Banish Basic And Choose Bar Stools With Style

Bar stools don’t have to be basic. There are many stylish ways to provide seating for your friends and family at a bar or counter in your home. Whether you choose one with a back or without, you can find lots of options for modern bar stools, rustic bar stools, and everything in between.

At the modern end of the spectrum, a stool like this one from Worlds Away is a very stylish choice. The round brass stool has a white faux leather polyurethane upholstered seat, which makes it very easy to clean.

Gold touch stool from Worlds Away

Stylish with a touch of steampunk, this counter-height stool from Nick Alain is more like a piece of industrial art. The unique base has squared off legs, topped off with a set of five shaped spindles that hold up the beveled metal seat.

Nick Alain Metallic Bar Stool

This luxuriously upholstered metal bar stool, also By Nick Alain, has a crystal accent under the seat. The uniquely shaped legs, pinched together half-way down, end in finial style feet topped by a gear-shaped trim.

Nick alain padded barstool

Light colored wood and matte metal legs make these bar stools neutral and versatile for many decorating styles. From Classic Home, they have a sturdy, contemporary profile.

Classic home Bar Stools

The same shape of base with an upcycled metal seat makes for a rustic bar stool that would still be an appropriate addition to a modern space. The colored seats are perfect for mixing and matching.

Colored Bar stools Seat

Round bar stools can take on a retro feel when they are outfitted with an old-fashioned seat, foot rail and pedestal base. These were found at Finch, in Hudson, New York.  The vintage look would fit well at a traditional style bar or at a rustic — or modern — kitchen counter.

Finch retro bar stools

For a more unusual twist, trumpet-shaped wooden bar stools (and matching bistro-height table) are an option. The shape is enhanced by the footrail that is only on one side which helps keep the profile slim. They’re great for a casual kitchen or bar area.

Global views bar stools

Pacific Green uses elements from traditional craft designs of the Pacific Islands and sustainable materials from the region to create its pieces. This leather-covered rustic bar stool has a drum-shaped bottom with metal legs, accented with hairpin supports.

Pacific Green bar stool design

Another rustic bar stool with a more casual vibe is this one from Bella Rustica. The lively color and hand-tooled leather accent down the middle add special details to this piece, as does the nailhead trim.

Bella Rustica leather bar stool design

For those who prefer a backrest on their bar stool, this counter-height stool from Go Home has a slim profile and spare back. The more substantial wood construction makes this a good choice for a casual living space.

Go Home Bar Stools

Green Gables Furniture has this Steel Traditions Crestone Swivel Barstool that features leather seat. Lapped seams across the cushion add strength and the old-fashioned steel base has a characteristic round foot rail.

Gables bar stool

A little color goes a long way in enhancing the wood of these rustic bar stools. Perfect for a rustic, industrial or casual living space, these seats from Horizon Home have a subtle streak of green that adds a reclaimed feel to the pieces.

Horizon Bar Stool with Wood Top

Similarly, these spare metal bar stools are topped with a wooden seat that has splashes of color that also evoke a recycled feel. Whether or not you use them with the matching bar, they will inject some subtle color into your kitchen or bar area.

Colored washed bar stools

Speaking of a vintage or reclaimed vibe, these Knoll stools from Steven Shell of London are fantastic. Substantial yet with an elegant touch thanks to the curved bottom of the feet, they are available in a variety of finishes. Made from premium mahogany, the stools are hand finished and have a mortise and tenon frame construction. While they might be pieces with a vintage look, they are of a quality fit for handing down over time.

Steven shell bar stools

Hairpin legs and a live edge seat highlight this rustic bar stool. From the collection of UMA, it’s definitely a casual piece of furniture.

UMA bar stools

From shiny and luxe, to rustic and recycled, there’s a bar stool that’s perfect for your kitchen or entertaining area. Don’t just choose a basic stool — you can highlight your style and decor preferences with the right set.