14 Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands

KATIE BANDURSKI/TASTE OF HOME

Pros:

Sleek and stylish

Easy to assemble

Comes in counter and bar heights

Two finishes and three fabrics available

Sturdy, built-to-last feel

180° swivel with return

Levelers for adjusting and stabilizing

Cons:

A bit heavy at over 30 pounds

When you’re looking for the best bar stool that’s both comfy and sturdy enough to outlast budget picks, spring for the Grandin Road Lyndon swivel bar stool. This editor-tested option is our best overall winner not only for the simple setup, but also its high quality materials and multiple color and fabric choices. Choose from counter or bar height to best fit any space, whether it’s a round dining table or kitchen island. The swivel aspect of the stool also naturally returns, making it a good pick for those with kids—especially since it’s a bit on the heavier side at over 30 pounds. However, the sleek and stylish look and adjustable levelers beneath the seat make it so worth the extra weight.

“I love the timeless look of these stools,” says Senior Shopping Editor, Katie Bandurski. “They’re incredibly easy to assemble—seriously, it only took me five minutes to screw the chair base onto the stool—and have a high-end look. As a new homeowner, I don’t know what my kitchen and bar areas will look like in five years. But I do know that these stools offer a sleek, contemporary look that will never go out of style. Plus, they’re incredibly sturdy and well made. I trust that they’ll last for years, even if I decide to redecorate!”

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Over 130 fabric options to choose from

Choice of black or brass legs

Vintage art deco-inspired look

Free swatches available

Bottom and back cushions offer incredible comfort

Sturdy construction

Fully assembled

Cons:

No free delivery option

Custom made, so may take some time to arrive

Don’t settle for a seat that clashes with your vintage buffet table. Instead, opt for the cozy-yet-classy art deco-inspired Hollis bar stool. In addition to the sturdy backrest that adds an extra layer of comfort, we adore the choice of over 130 fabrics that fit with almost any aesthetic. Not sure which finish is best for your space? No worries—snag a few free swatches prior to purchasing.

In addition, the ultra comfy bottom and back cushions cradle your body while offering ample support. Because these stools are custom built as they’re ordered, they do take a little extra time to arrive. However, in our opinion it’s worth waiting for the perfect color choice and fully assembled white glove delivery.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Won’t splinter in -94°F to 176°F temperatures

Antimicrobial materials prevent mold and mildew growth

Stylish French bistro look

Sturdy aluminum frame finished with a protective powdercoat

Fully Assembled

Cons:

Should be covered when not in use

Finding the best bar stools for outdoor use requires a few special considerations. Namely, look for materials that hold up well to the elements. This French Bistro aluminum bar stool by Frontgate offers equal parts durability and style thanks to a sturdy aluminum frame that’s finished with a protective powder coating. Apart from the beautiful bistro look that lends itself well to al fresco dining, the barstool also comes in five neutral and jewel tones that allows it to blend seamlessly with your favorite Amazon patio furniture.

Because it arrives fully assembled, it takes seconds to set up. Unlike similar styles from other brands, the antimicrobial wicker materials are incredibly durable and won’t splinter or mold in extreme temperatures. That said, always remember to keep them covered when not in use so they look just as lovely each summer season.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Sturdy build that stays in place while swiveling

Sized perfectly for smaller kitchen areas

Crafted from solid rubberwood, rather than particle board

Comes in six shades and two heights

Has footrest

A swivel stool is the perfect complement to one of the best kitchen table sets, but it’s important to find an option that’s sturdy as it pivots. That’s why we’re smitten with the well-reviewed Fortville swivel stool. Despite the low price point, this pretty swivel stool offers solid rubberwood construction that stays put as you move to and fro.

At just under 19 inches across, it’s small enough to slide into smaller kitchens. A choice of two heights help this pick effortlessly pull together kitchens, bistro tables or basement bars. Whether you’re going for a farmhouse look or prefer modern decor, the neutral color options and additional footrest give this pick an edge on competitors.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Timeless, classic silhouette

Made with FSC-certified wood

Contract grade construction

Easy to wipe clean

Wide saddle seat

Solid ash wood materials

Cons:

Pricier than some of the other options

When it comes to the best stools for kitchen island set ups, black is back and brighter than ever. The always-on-trend neutral adds an updated touch to all-white kitchens. The color also coordinates well with existing black accent lighting, cabinet hardware and bold hues.

The Faro bar stool comes with a classic spindle back. It offers a rich black ash wood frame with a wide saddle seat. While it’s a bit pricier than other options, the FSC-certified wood and contract grade construction ensures that it’ll last through years of daily use.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Sleek modern design works with most decor styles

Comes in a set of two

Simple, fast assembly

Easy to clean acrylic and metal construction

Plastic leg glides protect flooring

Low profile bucket seat fits well in small spaces

Inexpensive

Cons:

Metal base painted to look like wood

A bit on the heavy side at just over 28 pounds

If you’re looking for modern kitchen bar stools that are truly versatile, these Forum stools from AllModern are just the ticket. This set of two bar stools have offer a sturdy iron frame that’s painted to look like wood, bringing timeless style. A bucket-style seat and three neutral shades help this mod seat stay current as the years tick by.

The style may be contemporary, but because the bucket-style seat is a nod to vintage styles, they work well with most kitchen designs and bar carts. In addition, the plastic glides on the feet and easy-to-clean acrylic material makes this one a shoo-in for families with kids.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Traditional saddleback style

Crafted from solid wood

Comes in a two-piece set

250 pound weight capacity

Easy to assemble

Lightweight

12 color options

Cons:

Some may find lack of cushion uncomfortable

Give your kitchen a little bit of country flair with these wooden bar stools. “For a wooden bar stool, go for straight, modern lines that are in right now,” says Franklin, who is known for her firm’s show-stopping kitchens. “Find something with high-quality wood and other materials for the longevity of a wooden piece.”

Each solid wood bar stool comfortably holds up to 250 pounds. Plus, the molded wooden seat is an additional mark of better craftsmanship and something you would be hard-pressed to find on lower-quality pieces. Because each two-piece set comes in 12 different wood finishes, it’s easy to find something that blends seamlessly with your bar cabinet.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Chrome steel base has a rubber ring to prevent slipping and floor damage

Stylish PU cushioned seat is easy to clean

Adjustable height

360 degree swivel

Easy assembly

Lightweight yet sturdy

Inexpensive

Cons:

Limited color options

These adjustable swivel stools come in a set of four and offer a rich black or creamy white upholstery accented with metal hardware. They hold up to 330 pounds each and can rotate 360 degrees, making them the perfect pick for folks looking for a swivel seat. The adjustable height means they can work for both counters and bars, yet each one is still light enough to move when it’s time to mop.

Easy assembly and a lightweight-yet-sturdy feel round out these stylish faux leather stools, and the chrome steel base is wide enough to keep them steady. Plus, the bottom of each base comes with a rubber ring for added stability, which also prevents floor damage.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Uses top grain aniline-dyed leather

Made from kiln-dried hardwood

Choice of bar or counter heights

More than 25 color choices

Three different finish options

Contract grade materials

Cons:

Must be careful while cleaning to keep the leather’s integrity

Add a dose of sophisticated mid-century modern charm in an instant. These leather bar stools from Pottery Barn pair marvelously with a vintage-feeling kitchen, dining room chandeliers, wooden kitchen island carts and other accents. Each leather color—and there are more than 25 options—uses a top grain aniline-dyed fabric.

Three different leg finishes and contract-grade kiln-dried hardwood round out this pick. Because the leather is real rather than a faux option, it does require a bit more work to maintain. However, it’s well worth it to keep them looking like new. Leather is one of our favorite materials for the best dining chairs, too.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Modern and minimalistic metal legs

Nine different color options available

Comes in both counter and bar heights

Plush, cozy seat

Glides easily across the floor

“Metal” doesn’t have to mean “uncomfortable.” The industrial-chic design of these classy metal bar stools show up in a dazzling assortment of nine colors, ranging from basic white to a bold, fiery red. Different fabric options include a plush boucle and soft velvet. Or, keep it simple and modern with an ivory linen seat.

They’re also a great find for those who prefer backless bar stools and minimal cleaning—the sturdy metal framework wipes down easily. It’s also small and lightweight, making it the ideal pairing with small space dining tables.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Eye-catching 70s rattan style

Available in both bar and counter heights

Woven and shaped by hand

Swivel seat

Bring a vintage vibe to any dining table set with these rattan bar and counter stools. Rattan offers a quick escape to the tropics (even if you’re in a chilly climate) and is a trend-proof option you’ll love showing off for years to come. These rattan bar stools offer a robust counter seating option thanks to their 300-pound weight limit and quality hand-shaped rattan-style wicker construction.

Rattan is also one of the 1980s decor trends that’s coming back stronger than ever. “I have definitely seen an increase in interest for rattan pieces lately,” shares Franklin. “I attribute that to the current trend of incorporating a natural, organic style into your space. Rattan is fun to style in a space because it provides character and a fresh texture that you typically cannot achieve with something like metal or solid wood.”

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Classic cottage Americana look

Hand-rubbed finish

Assembly tools included

Contoured seat and shaped back for added comfort

Inexpensive; comes in a set of two

Your home will look and feel like a catalog-worthy statement when you display these wooden white counter and bar stools from Wayfair. The kitchen bar stools come in a creamy color that blends beautifully with cognac-colored furniture and stone counters.

The finish is hand-rubbed for a fancier look, and the choice of both counter and bar heights makes it an excellent choice for most spaces. In addition, a contoured seat offers a cozier spot to work from home or enjoy breakfast. The best part? These inexpensive stools include all assembly tools.

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

Rated for both indoor and outdoor use

Made from handwoven all-weather wicker

Powder-coated stainless steel frame

Plastic glides on bottom of base

White glove delivery available

Cons:

Limited color options

Wicker is back, baby! Celebrate the patio furniture-inspired woven look with these fabulous wicker bar stools. Rated for both indoor and outdoor use, these handwoven all-weather wicker chairs bring a beachy vibe to any space. While the seat is woven, the base is a sturdy steel frame that’s powder coated for longevity.

We appreciate the option for white glove delivery, though there’s no assembly needed for these classy seats. In addition, plastic glides on the bottom of the stools protect floors from scratches and scuffs. Nifty! Don’t sleep on the best outdoor tables, either!

VIA MERCHANT

Pros:

TImeless French countryside look

Uses 100% linen upholstery

Built-in footrest for added comfort

Backless design fits almost anywhere

Arrives fully assembled

Channel rustic farmhouse vibes with the addition of a couple rustic bar stools. These wood-based bar stools for kitchen islands feature padded seats and counter or bar height options that tuck neatly away below most kitchen islands and countertops.

While there’s only one color choice, the distressed French countryside look will certainly suit your farmhouse-style kitchen or Pioneer Woman collection. Plus, 100% linen upholstery, a built-in footrest and zero assembly required make this pick one of our favorites of the bunch.

What to Look for When Buying Bar Stools

Franklin suggests focusing on a few main features to pick the best stools to spruce up small kitchens, average-size eating spaces and even the most expansive showpiece-style eat-ins. She says it’s important to figure out the right height for your kitchen island or countertops.

Then, find sturdy materials and high-quality construction to hold up to the most-used room in the house. You’ll also want to think about who will be using your kitchen bar stools the most to decipher the importance of things like weight capacity and stain resistance.

Why You Should Trust Us

As experts in the spending space, the Taste of Home shopping team takes our time when finding the best products. We only recommend products we would buy ourselves. For this piece, our expert team aimed to find picks for all different aesthetics and uses across a range of price points. Our goal is for everyone to find the best bar stool that fits their kitchen and lifestyle.

How We Found the Best Bar Stools

We started our search for the best bar stools by looking at top-selling options from our readers’ favorite brands. From there, we narrowed down the list to over a dozen options that fit a range of styles and price points. During our hunt for the best bar stools, we weighed a number of criteria in order for each pick to make the list. Considerations include the following:

Price and value compared to cost
Material quality
Number of positive reviews
Firsthand experience
Brand reliability
Warranties
Shipping

FAQs

What is normal bar stool seat height?

Typically, counter height stools (meant for kitchen counters and kitchen islands) average around 24 inches or shorter from the floor to the seat. Bar stools (meant for bars, bistros and bar tables) average at around a 29 inch seat height and above. While some extra-tall bars require slightly taller stools, these numbers are a good rule of thumb for most kitchens and dining spaces.

What material is best for a bar stool?

While material largely depends on style—leather, wood, metal, wicker, rattan and velvet are popular options—it’s also important to consider things like longevity and stain-resistance. “I recommend finding bar stools with durable, performance-grade fabrics. This makes them easier to clean, which is important in a high-traffic spot such as a kitchen or eating area,” says Franklin.

How do you know what size bar stool you need?

We recommend allowing for at least 10 inches of space from the top of the stool to the underside of the bar or counter. To find this number, first begin by measuring the underside of your counter or bar to the floor. Then, subtract 10 inches. This number is a good guideline for the maximum size you should look for. Some folks prefer a little more space, so be sure to think about who will be using the bar stools and the type of look and feel you’re going for. Speaking of space, we love saving it with an extendable dining table or a smart kitchen storage cabinet.

>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : TasteOfHome – https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/best-bar-stools/