Once upon a time—specifically, last Tuesday—Alex decided his kitchen island was no longer "vibey." It was a graveyard for mail and half-empty coffee mugs. He wanted a dedicated space for morning espressos and late-night cocktails. He wanted a bar setup.

You need 10 to 12 inches of "knee room" between the seat and the underside of the table. Alex measured his table at 42 inches high; he needed 30-inch stools. Crisis averted. The "Squeeze" Factor

Swivel stools make it easier to get in and out in tight spaces, but they often lead to kids spinning until they’re dizzy.

These are for taller, pub-style tables.