Pick the right outdoor bar stool size for your space.

While an outdoor bar is often a natural gathering spot for family, friends, or even a simple after-dinner drink by yourself, it is the bar stools that are one of the most important bar essentials. For this reason, you want to ensure that your outdoor bar stools provide comfortable seating that can accommodate you and your guests while fitting into your outdoor space. Use this guide to better understand outdoor bar stool sizes so you can make an informed purchase.

In order to correctly measure a bar stool, you must calculate the height from the floor to the top of the seat. This number will give you an idea of where the outdoor bar stool will sit in relation to the counter or bar. The height of the seat from the floor of a bar stool is usually between 30" and 36". This number fits well at a standard bar that measures around 40–46" tall.

To measure for bar stools:

Step 1:For measurement A, begin by measuring your bar height – from the top edge to the floor.

Step 2: For measurement B, decide how many inches you would like between your lap and the underside of the bar/counter. Most commonly, the top of the outdoor bar stool seat should measure around 10" from the bottom side of the counter.

Step 3:Subtract measurement B from measurement A to obtain the ideal height for your outdoor bar stools.

Step 4:If you have a bar or counter, measure the distance from end to end to determine the number of bar stools you will be able to fit. You should allow at least 6" of arm room between each stool.

Important Considerations

1.If your bar is next to a wall, leave 14" between the wall and the center of the bar stool closest to it.

2.For bar stools with arms or swivels, allow at least 8" between each one.

3.To figure out how many patio bar stools you will need, account for a minimum of 26" and a maximum of 30" between each seat to ensure each guest has enough room to maneuver.

4.The surface height of the counter or bar should be 10" and 12" higher than your seating.

The following simple guidelines are for reference

 

Short:A short garden bar stool measures between 16" and 23" tall – closer to the size of a standard dining chair height. These would work best paired with a lower bar, island, or countertop of between 32" and 33" high. Short bar stools are also ideal if your patio is short on space.