Upgrade Your Kitchen Seating
If you’re renovating your kitchen or realizing your bar stools just aren’t cutting it anymore, this list has the most comfortable options for your kitchen island.
Whether you’re after modern designs, classic farmhouse charm, or something ultra-luxe, we’ve rounded up the best bar stools to fit your style, space, and budget.
See Best: Overall • With Back • With Swivel • Backless • Arms • Leather • Metal • Wood • Modern • Farmhouse • Scandinavian • Luxury • Contract-Grade • Outdoor • Value Under $300
Best Overall
Ronny Swivel Bar Stool
Our #1 most popular bar stool—sleek, comfy, and customizable to fit your space like a dream.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Available in three seat heights: 26″ counter height, 30″ bar height, and 34″ spectator height
- Low back allows you to see through your counter and frees up the walkspace when you tuck it under your counter
- Proudly made in Canada
- Loved by interior designers and homeowners
Best With Back
Biscaro Modern Bar Stool with Back
Supportive, stylish, and built for comfort—this bar stool has your back in every way.
Features
- Fixed position seat, non-swivel
- Available in three seat heights: 25″ counter height, 29″ bar height, and 32″ spectator height
- Sat on by Barstool Comforts – one of our most comfortable bar stools on our website
- Proudly made in Canada
- Also available in dining height
Features
- Easy 360-degree swivel
- Available in three seat heights: 26″ counter height, 30″ bar height, and 34″ spectator height
- Proudly made in Los Angeles, California USA
Best Backless
Bradley Backless Bar Stool
No back, no fuss, no problem—just pure comfort with a modern edge.
Features
- Narrow bar stool, great for small kitchens and small spaces
- Comfortable seat cushion
- Available in two seat heights: 25″ counter height and 29″ bar height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Arms
Sorrento Swivel Bar Stool
All the style, all the comfort, and yes—arms included for the ultimate lounge-worthy seat.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- With padded arms, curved back, and plush seat
- Available in two seat heights: 25″ counter height and 29″ bar height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Leather
Ava #771 Leather Bar Stool with Back
Rich leather, refined style, and all-day comfort—because your bar stool should feel as good as it looks.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Available in a variety of leather colors
- Curved back for comfort, deep seat, metal footplate
- Available in two seat heights: 25″ counter height and 31″ bar height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Metal
Catalina Swivel Metal Bar Stool #820
A sturdy frame, a firm seat, and a design that shines—this metal bar stool does it all.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Available with a seat cushion or a wood seat
- Curved back for comfort, stylish criss cross back design
- Available in four seat heights: 26″ counter height, 31″ bar height, 34″ spectator height, and 37″ extra tall height
- Proudly made in Holland, Michigan, USA
Best Wood
141 Swivel Wood Bar Stool
Warm wood tones, luxe details, and a seat so comfy, you’ll want to linger a little longer.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Made out of European Beech
- Curved back for comfort, arms, and elegant nailhead trim
- Available in two seat heights: 25″ counter height and 30″ bar height
- Proudly made in Hickory, North Carolina USA
Best Modern
Fame Modern Swivel Bar Stool
Sharp angles, smooth curves, and a vibe that says ‘chic city loft’ no matter where you are.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Available in three seat heights: 26″ counter height, 30″ bar height, and 34″ spectator height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Farmhouse
Miller Backless Saddle Stool
A little bit rustic, a whole lot of comfort—this is the perfect farmhouse-inspired seat for gathering around.
Features
- Non-swivel, fixed seat position
- Saddle-style shape, backless design is perfect for tucking under your counters to clear walkways
- Available in two seat heights: 26″ counter height and 30″ bar height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Scandinavian
Carson Scandinavian Swivel Bar Stool
Clean lines, natural materials, and effortless style—this Scandinavian bar stool is all about that cozy, modern vibe.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Wood back comes in a variety of wood finishes
- Available in three seat heights: 26″ counter height, 30″ bar height, and 34″ spectator height
- Proudly made in Canada
Best Luxury
Lowell #508 Luxury Swivel Bar Stool
Refined details, premium craftsmanship, and a seat fit for the finest spaces.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- Featuring arms, elegant nailhead trim, metal footplate finish
- Available in two seat heights: 24″ counter height and 30″ bar height
- Proudly made in Hickory, North Carolina USA
Best Contract-Grade
Felix Contract Grade Bar Stool
Commercial strength with designer appeal—because durability should never mean dull.
Features
- Fixed seat position, non-swivel
- Available in wood-grain finishes and metal finishes
- Available in two seat heights: 26″ counter heigh and 30″ bar height
- Proudly made in Chicago, Illinois USA
Best Outdoor
Contessa Outdoor Swivel Bar Stool #810
Sip, relax, and enjoy the view—this outdoor bar stool is made for open-air moments.
Features
- Easy swivel, available in 360-degree or memory-return
- In popular stainless steel metal finish
- Available in three seat heights: 26″ counter height, 31″ bar height, and 37″ extra tall
- Proudly made in Holland, Michigan, USA
Best Value Under $300
Sonoma Modern Low Back Stool
Chic, sturdy, and under $300? Yes, you really can have it all.
Features
- Fixed seat position, non-swivel
- Shown in gold, but is available in a variety of metal finishes
- Available in two seat heights: 26″ counter heigh and 30″ bar height
- Proudly made in Canada
Choosing the Right Bar Stool
Picking the perfect bar stool isn’t just about picking the prettiest one (though, let’s be honest, that’s part of the fun). It’s about making sure it actually works for your space, your lifestyle, and—most importantly—your comfort.
Measure Twice, Sit Once
First things first: height matters. Counter stools (24-26 inches) are perfect for kitchen islands, while bar-height stools (28-30 inches) fit taller counters or home bars.
Grab a measuring tape before you fall in love with a stool that’s either too tall or too short—trust us, the Goldilocks approach applies here.
Swivel, Stationary, or Somewhere in Between?
Now, let’s talk functionality. Love to swivel around to grab your coffee (or gossip with your guests)? A swivel stool is your best bet. Want a space-saving option? Backless stools tuck away effortlessly.
Prefer a seat that feels more like a hug? High-back stools with arms bring extra comfort—but make sure they fit under your counter unless you enjoy unintentional arm workouts.
Material Matters—Choose Wisely
And then there’s material and durability. Do you have kids, pets, or a love for red wine? A cushioned seat with performance fabric or easy-to-clean vinyl will save you from future heartbreak.
Metal and wood are both great long-term options, and if your kitchen sees a lot of action, contract-grade stools are built to handle it all.
At the end of the day, the right bar stool is the one that makes your space feel like home—comfortable, stylish, and just right for you.
So go ahead, pick your favorite, and get ready to enjoy everything from morning coffee to late-night snacks in total comfort!