Having an at-home bar or counter seating can be a luxury and convenience. It gives you the experience of being at a restaurant without actually being in one. However, placing seats at a bar isn't the easiest. If you're here, you're probably wondering how many seats you'll need at your bar. We've done the research and can tell you how many bar stools you need!
Three to five bar stools can fit at a counter measuring between six and nine feet long.
Some things that can affect the number of stools you can fit are the dimensions of the seat and the size of your bar.
Bar stools come in many different heights and sizes. These differences can make arranging seats at a bar or counter more difficult. Keep reading to learn about bar stool seating placements and tips, and more information!
How to Determine the Number of Bar Stools
The best way to figure out how many bar stools your bar can accommodate is to measure your seating area. Then, you'll divide by the amount of space each person will need to sit comfortably.
If you just want an estimate, you can divide the length of your bar by 24 inches. This will provide a comfortable seating arrangement if you end up getting bar stools that measure either 15 inches or 17 inches wide.
It's important to check the width of your seats before purchasing them! The common sizes are usually 15 inches, 17 inches, and 21 inches. However, bar stools come in all shapes and sizes. So, for the best results, you'll need to know the width of the chairs that you're interested in.
Using the average seating area measurement, a six-foot bar would be able to seat three bar stools comfortably. A nine-foot bar would be able to fit between four and five.
Don't forget to make sure both measurements are in the same unit of length. You won't get the correct results if your bar length is in feet while your seating space is in inches.
Spacing Requirements
It's important to leave enough space between other chairs, walls, and other obstacles. Keeping your stools too close together will make for an uncomfortable and cramped dining experience.
You should leave at least six inches of space between bar stools that measure between 16 and 18 inches wide. Leave at least eight inches between seats measuring 19 and 22 inches. You should also leave at least eight inches of space if the stools have armrests or swivels.
Height Requirements
The overall height won't affect the number of chairs you can fit at your bar. However, you'll still need to know how tall your seats are for a comfortable arrangement.
You should aim to leave between 9 and 11 inches of space between the seat and the top of the bar. Standard bars and counters come in various heights.
The two standard size ranges are between 34 and 36 inches tall and 40 and 42 inches tall. Take the measurements for your bar. Then, determine how much space you want for your legs before selecting the bar stools you'll need.
Many bar stools are also available with adjustable height. These seats can be changed to fit different bars or whenever you want to allow more or less knee space.
How many bar stools for a 6-foot bar?
A six-foot bar can seat anywhere from two to four barstools depending on the width and style of seat. For example, you can only fit two stools if they're 22 inches wide and can swivel.
You can fit more barstools if they're not as wide. You can fit three if the stools are between 15 and 18 inches wide. If your chairs are less wide, there will be more space between your seats.
Check out these adjustable height stools on Amazon!
How many bar stools for a 7-foot bar?
A seven-foot bar can typically seat between three and four barstools. If your seats will require 30 inches of space, then you can only fit three chairs. You may have less than eight inches between each chair in these cases.
If your barstools only need 21 inches of space, then you'll be able to put up to four seats at your bar. Remember that swivel chairs will need more space. So, even if your barstool is only 15 inches wide, you may need to allocate up to 25 inches of space for it.
Check out these bar stools on Amazon!
How many bar stools for an 8-foot bar?
An eight-foot bar can comfortably fit up to five smaller, non-swivel style barstools. However, the most common number of seats you can fit at these bars is either three or four.
With larger barstools, like those with armrests, you'll only be able to fit around three chairs. Otherwise, it's very likely you'll be able to fit four seats without feeling cramped.
Check out these bar stools with armrests on Amazon!
How many bar stools for a 9-foot bar?
A nine-foot bar can fit up to five barstools comfortably. Even if you decide to use larger seats, you can still fit between three and four seats at a longer countertop. Just remember that if your seats are over 18 inches wide, then they will need at least eight inches of space instead of six inches between them.
Check out these bar stools on Amazon!
How Much Room Do You Need Behind Bar Stools?
It's also essential to make sure that people can get in and out of their seats. To achieve this, it's recommended to leave at least 18 inches of space behind your seats.
You should measure this by starting at the counter's edge. Then, push your bar stool back. You should be able to move it at least 18 inches without bumping anything.
If you want to walk behind someone seated at the bar, you should allow another 12 inches of space. This will be the minimum amount of space you need, but you can always increase that if you have the space for it.
What Type of Bar Stool Should I Get?
Now that you have an idea of how many bar stools you need, you'll need to consider what type to get. In general, those that have back and arm rests are more comfortable than backless ones.
Other things to look for are seats with good padding. It's also worthwhile to take a look at any footrests and supports with the chairs. People who are shorter would benefit from footrests that are closer.
Keep in mind that you can have multiple types of bar seating. You don't have to have all of one type of stool. So, feel free to mix and match in order to get the most comfortable seating experience for you.
Check out this bar stool with armrests on Amazon!
Check out this bar stool with an ergonomic back on Amazon!
How Long Is An At Home Bar?
If your bar came preinstalled in your house, it should be at least six feet. However, it's not uncommon to find them in a variety of lengths. The most common of them are six feet and eight feet.
Don't forget that home bars can come in different shapes too! While most kitchen bars will be rectangular in shape, there are other configurations as well. Some common shapes for bars include the L-shape and horseshoe design.
In Closing
You can fit a different number of seats at your bar, depending on a couple of things. The main factors are the size of the bar and the width of the seats! Typically, you can fit at least three seats at bars measuring six feet. A nine-foot bar can fit up to five. Although it usually seats around four.
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