Kitchen counter stools used to be a standard height. Now, kitchen counters come in different heights. Counter and bar stool companies are trying to accommodate non-standard counter heights. Your job is to decide how tall your kitchen stools should be.
The standard height that all bar stools used to be was 30 inches tall. In the past, this was a good height for most kitchens and for most people. With the seat 30 inches off the ground, most people were comfortable.
The location of the foot rail should be comfortable
One aspect of counter stool comfort is where the foot rail is located. In most of them it is halfway from the floor to the seat. When the person falls within the average range of heights and the kitchen counter is at a height of about 40 inches to 44 inches, the midrail is quite comfortable. It prevents the person from having to try to reach the ground with their feet, or from cramping trying to keep their feet on a foot rail that is too high.
The height of the seat should be compared to the height of the countertop. If you are an average sized person, you need about 8 to 10 inches between them to fit your thighs without squeezing them. A seat height of 30 inches and a counter height of 40 to 44 inches allow for this.
You can see that a 44-inch counter height would give more leeway for people who are a bit larger. There is also the problem of people who are taller. They often need higher stools. They need a higher footboard to comfortably rest their feet. Otherwise, they are forced to stretch out and put their feet on the floor from the height of the stool.
34-inch counter stools are more comfortable
Builders are now looking for counter heights of 45 inches or more. At these heights, 30-inch pieces are too short for most people. They put people with their faces too close to their plates if they’re eating and too close to their drinks if they’re drinking. It can make people feel like they are kids again.
To accommodate this change, bar stool manufacturers are now making stools that have 34-inch seat heights. These stools allow people to sit comfortably, at the right distance from their food and drink. The 34-inch-high stools offer foot rails that are just the right height to relax your feet.
Adjustable and custom made counter stools
Another option in kitchen seating is adjustable counter stools. These stools can be changed to fit a tall person or a child. You can adjust the height to make room for your thighs if the standard height is not enough. They are also useful when the chairs are used for different purposes, such as doing homework.
When ordering custom-made kitchen stools, it’s best to order just one to start with. When you get it, try it for a while and make sure it fits everyone’s height. If so, you’re ready to order your complete set of stools.