With the rise of open floor plans, bar stools have taken a more prominent position in the home. Dining tables seem to be going the way of the Dodo in favor of breakfast bars and dining counters. Here's our look at the best bar and counter stools – both with and without backs – on the market today.
Backless Bar Stools
• Rig Adjustable Bar Stool from CB2 – Adjustable seat, industrial edge, warm wood and a shock of red. This stool ranks up there as a new favorite. $159
• Gavilin Barsool from KGB Limited Fascinating shape, bordering on so-ugly-it's-cute. One of Maxwell's Daily Finds. Definitely on the high end. $3,000
• Industrial Stool from West Elm This take on the classic swiveling bar stool would be perfect in a modern industrial kitchen. $179
• Cala Adjustable Bar Stool from Pottery Barn A mix of classic adjustable seat with architectural wire base. Available in 3 colors – black, white and red. $149
• Garden Backless Bar Stool from Home Decorators Basic metal stool given a modern touch with a fresh color. Also available in white, aluminum and red. $139
• Dalfred Bar Stool from Ikea A more basic (and affordable!) take on the CB2-style stool. Could be customized with a few coats of paint. $39.99
Bar Stools with Backs
• Thonet Barstool from DWR The seating staple of cafes everywhere, this taller version looks great in living color. For a more timeless look it's also available in white and black. $210
• Aluminum Dining Stool from Target Durable and practical, this budget option can be customized with a colorful cushion. $69.99
• Arrowback Bar Stool from Bellacor While the arrowback shape can seem old fashioned, it's also a comfortable design. The full back rest offers support for longer periods of sitting. $173.95
• Bertoia Counter Stool from DWR This iconic design is equally at home in vintage or modern interiors. The real deal is an investment piece but knock-offs abound for smaller budgets. $959
• Series 7 Stool from Hive Modern Designed by Arne Jacobsen, this is a classic style that has a lot of imitators. $878
• Lilly Pulitzer Yellow Barstool from Horchow Hello yellow! Already smitten with the color so the Chinoiserie shape is a bonus. $619
MORE BAR STOOLS ON APARTMENT THERAPY
• Top Ten Barstools: High & Low
• 10 Modern Barstool Options
• Top 10: Bar Stools (For the Home)
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• Best Outdoor Dining Tables 2012
• Best Folding Chairs 2012
(Images: As credited above.)
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Does anyone have a recommendation for a nesting or stackable bar stool?
Stools are nice in the right place, but it is wrong to celebrate the loss of space for a dining table!! A counter, while it might be a nice addition, does not replace a table!! Most homes I see I want to rip out the kitchen island and put in a table, in the center of the room, if the room is big enough for a table, or use a moveable island on wheels if not big enough for a table, so I can move it out of the way when I want. When the stools are at a counter on the living or dining room side, I always want to get rid of the stools and put bookcases under the counter ledge. I don't want to always eat on a high stool - I need a table and chairs! This trend in renovation is one I hate, as much as I hate the trend of homes without a bathtub.
I HATE sitting high up. I hate having to put my feet on a bar, but I hate having my legs dangle even more. I could never have enjoyable, lengthy dinner conversation with friends if I had to sit on a bar stool.
Why does Home Decorators charge $50 for shipping???
you forgot to mention LYON workspace products. the industrial stool in wedgewood is brilliant!
@Duane Hill, The above Home Decorators version stacks nicely. There are tons of stools like it in lots of colors and lots of price points, from DWR to CB2 all the way down to Overstock.com
Some of these are not going to be very comfortable to sit in for very long.
I somewhat agree with TEXTILES. I would never replace a dining room table with an island!
did you read the reviews for the target stools? i guess they are crapola
Just finished ordering our bar stools after a long, agonizing search for the right ones. Decided on worldmarket.com's industrial style stools, but have not received them yet. They are similar to the ones from westelm and Restoration Hardware, but cheaper to both buy and ship. They also received raving reviews. Hopeful they will work!!
We have counter stools and they are comfortable. I eat breakfast there, plus we often eat dinner there. But I would never give up my table & chairs. No way.
Ooh, ooh! I love my Leo Adjustable Stool from Room & Board. Stylish, sturdy, and comfortable even at a long stretch in front of the sewing machine. http://www.roomandboard.com/rnb/product/detail.do?productGroup=19412
Just moved into a new apartment and have an unexpected need for barstools. I merely went to Pier One and bought a pair there.... not original or creative, but I wanted to put my money in some awesome Etsy pillows and a telescope instead of in barstools!
My favorite bar stools are to be found at Geoffrey Warners Studio under the Owl Furniture label. They make a number of fabulous bar stools based on the Owl stool design that combines ergonomic comfort, fun colors and the beauty of oiled hardwood. Check them out!
http://www.geoffreywarnerstudio.com/products-page-2/owl-furniture/the-owl-perch