60 Great Bar Stool Ideas – How To Pick The Perfect Design

Having a bar or an island in the kitchen is pretty much a must. It’s a very functional thing to have, plus it gives you the opportunity to incorporate bar stools in your design and they’re one of those elements that elevate the style in a room. There are numerous types of bar stools you can choose from and the decision has to be based on the overall style of the décor. So let’s see how different types of bar stools integrate in different kitchen decors.

Industrial stools.

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The structure of the metal base gives the stools a tall and sleek look

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The sleek metal base contrasts a little with the bulky wooden seat
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I like how the base incorporates curved line to match the circular seat
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The design of the bar stools matches the overall traditional décor in the kitchen
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A symmetrical design where the base matches the seat
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A more modern approach that beautifully incorporates industrial features
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The simple, straight-forward design of the stools complements well the simplistic décor
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The slightly curved legs of the bar stools contrast with all the straight lines
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If you can’t decide between two furniture you designs you like, just use them both
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Sleek and simple, the bar stools add a touch of industrial beauty to the rustic design

The industrial style goes very well with the whole kitchen concept because it’s based on materials such as stainless steel, iron, rough wood, etc. and these materials are often incorporated in the kitchen décor no matter what, especially because of all the appliances. So industrial-style bar stools often feature simple designs with metallic structures and wooden seats, sometimes being all-metal.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Leather stools.

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The color of the leather on the bar stools complements the color palette perfectly
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The combination of materials as well as the design allow the stools to fit well in this rustic kitchen
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The leather stools add a touch of warm color to this white kitchen décor
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A different option can be to choose a leather color that matches the décor
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The straight lines and overall simplicity of their design place the bar stools in between traditional and modern
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Leather comes in a variety of colors and bar stools are a nice opportunity to introduce a fun shade
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The texture and color of the leather on the stools and the leg design match the décor perfectly
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Considering the nature of the space, the dark shades on the bar stools seem like a wonderful choice
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The dark bar stools contrast with the white décor without disrupting the harmony
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The accent color chosen for the space was incorporated in the furniture as well
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The design and the material choice for the bar stools are perfect for a wine cellar

Leather furniture is usually something you incorporate in a traditional interior décor, unless the design is unusual and innovative, in which case it can easily fit in a more modern space. In the case of leather bar stools, the designs are not as versatile as for other material combinations. They tend to look more robust and they usually fit well in spaces that have an overall traditional and elegant design.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Mid-century designs.

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These particular bar stools have a rather classical design and they can easily be included in a modern space
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Although they look very delicate, the stools are also very strong and durable
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Another play on a classical design, alto featuring a bold color to complement the modern kitchen
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The sleek and delicate bar stools integrate well in this modern and graphical décor
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A little bit more robust but still chic, these bar stools go well with darker color shades
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Although not that unusual in shape, the bar stools are eye-catching in a simple way
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The orange seats continue a more complex combo of shades used throughout the space
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Both the choice of materials and the design of the bar stools match the rest of the wood features

After going through two styles dominated by rough designs and rather bland colors we now redirect our attention towards the mid-century modern designs which incorporate a little bit more colors, bold shades as well as more delicate and subtle looks. They maintain a timeless design and have a classical allure but they also tend to be more graphical and modern. When talking about bar stools, this translates as sleek and simplistic creations often featuring dynamic colors in order to become a focal point in the overall décor.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  and 6.

Suspended bar stools.

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A traditional kitchen with suspended bar stools featuring leather seats
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Suspended bar stools fit well in contemporary decors, particuarly because of their simplicity
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One of the best things about suspended bar stools is the fact they allow you to save space
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An interesting interpretation of a traditional chair design transformed into suspended furniture
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A traditional kitchen with simple and practical bar stools suspended from the island

We’re now going to step away from all the different styles and talk a little about suspended bar stools. They don’t exactly fit in a particular style because they can have all sorts of designs and yet their defining feature will be the fact that they’re suspended. It’s a characteristic that can be applied to modern and contemporary furniture but also to traditional and even rustic or industrial pieces. One of the defining characteristics of these pieces is the fact they they are space-saving and very functional.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4&5.

Modern bar stools.

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A very nice combination of materials and textures that results in great comfort
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The circular shape of the stools along with the combination of materials and textures make them stand out
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Bar stools featuring the same design but different colors meant to break the monotony
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Although these stools blend in because of the color, they also stand out with their sleek design
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A graphical bar stool design which goes well with the clean, geometric décor
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A very sleek and chic choice of bar stools that beautifully complement the kitchen
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In this case, the stools perfectly match the rest of the furniture
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The transparent seats of the bar stools match the dining chairs
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The black and white or dark and light combo is timeless and always elegant
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Bold kitchen stools
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Even though they may give away this detail, the bar stools are actually pretty comfortable
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This type of base along with the shape of seat are both classical and modern
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It’s often more intriguing to see something extremely simple than something overly complex
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The stainless steel bar stools add a touch of modernity to the eclectic décor

Modern furniture can be characterized in many different ways. Most often, it’s the simplicity or minimalism that makes it stand out. But modern designs can also be reinterpretations of the classics with a twist. This selection of bar stools incorporates a variety of modern influences and details. Although they have a modern look, they can also easily be incorporated in various other types of decors. For example, you can create an interesting contrast of styles by using them in a traditional kitchen.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Fabric seats.

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It’s easy to create contrasts with the help of fabric-upholstered chairs
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The color of the bar stool seats and the texture make them look very comfortable
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The kitchen island stools feature a neutral color but they stand out with the pattern
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In this case there are two interesting things about the stools: the shape and the print
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The colors of the bar stool seats match the blinds on the window
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Color combinations are fun to work with, especially when they create strong contrasts
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The bold floral print on the bar stools gives them a traditional look

Fabric, as opposed to leather, tends to be a little bit more versatile. It comes in many different textures, not to mention the array of colors and patterns. Also, fabric is easier to work with. Fabric-upholstered furniture, in this case bar stools, make a space feel more casual and thus more comfortable and inviting. But their rusticity can be toned down by incorporating various accessories into their design or by pairing them with certain types of furniture or certain colors and materials.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Wicker bar stools.

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A tropical kitchen décor featuring wicker bar stools with blue accents
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The wicker kitchen island stools make a nice addition to this traditional décor
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The bar stools definitely add a rustic touch to the overall modern kitchen
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Even though they are a little bit rustic, the wicker stools match some of the décor elements
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The satin bow gives the casual wicker stools a more refined look

Wicker is usually used to manufacture outdoor furniture. However, it can be just as beautiful and charming when used indoors. We have prepared a selection of wicker bar and kitchen island stools which bring a very nice rustic but also tropical feel into the room.