The 16 Best Bar Stools for Every Kitchen Island and Counter Height

Best Overall

Crate & Barrel Lowe Leather Bar Stool

$429 at Crate & Barrel

As our best overall pick, this upholstered bar stool works well in modern and traditional kitchens alike. One of its winning features is how comfortable it is thanks to a well-cushioned seat and back that aren’t too firm or soft. More comfort comes from how tall the back is, offering full coverage and support, and your feet won’t be left dangling in the air because you can rest them on the convenient horizontal bars between the chair’s legs. 

This bar stool may not be the flashiest but don’t overlook the fact that you can choose from 11 colors, including muted shades like chocolate and ivory as well as bolder choices like red and olive. Made of pebbled, bi-cast leather, the bar stool is easy to wipe down if things get messy in the kitchen. Another plus? The chairs are available in both stool and counter heights, so you can add them to almost any space. 

Seat Height: 24 or 30 inches | Material: Wood and leather | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Value

FDW Metal Bar Stools

$60 at Amazon $142 at Walmart $119 at Lowe's

If you're looking for a functional set of bar stools at an affordable price, then this set by FDW won't disappoint. They are welded from iron with a sleek and sturdy design that comes in a variety of finishes, including black, white, and gunmetal. Equally at home tucked beneath your kitchen island or arranged around your patio bar, they're also lightweight and easily stacked so they can be stored out of the way if space is at a premium.

At less than $60 for the whole set, they make an unbeatable value — even with the added shipping costs. But, being that they're metal and don't include a cushion in their design, they may not be the most comfortable option for extended periods of sitting. However, they're a solid option for when you need additional seating or if you have a bar or counter that you don't eat at frequently.

Seat Height: 24 or 30 inches | Material: Metal | Number in Set: 4

Best Splurge

Arhaus Aimee Barstool

View on Arhaus.com

This stunning bar stool is one of Whalen’s favorites. “It offers comfort with its cushioned seat, arms, and rounded back,” she says. “On top of all that, it is beautiful and timeless!” This timelessness comes from a design inspired by mid-century modern furniture and French antiques. You can choose between black or brown for the frame, which has a lacquered coating for a glossy finish. 

If you’re going to splurge on this bar stool, you’ll want to get as long of a life out of it as possible. Make sure to follow its specific care instructions (no scrubbing or over-rubbing, using a professional cleaning service if it’s super soiled, etc.). It’s more than you’d have to keep in mind with other bar stools, but it’s an artisan piece worth the effort.

Seat Height: 30 inches | Material: Wood and rattan | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Backless

West Elm Alden Bar & Counter Stools

$219 at West Elm

These wooden and metal backless bar stools are an excellent choice for those with shorter counters, small kitchen spaces, or specific design preferences. Made from sustainably sourced mango wood and raw steel, they have an elegant, modern design that would fit in almost any kitchen. Though the seat could be too narrow for some people’s liking, the plus side is that it’s slightly curved to offer a little more comfort than a flat surface. There is also a bar that circles its legs for resting your feet.

If you’re not a fan of building furniture, then you'll be happy to know that these stools require little assembly. And once they're complete, you’ll appreciate their sleek addition to your kitchen and how convenient it is to tuck them under overhanging counters and move them around from place to place. Just make sure to check occasionally that the hardware is tight enough because the manufacturer warns that it may loosen over time.

Seat Height: 26 or 30 inches | Material: Wood and metal | Number in Set: Sold individually or as a set of 2

Best Adjustable

Wade Logan Amberlie Adjustable Height Barstool

$142 at Wayfair

It’s safe to say that everyone who’s going to hang out in your kitchen won’t all be the same height, so it’s convenient to have furniture that adjusts accordingly depending on who’s using it. Plus, it allows you to place them alongside a home bar or a kitchen counter. Luckily, you can change the height of this stool by using the small handle below the seat and moving it between 23 and 31.5 inches tall. 

Other features we love include the stool's rounded back and padded support, all of which add to a more enjoyable sitting experience. One slight drawback is that the seat's design is a bit narrow, so it may not be a perfect fit for everyone. And if you end up sitting on these stools while barefoot, the thin metal of the footrest can be uncomfortable without shoes on.

Seat Height: 23 to 31.5 inches | Material: Fabric upholstery and metal | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Swivel

Corrigan Studio Full Back Upholstered Metal Bar Stool

$246 at Wayfair

Choosing a bar stool that swivels makes a big difference in how easy it is to get into the seat — and how easy it is to face and talk to the other people in the kitchen. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that kids think they’re a blast. Available in counter or bar height, these swivel stools have quiet ball bearings that allow you to spin a full circle. The bar stool’s legs flare out slightly, which creates more stability, and the extra padding from the upholstered seat cushion and back is appreciated.

You can choose between a light gray or a deeper blue for the fabric color, depending on what would go best with your space. Overall, the contemporary design is especially appealing, and it would complement both traditional and more modern kitchen aesthetics. While they are fairly easy to assemble, it can be difficult to line up the screw holes just right, so you may want to have an extra person to help you put them together. 

Seat Height: 24 or 30 inches | Material: Linen upholstery and metal | Number in Set: 2

Best Outdoor

Serena & Lily Swivel Bar & Counter Stool

View on Serena And Lily

“Serena and Lily is a go-to for outdoor bar stools,” Whalen says. “This one is a great option as it creates a relaxing feel and has the function of swivel.” Along with being water-repellant and mildew-resistant, it won’t fade in the sun, so you know it’ll survive living outdoors. Even better, this bar stool offers all those practical benefits without compromising style. With its woven design and tasteful color options, it looks like something you would find at a French bistro, bringing a fancy touch to the home. 

If you weren’t already sold, this bar stool swivels 360 degrees. For all that it has going for it, the bar stool is indeed more expensive, but it’s definitely an investment that’ll bring long-term joy to your outdoor space. Now all you need is a stocked bar cart, and you’ll be all set for some al-fresco entertaining at home.

Seat Height: 26.5 or 30 inches | Material: Aluminum and all-weather resin | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Minimal

Pottery Barn Leather Bar & Counter Stool

$499 at Pottery Barn

Want to incorporate some more minimal pieces into your kitchen design? Consider this bar stool with a leather back and sling-style seats around a metal frame. To match your home decor, you can choose between six shades of leather, including tan and dark blue.

Since the chair features full-grain, aniline-dyed leather, you’ll notice that if you buy multiple, each one has slight variations in color and texture. It also means that as time goes on, the leather will develop a unique sheen. It’s nice to have some high-quality furniture that can grow with you, but you should follow the manufacturer’s care recommendations to keep it looking its absolute best. Some simple practices are to avoid direct sunlight and soak up spills immediately. 

Seat Height: 24 or 30 inches | Material: Metal and full-grain leather | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Modern

Wade Logan Amen Bar Stool

$170 at Wayfair

If you're looking for a simple but eye-catching addition to your kitchen, look no further than the Amen Bar Stool by Wade Logan. With its clean lines, this modern piece makes a bold statement without drawing too much attention away from the rest of your decor. In fact, they're just as comfortable standing out as they are blending in. Choose between three different upholstery options for the cushions, including beige, charcoal, and a beige boucle fabric.

If this stool looks a bit familiar, it may be because you've seen a very similar version made by Arhaus. But this affordable dupe offers the same high-end style and striking design for a fraction of the price.

Seat Height: 29.75 inches | Material: Iron, wood, and upholstered fabric | Number in Set: 2

Best Farmhouse

Three Posts Stroupe Bar Stool

$217 at Wayfair

If Farmhouse is more fitting of your kitchen aesthetic, then this rustic set of barstools will feel right at home in your space. Available in seven antique color options — including white, black, gray, sage, oak, denim, and berry — they offer a lot of versatility when it comes to style, and if you're adventurous they can add a playful pop of color to your decor. The frame is made of solid wood too, so with proper assembly, they'll be sturdy enough to last quite a while.

While these will look spectacular once all put together, the assembly instructions can be a bit confusing, so be sure to read them through carefully. And it might even be helpful to have a second set of hands to make it go a bit smoother.

Seat Height: 24 or 29 inches | Material: Solid wood | Number in Set: 2

Best Wooden

Pottery Barn Cline Counter Stool

$199 at Pottery Barn $199 at havenly.com

Pottery Barn never disappoints with its beautiful, high-quality furniture and decor, and the Cline Bar Stool is no exception. This artfully designed piece comes in multiple finishes that highlight the natural grain of the wood, and its simple, curved design will add a bit of vintage charm to any kitchen aesthetic, whether modern or rustic. The wood itself is kiln-dried, which helps to prevent any warping, splitting, cracking, or mildew. So, with the proper care, these stools will be around for a long time.

But be aware that these may require more dedicated care to preserve the quality of their finish and keep them in good shape. The manufacturer recommends wiping any spills immediately while avoiding any abrasives or household cleaners. They also warn against any prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Seat Height: 24 inches | Material: Solid wood | Number in Set: Sold individually or as a set of 2

Best Faux Leather

Poly & Bark Paxton Counter Stool

$193 at Amazon $185 at Target $179 at Bed Bath & Beyond

If you like the look of leather but prefer a faux alternative, the Paxton stool by Poly & Bark gives all the smooth elegance of the material without using animal products. It also makes for a more affordable option that is much easier to care for. The urban design of this stool is very modern and would look great in any contemporary or industrial-style kitchen, and its welded base makes it sturdy enough to support nearly 300 pounds, so don't let the thin legs fool you.

Plus these stools are easy to assemble, with only four screws, and they require little maintenance. But although the stools are designed with a scooped seat to make them more comfortable, the seat's low back may not be as supportive as you would hope. So keep that in mind if you plan to sit in these for prolonged periods of time.

Seat Height: 24 or 29 inches | Material: Metal and faux leather | Number in Set: Sold individually or in sets of 2 or 3

Best Metal

Orren Ellis Yuvaan Adjustable Height Retro Barstool

$125 at Wayfair

If you want to add a bit of understated glam, then pure metal bar stools could be the way to go. While there are a number of styles to choose from, we like the Yuvaan barstool by Orren Ellis because it's simple, adjustable, and adds a bit of retro charm. Though you might be thinking that a solid metal stool like this one won't be too comfortable to sit on, this seat is ergonomically molded to make it easier on your backside.

If gold doesn't quite match your kitchen accents, then you can also choose between black, chrome, and rose gold finishes as well. And they can easily adjust between counter and bar height to accommodate any kitchen island, bar, or counter space. However, with such a shiny surface, they may be more susceptible to fingerprints and scratches, so they may require a wipe-down or two to keep them looking good as new.

Seat Height: 23 or 31 inches | Material: Metal | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Rattan

Pottery Barn Parisian Woven Stool

$399 at Pottery Barn

Whether you've got a boho, beachy, or bistro-style kitchen, these woven rattan and bamboo bar stools from Pottery Barn will invite a unique and natural warmth to your space. And they would even add an interesting contrast to a more modern kitchen. They're available in both counter and bar height, so they'll fit just as easily at a tall breakfast bar as they would at a short kitchen island.

Just make sure to take good care of these, as rattan can be delicate. However, don't use any abrasives or household cleaners; instead, simply dust them with a soft dry cloth and blot any spills immediately with a damp one.

Seat Height: 24 or 30 inches | Material: Woven rattan and bamboo | Number in Set: Sold individually or as a set of 2

Best Upholstered

Kelly Clarkson Home Molly Counter & Bar Stool

$190 at Wayfair

An upholstered stool can offer both style and comfort, and this model by Kelly Clarkson Home definitely checks both boxes. Its plush, wingback-style seat meets an industrial metal base for an effortless blend of traditional and modern styles. Great for transitional-style kitchens, this unique stool also comes in two different heights to accommodate a variety of counters and tables.

These stools come in gray and white options. However, the one drawback to light-colored upholstery in the kitchen is that it's a magnet for spills and stains. Luckily, these seem to do well with a quick spot-clean, but that may not always work with darker stains.

Seat Height: 26 or 30 inches | Material: Metal and fabric upholstery | Number in Set: Sold individually

Best Saddle Style

Pottery Barn Tibetan Stool

$99 at Pottery Barn $129 at havenly.com

Saddle bar stools are one of the most common and traditional styles that you can find — and for good reason. These stools are simple but incredibly functional, and they fit in easily with a variety of kitchen designs and aesthetics. The Tibetan Stool from Pottery Barn takes this classic style and elevates it with simple curves and visible joinery for a more hand-made, rustic look.

It's available in two colors, black or seadrift, and each one is hand-finished and sealed with a lacquer topcoat. Plus you can buy them as a set of two or individually so you can complete an odd-numbered set.

Seat Height: 27 or 31 inches | Material: Wood | Number in Set: Sold individually or as a set of 2