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Oct 16, 2024

Best Bar Stools 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Your living room may be inviting and your den might feature a big-screen TV, but inevitably, the kitchen is where guests tend to gather. That's why it's crucial to have ample seating. The best bar

Your living room may be inviting and your den might feature a big-screen TV, but inevitably, the kitchen is where guests tend to gather. That's why it's crucial to have ample seating. The best bar stools extend seating to your kitchen island, creating an inviting and approachable atmosphere. They can also enhance your kitchen's overall aesthetic. For 2024, our top pick is the Pottery Barn Hardy Leather Bar Stool, which combines comfort with timeless design. It's available in two sizes, making it versatile for various seating needs.

The best bar stools not only provide additional seating at your kitchen island but also serve as a ... [+] stylish way to elevate your décor.

Another reason to opt for a set of bar stools? According to Holly Waterfield, principal interior designer at The Brooklyn Home Company, these chairs "provide an opportunity to create an eat-in kitchen, especially in homes where space doesn’t allow for a separate table with seating." Brittany Hakimfar of Far Studio adds that bar stools can serve as an accent in your kitchen or designate a spot for more informal eating and gathering. Designer Lisa Schwert of Innate Studio notes that "anyone looking to make the most of their space" can benefit from owning bar stools. Ahead, we’re sharing a curated list of the best bar stools, so you can confidently upgrade your space.

Pottery Barn

Material: Leather, metal | Seat Height: 24 inches, 30 inches

There’s a reason these stools are Pottery Barn bestsellers: Their elevated look and comfortable feel make them universally appealing. Featuring a director’s chair-style design, they are particularly inviting. Footrests and sling-style seats help your guests find the perfect perch, while a mix of leather and metal gives the stools a modern edge. As an added bonus, the seats are free of phthalates, BPA and latex, and are available in both bar and countertop heights. There are also six different leather and metal options to choose from.

Amazon

Material: Wood | Seat Height: 24 inches, 29 inches

The cost of bar stools can add up quickly, especially if you need more than one—something that’s almost always the case. The good news: This bestselling Amazon option is incredibly budget-friendly, letting you furnish your seating area without breaking the bank. Made using wood, these stools provide a sturdy, classic feel and feature a slight curve in the seat for added comfort. Footrests offer additional support, and at just 25 pounds each, they are surprisingly easy to move while still being heavy enough to stay put. Choose from white, black or brown finishes.

Herman Miller

Material: Wood, linen, velvet, leather and more | Seat Height: 27 inches, 31 inches

If you're looking for a piece of furniture that you can pass down generations, the Herman Miller Eames Molded Plastic Stool might be the perfect choice. Designed by Charles and Ray Eames, this stool exemplifies their innovative approach to form and function. Crafted from durable molded plastic, it features a sleek, contoured seat with a padded surface for both style and comfort. The chrome-plated steel base ensures stability and adds a touch of modern elegance. Choose from a variety of colors and finishes, this stool is versatile enough to complement any interior style.

Design Within Reach

Material: Wood | Seat Height: 25.5 inches, 29.5 inches

Backless bar stools are ideal for sliding under countertops and often convey a classic “bar seating” vibe. This option from Design Within Reach features a timeless, no-frills silhouette and is made using wood for a solid, inviting feel. With tapered legs and traditional joinery techniques, it eschews screws and metal parts for a purely wooden construction. Footrests on all sides offer multiple options for leg support, ensuring your guests can find their preferred resting spot. The contoured seat adds extra comfort, and you can choose between natural ash and black ash finishes to suit your style.

Serena And Lily

Material: Rattan | Seat Height: 26.25 inches, 30 inches

A swivel feature elevates the ease and enjoyment of sitting, allowing users to arrive and depart gracefully while effortlessly shifting positions—plus, it’s just plain fun. Serena & Lily’s Avalon Stools are the perfect pick for this category with their ability to rotate a full 360 degrees. Handwoven from rattan, they offer a warm, sophisticated look and exceptional durability. High backs, structured arms and a slight lean provide inviting support for a subtle recline. If you prefer extra padding, cushions are available for separate purchase.

West Elm

Material: Wicker, powder-coated steel | Seat Height: 25.25 inches, 28.75 inches

This chic stool combines all-weather wicker with durable stainless steel, making it perfect for patio use while also fitting seamlessly indoors. The wicker seat is designed to resist fading, sagging and cracking, while the powder-coated frame reduces the risk of rust. Additional thoughtful features include plastic glides on the base to prevent scratches on your patio or deck, and a variety of finishes to choose from, including natural and charcoal wicker. At just under 19 pounds, this stool is sturdy enough to stay put even in breezy conditions.

Pottery Barn

Material: Pine, iron | Seat Height: 24.5 to 26 inches

The reality of seating preferences is that everyone has their own ideal height. Some people prefer to sit high, almost at countertop level, while others opt for a lower position. The Pottery Barn Leary Reclaimed Wood Swivel Counter Stool addresses these varied preferences with its threaded rod mechanism, allowing for easy height adjustments by simply spinning the seat. Crafted from pine wood with a tractor-style design, each stool features an industrial iron frame that adds a vintage industrial touch.

It’s important to note that “bar stools” and “counter stools” are actually two different types of chairs, though the names are often used interchangeably. As a general rule, counter stools are lower to the ground than bar stools. “The seat height of a counter stool is typically between 25 to 27 inches,” Schwert says. “This puts you at a comfortable height to sit at a standard kitchen counter—which is usually around 36 inches—without hitting your legs.” Bar stools are taller, with a seat height that’s usually between 29 and 32 inches (to be used at a 42-inch high bar top) or 33 to 36 inches (to be used at a 48-inch bar top), she says. Ultimately, it’s a good idea to measure your countertop carefully before shopping.

A kitchen stool is simply another name for a counter stool. Again, these stools are shorter than bar stools and often have a seat height that’s between 25 to 27 inches, while bar stools are taller than kitchen stools and tend to run between 29 and 36 inches, depending on the height of your countertop. “When selecting bar stools for your kitchen counter, you will want to ensure there is at least nine inches in clearance for your legs,” Waterfield says. Consider this as well, per Schwert: “There are also table-height stools which have an 18- to 22-inch seat height and work with a standard table height of 28 to 30 inches.”

The answer to this question ultimately depends on personal preference. Some people prefer their bar stools to tuck neatly underneath the counter, while others don't mind if they take up a bit more floor space. If your kitchen is small, it's best to choose stools that can be tucked underneath the counter to save valuable space, according to Waterfield. On the other hand, Hakimfar suggests that stools can extend up to six inches beyond the overhang. Keep in mind that if you opt for chairs with arms and backs, they may protrude a little farther.