apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I just found some great stools from linens and things. They aren't what you are looking for (they were backless saddle stools) but they were nice, dark wood and they were cheap ($39 each!). More people make stools than you'd think, Sometimes even Pier 1 has decent, simple stools in decent finishes.

http://stores.advancedinteriordesigns.com/-strse-125/escape-bar-stool%2C-bar/Detail.bok

The Escape bar stools at Advanced Interior Designs look similar (better, I think) and are $135 each.

I've never bought anything from this company, but I recall several people on this site saying that they had and the experience was a pleasant one and they'd shop there again.

If you are in New York, just go down to Bowery to the restaurant supply shops and buy them there. High quality and durable as hell. I am sure you can do that in other cities as well.

If you want lighter weight ones, I like CB2 quite a bit. Like these ones: http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=115&f=3015

Or they have some nice leather ones as well.

West Elm has a couple of different dark wood stools. For example, you can get two of these scoop-back stools for $219: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&partNumber=WE-PRODf489&retainNav=true&parent_category_rn=&cmsrc=SCH&parentId=stool. Or you can get two of these T-back stools (which I like much more) for $249: http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&partNumber=WE-PRODf350&retainNav=true&parent_category_rn=&cmsrc=SCH&parentId=stool. Whaddya think? -gabe

I just want to point out you might want swivel stools. I find them much more comfy because i don't always sit straight and don't like to move my stool all the time. Personally, I have the Leonardo Barstools (http://www.inmod.com/leba.html) and LOVE them. You can find them all over the net for different prices. The authentic Italian ones are about $800 from what I saw in stores.

What about sanding and staining this one a nice chocolate?

www.bludot.com

Check out Blu Dot. $169 for counter or bar height.

Kyoto stool at dwr. Contact me I sell them!

I was just going to suggest the Kyoto bar stool from dwr. Kel beat me to it. At $130 it's probably the best deal you'll find.

Target on-line has a nice selection - and some items that are not in the stores. We just purchased a black dining chair (Provence) that also comes in bar or counter height -- the chair was only 50., made in Malaysia and solid rubberwood. Astonishingly stong and beautiful, with a great finish. Easy assembly, too...Good luck and can you let us know when you've discovered your piece?? I love happy endings!

We have used the Franklin Bar stool in our booth at numerous trade shows. They get packed and shipped and sometimes are transported in our station wagon. They are incredibly sturdy and very comfortable. I vote for sanding and staining.

Look at stools by Calligaris. You can find some very nice ones - far nicer than the one pictured - within your price range. Go to the Calligaris American site and check out their catalogue, then Froogle to see who sells the one you want at the best price.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

I really like the retro furniture design. I found some really cool bar stools at http://www.americanchairs.com You can check them out too!

There are some great bar stools at http://www.barstoolsandchairs.com. They carry products manufactured by Richardson Seating http://www.richardsonseating.com.