These bar stools for kitchen islands will instantly upgrade your space.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
1 / 19
Via Homedepot.com
Shopping for the right bar stools for kitchen island use can be trickier than it seems. Choosing the right height, materials, special features and back style can make all the difference. Your perfect bar stools may be different whether you’re pairing them with a kitchen island cart or a fixed stone countertop, too.
How to Shop for Bar Stools
“Kitchen bar stools not only look good but are functional items that are essential for your home,” explains Anna Franklin, founder of Milwaukee-based interior design firm Stone House Collective. “Kitchen island bar stools come in a variety of styles and sizes, are very durable and can even be great for kids for a quick breakfast before school or dinner time. The wide availability of bar stools for kitchen islands makes them adaptable and flexible for any home, and finding a set that matches your aesthetic is simple.”
Franklin suggests focusing on a few main features to pick the best stools to spruce up small kitchens, average-size eating spaces and even the most expansive showpiece-style eat-ins. She says it’s important to figure out the right height for your kitchen island or countertops. Then, find sturdy materials and high-quality construction to hold up to the most-used room in the house. “I recommend finding bar stools with durable, performance-grade fabrics. This makes them easier to clean, which is important in a high-traffic spot such as a kitchen or eating area.”
You’ll also want to think about who will be using your kitchen bar stools the most to decipher the importance of things like weight capacity and stain resistance.
The Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Islands
There are so many types of bar stools to choose from, and something for every budget and style. Here are a few designer-approved picks.
2 / 19
Via Amazon.com
Swivel Bar Stools
These Lokkhan vintage industrial bar stools for kitchen islands are just the right blend of practical affordability and trendy aesthetic appeal. This set of two comes in under $150, features cast steel and an adjustable height of 20 to 27 inches that offers all the swiveling fun you might ever want (or need). That means they’re ideal for moving around your counters, lowering them for extra seating at the dinner table and maxing out their height for taller tabletops. Reviewers suggest that the modest seat size makes this pick ideal for kids, smaller adults and tight spaces. They can hold up to 250 pounds despite their smaller footprint, though.
“We bought four of these for our nine-foot island,” writes verified Amazon purchaser, Cindy. “We are thrilled with our purchase. The wood on our island cabinets is a medium walnut finish and our floors are a grayed wood laminate. The seat color is a nice dark brown with gray streaks through it. The color blends perfectly with both woods.”