Have you considered the ones below. They are not in Blue - but at that price - maybe you can get it reupholstered?

I do not have these stools myself. But I've gotten other furniture from there and satisfied with it for the price point.

https://www.livingspaces.com/pdp-hyland-counterstool-209569

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/henriksdal-bar-stool-with-backrest-frame-dark-brown-90426131/

The IKEA Henriksdal stool is a good quality bar stool with a removable cover for washing. Legs are solid beech, however, not sure they are available with a clear finish at this time; things are always changing at IKEA.

I am not the OP, but I have to say I love that Darien chair for $848. Love the open space in the back - it lightens the entire chair, and also will allow some air circulation when you sit. But it's expensive. There must be other less expensive choices out there.

I always thought a counter stool should swivel. OP - any thoughts on that?

Thanks everyone for the feedback. @JAN MOYER yes, you’re right that I probably need to spend more for the quality I want. But close to $1000 or even more? Wow. I thought the C&B at $600 was a lot, lol. I saw them in person (And sat in one—comfy) and thought the quality was good. Do you have opinions on them?

I’m not sure I need more flair in these chairs. I have a statement backsplash and a bistro set in the nook, plus island pendants and sink flush mount have some flare. My thought was the simple style In blue would tie things together. I have a 1940 bungalow and am going for a vintagy-beach-cottage with a slight “Old California” or mediterrean feel.

Also, I want the barstools to be as comfy as possible and it would be nice to sit in them before ordering.

I heard IKEA is not taking returns due to covid and I am looking for blue. And after these barstools, not sure I want to sign up for assembling something else.

@M Miller -I haven’t thought about swivel. Since I’m having a hard time finding the basic chair, that might be a “nice to have” option. Also, I’m assuming the swivel is more complicated to build, so if I’m concerned about cost, I can’t image adding a feature would bring the price down lol.

I‘m still open if other people can think of other sources. Thanks for your help.

Consider a restaurant/commercial supply.

Also Amish. Usually very well made for the price point.

Also look at stores that sell pool tables and heavy stuff like that. They usually have well made ones although maybe not cheap.

Also I love the Parisian bistro chairs that are trending for “beach/cottagy” 40s bungalow. At least how I imagine it. I have seen a lot on Facebook marketplace and 2nd hand resellers from all the restaurants that have closed. Something to consider. I would def try to get a swiveling one.

For cost effective and well made get the henriksdal from IKEA. I’ve had the leather version for going on 4 years, not a bit of damage and very comfortable with daily use. Bar/counter stools take a real beating and replacing them every few years can really update and freshen the kitchen.

Adjust the look, or adjust the price. Upholstery is a skill. I could put your "pic" next to mine and be within fifty cents of what each cost.

Give up the UPHOLSTERY...........unless quality. Get a painted stool, A wood stain stool. The seats will last longer too, as there is no foam to fail.

There is no free lunch, Never was.

Or get navy leather from Crate and Barrel......... 279.00 and 10 to 14 weeks and you pay the shipping.

Personally? At that price point I'd find a more INTERESTING counter stool

Where is the pic of the kitchen, this will live in

Thanks everyone for your help. I appreciate getting the low-down on the different price points and quality.

I stopped at PB on Sat to look at drapes. I spoke with an associate about barstools. They didn’t have upholstered ones on display, but they had the chair versions. They were comfortable and nice but I wasn’t thrilled with their wood either...and those chairs were on sale for about $650.+ tax + delivery.

Yeah, I had seen the C&B leather ones online. A good price point and seems like an excellent value. But for me the look feels too contemporary for my bungalow. (Also, ‘cuz I’m a vegetarian, I try to avoid leather if there is a reasonable alternative. Obviously, no one here would know that).

A lot of rattan ones are cute but I want upholstered counter stools.

On Sun a friend stopped over and looked at the whole room (Outside, from the french doors, lol) and thought the stools looked good with everything else. (Previously she gave the thumbs down to things she thought didn’t work). She thought the solid blue looked good with the Blue and white statement backsplash, and that the light colored wood legs gave a bit of beachy feel. I also have a cute little bistro set in the nook, so I don’t need everything to be the focal point. So I think I’m going to call it a day and keep these for now. It’s been a long year and I‘m not excited about spending $2000+ for a pair of counter stools. Maybe if I get sick of these in a couple of years, I can spring for new one and sell these on craigslist, Thanks again! Onward! (Time to finish hanging the art in my house).

Following..love the Darien Posted by Jan.

Would love if Jan would make a couple of recommendations for uphosered barstools that swivel.

wondered why I couldn’t find stools with metal to rest feet. I was also looking at the wrong price point. I was thinking 300. Guess it won’t happen.