Hello Beatrice-

The 42" countertop height is actually pretty standard for a wet bar or pub table area and there is a huge selection of bar stools that have a seat height 9"-11" below the counter height. This is the space for your knees to comfortably clear the counter and ideal placement for ergonomics of eating, etc. That seat height measurement is 31"-33". So when shopping, really pay attention to this more than the overall height which is dependent on backless and all manner of decorative backs. Here are some examples of bar stools that are black, not completely upholsted and have a seat height between 31"-33".