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These bar stools will bring new life to your kitchen island.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Bar stools play an important role in your home.
Thats why its important to pick bar stools that are as comfortable as they are stylish.
Your lifestyle is the most important thing to consider before shopping.
Credit: Article
Some say the edge of the seat feels sharp when sliding off it.
The Rus collection also includesa dining chair, in case you want to coordinate one with the other.
The legs and frame are crafted from solid oak, while the seat is made of veneered oak wood.
Credit: Amazon
Dealing with crumbs, dirt, or spills?
Instead ofusing chemical cleaners, all you need is a clean damp cloth.
All of the necessary tools are included, but youll need to assemble this stool yourself.
Credit: Williams Sonoma
If youre sticking to a strict budget, we recommend theBoraam Sonoma Saddle Bar Stoolfor a number of reasons.
For starters, it comes in three colors to fit any design.
It features an ergonomic saddle seat for extra comfort and resembles high-end stools for a fraction of the cost.
Credit: West Elm
When looking for inexpensive bar stools, Presson usually steers clear of fabric.
Many times the fabric is a solid, light fabric with no stain protection.
These materials do not have the life span that other high-end materials do, Presson says.
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The stool features stability stretchers on the base that double as footrests and create visual interest.
Upkeep is minimal and only requires the occasional dusting.
Lower price tags usually come with a catch.
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So, whats the catch here?
Youll need to assemble this stool yourself, which can be a pain for busy buyers.
The open-back design is not cushioned and can lack support.
Credit: West Elm
Thispick by Williams Sonomais fully customizable with over 70 leather and fabric options.
Other fabric choices include velvet, textured and untextured cotton/linen, and performance fabrics designed to be stain-resistant.
In addition, the kiln-dried oak legs come in fourwood finishesto complete the look.
Credit: Pottery Barn
When designing, keep in mind that higher-end fabrics and leathers will drive up the price.
Splurge purchase can be intimidating, but remember that quality and longevity usually comes with a price tag.
This pick is made of kiln-dried oak.
Credit: Pottery Barn
Note that the open-back design is not cushioned and lacks support for long periods of sitting.
The total height of 40 inches may be too tall for some counters and dining spaces.
TheJack Metal Frame Bar Stool by West Elmcomplements your space no matter the style.
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Simple and elegant, these stools seamlessly blend into any dining space instead of competing with their surroundings.
This sleek option from West Elm features a large seat cushion and a subtly enveloping back for extra comfort.
It even has plastic foot caps to protect your floors, so its as practical as it is comfortable.
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The seat height of this bar stool measures 30 inches, and the total height is 40 inches.
For those wary of fabric stools, this option is perfect because of its customizability.
Ready to make a statement?
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Try red stools in Burnt Umber and Distressed Velvet.
Wanting akid-friendly optionthat easily conceals stains?
Try navy stools in Midnight and Chenille Tweed, a performance fabric designed to camouflage wear and tear.
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Whatever style youre looking for, theres an option for you.
Theyre not sold individually.
They have a powder-coated metal frame and textilene sling fabric.
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Its also well-ventilated, so your legs wont get hot and sweaty during the warm months.
The black steel frame features arm and leg rests along with an oversize backrest for ultimate comfort.
Each leg features an adjusting knob to help make leg height even while assembling.
Credit: Wayfair
They also rotate 360 degrees, which is great for keeping an eye on kids playing in the backyard.
The brown fabric can be upgraded to a padded option, and there are alsogray and blue optionsavailable.
The genuine leather will eventually settle and reveal impressions of the brass frame.
Fashion meets engineering in thisRake Brass Bar Stool by CB2.
The modern look is achieved by pairing sleek leather with glossy brass.
And on the engineering side, the stool appears to defy gravity with its cantilevered frame.
It’s a great choice for those who have the urge toswitch up their homes lookevery few months.
Keep the stool as-is with the leather cover for a look thats modern-meets-industrial.
Remember, you get two looks with one purchase when considering the high price of this bar stool.
They are easier to clean and stay looking nice longer, she says.
To maintain these chairs, dust regularly and wipe with a damp cloth to clean.
This is unavoidable due to the structure and material of the stool.
Assembly is required for this stool.
The solid rubberwood frame gives the appearance of solid wood for a fraction of the cost.
You dont have to worry about this pick clashing with your design project.
Just keep in mind that assembly is required for this pick.
Most leather bar stools on the market feature chunky backrests that resemble living room recliners.
This stools combination of leather and metal appeals to many different design aesthetics.
These small differences may bother someone wanting a uniform look for their island.
These leather stools require minimal upkeep, making them great for busy homeowners.
Just remember to dust routinely and keep out of natural light.
Exposure to excessive and direct sunlight can dry out these bamboo stools and cause them to crack.
Expect these stools to serve as a conversation starter for all of your future gatherings.
Though they appear delicate, these stools are sturdy.
Theyrewoven with rattan and bambooand feature an MDF seat board that helps keep the stools structure.
The intricate, woven details are sealed with vinyl for an added layer of protection.
No detail was left untouchedthe semi-open back creates visual interest and provides support.
The natural finish adds brightness to your dining space while creating a cool and casual tone.
However, bamboo is vulnerable to humidity and can crack if left in excessive and direct sunlight.
Proper care and placement are needed to ensure these stools last for years to come.
(Thematching dining chairis even more affordable!).
The UV-resistant molded plastic seat and powder-coated metal legs are low-maintenance, given that theyre inherently durable and moisture-resistant.
You dont have to worry about stains like you do with upholstery, or warping like with wood.
Approximately 15 minutes of assembly is required.
When cleaning, all you gotta use is a damp clothno harsh household cleaners.
The best part is, the prices are similar to ready-made pieces youd find in a store.
For these reasons, we love theInside Classic Dining Counter Stool.
After you place your order, you have 24 hours to request any cancellations or modifications.
The one-year warranty covers you in case any manufacturer defects pop up.
Its also lightweight, so you’ve got the option to move it around as needed with ease.
All of these factors together make it an especially solidoption for an apartment.
When your stool arrives, youll have to do some minimal assembly.
Cleaning is simple, requiring only an occasional wipe down with a soft cloth.
The hardware could loosen over time, so you have to check it periodically.
Rustic simplicity is a hallmark of thefarmhouse style, which is exactly what thePottery Barn Cline Counter Stoolevokes.
The hardware may loosen over time, so youll want to check on it and tighten it up periodically.
There are four colors available: antique white, seadrift, charcoal, and antique umber.
You may not be able to push them entirely under the counter because of the armrest height.
Mid-century modern styleis less of a trend at this point and more of an interior design staple.
TheArticle Fonra Algonquin Oak Counter Stooltranscends aesthetics, making a stylish addition to any kitchen.
(If you want the full effect, consider picking up thecoordinating dining chairs!)
The frame is made of solid oak; the natural wood gives every stool a one-of-a-kind character.
While upholstered stools can be risky, Articles abrasion-resistance testing should give you peace of mind.
The low back may not provide enough support for some.
Not all of the best bar stools have a high weight capacityin fact, many of them dont.
TheBirch Lane Estella Counter Stool, however, can hold up to 500 pounds.
The low back will tuck neatly under your counter, but some may wish it offered more support.
No assembly is required; just pop the stool out of the box and enjoy.
From floor to seat, bar stools are typically 30 inches, while counter stools are around 25 inches.
You should also consider the total height of the stool, and this includes backrests.
The backrests add anywhere from 4 to 16 inches to the total height of the stool.
I prefer to use materials that are durable, including wood, metal, and leather, Presson says.
They are easier to clean and stay looking nice longer.
She typically shies away from fabric stools because theyre easy to stain.
However, many high end stools are engineered with stain-fighting properties to put your mind at ease.
Material has a large impact on the quality and price of bar stools.
Weight Capacity
Most options on the market fall within the 250-to-275-pound range.
Be sure to specify the desired weight capacity in your search to eliminate options that arent a fit.
Your Questions, Answered
How many bar stools do I need?
Its important to fill the space beneath your island without overcrowding.
Presson likes to leave 5 to 7 inches minimum between each bar stool.
This space allows for people to easily move in and out without the stools being too far apart.
Always look at the dimensions.
Next, take the width of your bar stool and add 5 to 7 inches.
This is the total width needed per bar stool.
For example, lets pick bar stools for a 90-inch island.
Our pick forBest Modern Stoolis 18 inches wide.
If you like more room between stools, go with three stools.
What size bar stool do I need?
First, determine whether you have a standard countertop or a bar-height counter.
Presson says standard countertop height is 36 inches, so stools between 24 and 27 inches work best.
She says standard bar-height counters are 42 inches, and stools between 28 and 33 inches are ideal.
For example, small, wooden aprons under countertops can make for a tight fit.
In this instance, you should go with a shorter option than normal.
How do I choose a bar stool for my kitchen?
When evaluating bar stool reviews to find the right option for you, think about your lifestyle.
Are you looking to add a statement piece to your kitchen?
Bar stools are great for bringing the whole look together.
When searching for the perfect bar stool, think about your kitchens dimensions and design.
This will get you started in the right direction.
As we mentioned in the list, consider easy-to-clean materials, including leather and wood, for busy households.
When opting for a fabric option, lean towards high-quality fabrics with stain-fighting protection.
In the end, youll be happy you did.
