Including counter-height stools with backs, swivel chairs and modern seating for small spaces.
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The best conversations occur over a meal or a drink — as long as the seats are comfortable. This can be a trickier task than normal when you're searching for taller seating, rather than regular dining chairs. Whether you need seating for a kitchen island, home bar, outdoor entertaining area or compact dining space, this assortment of the best bar stools will suit your needs.
When shopping for a bar stool, consider the size of your space and check the height and dimensions of the chairs. Some stools are sold at shorter heights to be tucked under kitchen islands, while others are built to stand much higher for high-top bars and tables. The best bar stools for small spaces or small dining rooms will be backless, stackable and have slim bases. If you have a bit more seating space, explore options with comfortable backs and armrests, as well as flared-out legs for stability.
Be sure to consider a material that suits your lifestyle — aka, opt for durable and easy-to-clean fabrics if children or toddlers will be sitting in these chairs. Cushions can always be added to wooden stools, and faux leather is easier to wipe down than light-colored fabrics.
This roundup includes a mix of bar stools for indoor and outdoor spaces with a mix of interior design styles. Whether you prefer rustic, modern, classic or mid-century aesthetics, there's a bar stool in this list for you. We included affordable options from Amazon, Wayfair and Pottery Barn, plus a few slurge-worthy picks.
A simple design without a back makes these counter-height bar stools perfect for small spaces — tuck them under a kitchen island or high-top table to free up floor space. This pack of two bar stools is available in two heights and black, walnut and white wood colors to match any aesthetic. Reviewers rave about the ease of assembling these sturdy and durable bar stools.
This affordable bar stool features dark wood legs and beige cushions with a nailhead trim that adds a rustic — yet refined — look to your dining space. Sold individually rather than in packs of two or four, this bar stool is a suitable option for those who need an odd number of seats (or just one for yourself!). At 26.5 inches, this bar stool can be tucked away underneath tables to save floor space and customers say they "fit perfectly under the counter."
Whether you have a family of four or you simply enjoy hosting parties, additional seating always comes in handy. This set of four bar stools can fit the entire family for dinner or provide a space for kids to sit by the kitchen island while you cook. Children and adults will sit comfortably in these chairs with a low back, bucket-style seating, foam-filled leather and a wraparound bar to rest your feet. Choose from five color options and three different heights for these "sturdy and easy to assemble" stools, according to one customer.
If you're struggling to pick between backless or bar stools with a backrest — fear not, these chairs are for you. The back is removable, so you can keep them on two stools and off the others or simply remove and add them as you please. Use these seats for a kitchen island or a lower table as this set of four bar stools is available at a few different heights: 18, 24, 26 and 30 inches. You’ll stay comfy at any height with a high back to lean on and a footrest so that your feet don't dangle.
Comfort is at the forefront with these bar stools that feature a 360-degree swivel, a footrest and a lever to easily adjust the height. The modern bar stools have a black, steel leg and circular base with a rubber ring for sturdiness and to prevent scratching hardwood floors. Customers raved about the comfort and ease of assembling these stools. "Whether I'm engrossed in work or enjoying a meal, I find myself effortlessly sinking into the plush seats and enjoying the utmost relaxation," one five-star reviewer notes.
Not a fan of sitting still? These modern-styled leather bar stools swivel to allow you to swing side to side freely. Friends and family of all heights can sit comfortably in these modern-styled seats by easily adjusting the height, while the footrest will prevent your feet from swinging and getting pins and needles. The backrest and soft cushion provide extra comfort, with one customer writing it "creates a great foundation for long-term sitting."
One customer noted they "can sit for hours" in these comfortable bar stools with a back to lean on. These well-rated stools feature faux leather seats and iron bars that fit in perfectly with a modern-industrial interior design. Plus, you can choose from six colors to match your aesthetic and three heights to suit your needs. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but the PU leather is also waterproof to allow for easy cleaning.
Pull up a chair and stay a while with these comfortable bar stools featuring soft cushioned seats, high backs and ergonomic armrests. Offered in gray, blue, green and rose colors, the velvet seats can add a touch of glamour and femininity to a kitchen's design. The two height options work well for higher tables and kitchen islands, but the flared legs and chunkier seating design make these bar stools more suitable for larger spaces.
Need seating for a kitchen island and an outdoor patio? These steel bar stools come in a set of four and have a simple design with a back that will match indoor furniture or be suitable for an outdoor space. Buy two sets for your kitchen and backyard or bring them outside when the party guests make their way to the patio. They're affordable, easy to clean and can withstand the wind or rain.
City apartments and tight spaces call for smart designs. This set of two bar stools is simple and sleek, with tall metal legs and a small circular seat. Pair it with a high-top table, bar cabinet or a counter table in a smaller dining area or studio apartment. They may not have a cushion or back like some other options, but these affordable bar stools can be tucked under a table and take up minimal space, so they’ll do the trick!
The low-back design of these bar stools allows you to sit comfortably while maintaining an airy, open dining space. Available in seven colors, these faux leather seats have a contemporary aesthetic with flared-out metal legs to provide stability. Customers love how sleek the stools look, with one writing, "These are my favorite stools ever! They are so comfortable!" Online reviewers also agree assembly is easy.
This wooden bar stool is currently available in seadrift and black finishes, which are both versatile enough to pair with any kitchen style. Small enough to be stored away or pushed under counters, buy each stool individually at 27- or 31-inch heights. Each stool is sealed with lacquer for a glossy finish that makes it easy to clean.
This set of four metal bar stools has rubber feet to prevent sliding, scratch-resistant material and waterproof paint to allow for easy cleaning and durability outdoors. It's available in 12 colors, so you can stick to neutral tones or opt for a bright hue (like red, orange or yellow) to brighten up your space. The sleek, backless design allows them to be stacked on top of one another to store away during the winter months — or you can buy a second pack of four to have on hand for extra party guests!
Add a pop of color to your dining space with these bar stools, which are available in bright yellow or blue (or stick to neutrals with dark and light gray). Enjoy your morning coffee comfortably on these counter-height stools with a curved back and footrest. They come with rubber bottoms to prevent scratching and customers say the stools are easy to assemble.
Match any farmhouse-inspired kitchen with these rustic bar stools, available in 24-, 26- or 30-inch height options. Designed with large wooden seats and metal-framed backs, this set of four comes in various colors, including black, cream, rusty or silver. Plus, it's possibly the easiest stool to assemble, with a customer writing, "You just have to attach the seat to the legs and you are done." Keep in mind: If you’re looking to add some more comfort, you can always use your own cushions, like this option from Amazon.
Featuring a footrest and a 360-degree swivel, this wooden bar stool does not sacrifice comfort for style. Described as mid-century modern, the counter-height seats feature a black metal footrest and nail trimming on the cushion for a farmhouse vibe. The wooden back and legs are available in a whitewash, shades of brown, black and gray to match your dining space. "They are very well built, heavy and easy to assemble… they're also very pretty!" one reviewer notes.
Most bar stools are sold in sets of two or four. Whether your kitchen island cannot fit four seats or you're a family of three — buying extra seats or multiple individual bar stools can get pricey. This option comes in a set of three at an affordable price and they look great, too! Available in a range of classic colors, the square cushion has a faux leather material and the metal bars give them an industrial appearance.
Enjoy a meal or work from home all day on these ultra-comfy chairs with cushioned seats and high backs. Rest your feet on the low bar and lean back comfortably in these gray polyester seats. The height is perfect for a high bar or kitchen island, and customers have been pleased with the "nice fabric" and "easy assembly."
Add a dose of texture to your space with these splurge-worthy bar stools. Handwoven with authentic rattan, they're perfect for a country-style kitchen or beach house with light-colored cabinets. The stool stands at a height of 37.5 inches for your tallest guests and highest tables. It's a bit more on the expensive side, but they're worth the investment.
Your patio and outdoor bar won't feel complete without seating for guests. This swivel bar stool has fabric and powder-coated metal armrests and legs suitable for good (and bad) weather days. Those who need more chairs can choose to order these bar stools as a set of two or three to fit your family's needs — or have ample seating for backyard parties. Customers love the smooth swivel and sturdiness of these chairs. "Feeling safe when sitting on it, my kids love it so much! Would definitely recommend it," writes one five-star reviewer.
Isabella Cavallo is a freelance editorial assistant at Prevention. She graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Isabella gained a passion for health journalism after a rare cancer diagnosis and treatment. When she’s not writing, you can find her listening to music, playing Bananagrams, or running through Central Park.
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