30 Best Stools For Kitchen Island To Complete Your Space

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This blog post is all about choosing the best stools for kitchen island!

The right set of bar stools is a must-have when it comes to styling your kitchen island and completing the design of your kitchen. Together with pendant lights and kitchen island centerpieces, your seating of choice can help you better express your personal style and tie together your decor.

On top of being great design pieces, counter height stools can also be incredibly functional. Having an eating area that does not require a full-size dining table is a great space-saving solution if you live in an apartment or are working with a small kitchen.

This is why, in this post, I wanted create the ultimate guide to choosing the best stools for your kitchen island. We’ll look at 30 different options and cover useful tips to help you select the best pieces depending on your interior style of preference. Get ready to take your kitchen design to the next level!

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Modern

If you want a modern look, the best bar stools will have neutral colors, sleek lines, and simple but luxurious finishes. A modern counter is all about elevating simplicity and embracing a more minimalist and contemporary approach to your kitchen furniture.

• Velvet Seats: velvet is a fantastic material for contemporary bar stools. It looks high-end without being too expensive, can be easy to maintain, and adds some texture and dimension even to the most neutral of colors. Velvet also pairs well with several frames: from black metal to more glamorous golden or silver options. Its smooth finish leans into a more minimalist design but, being a textile, it creates a warmer look.

• Matte Black Hardware: this is a very popular choice for modern frames. Black matte is elegant, easy to pair with all colors, and can help tie your stools into your black kitchen by matching existing metal accents and hardware like cabinet knobs, pulls, or your faucet. One thing to keep in mind is that it shows dust and dirt easily, meaning you’ll need to stick to a diligent cleaning routine.

• Simple and Clean lines: modern kitchens often have an open concept or lean into an architectural design that embraces clean lines and simple but sophisticated features. In the same way, your modern kitchen stools should have organic shapes and steer away from complex detailing or bold patterns. Let the structure and the material speak for themselves!

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Timeless

As all interior designers will tell you, creating a timeless space is all about achieving a classic, high-end look that you’ll be able to enjoy for long periods of time, regardless of changing trends. Opting for timeless bar stools is also a good idea if you tend to get tired easily of bold decor.

In this style, you’ll find beautiful counter stools at all price points. The key features will be natural materials – think wood, linen, wicker, etc. – traditional designs, and elevated details. Timeless pieces don’t need to be boring!

• High-quality Materials: the whole point of timeless decor is that it’s meant to be a long-term investment that can stand the test of time. To make sure your bar stools look great for many years to come, prioritize selecting pieces in high-quality materials. Think of solid wood frame, upholstered natural fabrics like linen or cotton, and hand-woven patterns.

• Classic Colors & Patterns: choosing the latest color of the season or a bold, unusual pattern is the quickest path to buyer regret if you want timeless pieces. Look instead into beautiful neutrals or traditional colors like navy, taupe, beige, and browns. As far as prints are concerned, opt for understated floral patterns or traditional stripes. These pieces can still make a statement without following fleeting trends!

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Farmhouse

Farmhouse kitchens combine the right amount of comfort, rustic charm, and functionality. The perfect counter stool should also embrace these characteristics, helping you make your space feel more cozy while remaining simple and practical. Fundamental keywords for this style are natural materials and understated design.

• Wooden Stool Frames: natural elements are a staple of farmhouse design, where traditional and rustic materials take center stage thanks to their simple beauty. A wooden frame for your island stools is a simple solution to integrate added texture and warmth into your farmhouse kitchen. If you want to go the extra mile, opt for distressed wood to achieve a more rustic look.

• Iron or Black Frames: if your farmhouse kitchen includes black iron or metal hardware, consider choosing a black frame for your bar stools to create a cohesive look. In this case, a black spindle back chair is a safe bet you can’t go wrong with. Introducing black stools into your space can also help add some contrast to your design and break up the more neutral color palette that is typical of farmhouse interiors.

• Sturdy Textiles & Upholstery: when it comes to farmhouse pieces, it’s important to prioritize comfort. Especially if you are considering upholstered stools or a set of seat cushions, look for sturdy natural fibers like linen and cotton. Tufted upholstery is also a great way to showcase these fabrics and give your kitchen a more traditional twist.

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Industrial

• Backless Bar Stools: industrial kitchen designs are all about stripping down architectural features and decor for a more utilitarian approach where repurposed materials, metal accents, and large open spaces become the focus of the design. A backless or low-back stool fits perfectly within this aesthetic as it leans into more essential design. I also like these pieces for a small industrial kitchen because they hold less visual weight and can be stored easily underneath the counter.

• Metal Frames: metal stools don’t only belong in a basement bar area. While they may be a more casual solution, they are the perfect addition to an industrial kitchen. A metal base, especially in a “rusty” color, will also be a great match to any exposed brick you may have.

• Cognac and Distressed Leather Seats: industrial kitchens often include leather accents in warm, darker colors as they can counterbalance the colder tones and feels of metal accents, black hardware, and lack of traditionally cozy features like cozy textiles. Consider a set of cognac leather stools to make your industrial design feel more welcoming.

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Boho

Boho interior design focuses on a free-spirited aesthetic where different cultures, artistic expressions, and materials are combined to embrace organic elements and natural references. If you are working with a warm kitchen and love a unique space where you can take bold risks, boho kitchen island stools are what you need to complete your design.

• Opt for Wicker/Rattan: these materials are very popular choices for boho kitchens. They are a best seller for this style because they introduce an organic element into the space. If you plan on using them as a replacement for your dining chairs, consider adding a soft cushion to increase comfort.

• Woven Designs: whether it’s wicker or leather, woven patterns are a must-have for the perfect boho kitchen. Just like boho rugs & decor embrace woven designs, look into bar stools that can incorporate this element. Bonus points if you can find hand-woven pieces from a local artisan for an extra touch of authenticity.

• Unexpected Pop of Color: colorful accents are the perfect fit for a boho kitchen. Consider your kitchen island stools as a great occasion to introduce different colors into your design. By extending the color scheme of your kitchen, you’ll get a more vibrant and joyful look. If you like a vintage touch, look into mid-century modern furniture as they often combine beautiful materials with gorgeous colors like forest green and mustard yellow.

Best Stools For Kitchen Island – Eclectic/Stylish

The perfect eclectic kitchen will combine different styles, colors, and a mix of materials and textures in its decor. As you consider purchasing new stools, keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to make a bold statement. This is the occasion to step out of your comfort zone and let your kitchen come together in a unique way!

• Acrylic Stools: this is a great choice if you are looking for visually light pieces that can also double as outdoor decor in the summer. Acrylic is a neutral material that matches any color palette and is extremely resistant to wear and tear. Acrylic stools are such a fun addition to an eclectic kitchen!

• Mid-century Modern Style: mid-century modern products are great candidates if you want to introduce a vintage feel into your eclectic kitchen. Look especially into pieces in brighter colors and iconic designs to add an unexpected element of visual interest into your space.

• Creative Shapes & Finishes: your kitchen stools can become a great focal point for your kitchen if you opt for statement pieces. Whether it’s through a bold patchwork pattern, a fun print, or an unusual shape, your seating space can become a foundational element of your kitchen decor.

FAQs To Help You Choose The Perfect Piece

1. How to choose the right seat height?

To choose the right height for your stools, it’s a good rule of thumb to pick seats that leave 9–13 inches of legroom from your countertop. For a standard counter height (36 inches high), you can opt for a 24–26 inch counter height bar stool, and for taller bar height counters (42 inches), choose instead 28–30 inch stools. It’s important to make sure there is also enough room between stools (24–30 inches per stool) to guarantee comfortable seating and stability based off your island size.

If you can’t settle on a specific height that you think will work with your space, you can always look into adjustable stools for more versatility!

2. What materials are easier to clean? 

While designer bar stools look amazing, sometimes, in rooms like the kitchen, it’s a good idea to keep into account the impact of real life on furniture. Especially if you have small children, it can be a good idea to choose stools that are easy to clean and maintain. The golden rule is to avoid pieces with intricate designs and delicate, porous materials that can absorb dirt and stains.

Great alternatives are leather (or faux leather), metal, wood with a sealed finish, and performance fabrics that are stain-resistant.

To Conclude

This post was all about the best stools for kitchen island!

We have seen how the perfect bar stool can elevate your space and turn your kitchen counter into a functional and casual dining area. Depending on your preferences, you can use kitchen island stools to tie together your decor and further lean into your style of choice. If you’re feeling a bit bolder, you could also use them as a fun statement piece that stands out.

If you are still struggling to find the best stools for your design, spend some more time exploring the offerings of top brands like West Elm and Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, etc. Keep nearby the list of essential features we have discussed for each style and you’ll be able to find the ideal pieces in no time!