Are you having a good week? We now have 2 out of 4 down with a cold so the Emergen-C is flowing like nobody’s business. I think it’s actually working for me ( thanks, Lauren). Today I am sharing a bit about our bar stool hunt. Turns out it’s a bit harder than I thought, especially when children are involved.
Counter Stool or Bar Stool?
First and foremost you need to measure your island or bar area. There are two heights of stool. For the most part, they are called counter stools and bar stools. Most kitchen islands and countertops are 36″ high. That is the industry standard which means a that a counter stool is best at about 24″-27″ in height. Bars, like in restaurants or outdoor areas are usually 42″ in height and require a taller stool (28″-33″).
With or Without a Back?
Ahhh. This is the sticky one. So without question the comfortable stool has a back on it. At least in my book. Even my sister was saying I had to go with backs because it’s so much more comfy to hang out at an island when you can lean back. When we go out on date nights, I am always the girl looking for the bar stool with a back on it. I get it. I agree. But let me share a story with you.
I bought these stools when we first moved in so my children could immediately start sitting at our island. They were inexpensive (only $37 each) and would buy me time to find the perfect stool for us. They came quickly and I assembled them myself. My kids couldn’t wait to sit in them. And they did. Once.
It was such a crazy thing to watch but they stopped sitting in them and sat at our breakfast table. One day I was looking at the stools and the backs just bugged me. I didn’t like how they played with the rest of the kitchen so I removed the backs. The kids came home from school that day and hopped up on the backless counter stools and have not gotten off. Ha. They sit there ever day after school. I am convinced that having to pull out the stool with the back was different that just hopping on a backless stool. May sound CRAZY but I saw it happen.
Rolling with Backless
So we are rolling with backless stools for now. I am still looking for something that really jumps out at me but it’s much harder than I thought. Either I don’t love or it has upholstery or it’s crazy expensive. Our metal ones are great for now and the kids love them. My wise dad even reminded me that you make certain design choices based on where you are in life. Right now we are in the kids doing homework stage at the island rather than cocktails with my girlfriends stage and I need to design for that. The kids prefer backless and that’s what we will go with right now. It will change down the road, I am sure.
*Also note that backless are very dangerous for small children. With my children being 8 and 10 I feel comfortable with the backless but I highly recommend backs for young kiddos in the house.
Caught My Eye
Hubba hubba. I saw these and fell in love. Then I saw the price. But then I thought, well, it’s the jewelry for the room. My husband’s hesitation is that they look too feminine. What do you think? I love the very clean lines and the nod to the gold and white. But maybe not enough contrast.
These pretty stools are on sale and I love them but we went with the chair version for our breakfast nook.
Yes to these upholstered beauties but no way with the stage we are in right now! Down the road!
If I had a beach bungalow ( in my dreams) these would be first on my list. They are so amazing. But very expensive. I found a less expensive version here. Two for $63. What?!!!!!
These are really beautiful and I like bringing in the wood element. Can’t find them online anywhere, though.
Hello, gorgeous waterfall marble. Wow. I love these stools and have seen them at HomeGoods lately. I do like the dark wood and iron and think it would be a fun contrast with my white kitchen. A bit worried they read busy with the legs.
Maybe keeping with the metal is a good idea but adding in a bit of wood for warmth. I like these.
All in all, there are a lot of options out there but you really have to look at what your family needs and how they work with your existing kitchen. Are any of you in the same boat and on the hunt. I rounded up more below in case you are searching, too.
Backless Stools
Stools with Backs
The kids have a very short day today (Back to School Night) so I am off to clean the house a bit and rest up to kick this cold. Hope you have a great day.
I would agree with your husband. Beautiful, but I feel like I’d see them at a jewelry counter or in a ladies fitting room-ha. I love the ones in your last pic. My kids love the backless as well. Reminds them of being at Starbucks. Hope you all feel better soon!
Overstock has some counter stools similar to the wood ones in the modern industrial type kitchen that they call “tractor contemporary carved wood barstools” . I love the ones with the carved seats in the next photo, but agree the legs are a bit busy.
I also gravitate toward a stool with a back, but can understand the kiddos going for the backless – moving/maneuvering large stools can be difficult.
Hope everyone is on the mend soon! Glad the Emergen-C is helping. I hear ya about picking barstools. We have had wooden backless ones for years, great for when the girls were home. But, now that they are not hubby and I eat at the island all the time. We’ve been looking for some new ones, but gosh they are so expensive. And, we still go round and round about backless or not…we both feel the back blocks the view into other rooms and doesn’t feel as clean as being able to push them under the counter a bit. If you love the metal, but prefer the gold color, you could paint the ones you have.
I do love the ones that your husband thinks are too feminine, but my first thought was that anyone sitting on them wearing dark dyed denim may stain them. Been there, done that with a white leather desk chair!
Love the ones with the gold but agree they look a little feminine/glam for the kitchen. Was going to suggest maybe recovering seats with a different fabric – maybe to coordinate with your family room. But, when you’re spending $400 a piece, it probably seems crazy to go to the additional expense. The good thing is that the temporary ones work and look good so you can take your time until you find something you think is perfect!
I got these for my white kitchen. I have an 18 month old, and even with all of her messiness in her booster, the fabric wipes clean. I just LOVE the look and get compliments everytime someone sees them. They also come in a backless stool version…
http://www.worldmarket.com/product/peacock+paige+counter+stool.do?&from=Search
When I was reading your post, I kept thinking children do not like backs on bar stools. They are too difficult to maneuver. I guess that means your children are right on point.
I think your home has a more classic look versus the industrial look. I like the Pottery Barn Tibetan stool, or some version/copy of that. They are actually quite comfortable and durable. The square rush stool you show at the bottom is nice and substantial and would add texture. Your favorite with the gold legs is nice but will probably get stained and the legs definitely will scratch.
Anything you choose will be wonderful. You have such great taste. I look forward to seeing what you decide.
I loved the style of the carved seat and iron legs (shown with waterfall marble island) but I’ve tried sitting on several with various price points and they are all hard on the back of your legs-really uncomfortable! I agree, buy what works best for the stage of life your family is in. It goes by so quickly anyway!
Hi! I love my backless counter height stools. They have wood legs and a cushy leather (lrg square) cushion seat. They are so comfy- here is my main plus with backless seats: you can plop down in it and face any angle. If you have a gathering your guests can sit facing the island or facing out into the room. There is no pulling out the stool and readjusting. They are much more versatile if you want to use them for extra seating. I would always vote for backless- but comfortable, stools. 🙂
Love the choices! You are so right about choosing “where you are in life”. I am in the same boat but now with teenagers so I am rethinking replacing my stools with something more “grown up;)
First– your kitchen is gorgeous! Isn’t is amazing what paint can do to transform a space isn’t it?
I think because you have such clean lines and white etc. I would bring in something with texture to break up the sleekness of the kitchen. Maybe a wicker or something upholstered? I think it would add some warmth and would compliment your countertops as well.
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you do with the rest of your beautiful home!
of course the stools you can’t find online are my favorite… go figure!!
Courtney,
I absolutely LOVE your new home and what you are doing with it ! Stunning.
Did I miss where your actual current stools are from ? Do you mind sharing ? I do not think I saw a link in the post. A stool for under $40 ?? Yes, please ! We have been on the hunt and can not find anything like that for that price. Thanks !
I love the “jewelry” stools! They have such a feminine touch but wouldn’t be a hit with my husband either. Did the metal stools that your kids love have backs? I’m sure that whatever you choose will be perfect for your crew. I hope that nasty little bug passes by quickly. Enjoy your weekend.