The kitchen island or breakfast bar has become one of the most-used spots in a NZ home. It is where the morning coffee happens, where kids do homework, where guests perch while dinner is being made. But get the bar stool wrong and that spot becomes uncomfortable fast. The wrong height leaves your knees jammed under the bench. The wrong material shows every mark. The wrong style looks out of place in a kitchen you otherwise love.
This guide cuts through the options so you can choose bar stools that actually work for your home, your bench, and your daily life.
Before you look at colour, material, or style, get the height right. A bar stool that does not fit your bench is uncomfortable no matter how good it looks.
The general rule is to leave 25 to 30 cm between the top of the stool seat and the underside of your bench. This gives enough legroom to sit comfortably without feeling cramped.
Here is how that plays out in practice:
Counter height benches (85 to 95 cm tall)
This is the most common bench height in NZ kitchens. For these, you need a stool with a seat height of around 60 to 65 cm. These are often labelled "counter height" stools.
Bar height benches (100 to 110 cm tall)
Less common in home kitchens but standard in home bars and some modern kitchen designs. For these, look for stools with a seat height of 70 to 75 cm. These are labelled "bar height" stools.
How to measure your bench
Measure from the floor to the underside of the bench overhang (not the top surface). Subtract 25 to 30 cm and that is your ideal seat height range. If you are between sizes, go with an adjustable height stool so you have flexibility.
Adjustable vs. fixed height
Adjustable stools (with a gas lift mechanism) suit households where different people use the bench, or where you are not 100 percent sure of the right height. Fixed height stools tend to look cleaner and are more stable, but you need to get the measurement right before you buy.
Once you have the height sorted, the next decisions are about comfort and practicality.
Backrest or backless?
Backless stools have a cleaner, more minimal look and tuck fully under the bench when not in use, which saves space. They work well in smaller kitchens or where you want a streamlined aesthetic. The trade-off is comfort over longer periods. If you are sitting at the bench for a quick coffee, backless is fine. If you are working from the kitchen island for an hour, a backrest makes a real difference.
Stools with a backrest (and ideally a footrest) are the better choice for households where the bench doubles as a dining or work surface. They are also more comfortable for children and older family members.
Swivel or fixed?
Swivel stools are more convenient for getting on and off, and for turning to face the room during conversation. They suit open-plan living areas where the bench faces the lounge or dining space.
Fixed stools are simpler, sturdier, and generally less expensive. They suit kitchens where the bench is against a wall or where you want a more traditional look.
The material of your bar stool affects how it looks, how long it lasts, and how easy it is to keep clean. Here is an honest breakdown:
Timber
Warm, classic, and suits a wide range of NZ kitchen styles from coastal to contemporary. Solid timber stools are durable and age well. The downside is that they can be heavier and harder to wipe down if the seat is unfinished wood. Look for a sealed or lacquered finish for easier maintenance.
Metal
Industrial, modern, and very durable. Metal stools (particularly powder-coated steel) are easy to wipe clean and hold up well in busy households. They can feel cold in winter if the seat is bare metal, so look for a model with a padded or upholstered seat if comfort is a priority.
Upholstered (fabric)
The most comfortable option for extended sitting. Fabric stools look great in warmer, more relaxed interiors. The downside is that fabric marks and stains more easily, which is worth considering if you have young children or pets.
Faux leather
A practical middle ground. Faux leather is comfortable, easy to wipe clean, and looks smart in most kitchen styles. It holds up well over time and is a popular choice for NZ households that want comfort without the maintenance of fabric.
What to choose for your home
For a busy family kitchen, faux leather or powder-coated metal with a padded seat is the most practical combination. For a more relaxed or coastal-style home, timber works beautifully. For a modern, minimal kitchen, metal or backless timber stools keep the look clean.
Getting the number right is as important as getting the height right. Too many stools and the bench feels crowded. Too few and you lose seating you could have had.
The standard spacing guide is to allow 45 to 50 cm of bench width per stool. This gives each person enough elbow room to sit comfortably without bumping into the person next to them.
Here is a quick reference:
Measure the usable overhang of your bench (the section with clearance underneath, not the full bench length) and divide by 45 to 50 cm to get your number. When in doubt, go with one fewer stool rather than one too many. A slightly less crowded bench is always more comfortable.
EasyMart stocks a practical range of bar stools suited to NZ kitchens and home bars, with options across different heights, materials, and styles. Whether you are after a set of sleek metal stools for a modern kitchen, upholstered stools for a more comfortable everyday seat, or something in between, there is a straightforward option at a fair price.
All orders come with free shipping across the NZ mainland, and Afterpay is available so you can spread the cost across four interest-free fortnightly payments.
Browse the full range here: Bar Stools at EasyMart
Furnishing more than just the kitchen? EasyMart also stocks a full range of sofas and lounges and office furniture to help you pull the whole space together.
Need stools for a cafe, hospitality venue, or workplace? EasyMart handles bulk and quote orders. Get in touch here.
Choosing the right bar stool comes down to three things: getting the height right for your bench, picking a material that suits your household's lifestyle, and buying the right number for your space. Get those three things right and the rest is just personal taste.
Browse EasyMart's full bar stool range here: Bar Stools NZ. With free shipping across the NZ mainland and Afterpay available, it is an easy addition to any kitchen or home bar.
Have a question before you buy? Our team is ready to help via the contact page.
What is the standard height for a bar stool in NZ kitchens?|||For the most common NZ bench height of 85 to 95 cm, a stool with a seat height of 60 to 65 cm is the standard fit. Always measure the underside of your bench overhang and subtract 25 to 30 cm to confirm the right seat height for your specific bench.@@@How much space should I leave between bar stools?|||Allow 45 to 50 cm of bench width per stool. This gives each person comfortable elbow room without feeling crowded. For a bench with a corner or obstruction, measure each usable section separately.@@@Are backless bar stools comfortable for everyday use?|||For short periods, yes. Backless stools are perfectly comfortable for a quick meal or a coffee. For longer sitting sessions such as working from the bench or a relaxed dinner, a stool with a backrest and footrest will be noticeably more comfortable over time.@@@Can I buy bar stools in bulk for a cafe or hospitality venue?|||Yes. EasyMart offers bulk and quote orders for businesses, schools, and hospitality venues. Visit the bulk orders page or reach out via the contact page to discuss your requirements.@@@Does EasyMart offer Afterpay on bar stools?|||Yes. Afterpay is available on eligible EasyMart orders, letting you split the cost into four interest-free fortnightly payments. It is a handy option when you are buying a full set of stools at once.@@@