
Anyone who’s spent an evening perched on a backless stool knows the difference a proper seat makes. Bar stools with backs, swivel options, and clearance deals are all part of the furniture landscape in Ireland, and matching the right model to your kitchen or bar counter comes down to a few precise measurements.
Average seat height for bar stools: 28 to 30 inches (71-76 cm) · Typical bar counter height: 40 to 42 inches (102-107 cm) · Average seat height for counter stools: 24 to 26 inches (61-66 cm) · Most common material in Ireland: Metal and wood · Price range for clearance: €50 to €200
Quick snapshot
- Provide lumbar support (IKEA Ireland bar stool range)
- Ideal for long sitting (Murphy Furniture Ireland advice)
- Available in many materials (Home Store + More product listing)
- Sizes for different counter heights (Next Ireland buying guide)
- Allow easy turning (Home Store + More Chelsea model specs)
- Good for social settings (Very Ireland swivel stool guide)
- Available with or without backs (JYSK Canada stool collection)
- May need more floor space (Next Ireland space tips)
- Discounted prices in Ireland (EZ Living Furniture clearance page)
- From retailers like Homestore and More (Adverts.ie second-hand listings)
- Often end-of-line models (GetLocal.ie Cavan clearance entry)
- Check condition and warranty (EZ Living Furniture return policy)
- Affordable options (JYSK Canada pricing info)
- Scandinavian design style (JYSK Canada design description)
- Wood and metal finishes (JYSK Canada materials listed)
- In-store and online in Ireland (IKEA Ireland availability comparison)
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bar stool seat height | 28–30 inches | Next Ireland |
| Standard counter stool seat height | 24–26 inches | Next Ireland |
| Common materials | Metal, wood, leather, PU leather, fabric | Home Store + More |
| Top Irish retailers | JYSK, Homestore and More, EZ Living, Castledavitt, Barstool.ie | EZ Living Furniture |
| Average clearance discount | 20–40% off retail | EZ Living Furniture |
What Are Bar Bar Stools with Backs?
Why choose bar stools with backs?
- Lumbar support for longer seating (IKEA Ireland bar stool range)
- Better posture and reduced fatigue (Murphy Furniture Ireland seating advice)
- Many models include armrests and padded seats (Next Ireland product features)
The trade-off: stools with backs take slightly more space but are far more comfortable for anything beyond a quick drink. Next Ireland advises aiming for roughly 25–30 cm of clearance between the seat and the underside of the counter, which the backrest can eat into.
Typical features of bar stools with backs
- Adjustable height via gas lift or screw mechanism (Home Store + More Belmont model specs)
- 360-degree swivel in many designs (Home Store + More Chelsea model description)
- Materials range from solid wood and metal to velvet and PU leather (Very Ireland material variety)
- Some models feature a single metallic pole for swivel; others have splayed legs for stability (Very Ireland base design comparison)
The catch: a backrest adds depth. Measure the available space behind your counter before committing to a high-back model.
Where Can I Find Clearance Bar Stools in Ireland?
Top clearance deals from Irish retailers
- EZ Living Furniture Ireland offers the Biscuit Fabric Swivel Bar Stool – Maple at €119 (down from €139) and a White Bar Stool with High Back – City at €39 (from €59) (EZ Living Furniture clearance listings)
- Homestore and More has promoted bar stools at half price in previous clearance events (Home Store + More promotional history)
- GetLocal.ie lists a “FLOOR CLEARANCE 200-190 BAR STOOL S/65 Velvet” entry at €250 in County Cavan (GetLocal.ie Cavan clearance)
- Adverts.ie features second-hand and clearance Homestore and More bar stools, including height-adjustable velvet swivel models (Adverts.ie secondary market)
How to spot a genuine clearance sale
- Check the original retail price—discounts should exceed 20% to be genuine (EZ Living Furniture pricing advice)
- Verify stock availability and warranty—clearance items may have limited returns (Home Store + More policy notes)
- Look for end-of-line models—often identical to current stock but discontinued colours (GetLocal.ie stock description)
The pattern: clearance sales in Ireland are typically seasonal (post-Christmas, end-of-summer), and the best deals come from retailers like EZ Living and Homestore and More who actively discount floor models and overstock. The catch: you may have to act fast and accept limited colour options.
Does JYSK Sell Bar Stools?
JYSK bar stool collection overview
- JYSK offers bar stools in Ireland, with styles leaning toward Scandinavian minimalism (JYSK Canada design style description)
- Available materials include solid wood (often pine or beech) and powder-coated metal (JYSK Canada material selection)
- Designs range from low-back to mid-back for different support levels (JYSK Canada backrest options)
- Many JYSK stools come with a 360-degree swivel and footrest support (JYSK Canada swivel features)
Are JYSK bar stools good value?
- Typically priced lower than specialist furniture stores—often €50–€150 range (JYSK Canada pricing)
- Assembly required, but parts and instructions are standard (IKEA Ireland assembly comparison)
- Limited upholstery options—mostly wood and metal finishes (JYSK Canada finish range)
JYSK stools are a solid entry-level choice for Irish shoppers who want clean design on a budget. Their mid-back models, as JYSK Canada notes, offer “more support and comfort for longer sitting periods” than low-back versions.
What Bar Stools Does Homestore and More Offer?
Homestore and More bar stool styles
- Chelsea Bar Stool Leather: 360-degree swivel, back with low sides, leather upholstery (Home Store + More Chelsea product page)
- Belmont Bar Stool: adjustable height, 360-degree swivel, padded seat, back, and arms (Home Store + More Belmont product page)
- Other models include velvet fabric swivel designs and metal-legged counter stools (Adverts.ie secondary listings)
How to buy bar stools from Homestore and More
- Available online with home delivery across Ireland (Home Store + More delivery info)
- In-store pickup at locations in Dublin, Cork, and Galway (Home Store + More store locations)
- Price range generally €100–€300, with clearance discounts bringing that down significantly (Home Store + More pricing info)
Homestore and More stands out for offering both backless and backed styles with genuine swivel mechanisms. The Chelsea model proves that a stool can have a low back without sacrificing the ability to swivel—a rare combination in lower price brackets.
Are Swivel Bar Stools Better Than Fixed Ones?
Pros and cons of swivel bar stools
Upsides
- Easy to turn and chat without moving the whole stool (Very Ireland social seating advice)
- Great for social kitchens and open-plan living (Very Ireland layout tips)
- Often height-adjustable thanks to gas-lift mechanism (Home Store + More adjustable features)
- Some models oscillate 180 degrees for focused conversation (Caseys Furniture oscillating design)
Downsides
- May be less stable under heavy use—especially four-legged base designs (Very Ireland stability notes)
- Require more floor space to allow full rotation (Next Ireland space requirements)
- Mechanisms can wear out over time, especially in cheaper models (Caseys Furniture durability notes)
| Feature | Swivel bar stool | Fixed bar stool |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | 360° rotation, easy turning (Home Store + More) | No rotation, must shift stool physically (Next Ireland) |
| Stability | Single-pole base can be less stable (Very Ireland) | Splayed legs provide sturdier foundation (Very Ireland) |
| Space required | Needs clearance for full swivel (Next Ireland) | Can be tucked under counter tightly (Murphy Furniture Ireland) |
The implication: swivel stools win on social flexibility but lose on stability and space efficiency. Fixed stools are better for high-traffic dining areas where people sit straight and stay put.
Can Bar Stools Be Used in a Kitchen?
Best bar stools for kitchen islands
- Counter-height stools (24–26 inches) are ideal for standard 36-inch kitchen counters (Next Ireland height recommendations)
- Bar stools (28–30 inches) suit higher breakfast bars at 40–42 inches (IKEA Ireland sizing guide)
- Materials that clean easily: metal, painted wood, PU leather, and lacquered surfaces (EZ Living Furniture material recommendations)
What height is suitable for kitchen counters?
- Measure from floor to counter surface: 36 inches → counter stool; 40–42 inches → bar stool (Next Ireland measurement guide)
- Allow 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) between seat and counter underside for leg room (Next Ireland clearance advice)
- Adjustable-height stools (gas lift) cover both heights in one model (Caseys Furniture adjustable models)
The catch: using a bar stool under a kitchen counter that’s too short leaves the seat too high—your knees won’t fit. The 25–30 cm rule from Next Ireland is the one number to remember.
How Do I Choose Bar Stools for a Kitchen Island?
Measure your island height first
- Standard island heights: 36 inches (counter) vs 40–42 inches (bar) (IKEA Ireland sizing info)
- Seat height adjustment options range from 55–75 cm for counter stools to 65–85 cm for bar stools (Caseys Furniture adjustment ranges)
Consider back support and padding
- Backrests reduce lower back strain during meals or work (Murphy Furniture Ireland ergonomic advice)
- Padded seats (foam or upholstered) add comfort for extended sitting (Home Store + More Belmont comfort specs)
Match style to your kitchen decor
- Scandinavian designs from JYSK suit modern minimal kitchens (JYSK Canada style description)
- Homestore and More’s Chelsea and Belmont lines fit contemporary and traditional alike (Home Store + More style range)
- Metal and wood combinations are durable and easy to clean (EZ Living Furniture durability notes)
Your kitchen island is the hub of daily life. Choosing the wrong height or material can turn a stylish space into a constant annoyance. Measure twice, buy once—and if you’re between heights, an adjustable model from Caseys or Homestore and More eliminates the guesswork.
Bar Stool Comparison: JYSK vs Homestore and More vs EZ Living
Three Irish retailers, three approaches: JYSK with budget-friendly Scandinavian minimalism, Homestore and More with mid-range swivel and back designs, and EZ Living with deeper discounts on clearance stock.
| Retailer | Price range | Typical features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| JYSK | €50–€150 (JYSK Canada pricing) | Low/mid back, wood/metal, swivel optional (JYSK Canada feature list) | Budget shoppers who want clean lines |
| Homestore and More | €100–€300 (Home Store + More pricing) | 360° swivel, leather/velvet, back with arms (Home Store + More feature specs) | Shoppers who want a sturdy swivel with back support |
| EZ Living Furniture | €39–€279 (clearance) (EZ Living Furniture clearance prices) | High-back fabric, swivel, gas lift, sale discounts (EZ Living Furniture product range) | Value hunters willing to grab clearance stock |
Bar Stool Specifications Unpacked
Six specs that matter—and the sources that verify them.
| Spec | Typical value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height (bar) | 28–30 inches | Next Ireland |
| Seat height (counter) | 24–26 inches | Next Ireland |
| Seat depth | 35–45 cm | Home Store + More |
| Backrest height | 15–30 cm above seat | JYSK Canada |
| Weight capacity | 100–150 kg | Caseys Furniture |
| Typical clearance discount | 20–40% off | EZ Living Furniture |
What We Know and What Remains Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Bar stools are used for counters 40–42 inches high (IKEA Ireland counter height info)
- JYSK sells bar stools in Ireland (JYSK Canada availability)
- Homestore and More offers bar stools in store and online (Home Store + More purchase options)
- Clearance sales happen seasonally in Ireland (EZ Living Furniture seasonal sales)
- Swivel bar stools are suited for casual social settings (Very Ireland usage advice)
What’s unclear
- Exact stock availability for specific clearance models—can change weekly
- Long-term durability of cheaper JYSK bar stools (limited user reviews available)
- Whether swivel mechanisms in sub-€100 stools hold up over two years
- Precise discount percentages at Homestore and More clearance events
What Irish Shoppers Are Saying
“The Chelsea bar stool leather is comfortable – the 360-degree swivel makes it easy to turn to face the TV while still feeling supported.”
— Customer review on Home Store + More product page (Home Store + More)
“Low-back stools create a subtle look while mid-back stools offer more support and comfort for longer sitting periods.”
— JYSK Canada stool category description (JYSK Canada)
For the Irish shopper weighing a swivel stool with a back against a fixed design on clearance, the choice hinges on one thing: how you actually use your kitchen. If the stool is for a social hub where people turn to chat, a swivel model from Homestore and More or EZ Living with a back and gas lift is worth the premium. If it’s for a dedicated dining area where people eat and leave, a fixed JYSK stool at half the price does the job. Measure your counter, check the seat height, and grab a clearance deal before it’s gone—but don’t skip the backrest if comfort matters for more than ten minutes.
For a comprehensive overview of models and retailers, see this guide on best picks for Irish home bars that covers styles and pricing in detail.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bar stool and a counter stool?
Bar stools have seat heights of 28–30 inches for counters that are 40–42 inches tall. Counter stools are shorter (24–26 inches) for standard 36-inch kitchen counters.
How do I measure the correct height for bar stools?
Measure from the floor to the top of your counter. Subtract 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) to find the ideal seat height. Next Ireland recommends this clearance for comfortable leg room.
What is the best material for kitchen bar stools?
Metal and wood are easiest to clean; PU leather and lacquered surfaces also hold up well. Avoid bare fabric if spills are likely.
Can bar stools be returned if they don’t fit?
Most Irish retailers accept returns within 14–30 days, but clearance items often have stricter policies. Check individual store terms before purchase.
Are swivel bar stools safe for children?
Yes, with supervision. Models with gas lift and locking mechanisms add stability. Avoid single-pole swivel stools for young children.
Do bar stools with backs take up more space?
Typically yes—the backrest extends the depth. Allow an extra 10–15 cm behind the stool for pushback clearance.
How much weight can a standard bar stool support?
Most good-quality bar stools support 100–150 kg. Check the manufacturer’s label for exact limits.