Bar stool seat height in Australia is either 65 cm for standard kitchen benches (90 cm high) or 75 cm for bar-height counters and raised breakfast bars (100-110 cm high). The formula is simple: measure the height of your bench from the floor to the underside of the overhang, then subtract 25-30 cm for comfortable legroom. That gives you the seat height you need.
This guide covers standard bar stool sizes for Australian homes, how to choose the right height for your bench, a size chart for every common counter height, and the key measurements to check before you buy.
Standard Bar Stool Sizes in Australia
In Australia, bar stools come in two standard seat heights based on the two most common bench heights in Australian homes. Most people need one or the other - the key is measuring your bench before you shop.
| Stool Type | Seat Height | Best For | Bench Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Counter stool | 60-67 cm (most commonly 65 cm) | Standard kitchen benches and island benches | 85-92 cm |
| Bar stool | 72-78 cm (most commonly 75 cm) | Raised breakfast bars, home bars, split-level islands | 100-110 cm |
Bar Stool Size Chart
Measure from the floor to the underside of your bench overhang, then find your bench height in the chart below.
Counter Stool Sizes
A counter stool has a seat height of 60-67 cm and pairs with a standard kitchen bench or island bench of 85-92 cm. This is the right stool for the vast majority of Australian homes, where the kitchen bench sits at the national standard of 90 cm.
At 65 cm seat height, a counter stool leaves exactly 25 cm of clearance from the seat to the underside of a 90 cm bench, which is the minimum comfortable legroom for most adults. Seats that sit lower than 60 cm feel too low at a 90 cm bench; seats above 67 cm will feel cramped.
- Seat height: 60-67 cm (65 cm is most common)
- Seat width: 35-45 cm (wider seats suit upholstered styles; narrower suits backless timber or concrete stools)
- Seat depth: 35-45 cm
- Overall stool height (seat + backrest where present): 80-95 cm
- Best for: Standard 90 cm Australian kitchen benches and island benches
Bar Height Stool Sizes
A bar height stool has a seat height of 72-78 cm and pairs with a raised bar counter or split-level island bench of 100-110 cm. These are used at home bars, dedicated bar benches, outdoor alfresco bar areas, and any bench that is raised above the standard 90 cm kitchen height.
In Australian homes, bar-height benches are most common in renovations with a split-level island where one side is at kitchen height for prep and the other side is raised to 100-105 cm for seating. The 75 cm seat height is the most widely sold bar stool size in Australia.
- Seat height: 72-78 cm (75 cm is most common)
- Seat width: 35-48 cm
- Seat depth: 35-45 cm
- Overall stool height (seat + backrest where present): 90-110 cm
- Best for: Raised bar benches and breakfast bars of 100-110 cm
- Note: Do not use a 75 cm bar stool at a standard 90 cm bench; the seat will sit too high and leave less than 15 cm of legroom
Bar Stool Seat Size: Width, Depth and Footprint
Height gets most of the attention, but seat width, depth, and the space between stools also affect how comfortable a bar setting feels. Getting this right is especially important when fitting multiple stools along an island bench.
Seat Width
Most bar stool seats are 35-45 cm wide. Backless stools on the narrower end (35-38 cm) are easier to fit more of along a bench. Upholstered or wider timber seats (42-48 cm) are more comfortable for long use but take up more bench length.
Seat Depth
Seat depth on most stools is 35-45 cm. Deeper seats are more comfortable for relaxed sitting but mean the stool protrudes further from the bench when pulled out. For a kitchen island used daily, a depth of 38-42 cm is a good balance.
Spacing Between Stools
Allow at least 25-30 cm between stools (from edge to edge of each seat) for comfortable use. For upholstered stools with armrests, allow 30-35 cm of gap. A practical rule is to allow 50-60 cm of bench length per stool (seat width plus gap), so a 180 cm island bench will comfortably seat 3 stools.
| Bench Length | Stools (backless, narrow) | Stools (upholstered, wider) | Space per Stool (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 cm | 2 | 2 | 50-60 cm |
| 150 cm | 3 | 2-3 | 50-60 cm |
| 180 cm | 3-4 | 3 | 50-60 cm |
| 210 cm | 4 | 3-4 | 50-60 cm |
| 240 cm | 4-5 | 4 | 50-60 cm |
How to Measure for the Right Bar Stool Height
The only measurement that matters is from the floor to the underside of your bench overhang - not to the top of the bench surface. Benchtop thickness (typically 20-40 mm for stone) means the underside sits lower than the top, and that is where your legs actually need to clear.
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Measure from the floor to the underside of the bench overhang.
Hold a tape measure vertically from the floor to the underside of the overhanging section of your bench and note the number. Write it down before you look at any products. -
Subtract 25-30 cm for legroom.
The gap between the underside of your bench and the top of the stool seat should be 25-30 cm for comfortable legroom. A gap of 25 cm works for most adults; if you are taller than average or prefer more room, aim for 28-30 cm. This subtraction gives you your required seat height range. -
Check the bench overhang depth.
The stool needs to be able to sit close enough to the bench for comfortable use. A minimum bench overhang of 25-30 cm is needed for a backless stool; 30-35 cm is better for a stool with a backrest. If the overhang is shallower than this, the stool will not pull close enough to the bench. -
Account for cushions if you plan to add them.
A thick seat cushion adds 5-8 cm to the effective seat height. If you are buying a stool that you intend to use with a cushion, subtract the cushion thickness from the seat height range before selecting a stool. Buying the stool at the top of the range and adding a cushion will push it too high.
Bar Stool Styles and Materials
Once you have your height sorted, the next decision is style and material. Bar stools are available in backless, low-back, and high-back formats, and in a range of materials from teak and recycled elm to steel, concrete, and upholstered finishes.
Backless Bar Stools
Backless stools are the most space-efficient option. They tuck fully under the bench when not in use, which keeps the kitchen looking clean and open. They are the most common choice for island benches in contemporary Australian kitchens.
The trade-off is comfort over long periods. Backless stools work well for quick meals, casual use, and situations where the stool is tucked away most of the time. They suit concrete, timber, and metal materials well.
Low-Back Bar Stools
Low-back stools have a short backrest that provides some lumbar support without the visual bulk of a full backrest. They partially tuck under the bench but do not disappear the way a backless stool does.
They suit households where the bench is used for longer meals or working from home, and where comfort is more important than a clean visual line. Most low-back stools sit at 80-90 cm overall height.
High-Back Bar Stools
High-back stools have a full backrest that typically extends 90-110 cm from the floor. They offer the most comfort but take up the most visual space, particularly when pushed back from the bench. They are best suited to dedicated bar areas and dining-style settings rather than a standard kitchen island.
Swivel Bar Stools
Swivel stools rotate 360 degrees and are popular in home bar settings, media rooms, and kitchen islands used for casual entertaining. The swivel mechanism adds to the overall stool height by 2-5 cm compared to a fixed model of the same nominal height, so always check the actual seat height in the product specs rather than relying on the category name alone.
Adjustable Gas Lift Stools
Gas lift stools have an adjustable height mechanism that lets you set the seat height anywhere within a range, typically 55-75 cm or 65-85 cm depending on the model. They are useful when you are unsure of your bench height, when the bench is non-standard, or when stools will be used at more than one bench height in the same home. The mechanism adds weight and cost compared to fixed stools.
Bar Stool Materials
The material affects weight, durability, maintenance, and how the stool fits the rest of the room. Here are the most common materials for bar stools in Australian homes.
Teak and Recycled Timber
Teak and recycled hardwood are the most popular premium bar stool materials in Australia. Teak is naturally water-resistant, very durable, and develops a silver-grey patina over time if left untreated. Recycled teak from old buildings carries environmental credentials that suit buyers focused on sustainable sourcing.
Timber stools tend to be heavier than steel but lighter than concrete. They suit coastal, Hamptons, contemporary, and natural interior styles. Clean with a damp cloth; avoid harsh chemicals on unfinished teak.
Steel and Metal
Steel bar stools are the most lightweight and stackable option. Powder-coated steel in matte black, white, or graphite is the most common finish. Steel suits industrial, contemporary, and Scandi-style interiors and is a practical, low-cost option for a casual kitchen or alfresco bar.
The seat may be a formed steel pad, a timber or wicker insert, or an upholstered cushion pad. For outdoor use, confirm the steel is powder-coated or galvanised; raw or lightly painted steel will rust in humid or coastal conditions.
Concrete
Polished concrete stools are a statement piece that suits industrial, contemporary, and Japandi-style interiors. They are heavy (often 15-25 kg per stool), which makes them stable but difficult to move frequently. Concrete stools are best used as a permanent seating feature rather than stools that are pulled in and out daily.
The tactile quality and weight of concrete gives a very different feel to timber or steel. Pair them with timber or soft furnishings nearby to balance the heaviness of the material.
Upholstered
Upholstered seat pads and full upholstered stools offer the most comfort for longer use and suit dining-bar hybrid settings. The seat pad adds 5-8 cm of effective height compared to a hard seat, so factor this into your height calculation. Fabric, vinyl, and leather are the most common upholstery options in Australian homes.
Key Things to Check When Buying Bar Stools
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Measure your bench before you look at products.
Write the underside height down and use the size chart above to identify the seat height range you need. Many buyers choose a stool based on appearance and find it is the wrong height when it arrives. Getting the number first takes two minutes and prevents a return. -
Count how many stools fit before ordering.
Allow 50-60 cm of bench length per stool (seat width plus minimum gap). Order based on this calculation, not on how many stools you want. Stools that are too close together are uncomfortable to use and visually crowded. -
Account for footrests on taller stools.
At 75 cm seat height, most adults cannot reach the floor with their feet. A footrest rail is important for comfort on bar-height stools; check that your chosen stool has one, or that you are comfortable with feet dangling if the stool does not. -
Consider weight if the stools will be moved frequently.
Concrete stools at 15-25 kg each are not practical for daily push-in, pull-out use. Steel and timber stools in the 4-10 kg range are much easier to move. If the stool will be pulled in and out multiple times a day, weight is a practical consideration as important as style.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bar Stool Sizes
What size bar stool do I need?
Measure from the floor to the underside of your bench overhang and subtract 25-30 cm. For a standard 90 cm Australian kitchen bench, a 60-65 cm counter stool is correct. For a raised bar bench at 100-110 cm, a 72-77 cm bar stool is correct. Use the size chart above if your bench falls between these heights.
What size bar stool for a kitchen island?
Most Australian kitchen islands are built at 90 cm, so a 60-65 cm counter stool is the right choice for most. If your island has a raised bar section at 100-105 cm on one side, that section needs a 72-77 cm bar stool. Measure each section of the island separately if it has two levels.
What size bar stool for a 90 cm (36 inch) counter?
A 90 cm counter (the Australian standard, equivalent to 36 inches) needs a 60-65 cm seat height stool. A 65 cm seat is the most commonly sold counter stool in Australia and suits most adults at this bench height.
What size bar stool for a 86 cm (34 inch) counter?
An 86 cm counter (34 inches) needs a stool with a seat height of 57-61 cm. This is lower than the standard 65 cm counter stool, so confirm the specific seat height in the product specs before ordering.
What size bar stool for a 89 cm (35 inch) counter?
An 89 cm counter (35 inches) is close enough to the 90 cm standard that a 60-65 cm stool will work. Confirm the underside measurement rather than the top surface measurement, as benchtop thickness varies between 15 mm and 40 mm.
What size bar stool for a 107 cm (42 inch) counter?
A 107 cm counter (42 inches) is a raised bar-height bench, which needs a stool with a seat height of 75-80 cm. Most standard 75 cm bar stools leave 27-32 cm of clearance at this height, which is comfortable for most adults.
How to measure for the right bar stool height?
Hold a tape measure from the floor to the underside of your bench overhang. Subtract 25-30 cm for legroom. That number is your required seat height. Always measure to the underside, not the top of the bench surface - the benchtop thickness changes the usable clearance.
See the full bar stools collection or browse all stools to find counter and bar height options in teak, recycled timber, steel, and concrete.
Related Guides
- Outdoor Chair Size Guide - for standard dimensions on outdoor dining chairs, sun loungers, and alfresco bar stools.
- 4 Common Outdoor Bench Seat Sizes - for bench seating dimensions to pair with your outdoor dining area.
- Luxury Outdoor Entertainment Ideas - for planning a full outdoor entertaining setup including bar seating and lighting.
- Firepits Size and Safety Guide - for adding outdoor heating alongside a bar or alfresco entertaining area.
