How to Choose the Perfect Bar Stool: A Guide by Pencil & Oak

There’s something undeniably inviting about a well-designed bar stool. Perched at just the right height, it’s where early-morning coffees turn into slow conversations, where friends gather around the kitchen island, and where style meets function most effortlessly. But as simple as the silhouette may seem, choosing the right bar stool is as much about proportion and purpose as it is about aesthetics.

The team at Pencil & Oak believes that furniture should balance beauty and utility, and the humble bar stool is no exception. Here, they share a few essential considerations to ensure every seat feels as good as it looks.

1. Measure before you fall in love
Before anything else, measure the height of your counter – from the floor to the top edge – and subtract around 25 centimetres to determine the ideal seat height. For a standard 107-centimetre bar, stools with a seat height between 76 and 81 centimetres usually offer the most comfortable fit. This allows enough legroom without feeling cramped, keeping posture and proportion perfectly aligned.

2. Mind the spacing
Even the most beautiful stool loses its appeal if the layout feels crowded. Leave at least 15 centimetres between each seat to allow guests to move comfortably, and ensure there’s ample room behind them for easy circulation.

3. Choose materials that last
Bar stools see constant use – and often in high-traffic areas. For durability and ease of maintenance, materials like metal or wood are timeless choices. Metal frames lend a contemporary edge and work beautifully in smaller or industrial-style spaces, while wood – like the Joel Nook Stool – adds warmth and texture, ideal for both rustic and refined interiors.

Hopper Bar Stool

4. Comfort, always
A stool should invite you to linger, not leave early. Look for details like back support, a footrest, and a cushioned seat – just like the Hopper Bar Stool, designed for comfort that lasts.

5. Test before you invest
Whenever possible, test stools in person to ensure they feel stable and comfortable. If purchasing online, start with one or two before committing to a full set, as proportions, finishes, and comfort levels can vary more than expected.

6. Style in harmony
Finally, let your choice reflect the personality of the space. A clean-lined oak stool can lend a natural, organic feel to a modern kitchen, while a sleek metal base paired with a soft upholstered seat – like Pencil & Oak’s Banksy Bar Stool – introduces a hint of sophistication.

Rooted in craftsmanship and guided by balance, Pencil & Oak’s approach to design proves that even the smallest details – a curve here, a texture there – can transform how a space feels. Because the perfect bar stool doesn’t just fit your counter; it fits the rhythm of your life.