Bar Stools & Kitchen Counter Stools

A kitchen island or breakfast bar can be somewhere to enjoy your morning coffee, catch up at the end of the day or sit and chat while someone is cooking. Choosing the right stools can make it a space you'll enjoy spending time in.

At Vale Furnishers, you'll find a wide selection of bar and counter stools in our four-storey Ash Vale showroom, with further colours, finishes and configurations available to order.

Start with the height and how you'll use the stool

Measure the height of your worktop or breakfast bar before choosing a stool. Kitchen counters and higher bar tables need different seat heights, and you'll need enough legroom beneath the surface.

For a quick breakfast, a simple stool may be enough. If you regularly spend longer sitting at your island, back support, seat padding and a comfortable footrest become more important.

Fixed, swivel or height-adjustable?

Fixed-height stools are straightforward, while swivel designs make it easier to turn or get on and off. Check that a swivel stool won't catch the worktop or nearby furniture. Height-adjustable stools offer flexibility, although their bases and mechanisms can make them heavier to move.

Trying different designs will help you decide which feels right, rather than choosing on appearance alone.

Allow enough space around your island

As a guide, allow 60-70cm per person, or more for wider stools, arms or swivel actions. Seating around a corner may accommodate additional stools, but check that everyone has sufficient legroom beneath the worktop.

You'll also need room behind the stools to get on and off and move around the kitchen, especially near cupboards and appliances.

Compare stools at Ash Vale or ask about trying one at home

Our showroom lets you compare different seat heights, backrests, mechanisms and finishes. You're not restricted to stools that match your existing dining furniture.

If you're unsure how a particular stool will look or feel at your kitchen island, talk to us about the possibility of borrowing a display stool to try at home. It can help you make a more confident choice for something you'll use regularly.