quick cup of coffee on the go. That’s why a backrest and footrest are more important here than they might seem.
It’s precisely kitchen counter stools that are used more often than any other type of seating in an apartment. Breakfast, coffee, working on a laptop during the day, dinner, and chatting with whoever’s cooking. This means the material should be easy to wipe down, and the seat shouldn’t leave marks on clothing or absorb stains.
A good example of a versatile model is our Havana Counter Stool: a woven seat, sturdy legs, and a height that’s just right for a standard countertop. If you’re looking for counter stools in Dubai for a standard kitchen island, start with the Regular versions.
The most common mistake regarding dimensions: you need 60 cm of countertop space per stool, measured center to center. This means a 180-cm-long island can fit three stools. A fourth will fit, but it will be cramped for everyone.
Bar Stools: When You Actually Need the Taller Seat
Seat height ranges from 75 to 80 cm. These bar stools are meant for a raised bar counter, a home bar, or a tall breakfast bar that’s higher than the kitchen countertop.
At this height, most people’s feet won’t reach the floor. That’s why a footrest is a must. Without it, your legs will start to go numb after twenty minutes, and you’ll want to get up.
With or without a backrest?
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Without a backrest: The stool slides completely under the counter, freeing up the aisle. A good option for a small kitchen.
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With a backrest: a sensible choice if you’ll be sitting at the bar for the entire dinner, rather than just five minutes with a cup of coffee.
A tall stool tips over more easily, especially if someone sits on it from the side or rocks back and forth. So check the base width and weight. Be extra careful with lightweight models on narrow bases, especially if you have children at home. Sturdy rattan bar stools with strong legs, such as the Solana Bar Stool, handle this better than lightweight metal stools.
And remember that tall bar stools are only suitable where the countertop is actually at least 105 cm high. For anything lower, opt for counter stools.
Wood, Rattan, or Woven: What Works Best for a Dubai Kitchen
Several popular materials work well for stools in Dubai kitchens.
Solid wood. The most durable option for daily use. It’s heavier, but that’s exactly why it’s perfect for places where the stool is pulled out and pushed back several times a day. A good wooden stool can withstand this for years without becoming wobbly. Plus, wood blends naturally with a kitchen with warm cabinet fronts, whereas metal often looks out of place in that setting.
Rattan and wicker seats. They’re lighter, and sitting on them feels cooler than on upholstered seats, especially in a kitchen where the sun shines in after lunch. That’s exactly why most of our collection features wicker. Plus, rattan bar stools look great next to the light-colored marble found in most local apartments.
What to check for in a wicker seat:
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tight weaving, with no sagging or gaps
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a reinforced seat edge that won’t start to fray
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a solid wood frame, not veneer
Upholstery. Let’s be honest: it’s comfortable, but it’s the first thing to get dirty in the kitchen. Only removable covers or wipe-down fabric are suitable.
You can keep natural rattan indoors or on a covered patio, but it’s best to avoid direct sunlight. And by the way, just like any furniture, rattan also requires some care, but it’s minimal, so that’s another plus in rattan’s favor.
If you’re torn between wood and rattan, here’s a simple rule. Choose a wooden stool for areas where chairs are moved around frequently, and a wicker one for places where lightness and coolness are more important. And if you have small children in the family, a wooden stool with a footrest will be the most stable and safe choice.
How Many Stools Fit, and How to Space Them
The rule is the same: 60 cm of tabletop per stool, measured center to center. To save you the math, here are the figures:
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120 cm: two stools;
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180 cm: three stools;
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240 cm: four stools.
Next, let’s talk about the countertop overhang; something people often realize too late. For your knees, the countertop should extend about 25-30 cm beyond the base. Without an overhang, chairs won’t work with this kind of island, no matter how tall it is. That’s because it will simply be uncomfortable to sit at such a countertop.
We also don’t recommend placing chairs at the corner of the countertop, since it blocks the passageway and is still uncomfortable to sit at. If the island is located in the passageway to the refrigerator or balcony, it’s best to remove the outermost chair.
And leave at least 90 cm of free space behind the island so people can walk by while someone is seated.
Remember, squeezing in an extra chair just for the sake of having more takes away from everyone else’s comfort. Both counter stools and bar stools work best only when everyone has their own spot. And a wooden stool at the end of the bar, by the way, is convenient to use as an extra seat that can be pushed against the wall when there are no guests.
What to Check Before You Order
A quick checklist before ordering:
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distance from the floor to the underside of the countertop
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countertop overhang for knees
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clear passage behind the stools
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seat height as specified by the manufacturer, not the total height of the stool with the backrest
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whether the model comes in both heights
The last point is more important than it seems. Many of our models, such as Eva, Havana, and Solana, come in two versions: Regular for kitchen countertops and High for bar counters. The difference is about 10 or 15 cm, and that’s the only choice. The style is the same, and they’re both comfortable to sit on.
At Home and Soul, we’ve been working in Dubai for a long time, and we know exactly which counter stools and bar stools suit this hot climate best. If you’re not sure which height is right for you, send us your measurements, and we’ll recommend the best option before you place your order. And in our showroom, you can sit on both versions and compare them in person.
Choosing a style is easy. But the height determines whether anyone will actually sit at your counter. So first, grab a tape measure; then, check out the catalog. And then bar stools in Dubai or kitchen counter stools will become your favorite spots in the kitchen.
