Thanks @BlueberryBundtcake - 6a/5b MA apprrciate the insights!

I do like the round ones in the top photo best, aesthetically. But for me I'd want a stool with a back if I am going to be sitting any length of time (but the second one with that back fails to look comfortable so personally, I'd keep looking.

I think you can do better than either of those. :)

Your hallway is so cool! Love the stone floor.

Thanks @artemis_ma- the light wood is not super comfy either and my primary users are messy so I dont want upholstered stools there 😄

@Jilly- any idead of alternate stools? thats the view a person entering the house sees so I would love it to be a nice one

I too like a bit of a back, natural fiber to add texture, lightweight .

Mo, can you show a few kitchen angles?

Budget?

So many possibilities! Just need to narrow them down.

Check out the Delta Brush Aluminum stool from Crate and Barrel. I think it will brighten up your space and pop against your counter top and cabinet back while coordinating with your range hood. I have this in brass in my kitchen and love it. Even more comfortable with a little cushion on it. Has a bit of a classic retro vibe that does with a lot of things.

Bonus - they are incredibly light and easy to move when vac-ing the floor.

I like backless swivel stools as they tuck out of sight nicely and as i do not like sitting on any counter height stool for long periods of time I find them equally as comfortable ( or more appropriately as uncomfortable) as backed stools. I think adding some brass might coordinate your stone flooring in the hall with the kitchen and brighten the space too.

Do you like these?

They look much more comfortable and they can be easily wiped down.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Glitzhome-Modern-PU-Leather-Adjustable-Height-Swivel-Bar-Stool-Hunter-Green-Set-of-2/111108338?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1564

Glitzhome Bar Stool with Swivel & Adjustable Height, Green, Set of 2

(4.5)4.5 stars out of 6 reviews6 reviews$269.99

@roarah- ooh, love the brass! I have brushed gold hardware and some brass in the entry way too.

@Kendrah- wouls love to see pics of your brass stools if you can share!

@lye raneses- i love natural fiber too! And that one doesnt have a very tall back to block the lone of sight.

Thanks for thd phoyoshop @Kelly Jones! i do like the green but not looking for that style, thank you so much for the suggestion though

Here is a link to the Delta stool. You can click to see all of the colors. I like our brass stool because the tone is very antiqued rather than a bright brass. I'm going to order the chair height version of the Delta for a desk area in another part of our house. That room has polished chrome so I'll go with the aluminum in the shorter chair.

There are modeled after the Emco chair, which was designed by the navy in 1944 to use on ships. They are a classic. Emco still makes them too but they cost a fortune. Some other companies have variations as well, but Crate and Barrel is the most affordable and has the nicest colors I've seen.

Light wood doesn’t go at all. i think a shade lighter on the gray upholstery would go better match the hood and hardware

https://www.houzz.com/products/piper-adjustable-counter-stool-brass-prvw-vr~176373354

You said you'd like to "lighten" the area. I wonder if it would be good to paint the back of the cabinet? Try taping on newsprint or a bed sheet to get a sence of a lighter color.

I like the top photo from a distance. I don't see the need to lighten the area you are taking about. Your stone floor creates lots of contrast, and any more risks looking cluttered to me. I would choose something similar to what you have but all black. Black leather or vinyl seats over black legs. So...totally different. You have my permission to ignore me.

The focal point of the view is the range hood and backsplash. Having chairs that don't "blend in" draw the eye down and make the view cluttered. You already have two contrasts with the stone and kitchen flooring.

Nothing would look the best!

Keep the chairs in the first photo. They blend in nicely. I agree you want the focus to be your backsplash and rangehood, so any lighter color would take away from that focus.

, don't rotate

This stool rotates and won't scratch wood floors. Ballard Designs

While a bar stool with a back can often be more comfortable for long term sitting, that style would convey almost a barrier rather than an opening/lightening of the seating area. After going through multiple variations in my own home, I ended up with saddle-style bar stools, similar to the Harper Counter Stool (but the Hillsdale Vetrina might suit your decor better). Saddle stools typically come in a lot of color combos; you should be able to find one to suit you. And it turns out that they are quite comfortable, even for an hour or more sitting at the bar. The saddle fits well under the counter overhang, and that helps the space feel less crowded.

Neither but there are some good suggestions here. I like the green leather that was suggested or a natural fiber or wicker. The brass stool was also nice. I think you just something with a little more pizzazz.

I personally feel like the swivel ones pictured are just little torture stools. The 2nd one is better if you want contrast.

You know you could get good results from simply spray painting the legs of the swivel stools to that pretty brass color, unless the stools get heavy use. I've had good results spray painting outdoor furniture. It's worth a try, if the stools belong to you and you would otherwise be getting rid of them.

That wainscoting is awesome. Classic old school wainscoting never gets old. I love it… sorry no help for the barstools.

I’m going to say neither. The light has 2 different tones & looks terrible. The other ones look like your trying to match too hard. Based on the red cabinets & dark tops, I’d go with something upholstered to add dimension to the area. Some quick examples.

If you add a light bar stool that will only emphasize that huge dark area of kitchen cabinetry and black countertop and tile. I would try to find something as invisible as possible that matches the island wood so that it will not draw any more attention to this area.

Consider width as it’s important given the small space and no arms to make it easier to get on/off (and less need to be moving chair as often on your wood flooring). A back is more comfy if people will be sitting for any length of time and safer for younger children.

In regards to color/style, I could see a wood and black combination. Although not light, I think it’s important to tie in well with your kitchen‘s style and flooring and also connect with hallway’s flooring, for a smooth visual transition.

Well priced and see reviews.

https://www.target.com/p/ceylon-woven-counter-height-barstool-black-black-opalhouse-8482/-/A-82267500?epik=dj0yJnU9YVpCZ2JWMHY2dlBYajR6eHhIeW9XcWdHQkxiOFFDd1kmcD0wJm49aWx4OG9ZWnRqdlZpQ24xN3VJOVg2ZyZ0PUFBQUFBR1FQT29j&preselect=82057808

So many good ideas! The one consensus I see is to ditch the light colored ones- and thats done.

No arms, low back… jury seems to be put on dark to blend in vs. the rattan or brass.

@Mrs. S- planning on the spray paint as well when the weather warms up a bit. if its a flop, atleast these are old stools lol.

@Maureen- love the black webbing one! this is how i am stuck with so many dark things lol. Thanks for the ideas.

@jeffvose- thank you! it was a diy project 2 years ago! I do love how it adds to the space.

@drjsmith - saddle stool is def something to think of! Also even as I learn from all the ideas here, it looks like I need to lighten the backsplash if I really want to lighten the space... :(

Hi folks! Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. I ended up spraying the same barstools gold and they are working okay for now. I always wonder what path posters chose so I wanted to post this!

I had asked for ideas on updating the kitchen too - changed the cabinet handles to gold, painted the walls white and thats about all. Still debating on the hood/backsplash. That's for later :)