I like the lighter one. Your floors are dark and the metal backs of the chairs go nicely with the floors, but you need to keep some contrast so the lighter wood is working better.

I'm going to make it even harder. I love the lighter one best.

It is less obtrusive.

greenfish1234, they are circa 1932 and were taken from a bar in Philadelphia, according to the antique store owner. We got them for $200 a piece. Unbelievable! They still have three of them ;-).

I like the dark ones. Love your kitchen!

The lighter looks best and complements the rattan chairs.

darker adds contrast color , the lighter adds a rustic quality . I Prefer the rustic touch

I like the lighter ones. They work better with the chairs.

I like the lighter one. It is unique over the dark chair. The black metal? piece on the back of the chair provides contrast.

Darker, although it is a tough call.

Drum roll....darker. Thanks for your generosity! In person, the lighter had a greenish cast to it which a) didn't look like driftwood to me and b) the light one did not survive transit as well as the brown did. Those two factors helped a lot and in person, I feel the brown really grounds the space with the bronze fixtures over the island and the bronze one in the eat-in area. Adjacent to this open kitchen is a living room with several dark formal pieces, so the stools don't stand out as much as when you are only looking at the kitchen. It WAS a tough call and even though I chose the option that wasn't the highest vote-getter, the help was so informative and helpful. Thanks! Will be calling on you guys again soon.