In small apartments, furniture scale and proportion are critical to creating a spacious and comfortable feel. Plastic stools are versatile, but selecting the wrong height can make a space feel cramped or awkward. Here’s a guide to choosing the right stool height for small homes.
1. Standard Seat Heights
Dining / Multipurpose Stools: 45–50 cm
Works well for kitchen tables, desks, or casual seating.
Fits most standard-height tables (70–75 cm).
Counter Stools: 60–75 cm
Ideal for kitchen islands or breakfast bars.
Slightly taller stools help differentiate zones without overwhelming the space.
Low Stools / Footstools: 30–40 cm
Perfect for living room corners, balconies, or as temporary seating.
Keeps the visual line low, maintaining an airy feeling.
2. Visual Proportion
Avoid stools that are too tall relative to other furniture—they can dominate the space.
Low-to-mid-height stools create a light, open look, making small rooms feel less cluttered.
Transparent, minimalistic, or light-colored plastics further reduce visual bulk.
3. Multipurpose Considerations
In small apartments, stools often serve multiple functions:
Extra seating
Side table or footrest
Temporary step stool
Choosing a height slightly lower than the surrounding furniture increases flexibility without compromising comfort.
4. Ergonomic Comfort
Even in small spaces, comfort matters:
Feet should touch the floor when seated, or a footrest should be available for elevated stools.
Seat depth should allow easy sitting and standing, avoiding cramped posture.
5. Stackable or Nesting Options
If you need multiple stools, choose stackable or nesting designs that maintain a low visual profile when stored.
Compact, low-height designs help maximize floor space and reduce visual congestion.
Conclusion
For small apartments, low to mid-height plastic stools (30–50 cm) are usually the best choice. They maintain a light, airy aesthetic, remain ergonomically comfortable, and fit multiple functions without making the space feel cramped. Complementing them with light colors or transparent materials enhances the sense of openness.
References
Ching, F. D. K., Interior Design Illustrated, Wiley.
Pile, J., Interior Design, Pearson Education.
Ashby, M. F., Materials Selection in Design, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Callister, W. D., Materials Science and Engineering: An Introduction, Wiley.
Kroemer, K. H. E., Ergonomics: How to Design for Ease and Efficiency, CRC Press.
