Brown leather bar stools at a kitchen bench in a modern open-plan home

The Ultimate Bar Stool Buying Guide: Styles, Heights, Materials & More

Introduction: Finding the Perfect Bar Stool

Choosing the right bar stool can transform your kitchen bench, home bar, or outdoor entertaining area from ordinary to outstanding. But with so many styles, heights, and materials available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — so you can shop with confidence and find bar stools that look great, feel comfortable, and last for years.

Whether you're shopping for kitchen bar stools, counter height stools, leather bar stools, timber stools, or outdoor bar stools, choosing the right height, material, and style makes all the difference. This guide will help you find the perfect fit for your kitchen bench, home bar, or entertaining area.

And the best part? At Barstool Express, we offer free delivery Australia-wide on all orders, so you can shop from anywhere in the country without worrying about shipping costs.

Step 1: Getting the Height Right

Height is the single most important factor when buying bar stools. Get it wrong and your stools will be uncomfortable — or won't even fit under your bench or bar. The general rule is to leave 25–30 cm of clearance between the seat of the stool and the underside of your bench or counter.

Counter height stools are ideal for standard kitchen benches and islands, while taller bar height stools suit higher benches or home bars. Choosing the correct stool height will make your space more comfortable and functional.

Here's a quick reference guide:

  • Counter height (85–95 cm bench): Choose a stool with a seat height of 60–65 cm
  • Bar height (100–110 cm bench): Choose a stool with a seat height of 70–80 cm
  • Kitchen island (90 cm bench): Choose a stool with a seat height of 62–67 cm

Always measure your bench height before purchasing. For a detailed breakdown with diagrams, visit our dedicated Bar Stool Height Guide.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Style

Once you've nailed the height, it's time to think about style. Bar stools come in a wide range of looks to suit every interior — from sleek and modern to warm and rustic. Here's a breakdown of the most popular styles available at Barstool Express:

Industrial Bar Stools

Industrial-style bar stools blend raw materials like steel and reclaimed wood for a bold, urban aesthetic. They're perfect for open-plan kitchens, home bars, and loft-style spaces. Typically featuring metal frames with footrests and minimal upholstery, they're as durable as they are stylish. Browse our range of Industrial Bar Stools.

Timber Bar Stools

Timber bar stools bring warmth and natural character to any space. Whether you prefer light Scandinavian oak tones or rich dark walnut finishes, timber stools complement both contemporary and traditional interiors beautifully. They're a timeless choice that never goes out of style. Explore our Timber Bar Stools collection.

Leather Bar Stools

For a touch of luxury, leather bar stools are hard to beat. Available in genuine and PU leather, they offer a sophisticated look that suits home bars, dining areas, and upscale kitchen benches. Leather is also easy to wipe clean, making it a practical choice for busy households. Shop our Leather Bar Stools.

Fabric Bar Stools

Fabric-upholstered bar stools offer unbeatable comfort and come in a huge variety of colours and textures. They're ideal for spaces where you'll be sitting for extended periods — think long Sunday brunches or evening entertaining. Pair them with a neutral kitchen for a pop of colour, or choose a subtle tone to blend seamlessly. Discover our Fabric Bar Stools.

Metal Bar Stools

Metal bar stools are incredibly versatile — they can look industrial, retro, or ultra-modern depending on the finish and design. Powder-coated steel and aluminium options are particularly popular for their durability and low maintenance. They're a great choice if you want something sturdy that holds up to daily use. Check out our Metal Bar Stools.

Plastic Bar Stools

Don't underestimate plastic bar stools — modern designs are sleek, lightweight, and surprisingly stylish. They're easy to clean, stackable in many cases, and often the most affordable option. Perfect for casual spaces, kids' areas, or anywhere you need a practical, no-fuss seating solution. Browse our Plastic Bar Stools.

Outdoor Bar Stools & Tables

Entertaining outdoors? You'll need bar stools and tables built to handle the Australian climate. Look for UV-resistant materials, rust-proof frames, and weather-resistant finishes. Our outdoor range is designed specifically for alfresco dining, pool areas, and outdoor bars. Explore our Outdoor Bar Tables and matching stools to complete your outdoor setup.

Step 3: Sets vs Individual Bar Stools — Which Should You Buy?

One of the most common questions we get is: should I buy a set of bar stools or individual ones? The answer depends on your situation, but here's a breakdown to help you decide:

Buying a Set

  • Guaranteed matching: Sets ensure all your stools are from the same production run, so colours, finishes, and dimensions are perfectly consistent.
  • Often better value: Sets are frequently priced more competitively than buying the same number of stools individually.
  • Convenient: One purchase, one delivery — simple and hassle-free.
  • Best for: New setups, long benches, or when you know exactly how many stools you need.

Buying Individual Stools

  • Flexibility: Buy one now and add more later as your needs or budget allow.
  • Mix and match: Some interior styles actually benefit from a curated mix of complementary stools for an eclectic look.
  • Replace a single stool: If one stool gets damaged, you can replace just that one rather than the whole set.
  • Best for: Smaller spaces, tight budgets, or when you're experimenting with a new style.

Our recommendation: If you're furnishing a new space or replacing all your stools at once, go for a set. If you're adding to an existing setup or just need one or two, individual stools give you more flexibility.

Step 4: Materials & Durability — What to Look For

The material of your bar stool affects not just how it looks, but how long it lasts and how easy it is to maintain. Here's a quick guide to the most common materials:

Timber

Solid timber is one of the most durable materials for bar stools. It's strong, long-lasting, and can be refinished if it gets scratched or worn. Engineered wood (like MDF or plywood) is more affordable but less durable over time. For longevity, look for solid hardwood frames.

Person measuring plywood with a completed stool in the background, emphasizing high-quality plywood.

Metal (Steel & Aluminium)

Steel frames are extremely strong and durable, making them ideal for high-traffic areas. Powder-coated finishes resist rust and scratches. Aluminium is lighter and naturally rust-resistant, making it a great choice for outdoor use. Both materials are low maintenance and easy to clean.

Leather & Faux Leather (PU)

Genuine leather is luxurious and develops a beautiful patina over time, but requires occasional conditioning to prevent cracking. PU leather (faux leather) is more affordable, easier to clean, and more resistant to spills — making it a practical choice for families. Both options wipe clean easily with a damp cloth.

White chair with wooden accents and text highlighting features on a white background

Fabric

Fabric upholstery is comfortable and comes in the widest range of colours and textures. Look for stain-resistant or performance fabrics if you have kids or pets. Fabric stools may require more maintenance than leather but offer superior comfort for long periods of sitting.

Plastic

High-quality polypropylene plastic is surprisingly durable, UV-resistant, and completely waterproof — making it excellent for outdoor use as well as indoor spaces. It's the easiest material to clean and is virtually maintenance-free.

Step 5: Other Things to Consider

With or Without a Backrest?

Backless stools have a sleek, minimalist look and tuck neatly under benches when not in use. Stools with backrests offer more support and comfort, especially for longer periods of sitting. If your stools will be used primarily for quick meals or drinks, backless is fine. For dining or entertaining, a backrest is worth considering.

Brown PU seat with bentwood backrest in a room with a window      Thor Timber Tractor Seat Bar Stools 75cm Natural (Set of 4) - Barstool Express

Swivel vs Fixed

Swivel stools allow you to rotate 360°, making it easy to get on and off and to turn and chat with people around you. Fixed stools are simpler and often more affordable. Swivel stools are particularly popular for home bars and kitchen islands where you want ease of movement.

Adjustable Height

Gas-lift bar stools with adjustable height are a versatile option if you're not sure of your exact bench height, or if multiple people of different heights will be using the stools. They're also great if you have a multi-purpose space where the bench height might vary.

How Many Stools Do You Need?

As a general guide, allow 45–50 cm of bench space per stool for comfortable seating. Measure your bench length and divide by 45–50 cm to get the maximum number of stools that will fit comfortably.

Free Delivery Australia-Wide

At Barstool Express, we make it easy to shop for bar stools no matter where you are in Australia. We offer free delivery on all orders Australia-wide — whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or anywhere in between. No hidden fees, no surprises at checkout.

Our stools are carefully packaged to arrive in perfect condition, and our team is always on hand to help if you have any questions about your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What height bar stool do I need for a 90 cm bench?

For a 90 cm bench, you'll want a bar stool with a seat height of around 62–65 cm. This leaves the ideal 25–28 cm of clearance between the seat and the underside of the bench. See our full Bar Stool Height Guide for more detail.

What is the most durable material for bar stools?

Metal (particularly powder-coated steel) and solid timber are the most durable materials for bar stools. For outdoor use, aluminium or UV-resistant plastic are excellent choices as they won't rust or fade in the sun.

Are bar stool sets better value than buying individually?

Generally yes — sets are usually priced more competitively and guarantee a consistent look. However, buying individually gives you more flexibility if you only need one or two stools, or want to mix styles.

Do you deliver bar stools to regional Australia?

Yes! We offer free delivery Australia-wide, including regional and rural areas. Simply add your stools to cart and enter your address at checkout.

What's the difference between counter height and bar height stools?

Counter height stools (seat height ~60–65 cm) are designed for standard kitchen benches around 85–95 cm tall. Bar height stools (seat height ~70–80 cm) suit taller bars or benches around 100–110 cm. Always measure your bench before buying — our Bar Stool Height Guide makes it easy.

Diagram showing kitchen counter height, bar height, and stool dimensions.

Ready to Shop?

Browse our bar stools by style and find the perfect fit for your kitchen bench, home bar, or entertaining space:

Still not sure? Use our Bar Stool Height Guide to nail the measurements, or get in touch with our team — we're happy to help you find the perfect fit for your space.

Back to blog