The 11 Best Bar Stools to Make the Most of Your Counter Space

We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so it's understandable that you'd want it to be both stylish and comfortable. While the right décor can certainly help, furniture is what really makes all the difference.

Though tables and chairs may be the most common pieces that come to mind, bar and counter stools are necessary for making the most of your kitchen island or breakfast bar. After all, they may be some of the first things someone notices when they walk into your space. Luckily, there are tons of styles out there at different price points, so you can easily find the perfect ones for your home.

Here, the best bar stools for every style and budget.

Best Overall: AllModern Kody Bar Stools (Set of 2)

Avers/Kody Upholstered Bar and Counter Stools, Set of 2

Courtesy of Wayfair

Materials: Metal frame with velvet upholstery | Seat Height: 30.5 inches | Swivel: No

AllModern's Kody Bar Stool set is a simple, stylish option that'll work well with any design style. The chairs have a low back style and are available in two sizes—counter stool and bar stool—so you can get the perfect height for your kitchen or bar.

The upholstered set is available in five colors—blush pink, emerald green, platinum, sapphire blue, and vintage gold—and features a foam-filled cushion for prime comfort. The price of the two-piece set is fairly budget-friendly, but if you're still on the fence it's worth noting it comes with a one-year warranty.

Best Budget: Three Posts Sharman Solid Wood Stools (Set of 2)

Sharman Wood Stools

Courtesy of Wayfair

Materials: Solid wood | Seat Height: 28.6 inches | Swivel: No

For a more casual seating option, consider the Sharman Bar Stools from Wayfair. These solid wood chairs feature a saddle-style seat that offers a true farmhouse look—even if your home isn't located countryside. It's available in two heights and 12 finishes, each of which has a rustic yet refined style. They're sold as a set, and are budget-friendly enough that you can get a few to outfit your kitchen. Plus, thanks to Wayfair's frequent sales it's likely you can snag them for even less.

Best Modern: Industry West Bell Bar Stool

Bell Bar Stool

Courtesy of Industry West

Materials: Metal frame with plastic chair | Seat Height: 29.9 inches | Swivel: No

For seating that has a clean, minimalist style, look no further than Industry West's Bell Bar Stool. This simple, retro-inspired design complements a variety of design aesthetics while adding a sleek, modern vibe to any space.

The Bell Bar Stool is available in six colors—black, white, pink, blue gray, matcha, and navy. It's sold individually, so you can either buy a few of the same color or mix-and-match a few for a more eclectic look. Each is made of welded steel and features rubber feet that won't scratch your floors—a little luxury you'll be glad to have.

Best Farmhouse: Grandin Road Margot Bar Stool

Margot Bar Stool

Grandin Road

Materials: Solid wood frame and seat | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: No

For a farmhouse-style kitchen, you can't go wrong with Grandin Road's Margot Bar Stool. Constructed entirely from solid wood and finished with a black walnut finish, this stool has a ton of versatility. The spindle back veers more traditional, while the curved shape and sculpted seat give it plenty of modern flair. Thanks to the extra support, you (and your guests) will have no problem sitting in this chair for a few hours.

Best Swivel: HAY Revolver Barstool

Barstool

Courtesy of HAY

Materials: Steel frame and seat | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: Yes

When it comes to HAY's Revolver Barstool, there's much more to it than meets the eye. Though it may look like your typical bar stool, this chair actually has a 360-degree rotating seat, so you can sit at your kitchen counter and still keep an eye on what's cooking on the stove.

This stool has a minimalist design and is available in three neutral colors (sky gray, black, and white), each of which can fit seamlessly into any home design aesthetic. It also has a footrest at the base, so you can put your feet up and relax after a long day.

Best Upholstered: Pottery Barn Wingback Upholstered Bar Stool

Wingback Upholstered Bar & Counter Stools

Courtesy of Pottery Barn

Materials: Steel frame with polyeseter upholstery | Seat Height: 31 inches | Swivel: No

If you have something very specific in mind, Pottery Barn's Wingback Upholstered Bar Stool is a great solution. This chair is totally customizable from top to bottom, so you can create the ideal seating for your home.

Not only is it available in two heights, but it also comes in 17 fabric and color combinations, so you're sure to find a style that fits into your home's design aesthetic. Regardless of what you choose, each chair features a wingback style that offers more support than most traditional stools on the market. It's sold individually, and although it's a bit of a splurge, you're sure to have it for years to come.

Best Rattan: Serena & Lily Riviera Bar Stool

Serena and Lily Riviera Barstool

 Courtesy of Serena and Lily

Materials: Rattan frame with handwoven resin seats | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: No

They say Paris is always a good idea, but if you're not going anytime soon, scoring a Serena & Lily Riviera Bar Stool is a great alternative. The woven design is reminiscent of that classic bistro style, offering a casual, cool vibe that'll elevate your home.

The chair is bent and shaped by hand, and comes in five colors. It's perfect for the kitchen and can be used on an outdoor patio, too—just be sure to bring them indoors when they're not in use as they're not built for inclement weather.

Best Velvet: West Elm Wire Frame Bar Stool

Wire Frame Bar & Counter Stools

Courtesy of West Elm

Materials: Metal frame with velvet, linen, or polyester upholstery | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: No

If you're looking for a touch of glam, look no further than West Elm's Wire Frame Bar Stool. This seating option pairs luxe fabrics and metal legs to create a little sparkle and shine that'll add an Old Hollywood feel right in your kitchen.

Available in two heights, 25 fabric/color combinations, and five leg styles, this chair offers a truly customizable experience. If you're not sure which pairing works best in your home, don't stress—you can get free swatches of the fabrics you're interested in to test out before you commit.

Best Leather: World Market Tyler Barstool

Bi Cast Leather Molded Tyler Barstool

Courtesy of World Market

Materials: Metal frame with bi-cast leather upholstery | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: No

World Market's Tyler Barstool is ideal for anyone looking to add a more sophisticated feel to their home. This leather seat has a more modern flair, but is still versatile enough to work well with just about any design style.

This barstool is sold individually, and is available in four colors—black, navy, red, and cognac—so you can either go neutral or have fun with a pop of color. Each chair is constructed with a metal frame and has a roomy, molded seat that's upholstered in bi-cast leather with visible stitching.

Best Metal: Rejuvenation Cobb Bar Stool

Cobb Bar Stool

Courtesy of Rejuvenation

Materials: Steel frame with steel or oak seat | Seat Height: 30 inches | Swivel: No

If you're looking for a frill-free, classic bar stool, Rejuvenation's Cobb Stool is a great option. This steel chair has an industrial feel that'll complete any kitchen counter or at-home bar setup. Plus, you even have a few options to customize it. In addition to three color options—white, dark zinc, and antique black—you can choose between either a metal or oak seat. Regardless of the combination you choose, you'll end up with a truly durable bar stool you can hold onto for years to come.

Best Outdoor: Frontgate Vienna Bar Stool

Vienna Bar Stool

Courtesy of Frontgate

Materials: Aluminum frame with handwoven rope seat | Seat Height: 29.25 inches | Swivel: No

If you're looking to upgrade your outdoor dining situation, this Frontgate Bar Stool is the perfect place to start. This chair is made to withstand the outdoors, so it'll stay in good condition all summer long—and when it comes to style, you can't do much better.

Made of handwoven Italian rope that resists mold, mildew, and fading, this chair is available in two colors and is even designed to stack, making it easy to store between seasons. It's definitely an investment piece, but you can sit back and relax knowing it's backed by a ten-year warranty.

Final Verdict

Overall, we recommend the AllModern Kody Bar Stools (view at AllModern) for their simple, stylish design and affordable price, as well as the range of color options available. For an even greater budget-friendly option, consider the Three Posts Sharman Bar Stool (view at Wayfair). This simple set offers traditional style and includes two chairs available in an assortment of finishes.

What to Look for in a Bar Stool

Price

The price of bar stools can range anywhere from $60 to upwards of $300, and there are several factors that contribute to the cost—brand, material, and size being a few of them. One of the easiest ways to keep your purchase more budget-friendly is to buy bar stools as a set, if the option is available, as you'll usually end up saving more than if you purchase them individually. Be sure to keep in mind materials, too—you can get the luxe look of leather with faux leather options and save a few bucks that way.

Size

Most stools are offered in two heights—counter stool and bar stool—so be sure to choose which one suits your home best. Counter stools are best for most kitchen counters, but if you're outfitting a true at-home bar, you'll want to go with the bar stool height. Make sure you measure the area you're outfitting to be certain you're getting the right height. It's also worth noting that the width of the chair is important, too. If you're working with a smaller space, it's best to consider narrower options.

Style

When it comes to bar stools, there are tons of styles out there to choose from, from glam to industrial to modern. Be sure to think about any other elements that are important to you, like shape, back support, and materials. You can find more traditional stools that are both back-less and arm-less, or you can go all-out with a stool that looks more like an armchair on metal legs.

Why Trust MyDomaine?

This article was written by Jamie Weissman, the associate commerce editor at MyDomaine. To compile the list of the best bar stools, she considered price, sizing, style, and range of colors and upholsteries.