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.

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

The sleek metal base contrasts a little with the bulky wooden seat

I like how the base incorporates curved line to match the circular seat

The design of the bar stools matches the overall traditional décor in the kitchen

A symmetrical design where the base matches the seat

A more modern approach that beautifully incorporates industrial features

The simple, straight-forward design of the stools complements well the simplistic décor

The slightly curved legs of the bar stools contrast with all the straight lines

If you can’t decide between two furniture you designs you like, just use them both

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.

The color of the leather on the bar stools complements the color palette perfectly

The combination of materials as well as the design allow the stools to fit well in this rustic kitchen

The leather stools add a touch of warm color to this white kitchen décor

A different option can be to choose a leather color that matches the décor

The straight lines and overall simplicity of their design place the bar stools in between traditional and modern

Leather comes in a variety of colors and bar stools are a nice opportunity to introduce a fun shade

The texture and color of the leather on the stools and the leg design match the décor perfectly

Considering the nature of the space, the dark shades on the bar stools seem like a wonderful choice

The dark bar stools contrast with the white décor without disrupting the harmony

The accent color chosen for the space was incorporated in the furniture as well

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.

These particular bar stools have a rather classical design and they can easily be included in a modern space

Although they look very delicate, the stools are also very strong and durable

Another play on a classical design, alto featuring a bold color to complement the modern kitchen

The sleek and delicate bar stools integrate well in this modern and graphical décor

A little bit more robust but still chic, these bar stools go well with darker color shades

Although not that unusual in shape, the bar stools are eye-catching in a simple way

The orange seats continue a more complex combo of shades used throughout the space

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.

One of the best things about suspended bar stools is the fact they allow you to save space

An interesting interpretation of a traditional chair design transformed into suspended furniture

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.

A very nice combination of materials and textures that results in great comfort

The circular shape of the stools along with the combination of materials and textures make them stand out

Bar stools featuring the same design but different colors meant to break the monotony

Although these stools blend in because of the color, they also stand out with their sleek design

A graphical bar stool design which goes well with the clean, geometric décor

A very sleek and chic choice of bar stools that beautifully complement the kitchen

In this case, the stools perfectly match the rest of the furniture

The transparent seats of the bar stools match the dining chairs

The black and white or dark and light combo is timeless and always elegant

Even though they may give away this detail, the bar stools are actually pretty comfortable

This type of base along with the shape of seat are both classical and modern

It’s often more intriguing to see something extremely simple than something overly complex

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.

It’s easy to create contrasts with the help of fabric-upholstered chairs

The color of the bar stool seats and the texture make them look very comfortable

The kitchen island stools feature a neutral color but they stand out with the pattern

In this case there are two interesting things about the stools: the shape and the print

The colors of the bar stool seats match the blinds on the window

Color combinations are fun to work with, especially when they create strong contrasts

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.

The wicker kitchen island stools make a nice addition to this traditional décor

The bar stools definitely add a rustic touch to the overall modern kitchen

Even though they are a little bit rustic, the wicker stools match some of the décor elements

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.