Guide to Bar Stools

Bar stools in the kitchen - how to choose the right ones for your home

Bar stools have long since made their way into Danish homes. Not only are they practical, but they also give the kitchen an informal and inviting touch. Whether you have a spacious kitchen island or just a small breakfast bar, bar stools can transform your kitchen into a gathering place for both family and guests.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to incorporate bar stools into your interior, how to choose the right model, and which materials and features to consider - from classic wooden bar stools to modern designs in metal.

Your guide to finding the right bar stool

Our bar stools are Danish-designed to bring a clean, stylish look to your home or workplace - all in high quality. Each bar stool is made for life, designed to suit your everyday living today and ten years from now. Crafted from durable, high-quality materials, it’s built to handle daily use and everything that comes with it.

Because a bar stool is made to be part of your life for years to come, it’s important to find the one that’s just right for you. That’s why we’ve created this guide - to help you make the right choice.

Just as we all come in different colours and heights, our bar stools do too. With a wide range of combinations to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for both you and your home.

Why bar stools are a must-have in modern kitchens

Bar stools for a kitchen island are about much more than just seating. They help create a relaxed atmosphere where people can gather for a quick coffee, a glass of wine, homework sessions, or casual chats while the food is being prepared. When choosing bar stools for the kitchen, think about how they’ll be used in your daily life:

  • Will they serve as extra dining seats?
    Are they meant to invite long
  • conversations, where comfort matters most?
  • Or are they mainly for shorter stays, where design and functionality take priority?
Bar stool with oak veneer seat and black powder-coated steel frame in industrial style.

Komfort og funktionalitet - med eller uden ryglæn

One of the big decisions when buying bar stools is whether to go for a model with or without a backrest.

Bar stools with a backrest offer extra support and make it more comfortable to sit for longer periods. Perfect if the stools are used for meals or long conversations.

Backless bar stools have a lighter look, take up less visual space, and can easily be tucked under the kitchen island when not in use.

Our collection of bar stools gives you both options, so you can choose the solution that suits you best:

This makes it easy to choose exactly the combination that fits your kitchen and your style.

Materials to match your style: wood or metal?

Materials play an important role in the look, comfort, and maintenance of your bar stools.

Wooden bar stools are a classic choice that fit perfectly into Nordic-style kitchens. The Nordic Bar Stool in oak is a great example of how wood can bring warmth and natural beauty to your interior. If you're looking for a different expression, you can opt for versions with decorative stitching, such as Nordic Bar Stool Oak with Stitches, or go for a darker tone like Nordic Bar Stool Dark Oak.

Metal bar stools bring a raw, industrial edge. They are durable, easy to maintain, and work especially well in kitchens with steel, concrete, or darker colour schemes. Pair a metal frame with a wooden seat for a warm, natural contrast - or choose leather upholstery if you want extra comfort and a more inviting seating experience.

Height is crucial for comfort

One important factor when choosing bar stools for a kitchen island is the height. As a general rule, there should be about 25-30 cm between the underside of the countertop and the seat of the bar stool. This ensures a comfortable sitting position without feeling too high or too low.

Our bar stools are available in two different heights: 68 cm and 73 cm.
If you're looking for a bar stool for your kitchen counter or island, our 68 cm model is usually the best fit. Kitchen counters are typically around 95 cm high, which gives you a 27 cm gap between the seat and the surface - an ideal seating height.

If you're looking for a bar stool for a bar or high bar table, we recommend our 73 cm model instead. Bar tables generally have a height of around 105 cm.

Which frame should you choose?

The choice of frame plays a major role in the overall look, feel, and functionality when decorating with bar stools. Wood and metal are the most popular materials, each offering a different expression that can be tailored to your personal style and kitchen design.

Wooden frame
Bar stools with wooden frames bring warmth, natural beauty, and a timeless feel. A light wood frame highlights Scandinavian style and the organic textures of the material, while a darker or black-stained frame can add a more elegant or edgy touch. Wooden frames are especially well suited to kitchens where a cosy and inviting atmosphere is desired. Our Nordic bar stools are available with two types of wooden frames: black-stained oak and light oak. Both versions are treated with a matte lacquer, making the frame highly resistant to stains and dirt.

Metal frame
Metal-framed bar stools are a great choice if you're going for a more modern, minimalist, or industrial look. Metal frames are durable, easy to maintain, and offer a sleek, clean expression. Pair them with a wooden seat for a natural touch or with leather upholstery for extra comfort. The Frame bar stool is a great example of how a metal frame can combine craftsmanship with thoughtful design. Welded joints and clean lines create a harmonious appearance. The footrest is seamlessly integrated into the frame without visible screws, resulting in a smooth and refined finish.

Frame Bar Stool with backrest in leather and powder-coated steel frame, industrial style, indoor bar seating.
Bar stool with powder-coated steel frame and leather seat in industrial style, no backrest.

Which upholstery should you choose?

The choice of upholstery plays a key role in comfort, appearance, and maintenance when selecting bar stools. Our bar stools are available with three types of seats: semi-upholstered, fully upholstered, or without upholstery - so you can choose the look and comfort level that best suits your home.

Without upholstery
Bar stools without upholstery are the minimalist choice. The focus is on the material itself - the natural texture of the wood - resulting in a clean and timeless look. These stools are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for everyday use and kitchens where functionality is key.

Semi-upholstered
A semi-upholstered seat combines the best of both worlds. You get the comfort of a padded seating surface while the natural beauty of the wood remains visible along the edge and underside. This version features our signature cross-stitching along the edge, giving the stool a distinctive and recognisable character.

Fully upholstered
Fully upholstered bar stools offer maximum comfort. The seat is covered in leather all the way to the edge, giving the stool a particularly inviting look that’s perfect for longer sitting sessions.
If you choose leather upholstery, you get a durable and comfortable solution.



Choose the right leather

You can choose between two different types of leather, Terra and Luna, from the Danish brand SPOOR. The leather is responsibly produced and 100% traceable. Learn more about SPOOR leather here.

Luna leather is tanned completely without the chemical chromium and develops a beautiful, natural patina over time. This patina gives the chair a distinctive and unique character. Luna has a soft surface and ages gracefully with use.

Terra leather has a classic and timeless look that retains its appearance over time. This type of leather features an extremely durable surface that is soft to the touch and has a natural grain, highlighting the authentic and unique qualities of the leather. It is highly resistant to wear and easy to maintain.

How do you maintain leather?

The leather on the bar stool seat is a finished material, so there’s no need for care products before you start using the bar stool. Our best advice for maintaining the leather is to vacuum it regularly using a soft brush to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using sharp objects, cleaning agents, or exposing the leather to direct sunlight.