Deciding between counter or bar height ultimately depends on your kitchen layout, how you intend to use your kitchen island and your personal preference. Use the tips below for help choosing between counter height and bar height.
If you’re installing a cooktop in your kitchen island, counter height may be a better option, as it will help keep all your appliances at a standard, natural height. You can also settle on a dual height kitchen island if you want to have the best of both options.
For families that are taller than average, bar height can provide a more comfortable seating arrangement with ample leg room.
If you have a smaller kitchen with limited counter space, consider adding a counter height island to provide an additional workspace. You could even include drawers and cabinets below the island for more storage space.
Counter height can help provide easily accessible seating for younger family members, as the stool height is slightly shorter than bar height.
Since bar height kitchen islands are taller than standard countertops, they can also act as a room divider for open concept floor plans and may help obscure kitchen clutter.