Best Bar Stools for Kitchen 2020

Quick Picks: Best Bar Stools

• Height Adjustable Swivel Stool Artificial Leather (Set of 2)
• Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Centiar Counter Height Barstool (Set of 2)
• Adjustable Swivel Barstools, PU Leather with Chrome Base, Counter Height Hydraulic Chairs (Set of 2)
• Performance Tool W85011 Pneumatic Swivel Bar Stool
• Height Adjustable Bar Chairs With Back PU Leather Barstools (Set of 2)
• Sunex 8516 Hydraulic Shop Stool, Chrome (1)
• Flash Furniture Crown Back Black Metal Barstool with Black Vinyl Swivel Seat (1)
• COSTWAY Tolix Style Dining Wood Seat Stools with Backrest (Set of 4)
• Ashley Design Furniture – Torjin Stool (Set of 2)
• Linon Home Decor Keira Pad Back Folding Counter Stool (1)
• Homall Bar Stools Walnut Bentwood Adjustable Height Leather Modern Barstools (1)
• Christopher Knight Home Barstool 295977 (Set of 2)
• Winsome Satori Stool 94084 (Set of 2)
• Winsome Wood Pacey Stool 83224 (Set of 2)
• Ashley Furniture Challiman Bar Stool Design (Set of 2)

How to Choose the Best Bar Stool?

Step 1. Choose Height and Size

When choosing your bar stools, the first thing you need is to define the size of your dining table or bar stand. Then you may start looking for suitable chairs. You will find it more comfortable to lean your elbows on the counter without bending. The optimal difference between the height of the tabletop and the seat is about 12”. If your bar stand height is 42”, then your bar stool may not be higher than 30”.  Most bar stool models have a standard seat height of 29-30”.

Many modern models are equipped with a gas-lift mechanism. The seat height may be adjusted easily with this technology (usually from 22” to 29”).

A model with an adjustable stand is worth buying if you your family members’ height differs greatly, or you meet guests regularly, or you want to use such a chair not only at the bar counter, but also with the usual size table. A model with an adjustable stand is worth buying if you your family members’ height differs greatly, or you meet guests regularly, or you want to use such a chair not only at the bar counter, but also with the usual size table.

Step 2. Choose a Convenient Design

The design of such type of furniture as bar stools is very diverse. The tips below will help to define the best and most comfortable outlook for you.

1. Stools Without Backrest

Stools are a great option for a small apartment. They may be placed easily under the counter or high table. They occupy less space. However, it is inconvenient to sit on them for a longtime. It is worth buying stools if you use the bar counter only for quick breakfasts or snacks.

2. Chairs with Different Heights Backs

They are more comfortable than stools are. If you use the counter as a dining table or you are sitting with a laptop or tablet by the table for a long time, you would better choose the most ergonomic chair model with a high back. Your own backbone will thank you.

3. Folding Bar Stools

This is a good stools alternative in a small kitchen. If necessary, you can fold and store them in the pantry or closet.

4. Armchairs with Backrest and Armrests

This is the most comfortable option to sit for a long time.

A comfortable bar stool is sure to have a footrest. The stronger and more solid it is, the better. The footrest provides support while sitting and makes the chair sturdier.

If the seat height is adjustable, please check if the footrest height may be adjusted as well. Otherwise, when the seat is up, the legs will be hanging in the air.

Bar stools usually have four legs or one chrome plated stand with a wide round or square base. Spectacular designer three-legged stools look cool, but are less stable and are not comfortable for families with children.

Step 3. Choose Material

If you have not yet decided on the material, let’s see what furniture shops offer as an option.

1. Chrome or Brushed Steel

Bar chairs made of metal or with a metal frame are the most reliable, durable and unpretentious.

2. Colored or Transparent Plastic

This is the most inexpensive option and easy to maintain. Transparent bar stools made of polycarbonate are “invisible”. They are visually “dissolved” and are perfect with a small kitchen or a small studio. However, cheap material is easily scratched. Moreover, the units entirely made of plastic, are not suitable for people with solid weight.

3. Wood

Wooden bar stools are beautiful and lovely to touch. They may be painted (usually white or black) or have a natural wooden shade. In such a case, wood is slightly tinted, impregnated with oil or protected with varnish.

Please note: bar stools made of wood usually may not swivel and a seat may not be height-adjustable. In this case, choose the stool height carefully.

4. Wicker or Rattan (Natural or Artificial)

Wicker bar stools and rattan chairs are durable, lightweight and practical. It is also a great way to make the interior of the kitchen or living room relaxed and vacation-style.

Step 4. How to Choose Bar Stools Suitable for the Interior Style

Best Bar Stools Comparison Table:

For a Minimalism-Style or a High-Tech-Style Kitchen

In case of minimalism-style or a high-tech-style kitchen, metal models, designer bar stools with plastic seats or made of transparent polycarbonate are suitable.

Height Adjustable Swivel Stool Artificial Leather Review

This chair model is highly adjustable and will suit to people with different height, has the back to lean and the footrest, and is extremely sturdy due to metal stand.

Ashley Furniture Signature Design – Centiar Counter Height Barstool

This barstool is made in mid 20-century modern style, has dark brown faux leather bucket seat and tubular metal base. It is reliable and comfortable but exact measurements needed before purchase, as the model does not have height adjustments.

Adjustable Swivel Barstools, PU Leather with Chrome Base, Counter Height Hydraulic Chairs

A stylish bar stool is good for commercial and home use, is adjustable and sturdy due to chrome metal base. Does not comprise the back to lean.

For a Modern Kitchen With a Neutral Design

If you have a modern kitchen with a neutral design, bright bar stools will be a spectacular accent. Models with a minimalist design are good in a small kitchen or a studio.

Performance Tool W85011 Pneumatic Swivel Chair with Back Support

This model is adjustable and swivel, has neutral but practical design. Its round leather foam padded seat is 14’’ and has back support, 4 legs are made of heavy-duty metal.

Height Adjustable Bar Chairs With Back PU Leather Barstools

These barstools are adjustable, swivel, and have ergonomic design with comfortable backrest and footrest. The design is modern due to PU leather seats and sturdy metal stand.     

Sunex 8516 Hydraulic Shop Stool, Chrome

The bar stool is sturdy and stable due to 4 reliable chrome metal legs, and comfortable due to the seat with the backrest padded with vinyl. May be used in kitchens, home and cafes.

For a Loft-Style Kitchen

For a loft-style kitchen, you will look for industrial-style bar stools made of metal and stools without backrest. Three-legged stools with vintage design are especially good. They may be often seen in trendy cafes (for example, the popular Tolix model).

Flash Furniture Crown Back Black Metal Barstool with Black Vinyl Swivel Seat

This barstool is good for domestic or commercial loft-style rooms as it is made of sturdy metal with vinyl-upholstered seat.  

COSTWAY Tolix Style Dining Wood Seat  Stools with Backrest Review

These bar stools will be perfect in various interiors. Materials are natural (wooden seat and sturdy metal legs). Due to their high backrest, they are comfortable.

Ashley Design Furniture – Torjin Stool Review

The stools are flexible to use in any living or commercial spaces. Their seats are made of wood and are height-adjustable, though they do not have backrests. Metal legs with footrest make it durable and stable.

For a Classic-Style Kitchen

For a classic-style kitchen, you will choose semi-bar chairs or wooden chairs with fabric upholstery or PU leather. Decorative furniture studs or a spectacular stitch will add an exquisite touch to the interior. Elegant models with patina and carvings are very good.

Linon Home Decor Keira Pad Back Folding Counter Stool

This model has classic and utilitarian design due to folding construction. 4 wood legs and a vinyl-padded seat make it sturdy and practical.

Homall Bar Stools Walnut Bentwood Adjustable Height Leather Modern Barstools

A fully adjustable model with gas-lift mechanism is adjustable, extremely comfortable and suits any bar or living room. Design is perfectly comfortable as it has a backrest, armrest and footrest.   

Christopher Knight Home Barstool 295977 Review

These stools have an exquisite outlook due to natural materials, practical PU leather and a frame made of wood. The bar stools are comfortable as they provide support for back and arms and a soft seat.  

For a Country-Style or Provence-Style Kitchen

If the interior is in a country-style or Provence-style, the best choice is models made of wood (with upholstery or without) or rattan stools and chairs. Forged chairs with a wooden, soft or wicker seat will also be good.

Winsome Satori Stool 94084 Review

This is a nice choice for country-style interior due to natural wooden design. This barstool is made of a solid beech wood with choice of several finishes, which makes the furniture item sturdy and stable.

Winsome Wood Pacey Stool 83224 Review

These bar stools are also made of solid wood, have simple but elegant design and reliable quality. This type of construction requires little maintenance and is rather on the cheap side.

Ashley Furniture Challiman Bar Stool Design

They are stylish and cozy, combining a warm wood seat with sturdy metal legs. 4 legs are finished in iron-tone rustic style. These chairs will make your interior very special.