We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Furniture The 11 Best Bar Stools of 2024 We found the best styles for every kitchen. By Lesley Chen Lesley Chen Lesley Chen is a San Francisco-based freelance writer who covers shopping, home, tech, health, and general lifestyle topics for various websites.Highlights *Her work has appeared on SFGate, Well + Good, BuzzFeed, Byrdie, and PureWow. *She has a BA in economics and psychology from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 24, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / David Hattan Adding convenient, space-saving seating like bar stools helps you make the most of your kitchen. Whether you have a kitchen island or a tall countertop, the best bar stools nestle away when not in use and become valuable real estate when you have company. “Bar stools are a great addition to any home with a raised counter and knee space,” says Pamela O’Brien, principal designer at Pamela Hope Designs. “Family and friends will use them frequently for quick meals, visiting, and daily tasks.” To find the best bar stools, we researched various options and factored in considerations like size, material, comfort, and assembly. We also spoke to several interior designers, including O’Brien, Lisa Tornello, interior designer and founder of Millroad Studio, Lesley Myrick, luxury interior designer, and Yasmine El Sanyoura, home designer at Opendoor. Our Top Picks Best Overall Bar Stool: Grandin Road Julien Bar Stool at Grandinroad.com Jump to Review Best Budget Bar Stool: Winsome Satori Stool at Amazon $36 Jump to Review Best Swivel Bar Stool: Joss & Main Radcliffe Swivel Bar Stool at Wayfair $339 Jump to Review Best Metal Bar Stool: Vogue Furniture Direct Bar Stools at Amazon $140 Jump to Review Best Rattan Bar Stool: George Oliver Endicott Wicker Bar Stool at Wayfair $260 Jump to Review Best Leather Bar Stool: West Elm Slope Leather Bar Stool at West Elm $299 Jump to Review Best Wooden Bar Stool: West Elm Classic Café Walnut Stool at West Elm $219 Jump to Review Best Modern Bar Stool: AllModern Walsh Velvet Bar Stool at Wayfair $429 Jump to Review Best Wishbone Bar Stool: Joss & Main Fairbanks Stool at Wayfair $349 Jump to Review Best Minimal Bar Stool: Blu Dot Ready Stacking Stool at Wayfair $215 Jump to Review Best Overall Bar Stool Grandin Road Julien Bar Stool PHOTO: Grandin Road View on Grandinroad.com What Stands Out It’s a high-quality, lightweight bar stool with many customizable options. What Could Be Improved The bar stools have no back rest. Classic, sturdy, and comfortable, the Grandin Road Julie bar stools are ideal for kitchen island or bar seating. They have a solid hardwood frame and padded saddle-style seat but remain relatively lightweight (around 16 pounds each), so they aren’t a drag to move around. You can pick between five different wood finishes for the legs, bonded leather or fabric for the seat, and various color options. Additional details such as hand-tacked nailheads on the seat and engraved details on the frame are charming for any space, and best of all, there is no work required for setup—the bar stool arrives fully assembled. Dimensions: 21 by 14.5 by 30 inches | Material: Wood and fabric or leather | Weight Capacity: Not listed Best Budget Bar Stool Winsome Satori Stool PHOTO: Amazon $36 at Amazon $38 at Target $38 at Walmart What Stands Out It’s an inexpensive, no frills bar stool. What Could Be Improved The seats may not be as comfortable to sit on for extended periods. This wood bar stool has a timeless design that pairs well with any decor. The saddle seat is broad and contoured for extra comfort, and the base features bars to rest your feet on. Because the stool is backless, it’s also great for small kitchens—you can move it around or tuck it under a bar when not in use. It comes in three finishes (walnut, black, and natural). Dimensions: 16 by 18 by 29 inches | Material: Wood | Weight Capacity: 220 pounds Best Swivel Bar Stool Joss & Main Radcliffe Swivel Bar Stool PHOTO: Wayfair $339 at Wayfair View on Jossandmain.com What Stands Out It’s a comfortable, full-back bar stool with a 360-degree swivel. What Could Be Improved It’s bulkier in size, so it may not be appropriate for small spaces. Swivel bar stools are great because they give you the option to move your body around without having to lift and reposition the entire thing each time. This Joss & Main Radcliffe bar stool has a 360-degree swivel for unlimited movement and a bronze ring to rest your feet on (or help with swiveling). The legs are a sturdy rubberwood, the upholstered seat has a wingback design you can sink back into, and it comes in four different soft shades to add just a pop of color to your room. Dimensions: 42.5 by 19 by 23 inches | Material: Steel, wood, fabric | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Best Metal Bar Stool Vogue Furniture Direct Bar Stools PHOTO: Amazon $140 at Amazon What Stands Out This set of durable, stackable metal bar stools can be used inside or outside. What Could Be Improved They may be less comfortable than other options. For low-maintenance seating, it’s hard to go wrong with a metal bar stool. These Vogue Furniture Direct bar stools come as a single, in a pair, or in a set of four, and they come in a wide range of colors for any aesthetic preference. The stools are water- and rust-resistant and stackable, so you can use them indoors or outdoors and store them in a space-efficient way. The feet have rubber padding to prevent scratches or damage to your floors, and they have footrests for additional support. While these stools are ideal for small homes and storage purposes, if you find yourself sitting on them for an extended period of time, you may want better support and padding for comfort. Dimensions: 16.3 by 16.3 by 24 inches | Material: Metal | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Best Rattan Bar Stool George Oliver Endicott Wicker Bar Stool PHOTO: Wayfair $260 at Wayfair What Stands Out It’s a stylish, neutral bar stool. What Could Be Improved The woven material may not be as durable as other materials. A little boho, a little vacation chic—this pair of stylish Endicott rattan bar stools will be a conversation starter in any room. They have a clean silhouette, with metal legs and a bucket seat with a natural (and neutral) look. Even though the legs are on the thinner side, they’re slanted with foot rails to help stabilize the stool. A removable padded cushion and low back rest allow you to sit leisurely for longer. Dimensions: 38 by 22 by 23.25 inches | Material: Iron, wicker | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Best Leather Bar Stool West Elm Slope Leather Bar Stool PHOTO: West Elm $299 at West Elm What Stands Out This stool is sleek and made of genuine leather, so it will wear well over time. What Could Be Improved Leather may require additional upkeep over time. Sleek and comfortable, these leather bar stools can fit seamlessly into any room. The sculpted seat has foam padding inside, and the backrest has just enough slope to let you relax while sitting in it. You can choose between seven genuine leather or four vegan leather colors, each with natural markings and variations that make it unique to your home. There are plastic glides under the legs to help prevent scratches on your floors, too. Just remember that if you get one of the genuine leather colorways, you should keep it out of direct sunlight and avoid cleaning the seat with detergents. Dimensions: 19 by 22 by 39.8 inches | Material: Iron, leather | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds Best Wooden Bar Stool West Elm Classic Café Walnut Stool PHOTO: West Elm $219 at West Elm What Stands Out It’s a sturdy, low maintenance bar stool with a curved seat. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have lower back support. Whether you have a classic or modern personal style, wood is versatile and pairs beautifully with almost any decor. The West Elm Classic Café Bar Stool is made from solid rubberwood and has an acorn finish, making it both sturdy and attractive. It has a curved seat and back to cradle your body when you sit (if you prefer a softer seat, you can also get a cushion designed specifically for this bar stool). Wood is also easy to maintain; you can wipe it clean with a dry or damp cloth as needed. Dimensions: 17.2 by 22.8 by 41.8 inches | Material: Rubberwood | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds Best Modern Bar Stool AllModern Walsh Velvet Bar Stool PHOTO: AllModern $429 at Wayfair $225 at Allmodern.com What Stands Out This cantilevered bar stool has mid-century style with modern updates. What Could Be Improved It may be less sturdy due to the design. If your style leans mid-century modern, this pair of AllModern Walsh velvet bar stools will blend right in. They have an eye-catching cantilevered steel frame and wood back, which will steal the spotlight from the rest of your furniture. Despite the retro look, they have some modern touches, too, including a velvet-covered high-density foam seat and plastic glides on the base to prevent floor scratches. Choose between four different jewel colors. Dimensions: 47 by 19 by 19.5 inches | Material: Steel, wood, velvet | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds Best Wishbone Bar Stool Joss & Main Fairbanks Stool PHOTO: Wayfair $349 at Wayfair View on Jossandmain.com What Stands Out This bar stool has a unique, open design. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t have full back support, so it’s harder to lean back. This Joss & Main Fairbanks wishbone bar stool is practically a work of art, with its sleek, airy beech wood frame that provides sturdy seating without adding any bulk to your room. The seat is wicker/rattan, and it has an armless design, which gives you more flexibility to fit it under a bar or side-by-side with additional stools. You can choose between four different wood colors, three seat colors, and three different seat heights Dimensions: 42.5 by 21.46 by 20.5 inches | Material: Wood, wicker | Weight Capacity: 264 pounds Best Minimal Bar Stool Blu Dot Ready Stacking Stool PHOTO: Wayfair $215 at Wayfair $215 at Allmodern.com View on Bludot.com What Stands Out This minimalist, modern bar stool is practical and stackable. What Could Be Improved The barstool doesn’t have any padding or back support. The Blu Dot Ready stacking stools look custom made for small-space dwellers or anyone who prefers their furniture to be simple and minimalist. They have powder-coated steel legs and a molded plywood seat and a footprint that won’t monopolize your kitchen or bar space. At 13 pounds each, they’re lightweight, and you can stack up to four bar stools together for compact and convenient storage (though these are bar stools you won’t mind leaving out for everyone to admire). Dimensions: 20 by 19 by 32 inches | Material: Steel, wood veneer | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds Best Farmhouse Bar Stool Pottery Barn Aaron Stool PHOTO: Pottery Barn $399 at Pottery Barn What Stands Out It’s made of sustainably harvested rubberwood and comes with adjustable levelers. What Could Be Improved It’s the most expensive option on the list. It may be a dream of yours to retire on a farm, but until then, you can recreate a farmhouse atmosphere at home. This Pottery Barn Aaron Stool is made of sustainably harvested, solid rubberwood that’s been kiln-dried to prevent warping, splitting, cracking and developing mildew. The frame has an antique painted finish and an X-shaped back that give it rustic charm, even if your home is in the middle of a bustling city. You can buy a single stool or pair in counter or bar heights and add on the Aaron Stool Cushion in any of the many colors. Dimensions: 19.5 by 21 by 42 inches | Material: Rubberwood | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds Final Verdict Our top pick is the Grandin Road Julien Bar Stool, a solid wood bar stool with a comfy saddle seat that comes in a variety of colors and fabrics to suit most kitchens. For a no-frills budget option that comes in three finishes, we like the Winsome Satori Stool. How to Shop for a Bar Stool Like a Pro Size “Many homeowners choose stools that are too big for their space,” Tornello says. She recommends looking at the width, depth, and height before picking your bar stools. Width: You want to leave enough space between your stools for people to sit comfortably. “If the widest part of your stool is 16 to 18 inches, allow 21 to 22 inches of space per stool. If the widest part of your stool is 19 to 22 inches, allow 24 to 25 inches of space per stool. If your stool swivels or has arms, leave even more space,” Tornello says.Depth: “Buyers rarely consider the depth, and this is where a lot of mistakes happen,” Tornello says. Some of the stool should sit under the counter overhang when not in use, but you also need enough room behind the stool for a walkway when in use. “For spaces that are narrow, we often recommend stools with no backs that can tuck under the overhang. Saddle stools tend to not be as deep and are a good option for these spaces,” she says.Height: To make sure you have plenty of legroom, you’ll want to measure from the floor to the top of the bar or counter. To sit comfortably, the seat should sit 12 inches lower than the counter. Materials Bar stools come in various materials including wood, metal, steel, aluminum, fabric, leather, and more. The best materials will depend on personal preference and specific needs. However, bar stools are “one of the busiest [seats] in the house, and material matters,” Tornello says. For families with young kids, she recommends stools made with low-maintenance materials such as wood, woven leather, or metal. How you use your stools will also impact what material you choose. “If you plan to use the stools for eating, easy-to-clean surfaces are best. If you plan to lounge in your stools, soft upholstery and ergonomic shapes are desirable,” O’Brien says. Back Consider whether you want a back on your stool, as that affects style and comfort. “Large stools with tall backs and armrests tend to be heavier and more substantial, which can anchor a large island. Backless or lower-backed stools without arms are lighter, easier to move, and might be better for a more minimal look or around a smaller bar area,” O’Brien says. “If you don’t plan on sitting in the space for long periods of time, then a stool without a back, especially if you have low countertops, is a great option," El Sanyoura says. "However, if you are using the space for everyone in the home to convene, then I suggest getting stools that have backs, because you want the place where people frequent to be comfortable." Assembly Most bar stools require some assembly, but if you’re not particularly handy, you may want to read through the description and reviews to see how involved any assembly process is. Also, double-check what tools are required and if they come included. Questions You Might Ask Are bar stools with backs better? Bar stools with backs aren’t necessarily better than backless stools, but it comes down to your usage and design preferences. “A bar stool with a back is arguably more comfortable for long periods of time, so if your bar stool is going to be doing the job of a dining chair (you eat dinner at your kitchen island every day, for example), a stool with a back is ideal," Myrick says. "If the stool is used more for perching on while grabbing a quick breakfast or having a casual conversation over a glass of wine, a backless stool is just fine.” What kind of stool is best for a kitchen island? Since a kitchen island tends to be a busy area where people gather (and spill things), you want to consider the durability of a bar stool and choose a material that can withstand high-traffic use, Myrick says. Also, consider how you will use your bar stools. If you want people to hop on and off for casual meals and parties, you may opt for a backless bar stool, but if you want people to be seated comfortably for full meals, you may want to choose something with a back. “For a modern kitchen style, I love sturdy stools with metal legs and upholstered seating and backing. They are sleek without being uncomfortable. Leather is a great material for the kitchen area because it is also super easy to clean when accidents happen," El Sanyoura says. "I also like stools with swivel chairs because they give guests the ability to turn around and engage with others without having to get up from their seats. If you’re looking for ways to bring warmth into your kitchen, opt for wood stools with a cushion or upholstered seat. Bringing in natural elements like this will help add layers to the kitchen and make it feel more lived in!” What's the difference between a bar stool and a counter stool? The difference between a bar stool and a counter stool is their height. “Bar stools are for bars, which are typically 42 inches high, and counter stools are for counter height, which is typically 36 inches high,” O’Brien says. Whatever your bar or counter height is, you need to be able to sit comfortably at it, so “choose a stool that has a seat which is approximately 12 inches lower than your counter," O'Brien says. "That means bar stool seats are about 30 inches above the floor, whereas counter stool seats are about 24 inches above the floor." Take Our Word for It This article was written by Lesley Chen, a contributing writer for Real Simple with experience writing commerce, home, and lifestyle stories. To compile this list she thoroughly researched bar stools and rounded up the best options based on size, materials, back vs. backless, and assembly. For expert advice, Lesley spoke to Pamela O’Brien, principal designer at Pamela Hope Designs, Lisa Tornello, interior designer and founder of Millroad Studio, Lesley Myrick, luxury interior designer, and Yasmine El Sanyoura, home designer at Opendoor. The Best Dining Chairs for Stylish Seating Around Every Table