Bar Stools to Update Your Look For 2025
This is a roundup of 22 Great Bar Stools to Update Your Look for 2025. Are you remodeling or just want to refresh your kitchen with new bar counter stools? Here is some information you should know:
- Usually, we search for counter height since that’s more prevalent right now with kitchen islands but many stools come in bar height.
- The proper height for your counter stool is 23″ to 26″ for counters that are 35″ to 37″ high and 30″ to 37″ for bars that are 41″ to 47″ tall.
- Allocate at least 24 inches of seating space for each person for optimal comfort and a little “elbow room.”
- Stools with a high or even a low to mid back-backrest can provide support and make sitting more comfortable. Stools without backs can provide a more streamlined look to your kitchen.
- Consider the weight of the stool as although heavy stools can be sturdier, they are sometimes harder to pull in and out.
- Choose your stools with the existing decor and/or island in mind.
- You can mix stools when they coordinate in color or style.
One of our solid wood barstools broke and they have been discontinued. So, here’s what we decided to mix with our existing ones, as well as a roundup of the best new bar stools with fresh modern looks.
We added these two textured stools with backrests.
Turns out, we really needed four stools as when our friends would come over for drinks and appetizers, there was one left standing! Not anymore.
Bar and Counter Stools To Update Your Look
Below are in all different price ranges. Notice that a lot of the new stools include texture like rattan or performance fabric or both! Brass, iron, wood and leather seats are also popular.
1. Backless and Low Back Counter-height Stools and Bar-height Stools
Backless stools are a great alternative if you don’t want stool backs blocking a view. Some of these can give a modern feel, coastal or traditional clean line look.
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10
We purchased #2 in white to give the outdoor kitchen a fresher feel. These have held up well.
2. Kitchen Stools With Backs For Optimal Comfort
A backrest and footrest is nice if you spend leisurely meals at the kitchen counter. Most of these upholstered stools have performance fabric or leather. Those with a metal frame can actually feel lighter to move. #3 below has a swivel.
3. The Proper Height For Your Stool
Those are 22 Great Bar Stools to Update Your Look!
You may also like Style Your Kitchen Like a Pro! Before and After Makeover and 24 Small Foot Stools To Update Your Look.
I thought that you purchased two of #11, per your second photo, Mary Ann, to go with two of your CB2 stools, no?
Stools are one of the most difficult things to get right, in my mind, so this round-up with fit advice is really useful. When we purchased four Lloyd Loom faux wicker stools from W-S in 2019 for our new home, I found them to be way too high for our island (that I’d spec’ed with shallow drawers to sweep island-top ‘stuff’ into) — most people’s thighs could not comfortably fit under! Fortunately, my very handy woodworker husband cut them down perfectly (but that isn’t an option for most).
I love the look and solidity of our wood-framed wicker stools, but they are really heavy. I think lighter, more maneuverable stools are more practical for an island, and I would also consider one where the seat pivots (harder to find that look nice), or is a bit slippery to allow easier access. I had custom cushions with tailored skirts made for my four, which looks great, but I pretty much vault myself onto my stool each time I sit… AND DH rejected his cushion, so my decor didn’t quite work out as planned ;-}
Yes, I mention that stools can be heavy and we had upholstered slipcovered chairs in Newport Beach that were harder to move (but you could settle in nicely once situated 🙂 My husband is not bit on cushions either.
Mine has a plumper derrière than me!
HAHA!
Mary-Anne
Sorry to hear about your barstools. I really like the style. I would purchase two new ones and put the new ones on the ends and keep the present two as they are set out. As to the height you could always try chair pads on the bottom of the legs it would give you some height.
I have been looking for bar stools for a year. We need to replace our iron and leather stools because they are cold on my back and cold on bare feet.
Does anyone have #3 Fenton Woven Leather Stool? They look sturdy.
I liked those too but ended up getting the Ceylon woven counter height barstools in the brown/natural by Threashold at Target. Ordered them and we put them together. They are very nice and sturdy and half the price! We remolded our kitchen and now have white cabinets and counters and they add a nice natural touch. Good luck with your search
If you really love them, stay with the three. If you’ve found replacements you would rather have, I would replace them and sell the three on Facebook Marketplace. Someone would snap them up!
Yes, Jamie…I will definitely sell them to offset the cost of new ones! But I have other priorities besides new stools, I think.
I agree with the “keep the 3, or get 4 new stools” response!
Ballard’s Corey counterstool has the same look as your current stools.
I like #1 of your backless stools, but I would paint for a pop of color rather than keep it a light unmatching wood in your kitchen.
I like #3, 8, 11 of your stools with backs.
Lots of good choices. Good luck, Mary Ann!
I’m leaning towards just having three now, Melissa.
Mary Ann I can’t believe the CB2 broke! They were cute. Are they going to refund you? Seems like they should.
I like all you chose.
Back when we remodeled the house in 2018 we got the Serena and Lily ones you are showing. I think they’re called Balboa and we have them in the gray. We have four of them with the white cushions.
Honestly, they look brand new, which is shocking that’s almost five years and a lot of abuse by my guys..who can be like apes with stuff. I know they are expensive initially, but are worth every penny. I haven’t even replaced the cushions. I just occasionally spot clean them. Even the rattan hasn’t even unwound, except maybe in one tiny spot which I fixed on one chair. My girlfriend wanted the same chairs and she found them at the Serena and Lily outlet so that’s an option too! Those would look great in your space and we all find them comfy.
Good luck! Your kitchen is so pretty.
CB2 just gave me a $100 credit…better than nothing I guess.
I would also consider trying to re-use the base of the broken stool and attaching a DIY upholstered seat. It would be inexpensive to attempt and I enjoy creative challenges. Since it is only the two of you I would consider three stools sufficient and just line them up in one row. If you have another couple over and are hosting, one of you is likely up cooking or serving drinks anyway. You have plenty of seating outside and in the dining room next door. And I did see your existing stools available online in a CB2 Popshop so you could likely still locate another with some patient searching. But obviously lots of options.
Wow you would expect more from CB2! You could always do without the fourth stool and then if another breaks order new ones. I already ordered the Serena & Lily (#12) counter stools for our new kitchen but they are still in a box in storage until renovation is complete in July. Had to snag them when they were on sale! 🙂I love the removable cushions in performance fabric that are washable and the brass piece for your feet.
Linda
I think I will just keep three until I decide to replace all of them…but that could be a while.
My suggestion is to either use only the three you have or purchase all new ones to match.
To try and coordinate 2 new ones to use with 2 existing stools, will look like you tried to match but were off. I don’t think you’ll ever be happy with that mismatched look, not to mention a slight difference in height. I would assume 90% of the time there’s just you and Howard using the stools. If you have company, you’re probably eating in another area.
If you’re set on having 4 stools around the island, I would purchase all new ones. From the looks of the broken stool, it looks like it cracked due to someone leaning back on the stool, which people seem to have a tendency to do. If you choose to purchase 4 new stools, I would look for something maybe utilizing metal frames rather than wood and hopefully they won’t crack if someone leans back on them.
I’d be curious as to how the stool cracked. It doesn’t look as if it was glued and cracked at that point, because the break is ragged. It will shed some light on what to look for in new stools. Maybe a stool with a little higher back to provide additional comfort but still keeping the line of vision open?
Please keep us posted with your decision.
The stool just got tipped over and cracked after it hit the floor. We don’t really sit there for any long lengths of time.
I wanted some black and white rattan bistro stools (counter height) but couldn’t find them anywhere. You would think such a French thing would be sold in France. But no. I could find regular chairs and bar-height stools but not counter height.
I ended up with the counter-height version of the Kartell Philippe Starck Masters chair–very Art Nouveau, and they work great with my eclectic mix.
Interesting. I wonder where Serena and Lily gets theirs made?
I painted over ugly, contemporary, and totally out-of-keeping-with-the-style of the space, tile in the principal bath of our new-to-us home. So far it has stood up well and makes the time I spend there much happier. Not sure this would work for your kitchen tile but check with your paint expert on what primer and type of paint would work best.
That is an interesting idea.
You have been so busy. Can’t believe you have gotten that much accomplished in your new home, even with all your traveling. It is looking lovely. You have such great style. Know you will love your new life style. Now if your daughter, s I l and expected baby could move there!!
Thanks, Carmie. We just booked a place to stay in LA for a couple of weeks when the baby is born.
We have a huge island – 10 ft. long. We have four of Ballard Designs Dayna counter height stools. Our tile backsplash is the herringbone design, so the back of the stool mimics that design. The stools are very comfortable and the seat area is ample. I like that the stool has a back to it, much more comfortable for sitting, but the open design does not block the view.
I know that stool, Carole. Lovely!
I also have a huge island and have counter height stools with a back. I love them and am so glad they have a back…..very comfortable. They are also cushioned on the seat and curved wood with wicker on the back. Good luck finding some you love! I think that if you plan to use your old stools that number 3 with the back and leather would be a nice choice!
I do like rather light stools, Sue, so they are easier to pull out and put back.
Great choices, Mary Ann!!!
xo
Luciane from @HomeBunch
Thanks, Luciane!
I’m impressed with your son. What an excellent idea. I must say the downtown streets of San Francisco are disgustingly dirty. I’m amazed that the city does not do something about cleaning the streets. Amazing that the people who live there don’t demand the streets be cleaned every day. I remember being in New York City where a cleaning truck went by every night down Madison Avenue spraying the streets with water.
Atta’ boy & girl to you and your husband for raising such a considerate son. I haven’t been to SF in the last four years, but I do remember each visit we made seemed there seemed to be more and more people living on the streets. It’s a complex problem, hard to solve, even in our little midwestern university town. Gift cards are way better than cash…
As for stools I now have a collection of three!! Trying to find a counter that works for shorter me and 6’5″ husband egads! Have you tried the Cherner? Is is comfortable for shorter people?
We had a brief rain shower this morning here in Nor Cal. A refreshing glimpse of Autumn!
Inspiring to hear how your son buys gift cards for the homeless…we need more people like him in these times. Xo
I always love a great round-up of stools! I see some of my favs and some new ones. Thanks for doing the research!
Anytime, Cindy!
Mary Ann,
This was a fun post. What a thoughtful son you’ve raised.
We no longer have a bar with our new (to us) house. I miss it! There are some great barstools here.
Hot and humid in So Cal right now, ugh. If that doesn’t make me wish for cool weather, then nothing will! 🙂
xo
Karen
Thanks, Karen.