Comfortable seating isnt ''small'' nor is it backless. It occupies some definate space because it can't be shoved under a 15'' overhang out of the way. It sticks out into the aisle. Always. You have to factor that into your aisle clearances from the beginning.

What is your aisle width behind your seating? You may not have enough room.

I agree that stools with backs are definitely the way to go! The quality on ones we got from overstock isn't great (the welding looks pretty junky), but you get what you pay for and we didn't pay much. They are very comfortable, even for long periods, partly because of the cross piece on the bottom. Too cold in the winter, though, so I had to make cushions.

Edited to add overstock link, because I'm rushing out the door and don't have time to fix my upside-down pic!

Here is a link that might be useful: Metal bar stools on overstock

This post was edited by fouramblues on Thu, Jun 12, 14 at 8:45

Backs are important for comfort, as are amply-sized seats. I elected to get backed adjustable swivel stools and I plan to add a cushion rather than getting something upholstered. I agree that comfortable stools do take up space and ideally that is planned for.

Yes I know it will be tight since aisle space is under guidelines anyway. Think that area is just shy of 43". Not much but only the 2 of us and a large dog. I didn't want anything too high. Doesn't hurt to look to get some ideas.

My ideal would have a short back and would love if it could swivel. I came across this, may be more contemporary and no color choices, but height is only 36 1/2". I think we would be okay if something a little more contemporary or transitional. The knobs/pulls are more contemporary than traditional for shaker-style cabs

It's not just the size of the seat and the back. It's also the height.

I'm not 60 yet (I'm close) but I find my present counter height stools very uncomfortable for any length of time. While my dh and twin 12 yr old sons are eating at the island, I find myself going to the table. When we go out to eat and the hostess offers "no waiting" in the bar with the counter height seating area that the young ones like so much...I'm the party pooper. I prefer to wait.

So my question to you is this....Do you really want counter height seats?

I'm fairly sure I don't.

Interesting how subjective seating preferences are. What we've found is that the 50 & older crowd tend to like counter height seating as compared to regular table height. For those with back issues, it's easier to just slide on & off as opposed to setting oneself in and lifting oneself out of a dining chair. Depends on what you're using it for, too. You sit up a bit higher from the table surface in a counter height chair so it's more comfortable to sit at an island or counter to work on a laptop or read than it is for most people to do the same at a dining table.

Bar height is completely different. Neither the older family members nor the little ones have an easy time with true bar height stools.

I would definitely go with a back of some sort with stools you'll be using for more than the occasional perch. I think having a wide seat (even if your own "seat" is not particularly wide...) is important as well as having a rung to place your feet. Those are more important to me comfort-wise than whether or not they swivel.

I've struggled with this decision for months. I settled on an Overstock Cosmopolitan that had many good reviews. A GWer also said it's very comfortable, so I chose it based on that thread. They came yesterday. I really like them and they are very comfortable. Four chairs were only $450 with discounts. I wanted swivel, but the ones I liked had mixed reviews and I didn't want to risk those with no review. Comfort was our number one consideration as we prefer counter seating.