The 11 Best Bar Stools of 2024
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.
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It’s a high-quality, lightweight bar stool with many customizable options.
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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
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It’s an inexpensive, no frills bar stool.
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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
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