10 Best Bar Stools of 2024

9 / 10

A stylish outdoor kitchen bar deserves some equally stylish outdoor bar stools, like these metal ones from West Elm. A minimalistic design and small footprint make it perfect for both compact patio spaces and indoor spots like basement bars.

Despite the sturdy aluminum material, at only 12 pounds they’re lightweight enough to move from place to place. It’s easy to stash them indoors during winter.

Pros

• Compatible with indoor and outdoor bars
• Durable aluminum frame
• Small enough to store during winter
• Nylon glides on feet to protect floors
• Contract-grade quality

Cons

10 / 10

We can’t find anything that rivals the stylish design of these rattan bar stools from Nathan James. The striking, modern rounded back features woven natural rattan paired with a real oak finish frame. While often found on outdoor wicker furniture, rattan also adds a retro-vintage vibe to indoor spaces.

Generously padded seats add an extra dimension of comfort to these striking mixed-media seats. Choose from either brushed light brown or warm pine finishes.

Pros

• Natural woven cane backing
• Solid wood frame
• Fun and stylish retro look
• Durable linen weave seat

Cons

What To Look for When Buying Bar Stools

There are hundreds of different bar stools available. When searching for the perfect piece to tie a room together, Zaelich advises considering the following:

• Aesthetic/Style: The stools should follow suit to the style of your home and furnishings. A mid modern kitchen could have bright orange bar stools whereas a traditional home would likely have leather or upholstered stools.
• Quantity: Every stool is a different width, so measure your island and the stools together and keep around four to six inches in between.
• Material: Wood, metal and leather or vegan leather are the easiest to keep clean as you can just wipe them down. Fabric brings a softer texture into a space that is typically full of hard surfaces and therefore brings an element of balance and comfort.
• Color: Consider whether the stools are near a kitchen table and what color and material those chairs are. Keep the stools complementary to the chairs, but not matching exactly. The stools should have contrast to the counter.
• Weight: Consider who will be pulling the stool in and out and how heavy it is to move.
• Dimensions: The dimensions are important. Measure the length of the island and consider how much space is behind you. Consider how deep the seat is and how much it would stick out from the overhang when someone is sitting in it. This would typically add another 18 inches or so.

There are also some considerations that depend on your unique home scenario, i.e. kid-friendly options for families. Whether you’re seeking the best bar stools for kitchen islands or a minimalist design for finished basement bars, there are a few types of stools to consider. According to Zaelich, these are the main features to look for:

• Backs vs. Backless: The most important feature to consider is whether or not you want a back and if you have space for a back. Having a back is much more comfortable and is better for young kids.
• Swivel: Many stools swivel, which can make getting in and out easier, but also the kids might have too much fun on them.
• Foot Rest: A footrest is also a consideration for most people.

No matter what type of bar stool you’re searching for, the options below are a good place to begin. Our shopping experts included options for every budget and decor style. Updating any kitchen or coffee bar space is simple thanks to these researched picks — all you have to do is click “add to cart.”

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m an award-winning freelance writer who has written about home, design and lifestyle topics for more than 15 years. My work has been featured in Artful Living, Midwest Home, Star Tribune and Teen Vogue, among many others. I’m currently living my own how-to story as my husband and I work through a complete gut remodel on our 1921 home — while parenting three young children.

Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Melanie Zaelich, owner, home stylist and interior designer at Happy Place Interiors.

Melanie Zaelich is an accomplished, award-winning interior designer, known for her down-to-earth approach and creativity. As the only interior designer with a consult-based, à la carte business model in the Twin Cities, Melanie is transforming the way people experience interior design. Her work has garnered regional and national design awards. Melanie is an associate member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), an active member of Women in Construction and a True Color Expert.

How We Found the Best Bar Stools

Finding the best bar stool is about more than just looks. That’s why our shopping experts combed the internet, locating stools that meet every expectation for our readers. We found highly-rated bar stools compatible with multiple budgets, bar heights and built styles. Using criteria we’d use for our own purchases, our shopping editors take into consideration the opinions of family and friends along with seasoned interior design experts.

FAQ

What is the best bar stool height?

To find the best bar stool height, Zaelich recommends breaking out the tape measure. “Measure the length of the island and consider how much space is behind you. Consider how deep the seat is and how much it would stick out from the overhang when someone is sitting in it. This would typically add another 18 inches or so,” she says.

In general, standard bar stool height breaks up into three different categories according to Zaelich:

• Counter-height stools range from 24 to 26 inches tall.
• Bar-height stools (or pub stools) are 28 to 32 inches tall.
• Extra-tall barstools are rare. Most people have counter or bar height. Extra tall bar height is around 34 to 40 inches tall.

What is the difference between bar stools and counter stools?

Apart from the height differences described above, counter stools and bar stools are pretty similar in construction. “However, each stool has different functionalities and features,” notes Zaelich. “For instance, a bar stool is more likely going to have a bar between legs for a footrest and a counter stool may not.”

What can I do with bar stools without a bar?

“There are many ways bar stools could be repurposed,” says Zaelich. “Bar stools with wooden legs could be cut down to create counter stools. Round, backless stools could be used for plant stands and those with wooden legs could be cut down to create small side tables, footrests or a cute stepping stool.”

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