Is 28 inches too high for a counter stool?

Author: Dr. Elinor Rutherford IV  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Standard counter stool heights are typically 24 to 27 inches tall. Standard bar stool heights typically 28 to 32 inches tall. Choosing the correct stool height depends on the height of your counter or table.

What is the best height for counter-height stools?

In general, counter height stools are between 23'' and 28'' tall (from floor to seat) and bar height stools are between 29'' and 32``. You want to have about 10'' between the seat and top of the countertop.

How high should a vanity stool be?

A kitchen or vanity table usually stands between 28” and 30” high. A chair or stool with a seat height of 17” to 18” would be required. A bar usually stands between 40” and 42” high.

How much clearance do you need for counter stools?

Small Diameter (8-12 inches): Leave about 12 inches of space between the stools. Medium Diameter (13 – 16 inches): Leave 8-10 inches of space between the stools. Large Diameter (17+ inches): Leave at least 6 inches between the stools. Swivel or Arm Styles: Leave 8-10 inches of space between the stools.

What is the height of counter stools in inches?

The Standard Counter Height

Kitchen – The standard kitchen counter height is 36 inches (3 feet) above the floor.

How to Choose the Right Stool - Bar vs Counter Stools

What height table for 30 inch stools?

Bar Height Dining

Bar height tables sit at 40 to 42 inches and should be used with stools or chairs that sit around 28 to 30 inches.

What is standard kitchen counter height bar stool?

Kitchen Counter Height Stools

If you are looking for a stool to fit under a standard kitchen counter height, we would advise you to purchase a stool that is between 610-670mm (24 to 26 Inches) high, in order to fit under the 890-910mm (35 to 36 Inches) counter table.

How far should counter stools stick out?

A typical overhang for a comfortable seating area should be around 25-30cm (10-12”), this should leave enough knee room and adequate space between the countertop edge and the person seated.

What is the difference between barstool and counter stool?

Bar height stools generally have seat heights that are around 28 inches high (28 to 32 inches as a rule) in order to fit under table tops with a height of 40 to 42 inches. Counter stools have a seat height of 24 to 27 inches high for table surfaces that are 36 inches high.

How much counter space do you need for a stool?

Allocate 24 inches of seating space for each person for optimal comfort. Divide your counter length by 24 to calculate the number of stools. Example: A 72-inch counter divided by 24 equals 3 stools.

What is the best height for a poop stool?

“The goal is to mimic a full squat.” Novice toilet stool users and taller people may find they're more comfortable with 7-inch stools; shorter people, long-time toilet stool users, and those who are comfortable squatting often gravitate toward 9-inch stools.

Why are bathroom counters so low?

It's All About Ergonomics

Ergonomics play a major role in determining the height of bathroom vanities. We use a bathroom vanity for washing our hands, brushing our teeth, shaving, and applying makeup. A lower vanity height can make these activities more comfortable, reducing the need to overstretch or awkwardly bend.

What is the best height stool for a 42 inch counter?

Bar height stools are the tallest option, typically measuring 28 to 32 inches from the floor to the seat. This height is best suited for bar-height counters or tables that are around 42 inches in height.

What is the normal seat height?

The chair, stool or bench height is 18 to 23 inches. As noted above, standard height has been popular for a long time, and with good reason. Standard height proves the perfect fit for families and can handle all your dining needs.

What is the overhang for counter height stools?

For standard barstools with a seat height of 30 inches, a 12 to 15-inch overhang is recommended. For counter-height barstools with a seat height of 24 inches, a 15 to 18-inch overhang is ideal.

Can bar height stools be cut down to counter height?

If you can't find the proper stool that fits the height of your countertop, the best solution is to cut down your stool to fit what you need. Rob Robillard of A Concord Carpenter, shows us how to build a jig that ensures each stool leg is cut to the exact same height.

How high should a counter stool be?

Heights of chair stools are generally 18″ from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 28″-30″ in height. Heights of counter stools are generally 24″-26″ inches from floor to seat. Pair with a table or counter 36″-39″ in height.

Should I get counter stools with backs?

If you plan to spend a lot of time sitting at the counter, a bar stool with a back is the right way to go in terms of comfort. Also, if there are young kids in the household, having a barstool with a back may be a better option for added support and safety.

What is the average height of a counter?

The average kitchen countertop height is typically around 36 inches from the floor to the top surface of the countertop. Most base cabinets are 34.5 inches high, and most countertop materials are around 1.5 inches thick, totaling 3 feet for overall counter height.

How to choose a counter stool?

Make sure you're looking at stools that stand anywhere from 24”-27” from floor to seat. Grab your tape measure, note your kitchen counter height and when browsing, make sure to read those product descriptions and ensure that you have that 9” minimum of space between seat height and counter height.

Is 8 inch overhang enough?

An 8-inch overhang is usually not enough for comfortable seating. While it might work in a pinch, most people will find it too shallow. With an 8-inch overhang, there is not enough legroom, and people's knees are likely to hit the cabinets underneath, making it uncomfortable to sit for any length of time.

What is the best fabric for counter stools?

What kind of fabric should I use to reupholster bar stools? Choose a durable, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean fabric such as vinyl, microfiber, leather, or Sunbrella.

How tall should a kitchen bench bar stool be?

Bar Stool Seat Height

The most common seat height is approx. 60cm-68cm which best suits a kitchen counter/bench height of approx. 85-95cm.

How much space between counter and upper cabinets?

The standard space between countertops and upper kitchen cabinets is typically 18 to 24 inches, providing ample room for appliances and an ergonomic workspace. Exceptions may be made for compact kitchens, where the gap can be reduced to 15 inches.

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