The Best Bar Stools
Your kitchen island or at-home bar can't be truly complete without a top-notch set of bar stools for seating. More compact and less formal than full-sized dining room chairs, bar stools provide casual and comfortable seating without taking up too much space. Check out our list of the best bar stools on the market to help you find the right set for your home.
What To Look For
Due to their compact size, bar stools can be easy for some folks to overlook when decorating their homes. However, a bar stool set can work wonders for the overall decorative atmosphere of your home. When searching for bar stools, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Most importantly, you’ll want to find stools that are comfortable enough to sit on for extendperiodsime. A stool that looks gorgeous but isn’t comfortable will eventually become an unused antique collecting dust at the counter. At the end of the day, it’s essential to find bar stools that complement your home aesthetically, feel comfortable, and are the right height for your kitchen table or island. We feel the bar stools that best exemplify these attributes are the pair from Amazon Basics. These stools have a no-nonsense design, set with a sturdy wooden A-frame and comfortable contoured saddles. On the flip side, if you’re looking for something with a little more pizazz, it would be hard to go wrong with Lokkhan’s swivel stools. These gorgeous bar stools have a sleek wooden seat, stylish metal frame, and adjustable height capabilities. Read on to find out more about the rest of our top picks.
Amazon Basics Saddle Seat Bar Stools
Simple seating
The best thing about this set of bar stools from Amazon Basics is its simplicity. These stools combine a no-nonsense design aesthetic with comfortable contoured saddle seats and sturdy A-frame legs. What’s more, Amazon Basics offers these stools in a couple of different size options. We also appreciate the exceptionally high weight limit of 300 pounds.
Pros:
- Complements a variety of decor styles
- Simple assembly
- Available in various wood finishes
Cons:
- The lack of padding on the saddle seats might be uncomfortable for some folks
Angel Line Cambridge Padded Bar Stools
Take a seat
It’s easy to get cramps after sitting on unpadded stools for too long. Thankfully, Angel Line’s Cambridge stools feature padded saddle seats that allow you to stay seated for longer without discomfort. The nail head trim along the base of the plush padding looks great and ensures the cushion stays in place. Not to mention, Angel Line offers this double set of bar stools at a very reasonable price point.
Pros:
- The wood finish is durable and tends not to chip
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy construction
Cons:
- You might have to re-tighten some of the bolts on the frame periodically
Kemon Square Swivel Bar Stools
Stylish and supportive
One of the biggest downsides of most bar stools is that they fail to provide any back support. Luckily, Kemon’s swivel stools feature sturdy backrests that offer the lower back support you need to stay comfortable for longer periods. Best of all, these bar stools have convenient metal footrests near the base, allowing you to comfortably prop your feet up while seated. We also love the stylish and soft faux leather material on the padded backrests.
Pros:
- Swivels 360 degrees
- Eye-catching and exceptionally sturdy base
- Offers excellent lumbar support
Cons:
- The stools are a bit smaller than they might appear
Winsome Mona Bar Stool
Seats on the cheap
This classy stool from Winsome exudes charm and style at every turn. The convincing faux-leather-covered padding and stylishly understated A-frame legs bring an appealing retro aesthetic that won us over immediately. The simple design and durable wood make Winsome’s stool exceptionally sturdy and comfortable. Not to mention, Winsome also offers this bar stool as a non-padded option as well.
Pros:
- Elegant walnut finish
- Water and wind-resistant
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons:
- The instruction manual could be a bit clearer
Lokkhan Retro Swivel Bar Stool
Old-school cool
If you’ve been looking for the ideal bar stool set to bring an unmistakable retro charm to your home, Lokkhan’s swivel bar stools might be the pick for you. These gorgeous bar stools have a unique and sturdy leg design with a convenient lever that allows you to adjust the stool’s height. Thanks to its elegant wood finish, the solid pine wood seat easily stands out from the pack. We also love that Lokkhan’s stools require no assembly out of the box.
Pros:
- Impressive weight limit of 330 pounds
- Easy to adjust the stool’s height
- The footrest encircles the stool’s entire frame
Cons:
- These stools are a bit pricier than some of their competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to put bar stools?
There are a few common spots where people place bar stools in their homes. If you have an at-home bar, bar stools would complement it nicely. Also, you can place a set of bar stools around your kitchen island for casual seating.
Can I use bar stools as an alternative to traditional dining room seats?
Yes, but if you’re going to do that, there are a few things you should keep in mind. If you plan to enjoy long meals around the dining room table in these bar stools, it would be smart to choose a set with backrests to ensure your continued comfort. Also, to ensure that all of your guests can eat comfortably, adjustable height settings are advantageous.
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