5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Bar Stool

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5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Bar Stool

In the last 10 years, the kitchen island has become a central feature in modern homes, serving not just as a prep space, but as a hub for dining, working, and gathering. With this shift, bar stools have evolved from accessory to essential, making the right choice more crucial than ever.

Whether you’re styling a minimalist Scandinavian kitchen or customizing your dream island, the bar stools you choose impact both comfort and character. At by Crea, we specialize in handmade bar stools crafted in Sweden, designed to meet your exact needs in form, function, and finish.

Before you invest, here are 5 key things to consider, expert insights from real-world design, tailored craftsmanship, and years of customer feedback.

April 10, 2025

1. Get the Height Right

Not every stool works in every space, getting the height right is essential for both comfort and functionality.

by Crea standard seat heights:

66 cm (26 in): Ideal for kitchen counters with a height of 89–92 cm (35–36 in)
76 cm (30 in): Best suited for bar-height counters measuring 99–102 cm (39–41 in)

Pro tip: Always leave 25–30 cm of space between the seat and the underside of your countertop for comfortable legroom.

All by Crea bar stools are available in these standard heights, and we also offer custom sizing upon request to ensure the perfect fit for your home.

Not every stool works in every space, getting the height right is essential for both comfort and functionality.

by Crea standard seat heights:

66 cm (26 in): Ideal for kitchen counters with a height of 89–92 cm (35–36 in)
76 cm (30 in): Best suited for bar-height counters measuring 99–102 cm (39–41 in)

Pro tip: Always leave 25–30 cm of space between the seat and the underside of your countertop for comfortable legroom.

All by Crea bar stools are available in these standard heights, and we also offer custom sizing upon request to ensure the perfect fit for your home.

2. Daily Seating or Occasional Use?

How often will your stool be used? Daily family breakfasts require a different approach than occasional aperitifs. Key comfort features:

Backrest vs. backless: Backrests like on the Philip Bar stool offer more support
Cushioned vs. wood seat: Upholstered options in boucle or vegan leather elevate comfort
Footrest height: Should align naturally with seated posture

Our handcrafted stools, like the Carl Bar Stool, are designed for long conversations, not just quick moments.

How often will your stool be used? Daily family breakfasts require a different approach than occasional aperitifs. Key comfort features:

Backrest vs. backless: Backrests like on the Philip Bar stool offer more support
Cushioned vs. wood seat: Upholstered options in boucle or vegan leather elevate comfort
Footrest height: Should align naturally with seated posture

Our handcrafted stools, like the Carl Bar Stool, are designed for long conversations, not just quick moments.

3. Materials: Choose What Lasts

Kitchen stools live a hard life, crumbs, spills, and wear are inevitable. So materials matter.

At by Crea, we build for longevity using:

Solid oak - not veneer or MDF
Powder-coated steel frames - durable and resistant to scratches
Easy-clean fabrics - our vegan leather is stain-resistant, or even your own fabric for a custom touch

Veneer chips. Particleboard warps. Our materials age gracefully, gaining character over time.

Kitchen stools live a hard life, crumbs, spills, and wear are inevitable. So materials matter.

At by Crea, we build for longevity using:

Solid oak - not veneer or MDF
Powder-coated steel frames - durable and resistant to scratches
Easy-clean fabrics - our vegan leather is stain-resistant, or even your own fabric for a custom touch

Veneer chips. Particleboard warps. Our materials age gracefully, gaining character over time.

4. Design & Aesthetic: Match Your Kitchen Style

One of the most compelling advantages of solid oak furniture is how beautifully it ages. Each scratch, polish, or sunlight variation becomes part of its story. It:

Deepens in tone over time
Gains character and warmth
Can be passed down as heirlooms

Veneer furniture, by contrast, can’t be sanded or restored—it’s a short-term solution with a shorter shelf life.

The best stools for kitchens don’t just fit, they enhance your space.

Consider:

Minimalist vs. sculptural frames
Tone-on-tone vs. contrast color palettes
Leg shape and footprint

The Philip Bar Stool, for example, brings modern geometry to contemporary kitchens, while the Ebba Bar Stool blends softly into Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

And because each by Crea piece is made to order, you choose wood tone, steel color, and fabric, down to the last detail.

The best stools for kitchens don’t just fit, they enhance your space.

Consider:

Minimalist vs. sculptural frames
Tone-on-tone vs. contrast color palettes
Leg shape and footprint

The Philip Bar Stool, for example, brings modern geometry to contemporary kitchens, while the Ebba Bar Stool blends softly into Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

And because each by Crea piece is made to order, you choose wood tone, steel color, and fabric, down to the last detail.

5. Functionality: How Will It Be Used?

Think beyond looks. Ask:

Will it need to tuck fully under the counter?
Does it need to be lightweight or stackable?
Will multiple people of different sizes use it?

We also advise considering:

Swivel (yes/no): by Crea® stools offers no swivel bar stools
Stability: Solid oak and welded steel frames ensure no wobbles
Upholstery wear: We offer easy-maintenance options and replacement cushions

If your home is high-traffic or family-focused, prioritize stability, wipeable materials, and a timeless design that works for years, not months.

Think beyond looks. Ask:

Will it need to tuck fully under the counter?
Does it need to be lightweight or stackable?
Will multiple people of different sizes use it?

We also advise considering:

Swivel (yes/no): by Crea® stools offers no swivel bar stools
Stability: Solid oak and welded steel frames ensure no wobbles
Upholstery wear: We offer easy-maintenance options and replacement cushions

If your home is high-traffic or family-focused, prioritize stability, wipeable materials, and a timeless design that works for years, not months.

Invest in Seating That Lasts

Bar stools are one of the most used pieces in a modern kitchen. Don't treat them as an afterthought.

At by Crea, we’ve handcrafted thousands of Swedish bar stools that marry minimalism, ergonomics, and durability. Whether you're building a new space or upgrading your kitchen island, our goal is to make the experience personal, and the result, enduring.

Bar stools are one of the most used pieces in a modern kitchen. Don't treat them as an afterthought.

At by Crea, we’ve handcrafted thousands of Swedish bar stools that marry minimalism, ergonomics, and durability. Whether you're building a new space or upgrading your kitchen island, our goal is to make the experience personal, and the result, enduring.