The wrong bar stool ruins a kitchen island or home bar before anyone sits down. Too low and it doesn’t reach the counter. Too high and there’s no footrest. The wrong material and it’s sticky in summer or impossible to clean after a braai. In South African homes where the kitchen island and home bar are social centrepieces, the bar stool you choose matters more than most people realise.
Bar Stool South Africa: What to Look for Before You Buy
Three things determine whether a bar stool actually works in your space: height, mechanism, and material.
Height is the starting point. Standard kitchen counters in SA are 90 cm high — your bar stool seat should sit 25–30 cm below the counter surface, putting the ideal seat height at 60–65 cm. Home bars are typically 100–110 cm, requiring a seat height of 70–80 cm. An adjustable gas-lift stool covers both without guessing.
Mechanism determines daily usability. A fixed-height stool works for one counter height only. A gas-lift mechanism with 360-degree swivel adjusts to any user and any counter — essential in households where multiple people use the same stools. The swivel also means you can turn to face a conversation without getting up.
Material determines longevity. PU leather is the practical choice for SA kitchens — it wipes clean in seconds, doesn’t absorb spills, and holds up to daily use. Chrome steel bases resist rust and maintain their finish without polishing.
Three Bar Stool Sets That Work in South African Homes
Option 1 — Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B12 — Best Value
The Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B12 is the entry point in this range — full gas-lift adjustability, 360-degree swivel, and PU leather finish at the lowest price.
- Height range: 85–105 cm (adjustable)
- Seat size: 47 × 36 × 26 cm
- Material: PU leather seat + chrome steel base and frame
- Features: Gas-lift height adjustment, 360° swivel, supportive backrest and footrest
- Colours: Black, White, Red
- Price: R1,026 for a set of 2
The padded seat and supportive backrest make these comfortable for extended sitting. PU leather wipes clean with a damp cloth — practical for kitchen and bar use.
Best for: Kitchen islands, home bars, and anyone who wants adjustable stools at an accessible price point.
Option 2 — Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B11 — For a Sophisticated Look
The Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B11 steps up with high-density sponge seats and a protective rubber ring base that prevents floor scratching — a detail that matters on SA timber and tile floors.
- Height range: Adjustable via gas-lift with 360° swivel
- Material: Chrome base and frame + high-density foam filling
- Features: Gas-lift swivel, footrest, rubber ring base protects floors
- Colours: Brown, Grey, Green
- Price: R1,202 for a set of 2
The Brown, Grey, and Green colour options complement the warm, earthy palettes common in contemporary SA interiors. The rubber ring base prevents chrome legs from scratching timber floors over time.
Best for: Open-plan kitchens with timber or tile floors, and anyone who wants a warmer colour palette than standard black or white.
Option 3 — Bar Stool / Kitchen Chair Set of 2 CR-B13 — High-Back Design
The Bar Stool / Kitchen Chair Set of 2 CR-B13 shares the same gas-lift and swivel mechanism as the CR-B12 but with a high-back design — more back support for longer sitting sessions.
- Height range: 85–105 cm (adjustable)
- Seat size: 47 × 36 × 26 cm
- Material: PU leather + chrome steel base and frame
- Features: Gas-lift height adjustment, 360° swivel, high backrest, footrest
- Colours: Black, White, Red
- Price: R1,067 for a set of 2
The high backrest provides full lumbar support — the difference between a stool you sit on for 20 minutes and one you’re comfortable in for two hours.
Best for: Home bars and kitchen islands where people sit for extended periods — dinner, drinks, or working from the counter.
Which Bar Stool Set is Right for You?
| CR-B12 | CR-B11 | CR-B13 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height range | 85–105 cm | Adjustable | 85–105 cm |
| Backrest | Standard | Standard | High-back |
| Floor protection | Standard | Rubber ring base | Standard |
| Colours | Black, White, Red | Brown, Grey, Green | Black, White, Red |
| Price (set of 2) | R1,026 | R1,202 | R1,067 |
| Best for | Best value | Warm tones + floor care | Extended sitting |
Who We Are
ArtisanSA is a South African furniture brand. All three bar stool sets come in a box with two stools and easy DIY assembly instructions — no specialist tools required. Fast, insured delivery is available nationwide across South Africa.
FAQ
Q: What counter height do these bar stools suit?
A: The CR-B12 and CR-B13 adjust from 85–105 cm, covering standard SA kitchen counters (90 cm) and home bars (100–110 cm). The CR-B11 also has gas-lift adjustment for the same range.
Q: Are these bar stools sold individually or as a pair?
A: All three options are sold as a set of 2 — two stools per box.
Q: Is PU leather easy to clean?
A: Yes — wipe with a damp cloth for spills and daily cleaning. PU leather doesn’t absorb liquids, making it practical for kitchen and bar use.
Q: Will the chrome base scratch my floor?
A: The CR-B11 has a protective rubber ring base specifically designed to prevent floor scratching. For the CR-B12 and CR-B13, use felt pads on timber floors if needed.
Q: Is delivery available outside Gauteng?
A: Yes. Fast, insured delivery is available nationwide — Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and beyond.
Ready to Order?
- Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B12 — R1,026
- Adjustable Bar Stool Set of 2 CR-B11 — R1,202
- Bar Stool / Kitchen Chair Set of 2 CR-B13 — R1,067
Need help choosing the right height or colour for your space? Chat with our local team on WhatsApp — straight answers, no sales pressure.
