We're shopping for bar stools and want something simple, contemporary, and industrial-looking. Sounds like it could get expensive, right? But that's not an option because we also need something to fit into a very tight budget. You know what was the best option we found?
Drafting stools. The plain and simple sort with a masonite seat like you find in high school science lab, art school and architecture studios.
Here's one set, from Lab Furniture & Equipment, that's going for only $129 for four of them. (That's only a little more than $30 each!)
Not quite convinced? Check out the inspirational photos we collected together up top. While these feature drafting stools that are a little more special than our proposed buy, we still think our basic ones would capture the look and feel. What say you?
Images: Martha Stewart Living, Hollister Hovey, Canadian House & Home, Lab Furniture and Equipment
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OMG! i have been looking all over for stools like this that don't cost $150 each. thank you so much for posting this!!! :)
I have 4 of these Tabouret 24-inch Metal Counter Stools from overstock. 2 for $90 isn't bad! I love how the handle in the middle of the seat makes them easy to move, because I also use them as stools to reach high places in my kitchen.
http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Tabouret-24-inch-Metal-Counter-Stools-Set-of-2/3879160/product.html?rcmndsrc=5
Like the first picture best. The last picture- I'd be tripping over those feet!
I have the Overstock ones too! They are awesome. Highly recommend.
You can get some additional ideas from the comments on this old AT post from 2006:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/best-simple-backless-high-stools-075944
I have the Tabouret counter stools from Overstock, too, and they are awesome! Even guests have mentioned how they love the "handle" in the middle as it makes them really easy to pull out.
I saw a bunch of those Tabouret metal stacking stools on clearance for about $12 at Meijer in Mansfield OH a a few weeks ago while I was there visiting. I couldn't find them on their website, but you might still be able to find them in the stores, if you have one nearby.
I know they're cheap and blend into any other design scheme, but I *hate* these stools as is. Maybe doctoring them up a bit would be ok.
I've worked in biology labs for over 10 years, and the sound of these stupid stools scraping on the tile floor haunts me in my dreams. Simple design, I'm all for it. These exact stools, no thank you.
The stools in the first picture are exactly the kind my dad has in his basement work shop for the past 20+ years! I think the stools suggested are alright as they are but would look awesome if you coated them in a high gloss yellow spray paint. Or black for that matter. Pretty much any other color than greige.
I love the island in the third picture, looking for something like it but about 1/2 the length for my kitchen, anyone have a source?
The kitchen in the last photo kind of creeps me. With those medical lights hanging, it made me slightly suspicious that there might be stirrups on that "kitchen island". There might be such a thing as too industrial & I think that kitchen might be it.
Anyone have any information on the stools in the second picture? I love those. They would be perfect in my apartment.
Well, I am on the hunt for the coolest -- but sadly not cheapest -- stools for our kitchen, and am hoping that somebody in ATland knows who designed or made them and/or where to buy them.
Does anyone here know where to find the amazing turquoise leather stools in Julianne Moore's kitchen??
http://www.casasugar.com/Coveted-Crib-Julianne-Moores-West-Village-Townhouse-4192812?page=0,0,2#2
HA! After hunting for affordable stools for months, we just bought the same lab stools (in an 18" height) for $124 for a set of FIVE from CVS with free shipping. Check around (google will help you compare) for the best price - lots of retailers carry these, and sometimes add silly fees and astronomical shipping charges, so watch out. CVS WAS the best way to go last month, but you may be able to find an even better deal if you're patient.
And no, they aren't pretty as-is. For now we have sanded and spraypainted ours satin black, tops and all, and are considering replacing the feet or possibly even stenciling the tops (though that, I'm afraid, might take us into "cute" territory).
Finally, after buying these I found a set of NINE adjustable solid wood-topped lab stools that are way better looking for $45/all on CraigsList. Of course I bought em. They're in the basement awaiting some refinishing of the wood. Also slowly collecting antique wooden stools to mix it up a bit. We only need 8 at the table and four in the breakfast nook, but extras can be stored in the basement to be hauled out for large gatherings.
I like stools. A lot.
Not a fan. I also work in a lab, and have taken lots of art classes, and these are institutional, not industrial. Important difference.