Perhaps backless stools would look better? Do you really need stools there ? Btw, beautful kitty !

Thank you K Laurence! We sit there frequently when eating throughout the day, so stools are a must. Yes, we are quite fond of our little chonk ourselves. She’s well loved and very spoiled ❤️

The stools look light and airy, but are they too wide so that you bump your knees on the corbel supports? If no, then keep them.

Marylut, no they are not too wide :) the height and width do not interfere with leg room.

They are nice stools but do seem out of proportion for the overhang. how much space is between the stool back and cabinetry behind. seems pretty tight.

Wsea-There is no cabinetry behind the stools. Here’s a front pic, to provide a better view of the amount of space behind the chairs.

hi @daisyjc2000. i understand there was a opening behind the stools but immediately to the left and right there is. when the stools are out it appears there is no way around plus it blocksoff that opening. but sometimes pictures are distorted so i was wondering how wide the walkway is.

IMO the stools are too wide . Waht was the reson for the scoop outs in the island counter those made adding stools difficult . I would do backless narrower stools for perching .

It seems that the scallops on the edge of the countertop are complicating situation. How do they feel when you both are sitting there?

Thanks all! I’ve found some other stools. Would you suggest any of these?

Or this one…

Wsea-Here you go :)

Such a nice bright and lovely kitchen! I like to introduce a cleaner line in a traditional room and have used these CB2 chairs in lots of kitchens - (they're very comfortable)- for your stool choices the bases seem a little fussy/heavy for me so i would go simpler but its a personal style choice for sure

It looks like 2’ of walkway with the chairs pushed in. i cant imagine you coukd navigate ariund them with someone sitting there.

Wsea-I would say you are correct. I do appreciate your observation. Thank you :)

La_la Girl-I do like those stools from CB2, but I fear the gold will be a bit too shiny/orangish for the space. Maybe a similar one with a more brushed or duller tone? However, the dimensions seem great!

So maybe either of these?

There isn’t enough overhang really for seating. Or enough aisle space either. Better to have slim saddle stools that can almost tuck under the slim overhang.

I was going to say the same as @User. Narrow saddle stools. Nothing with a back. The overhang is too short.

I think the stools are too big.

Is there other people that need to walk behind the stools when you are sitting there?

People often talk about the clearances as if people's kitchens are a public place and there are other people who are walking around who need to get by.

For everyday use, the clearance may not be that important. If you are having company maybe you don't have stools there at all so people can circulate around,

That's it - the overhang. Good observations from above. That's why they don't look right.

Links to alternative seating suggestions would be much appreciated. Unfortunately, I can’t do much about the overhang and there aren’t many options for narrow seating in this color palette. If you can find something similar in a narrower seat you would make my day. I’ve been scouring the internet for hours, but nothing so far. The dimensions of the current seating are:

Counter Stool Overall: 36 1/2"H X 18"W X 21"D
Counter Stool Seat: 25 1/4"H

Just for reference, the bottom of the corbels are 26 inches from the floor, so the top of the seat cannot be taller than 25.5 inches.

Google "narrow saddle stool" and you will find what will work. Wayfair lets you sort by dimensions. Here's one of many.

https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/three-posts-sharman-solid-wood-bar-counter-stool-w005486392.html?piid=1520304770%252C1520304776#seemoreoptions-naip9ej55n

Check Perigold.com, they have a few saddle chairs that could work in your space.

Consider round seats rather than square seats as they would make the stools look less bulky. Lovely kitchen!

If you sit for any length of time, don’t you want back support? consider comfort before spending hard earned money on more stools you end up not liking. If the overhang isn’t deep enough - 15” for counter height stool and 13” for taller bar height stools - this island is intended for food prep/plating/buffet serving, not intended for seating. If there is less than 36” to walk past the island edge, it is not intended for seating.

I think either the clear acrylic seats or the one above it, with the simple half moon open base, would work well for your space. I just ordered the clear Adele Counter Stools from Wayfair, and I am very happy with the light airy look. I’ve never ordered furniture online before, so I was worried about the quality. But they are very nice and sturdy and at a super low price.

I really like these that you posted above for your space:

I think it's not just the width that's the problem, but the depth. These look comfy and like they would tuck nicely under the counter when not in use and also won't be too far into the walkway when in use. They complement the dining chairs nicely. Like Pal suggested, perhaps when you are seated at the counter, there are no other family members needing to walk behind you anyway?

Your kitchen is simply stunning. Perfection in every way. I love your choice in stools.
Your kitty is adorable too

I really appreciate all of your suggestions. Truly. Thank you to everyone for your ideas, time and help! :)

I’m glad someone else mentioned the kitty! Beautiful shaded silver color!

We have solid black wood saddle stools that slide under the countertop overhang when not in use. They’re surprisingly comfortable. Those would be my suggestion. I am sure you could find them in a wood that works for your absolutely lovely kitchen.

The high backs of the other stools are visually “too much” to my eyes. Being able to hide the stools under the reduced overhang will open up the space better.

I ultimately decided on these stools. They are only 17 inches wide (instead of 21 inches) and less deep than the current stools. I think these will compliment the rest of the kitchen nicely :)

Happy you went with a stool with back support

Oh, please!! lol!!

The stools look great!

Your cat is a diva I love her! Those stool chairs look great in your kitchen

Very pretty..so calm and sophisticated! only thing you might want to think about is removing those corbels on the island..if necessary for support..add very small support up under the ledge. Than no knee knocking on those corbels..ouch!

Chiming in to agree with the suggestion to remove the corbels if possible. Our builder told us we didn’t need them to support our granite because the overhang was shallow enough. It made a big difference in knee room for anyone sitting on a stool. Your stools look lovely in that beautiful kitchen. The cat does steal the show though!! What a beauty!

I do so appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. It's hard to tell from the pictures, but the corbels really do not interfere with the leg room. The inside edge of the corbels just skim the outer edges of the stools. My knees do not hit the corbels at all :) Thank you, again, for your comments and advice. I am so very thankful for this group and all the wonderful advice/comments/suggestions. Thank you!

Not only for comfort but for the overall style too..just not needed.

Home Interiors with Ease - I took a peak at your Houzz projects. Your Saddlebrook project is absolutely stunning! You certainly have great taste!!

Daisyjc2000 Thank you! It means so much to me to get feed back from all the wonderful people I meet on Houzz! And I really appreciate you took the time to check out my projects!

I would opt for round, backless stools that swivel. They can be set far enough out from counter overhang that you could put your bum on the seat from the side and swivel to face the counter. I find it annoying to have to pull out a counter stool to sit on it, then try to figure out how to get closer to the counter!