A Practical Styling Guide for Relaxed Living
Stools are among the most adaptable pieces of furniture in any home. With Nordic-inspired options to help you decide, this guide offers practical advice on how to choose the right stool for your home. Ideal for everything from quick breakfasts to evening drinks, stools add both function and character to your space. The right choice balances comfort, proportion and style all in a compact, hard-working form that fits naturally into everyday life.
Start with the right height
Height is the most important detail and the easiest to get right. Start by thinking about how you’d like to sit. Do you prefer perching higher at the bench or sitting more comfortably, like you would at a dining table? That’s the key to choosing the right stool height.
Once you’ve settled on the kind of experience you’re after, measure from the floor to the underside of your benchtop, then refer to the guide below:
- For kitchen benches (85-95 cm high):
Choose a counter stool with a seat height of 65-68 cm
- For bar benches (100-110 cm high):
Choose a bar stool with a seat height of 74-78 cm
Aim for around 25-30 cm of space between the seat and the bottom of the bench to allow for a relaxed sitting position.
Make the most of your space
The way your stools are arranged should feel balanced and easy to move around. Before you choose, take a moment to measure your bench and consider how the stools will be spaced.
- Allow at least 15 cm between each stool
- Most stools are 40-50 cm wide
- A 180 cm bench will typically fit three narrow stools
For smaller kitchens or open-plan areas, consider stools that can slide neatly underneath. Styles like Kobe and Ardent are especially useful when floor space is limited.
Once you’ve worked out the spacing, think about how many stools will suit the layout. As a guide, allow 60-70 cm per person to make sure there’s enough room to sit comfortably and move easily. Visually, odd numbers often work better so where space allows, three or five stools usually look more balanced than two or four.
Match your materials to your space
The material you choose can subtly influence the overall mood of the room.
The materials you select can subtly influence the overall mood of the room and are an important factor in how to choose the right stool for your home. At Relaxhouse, our stools are designed to combine practical function with warm, modern finishes that suit a range of interiors. Timber brings a natural, easy-going quality that works in most spaces, while rattan introduces a softer, coastal feel that’s ideal for relaxed family kitchens. Metal frames can add a contemporary edge without making the space feel heavy, and sculpted or moulded seats provide ergonomic support with a clean, minimal profile.
You can carry through materials already used in your cabinetry, bench tops or flooring for a cohesive look, or introduce contrast to create visual interest.
Think about comfort and use
Think about how the stools will be used day to day, and let function guide your choice. If you need more structured seating, styles like Andorra offer built-in back support without adding bulk.
For a lighter look and greater flexibility, backless options such as Pop and Atlas are easy to move and tuck away. In busy households, Mia is a practical choice with soft curves and a sturdy frame that handles everything from casual meals to family life and entertaining.
Choose a style that suits your space
The right stool should work with the look and feel of your kitchen, not compete with it. Start by thinking about the mood of your space, is it relaxed and natural, bold and modern, or something in between? Some stools sit quietly in the background, while others create contrast through shape, colour or texture.
At Relaxhouse, you’ll find options to suit a range of settings and styles. Andi has a refined, sculptural form that works well in both contemporary and classic spaces. It’s available with or without a backrest, in natural timber or black, and can be paired with a padded seat for extra comfort. Kobe has a softer, rounded shape that brings a calm, casual feel, while Grayson offers more structure, with low arms and a curved back for added support. And if you’re looking to add a little personality, Pop brings colour and character through a bold, playful shape.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right stool comes down to balancing comfort, proportion and style in a way that suits how you live.
At Relaxhouse, our stool collection follows that same approach, considered design for relaxed living. With a wide range of styles, materials and finishes to choose from, it’s easy to find a stool that fits your space and ties everything together. Whether you’re after something sculptural, pared back or textured, each piece is made to work hard every day and to bring a lasting sense of style and freshness to your space.
Explore the full range online, or visit our friendly team in-store.