Best Bar Stools to Spruce Up Your Kitchen

Bar stools are the new cool when it comes to a modern kitchen. They spruce up a rather boring kitchen into an exciting space with a rustic style — you know……the pub-themed ambiance! With the right choice of bar stools, you can bring a natural feel and color to your kitchen, while at the same time enjoying the versatility and movability that these stools offer.

Bar stools are usually styled from iron, steel, wood, and strong plastic. You need to know what works for you. From moody textured teal to fiery red lacquer, there are endless designs out there. Let’s help you find the best bar stools that are not only visually appealing but also functional to your kitchen.

Top 10 Bar Stools of 2020 Reviewed

1. Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Valebeck Upholstered Swivel Barstool – Casual Style – Light Brown

Best Upholstered Swivel Barstool

Are you looking for a versatile bar stool that has a rustic finish? You will love the Ashley Valebeck bar stool. This bar stool has a signature design that brings your fashion taste to another level. It gives a perfect balance of farmhouse vibe meets fashion. It can swivel 360 degrees. This is perfect for when you need to turn around during a conversation, or when you have a polite soirée with your friends around the kitchen. 

Stool also features nailhead decorations around the lavish faux leather cushion seat. It has a wooden back and wooden legs while the support and footrest are made of black metal. Although this bar stools will require you to assemble yourself, this will be a simple do it yourself task. They come with a detailed and easy instruction manual and what is interesting is that the tools are also included. 

Valebeck Upholstered Barstool is handsomely constructed. The chair measures 19.5” W x 19.5”D x 37” H. This is a perfect match for the counter. You can easily do your homework on the counter, eat as well as enjoy a glass of wine. It is fair to say that this bar stool comes at a beautiful price. It is such a charming inclusion to your counter or bar.

2. Winsome 94089 Satori Stool, 29″, Walnut

Best Best Walnut Barstool

Winsome 94089 Satori stool is a saddle seat stool that will give your home a thrifty yet stylish seat option. It is a contemporary counter height stool that has an impeccable antique finish. It is backless with sturdy beech wood and comes in beautiful walnut or matte black finish. The contoured seat is broad, and the square legs have supportive rungs for a strong base. 

Considering what will work for you, you will have the option of choosing either 24-inches or 29-inches of height. This stool will need assembling. But worry not as the set-up is so simple. It will only take you a few minutes to assemble it. Amazingly the tools and a simple manual are included in the kit. 

Satori stool has round edges; this will keep toddlers from getting hurt when they run into it. And because the top is wide and perfectly curved, you will feel comfortable while sitting. If you work for long hours and you prefer to sit on this stool while you are at it, you can place a thin cushion for more comfort.

3. Trademark Home Folding Stool – Heavy Duty 24-Inch Collapsible Padded Round Stool

Best Heavy Duty Collapsible Bar Stool

Trademark Home Folding Stool is a perfect collapsible stool built from 1mm thick steel tube that is strong and durable. Because the metal is heavy-duty, this bar stool can hold a lot of weight of up to 300 pounds. Trademark Home Folding bar stool features an extra thick PVC cushioning that makes the seat comfortable. The material is easy to clean. All you need is a soft cloth and warm soapy water. The bar stool dries pretty fast as well.

Trademark stool bar measures 24-inches in length with a 13-inches width making it perfect for apartments and dorms. It folds easily, and since it is compact, you will not have any problems storing it. It can easily be transported to parties as it is lightweight and portable. You can even use the stools when you have house guests and need extra seats.

The foldable stool has a spring action lock that keeps it secure when in use.

4. Seville Classics Contoured Silver Metallic Stainless-Steel Work Stool

Best Metalic Stainless Steel Barstool

Seville Classics bar stool brings a modern and clean design to your home. This barstool is NSF certified, therefore making it ideal for home kitchens, restaurants, laboratories as well as offices and other workplaces. It is pneumatic grazed stainless-steel with a contoured top work seat. It can swivel 360 degrees that combine modern and contemporary touch to your home. 

You will love the uncomplicated pneumatic adjustment. All you need to do is to purely press the gas-air adjustment lever and let the seat elevate from 25.5- inches high to the utmost level of 29.75-inches high. This makes it a smooth and quiet operation. It features sturdy 1-inch diameter tubular legs made of steel. These legs are leveled out perfectly to support the weight of up to 300lbs. 

You will love about the Seville Classics is the chrome finish. The polish will help prevent corrosion and other effects of hostile environments. It is a multi-purpose stool that is heavy duty and durable. It is also effortless to clean and maintain.

5. Christopher Knight Home Truda Mid Century Modern Fabric Barstools 

Best Modern Bar Stools

Knight Mid Century bar stools is the solution to the problem you never knew you had. These beautifully designed bar stools will take your counter to a whole new level. They are elegant with a mid-century modern vibe. Once you pair them with your existing counter, you will be the envy of your neighbors. In fact, it will turn your kitchen into a place where everyone wants to hang around for a conversation. 

These stools are made of 100% pure polyester, which is very durable. They feature extra luxurious modern fabric cushioned seats that are super comfortable to sit on. They are also lavishly constructed with a high back and toothpick legs that bring a mid-century style. This style has definitely proven to stand the test of time. They are robust and sturdy for everyday use. And on top of that, they are affordable.

6. Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Challiman Bar Stool – Counter Height 

Best Challiman Bar Stool with Counter Height

Are you looking to bring a rustic feel with a modern vibe to your home? Then you should check out the Ashley Challiman Bar Stools. This counter height barstool is timeless and will bring an exciting flair. You can now cozy up around the kitchen and enjoy a pleasant conversation with as you prepare the meals.

Ashley Signature Bar stools are well designed and sculptured industrial style with metal L-shaped legs with feet levers. More so, the plank styled seat is made of wood that is lavishly coated. In fact, the iron tone base finish brings the rustic vibe. This stool is perfect for small spaces as it only measures 14-inches W x 4-inches D x 23.5-inches H. It has a comfortable 6-inches H footrest. 

These stools will be such a breeze as they are easy to set-up with an easy to follow instructions. The tools are also included in the package. They come in a pair of 2.

7. Modern Square PU Leather Adjustable Bar Stools with Back

Best Metal Backless BAr Stool

Looking for a way to give your bar patrons a great customer experience? Why don’t you buy and install a modern bar stools? A good suggestion is the Modern Square PU Leather Adjustable Bar Stools with Back. With this bar stool, your patrons will sit comfortably, thanks to the high-density foam upholstery on the seat as well as the back. Also, it has an adjustable height of between 21.5 inches and 31.5 inches, depending on how high the counter is.

Leopard Products have ensured that you get a stool with a 360-degree swivel so that you don’t have to be on your feet to turn in any direction. The polished footrest and chrome base are not only elegant but also strong enough to support any weight. It is designed for use both at home and in a commercial setting. At home, you may use it in the kitchen or dining room. Overall, the seat is 16 by 15 by 21.5 – 31.5 inches. With a 15.15-inch diameter, the chrome base sturdily holds the chair regardless of how much you swing in it. They are designed for use by adults – not children.

 

8. Furmax Bar Stools Modern Pu Leather Swivel Adjustable Hydraulic Bar Stool

Best Adjustable Hydraulic Bar Stool

If you are looking for a modern style interior; then you should look into Furmax Modern Hydraulic Bar Stool. This stool is versatile and well padded, providing you with extra comfort and enjoyable sitting experience. It features a premium foam upholstered in leather. The PU leather has a quilted design that gives a modern chic design. The stitching is quite classic. Additionally, the leather is tear and age resistant.

If you tend to multitask around the kitchen; you will love this bar stole as it features a 360-degree smooth swivel. It is well designed with a glossy chrome base and footrest. The polished base not only prevents the floor from being scratched but also makes the stool more durable. Furmax Modern Hydraulic Bar Stool has a gas-lift handle that provides an easy height adjustment. You are therefore able to adjust the height to your needs.

This stylish stool bar is a stable and heavy-duty duty. It can surprisingly hold a lot of weight. It is very easy to set-up as it comes with an instruction manual and assembling tools. It is ideal for the kitchen counter, dining room, living room, entertainment area, office, and café.

9. Homall Bar Stools Walnut Bentwood Adjustable Height Leather Modern Barstools

Best Adjustable Leather Bar Stool

Homall Bar Stools are a household name when it comes to style. They will be a great addition to your kitchen as the contemporary style blends well with almost any décor. As if that’s not enough, the ergonomically sculpted back design supports your spine and shoulders when seating. Therefore, making them ideal for seating for long hours. 

Homall features a gas lift which will allow you to adjust your seat to the desired height. The base is entirely made of durable chrome steel with rubber rings. This protects the floor from getting scratched. The backrest and the seat are well cushioned with high elastic material and durable PU leather. The material is age and tear-resistant.

The stool has a 360 degrees swivel feature that is smooth and easy rolling. If you are a multi-tasker around the kitchen, you will love it as you can rotate to reach things easily. Homall is easy to assemble and comes with a detailed instruction manual.

10. Angel Line Cambridge Padded Saddle Stool with Vase (29″ Cherry/Black)

Best Padded Saddle Bar Stool

Angle Line Cambridge is an ideal bar stool for counter space or even a high top-table. It is, therefore, perfect for the kitchen as well as the bar counter. It is built from firm wood and features white and grey cushioning on the seat. The upholstery has a nailhead decoration trim that adds an elegant touch to the stool. Angel Line stools can be used indoors as well as outdoor furniture.

Angel Line stool has a straight leg style that ensures stability. Furthermore, it can give you some lift when sitting. The cushioning is soft and extremely comfortable, and the leather quite durable. This stool has an easy assembly, and all the tools that are required for assembly will be included in the delivery package. 

The legs of this stool are made from hardwood; this makes them sturdy and secure. And on top of that, it looks pretty elegant. Angel Line Cambridge Saddle stool stands 25-inches high with a low footrest. The seat measures 18 inches x 13 inches making it comfortable for most people. The maintenance of this stool is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is wipe the lavish fabric with a damp cloth. Angel Line Cambridge comes in a set of 2. It is available in these color options; dark red, white with grey fabric and cherry with black leather.

How to Choose The Best Bar Stool – The Ultimate Buying Guide

Selecting the correct bar stools is the final part of completing your home bar or the kitchen counter. When selecting the right bar stools, you need to consider a few factors such as style, height, and comfort.

This may sometimes be challenging because there are many bar stools out there in the market. So, before you settle for a particular set of bar stools, consider these factors that will help you narrow down your options.

Bar Stools Types

Bar stools have come a long way, with the oldest featuring nice wood finish. Over time, however, companies have been able to design different designs using different materials, including metal and steel, to make something durable and aesthetically appealing.

Let’s take a look at some of the common types of bar stools.

• Counter Heights/ Stools

Stools are slightly lower than bar stools. They customarily are designed to be coupled with a standard height counter. Since a standard counter height measures about 34-39 inches high, technically, a counter stool should have a height of about 24-29 inches. 

Will allow an average person to sit perfectly well with enough legroom.

• Typical Bar Stools

Typical bar stool height measures an average of 40-46-inches from the ground. For this matter, you should pick a moderately taller table. Consequently, the bar stool seat should be 30-36- inches high. 

• Chair Stool

Chair stools have a height of 18-inches from the floor. In this case, you should pair it with a counter or table that measures about 28-33-inches high. Chair stools are usually shorter than counter height and bar stools. 

Keep in mind that there should be a 9-12-inches between the seat of the stool and the bottom of the counter. This allows enough legroom, therefore, making you comfortable throughout your seating session. 

The Material Of The Bar Stool  

Stools are made from different materials. Before settling for a particular set, you should always look at the material they are made of. If you need your bar stools in the kitchen where food will be served, then you might want to consider a low maintenance material such as leather, wood, and metal. 

If you don’t have kids in your household and you need a chic upholstered material for your bar. If you decide to buy upholstered stools, then you need to have a cleaning solution for the material. 

Can choose a material that is elegant and compliments your entire home décor. You really don’t have to be all matchy-matchy. In fact, you can blend contemporary rustic or traditional vibe. You might be surprised at how well these different looks gel well. 

Back Support

Stools come in different variations; fullback, halfback and backless. If you like working in the counter area for long periods, then you should consider the full-back. This will provide you with full back support. 

Halfback is also great for sitting for long periods because it is more functional and offers excellent lumbar support. Backless bar stools are not perfect for sitting for long periods, though. But they are perfect for houses with limited space. In fact, you can tuck them under the table and pull them when in use. 

Bar stools can be stacked together and stored away for future use. 

Versatile Is Your Bar Stool?

Settling on a particular bar stool, you need to know where you intend to use them. Some stools are great for indoors while some can be used for both indoors and outdoors. The make and the material of the bar stool will help you know if it can handle harsh weather conditions. You wouldn’t want to invest in expensive bar stools and later expose them to sun, rain, and dust. You should, therefore, keep in mind the usage. 

Might be looking for stools that can be used as a bar, counter or as additional seating solution for when you have family gatherings. You should look for bar stools that will serve all your needs. 

Consider Some Convenient Features

There are features that seem simple, but make a lot of difference in the long run. Some features are just necessary for keeping you and your guests comfortable. Some stools come with a height adjustment. If you entertain guests regularly, then you should consider bar stools with height adjustments to accommodate guests of different heights.

Bar stools also come with a 360 degrees swivel function. This is perfect for parties as guests can turn around during conversations at your home bar. Another essential feature is the footrest. This allows you to have somewhere to place your feet. This will make you comfortable during your entire seating session. 

Much Space Do You Have?

Should consider your space and measure just how much each bar stool will take. It will not make sense to buy bar stools that are too large for a small space. If you are buying a set, then make sure to leave enough space between them. An ideal space between each area is 6- inches. If you are working with a small space, you can go for a compact bar stools without armrest. 

Cost Of The Bar Stools

You should consider your budget before you plunge in on a particular set so that you don’t dent your pockets. It is essential to compare prices for different stools and run them against the quality to see if it is within your budget. 

It’s necessary to keep in mind where you are buying the bar stools. If you need to ship them, then you need to calculate the shipping costs as well as the taxes. You might find that the product is cheaper, but when you factor the other costs involved, then the price goes significantly high. 

Cushioning

You spend a lot of time on the seat; then you need to consider one with plush padding. Some bar stools have a metal or wooden top. However, while they might not be entirely uncomfortable since they are contoured, if you want additional comfort, you can use a thin cushion.

Complements Your Style

We all have different décor styles, and for that, we try as much to include furniture that compliments our homes. Most of the bar stools come in solid colors, and this is for a good reason. 

Solid colors blend well with any home décor. But if you are a more risqué person, you can decide to go with colors that are unique and eye-catching. If you like to catch people’s attention. You can go for a bold color or even a wild print.

Conclusion

There you have it, we have furnished you with a review of the bar stools out there. However, you need to take into consideration the factors that you need to consider before you make that purchase. You should think about your style, your budget, your room space, the purpose of the seat, maintenance of the material, features as well as comfort. 

At the end of the day, you have to go with what works best for you. Buy the bar stools that fit your needs.