Best Bar & Counter Stools for Kitchen Islands : Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Welcome back, kitchen adventurers! As our kitchens beautifully evolve into the central hubs of our homes – effortlessly flowing into great rooms and dining spaces – the seating you choose becomes more critical than ever. No longer just a spot for a quick bite, your kitchen island is now a versatile gathering place, a breakfast bar, and often, the heart of family life. This means your stools aren't just for sitting; they need to be durable, impeccably stylish, easy to clean, and, most importantly, supremely comfortable for those long conversations and lingering meals.

**Each product featured has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.

In our ongoing series, "How To Start and Select For Your Kitchen Renovation" – your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to achieving the best results – we're building on our previous insights (remember that crucial "First Meeting with Your Kitchen Designer" checklist?). Today, we're diving deep into the world of kitchen counter stools. Get ready to discover the perfect seating solutions that not only elevate your kitchen's aesthetic but also invite everyone to pull up a seat and stay awhile!

Whether you're battling the breakfast rush or hosting a lively gathering, the right barstools or counter stools are essential for your breakfast bar or full island seating. We've curated a collection of the very best options, all available online, ready to infuse your kitchen with that perfect pop of color and luxurious texture.

Image via Bria Hammel Interior Design- Modern Oak Chairs by Mr Brown $2600 ea.

Mainly it is the breakfast bar that has taken over kitchen design. Swivel Barstools or Counter Stools are needed for the breakfast bar and work well at high-top tables now common for full island seating.

Find the best barstools for your needs, and all are available online! Add color and texture to your kitchen with some of these options.

Before You Buy: Bar Height vs. Counter Height vs. Table Height Seating – Don't Make This Mistake!

First things first, let's clear up a common pitfall! It's super important to understand the difference between BAR HEIGHT, COUNTER HEIGHT, and TABLE HEIGHT chairs. Trust me, you do not want to fall in love with a set of chairs only to discover they're the wrong height for your space and face the hassle of returns!

Here’s the breakdown to ensure you get it right every time:

Table Height: Standard dining tables are typically 28-30 inches high, requiring chairs with seat heights of around 17-19 inches.
Counter Height: Kitchen islands and counter-height tables usually stand at 34-36 inches. For these, you'll need counter stools with seat heights between 24-26 inches.
Bar Height: True bar height surfaces are taller, typically 40-42 inches high, and call for bar stools with seat heights of 28-30 inches.

Measure twice, purchase once!

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DESIGN TIP: MAKE SURE YOU CHECK THE SEAT HEIGHT AND YOUR COUNTER HEIGHT at home, and on the product description BEFORE ORDERING.

Bayou Breeze 27” bar stool on Wayfair — Bayou Breeze 27” counter chair on Wayfair

How Many Stools Can I Fit at My Island?

This is another frequently asked question in my consultations! Ideally, you want to ensure everyone has ample elbow room and breathing space around your island or breakfast bar. A good rule of thumb I use is to allow a minimum of 24 linear inches per person at your counter.

So, how long should a kitchen island be to comfortably seat 4?

Generally, a 10-foot (120-inch) island is the standard length to seat four people comfortably in a row. For added functionality, a standard depth for an island with a sink is typically 42 inches.

What about seating for 5?

A 12-foot (144-inch) long island would be needed to seat five people in a single row (5 seats x 24 inches = 120 inches, plus an additional 12 inches on each end for counter supports or legs). That's quite a substantial island!

Design Tip: For islands designed to seat four or more, I often recommend designing the seating to wrap around a corner. This clever layout encourages much better conversation among guests! While you still allow 24 linear inches per seat, allocate at least 30 inches per person at the corners to ensure optimal comfort and flow.

Now, let's dive into some of my top picks for bar and counter stools that are ready to elevate your kitchen!

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What type of seats would fit your kitchen style? Now that you have determined the design of your kitchen island, you can then begin selecting a chair that has the warmth and style you would like to portray.

What color should my counter stools be?

Make sure the stools contrast your counters.

One rule is to have the floors under the stool contrast with the stool. A wood or metal stool should not be the same shade or color as the floor. If the color of the stool is the same color as the floor, it could look too blended and not contrasting.

My Top Picks for 2023: More Kitchen Island Seating for a Classic Kitchen

Elegant and Durable: Whitewashed rattan, white leather seating pad, and brass footrest for durability.Want to see more about kitchen design and accessories? — Elegant and Durable: Whitewashed rattan, white leather seating pad, and brass footrest for durability.

Want to see more about kitchen design and accessories?

Visit my SHOP for some of my Favorite Picks for The Kitchen.
For more options on KITCHEN ISLAND CHAIRS, see our post “ 15 Inexpensive Counter Height Chairs That Don’t Look Cheap” .
To Learn More About How to Budget for a Kitchen Remodel, See this guide to remodeling a kitchen on a budget that shares the average costs of each aspect of a DIY kitchen remodel – from floors to cabinets – and tips for saving on each one.
If you have time to go the DIY route, that will be a lot more affordable. You can do a high-end kitchen or bath renovation on a limited budget if you have the time to put into shopping for every item yourself and doing some of the labor yourself. See my post “ Kitchen Refresh: 5 Ways To Update Your Kitchen On A Budget”

This is what happens when you invite an angry Panda into your kitchen.

via GIPHY

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UPDATES from the Studio

I wanted to share a few updates for the Fall Market and important Events that we will be attending.

Here are some places you can find us over the next few months.

This Month: 2 Boutique Instagram Events :

SEPTEMBER 17 in Milford, CT and SEPTEMBER 24 in Westport, CT

Meanwhile, did you know that I recently published our "Instagram Strategy Guide for Interior Designers"? It's at a new launch rate of $37.00 for the full guide. Take advantage of the low introductory pricing while it lasts. I compiled a list of strategies and answered questions that are being asked at our live events. I think you find this guide helpful in gaining some insight and traction on this growing platform.

If you are in Fairfield County, please consider attending one of our Instagram Events.

September 17th: Interior Design Society -Connecticut, Milford CT (learn more here)

September 24th: Boshka Interior Design; Westport, CT. New Tile shop and Design Center (learn more here)

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HIGH POINT MARKET: Hot off the Press! We’ve been selected as an HPMKT BLOGTOUR INFLUENCER!

dvd Interior Design has been selected as a High Point Market Promoter, Blogger, and reporter, to share with you the latest trends and newest products for home decor as seen at High Point Market in North Carolina this Fall. HPMKT is a semi-annual market week, for (TTT) ”to the trade” only.

For designers, attending the market is our opportunity to develop our secret sauce of services and seek out the best products for our clients. I will be sharing with you an insider’s look into what everyone is excited about, and showcasing what new products and colors are shaping the home environment in the coming years. Stay tuned, I have lots to share.

If you're not following me on Instagram, you're missing out big on a lot of design tips and resources, including live event coverage. - follow me here!

UPDATE: click here to see what we saw at High Point Market and all the decor trends you will love!

Anticipation is in the air, as I am super excited to announce that I will be a COMMUNITY LEADER for the BLISSDOM CONFERENCE in Nashville, TN this November.
Blissdom is all about the power of community, wisdom, and that rising tides lift all boats. This is an amazing community of women that work to improve our lives and businesses because we know that true success depends on both. Leave me a comment below if you are also attending, and we can plan to meet up there!

To learn more about conferences and events that are happening and I am attending, see my post Here: My List of Conferences and Events for Designers and Design Bloggers.