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20 Favorite Modern Bar and Counter Stools
Settle in at the bar in style with these tall, sleek and sculptural kitchen stools
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Finding bar and counter stools can be a tough proposition. You need to find the right silhouette balanced with the right amount of comfort. You also need to figure out the correct height. I learned the hard way that there's a difference between bar stools and counter stools: I impulsively snapped up three fabulous floor-model, final-sale bar stools and realized they left a mere three inches to squeeze one's thighs beneath the kitchen island.
Finally, you need to find stools at the right price, so this roundup includes a range for every budget, from serious investment pieces to steals.
Houzz Tip: Click on each photo to see product tags for each of these stools.
While all of the stools are available online, I highly recommend going for a test-sit at a store first. If that's not possible, be sure to check out the store's return policy before ordering. If you have the time, it's a good idea to order just one to test it out in case you do need to return it; depending on the retailer, you may incur shipping charges with returns, and it's a lot cheaper to return just one.
Finally, you need to find stools at the right price, so this roundup includes a range for every budget, from serious investment pieces to steals.
Houzz Tip: Click on each photo to see product tags for each of these stools.
While all of the stools are available online, I highly recommend going for a test-sit at a store first. If that's not possible, be sure to check out the store's return policy before ordering. If you have the time, it's a good idea to order just one to test it out in case you do need to return it; depending on the retailer, you may incur shipping charges with returns, and it's a lot cheaper to return just one.
by BAAN design
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1. The Jamaica Stool: This sexy counter stool — a modern update on a tractor seat — is a favorite among designers.
See more Jamaica stools in action
See more Jamaica stools in action
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2. The Cherner Stool: This midcentury classic is a long-standing architect's favorite, which spurred its rerelease by Norman Cherner's sons. The gorgeous curved wood takes a classic material and gives it a modern form.
See more Cherner chairs and stools in action
See more Cherner chairs and stools in action
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| 3. The LEM Piston Stool: The simple slip of a silhouette draws attention yet doesn't overpower the other elements in the room. It comes in several finishes, whether you need crisp white ... |
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| ... or rich walnut to go with your kitchen. It also comes in blanched oak, several shades of leather and stainless steel. See more LEM Piston Stools in action |
by Hufft Projects
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4. The Onda Stool: This is one of those stools I have not had a chance to try yet, but the potato chip-like form is so dreamy I had to include it.
See more Onda Stools in action
See more Onda Stools in action
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| 5. The Emeco Navy Stool: This stool adds height to a hard-working midcentury chair, and is built to last several lifetimes. The back gives plenty of support. See more Emecos in action |
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6. The Series 7 Stool: Designed by Arne Jacobsen in 1955, the Series 7 chair is now available in a stool version, bringing timeless modern style to all styles of kitchens.
See more Series 7s in action
See more Series 7s in action
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| 7. The Bertoia Stool: Another midcentury classic, Bertoia's wire form creates an unobtrusive silhouette that provides plenty of back support. See more Bertoias in action |
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8. The OFFI Jim Stool 30: This spinning stool adds circles to streamlined modern and contemporary rooms. Its form is simple enough to sidle right up to just about any style kitchen or bar, from farmhouse to industrial.
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by Amoroso Design
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| 9. The Spin Stool: Speaking of spin, this stool has great lines, tucks underneath the counter and is easy on the eyes and wallet. |
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| 10. The Tolix Stool: This cafe stool dates back to France in the 1930s. Its enduring style has never been more popular. See more French cafe seating in action |
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| 11. The Toledo Stool: This is another industrial vintage classic that retailers like Restoration Hardware now reproduce. Much like the Tolix stool, it fits just about every style of décor. |
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| 12. Stool 1: This geometric stool has mad futuristic style, yet also has a hint of old-fashioned tractor seat in its design. |
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by Incorporated
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| 13. The Knicker Stool: What I love about this Blu Dot stool is that it has contemporary lines that easily transition between traditional and modern spaces. The way it's upholstered makes it looks like it's wearing a cozy sweater. |
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| 14. The Real Good Bar Stool: Here's quite a different stool, also from Blu Dot. This one flat packs and has a minimalist, origami-esque form; it looks like some sort of futuristic prototype. Tip: Start paying attention to the stools at restaurants and bars. If you find one particularly attractive and comfortable, track it down. If you're not sure who the manufacturer is, snap a photo and post a picture of it on our Questions Board. We'll do our best to help you find it. |
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| 15. The Fjord Stool: Love the fun shape and bright color on these bar stools. These are investment pieces, so be sure to pick a color that you won't tire of. |
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by Jerry Bussanmas
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| 16. The Felix Stool: This contemporary stool combines the beatiful grain of walnut veneer with chrome legs, making it a versatile choice. |
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by Concreteworks
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| 17. The Radius Stool: I can't say it better than my colleague Lily Gahagen did in her description of this stool: "The seat of this stool tips up like a smile, which makes for a comfortable seat — and also a happy looking seat." |
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18. The Vapor Stool: This acrylic stool provides comfort for your back without blocking the view across the counter or bar. If space is tight, these help maintain an open feeling in a room.
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19. Bombo Bar Stool: This sculptural bar stool makes me smile, because it's kind of like an ice cream cone for you to perch atop like a scoop of ice cream. Oh, and yes, it also has mad, super-luxurious Italian style.
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20. The Julius Stool: Simple and straightforward, the Julius stool from IKEA has more than ample cushioning and tucks right underneath the counter. At $69.99, it's also a great choice if you're on a tight budget.
More: Browse More Modern Stools
Bar Stools: What Style, What Finish, What Size?
How to Pick the Perfect Bar Stool
More: Browse More Modern Stools
Bar Stools: What Style, What Finish, What Size?
How to Pick the Perfect Bar Stool
Ideabook updated on Dec. 6, 2011.
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But at about 75% off their price :)
Some more here: http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2011/10/bar-stools.html
They were really a bargain and very well made.
Good luck on your hunt :)