7 Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Island Reviewed 2024 & Buying Guide to Select Excellent one

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Whether you stand or sit when you are working from the kitchen, it is advisable to invest in the best bar stools for Kitchen Island that will make your work easier. For those working in busy restaurants, you know how important it is to use the best bar stool for the back. Many people who did not make their choice for granted are now enjoying a comfortable job when they are working in the kitchen. However, those that take the choice of the kitchen bars tool lightly, are likely to suffer a lot of back pain with a lot of fatigue because of straining when they are working hard to prepare food for their families. How can you avoid back pain when working in the kitchen?

Over the years, it has not been easy for many people who work in the kitchen to enjoy restful nights. In fact, most of them complain of endless back pain. You can put to an end to that excruciating pain. In this article, I will address among other things, 7 best bar stools for a kitchen that you can consider if you are serious about your health. Besides, I will touch on the BENEFITS of using the best bar stools for Kitchen Island, the existing DIFFERENCE between bar stools and counter stools, types of bar stools available today, a few frequently asked questions about Kitchen Island bar stools and of course, what to look for when buying the best bar stools for kitchen.

top 4 best kitchen bar stools At A Glance

The 7 Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Island Reviews 

eCommerce store or piece of writing that features kitchen stuff. As you read through, make sure you see how each of the best bar stools for kitchen is unique from the other.

1. Homall Modern PU Leather Adjustable Swivel & Hydraulic Armless Barstools

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	20.47″D x 16.54″W x 16.14″H
Frame Material	Metal
Seat Material Type	Leather
Item Weight	30.8 pounds
Manufacturer	Homall
Model number	Bar Stool-BLK
Date First Available	November 12, 2015

If you are looking for a quality barstool to use in your home or business, consider Homall Modern PU Hydraulic Armless with Adjustable Swivel to be the right option.

This best bar stool for Kitchen Island comes in a variety of colors including grey, black, red, blue, orange, silver, and white among other stunning colors.

The fact that this barstool is swivel makes it admirable especially if you intend to use it at your home bar.

With a stylish and impeccable design, you will rest assured that this stool will take you a long way. To add to its comfort, the stool stands high enough, enabling you to recline back on its convenient backrest.

The sitting area has been fitted with a 3.3-inch high-density foam, something that will provide you with the needed comfort the entire time you sit.

Thanks to its sturdy frame and unique bodywork, this best bar stool for back holds up to 280 lbs.

Notable features:

• Adjustable backrest.
• Swivel rotation.
• Metal bodywork.
• 3.3-inch padding on the sitting area.
• Available in a variety of colors.

2. AmazonBasics Classic Solid Wood Saddle-Seat 29-Inch Kitchen Counter Stool

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	17″D x 13.6″W x 29.2″H
Frame Material	Wood
Seat Material Type	Wood
Item Weight	24 pounds
Manufacturer	Amazon Basics
Model number	CH01-0201-150-2P-A08
Country of Origin	Thailand

If you were shopping for a kitchen bar stool for the first time, what would you give priority? Well, I know that is a tough question but I’m also sure that you would give preference to certain features. For instance, you would want to know if the bar stool has a footrest. The good thing is it does.

The stool is build using sturdy and solid wood. To add to its solidity, the stool features square legs that ensure you do not fall no matter your weight.

Besides, this stool is designed using an A-frame design. The design is one of the renowned among kitchen bar stools.

Thanks to its design and height, the kitchen bar stool is ideal for use in the kitchen or houses with home bars, work tables, and kitchen islands that feature counter-height surfaces.

Notable features:

• Classic A-frame design for sturdiness
• Countered saddle seat that provides the even distribution of weight.
• Features squared legs.
• Has foot rests.
• Black and white blending colors.

3. Furmax 30-Inch Backless Kitchen Metal Bar Stool

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions		16.5″D x 16.5″W x 30″H
Frame Material		Wood, Alloy Steel, Metal
Seat Material Type		Scratch resistant metal
Item Weight		48.5 pounds
Manufacturer		Furmax
Model number		0” High Metal Stools
Seat Height		24 Inches
Number of Pieces		4

Furmax 30-Inch High Backless Kitchen Stool is among the best bar stools for Kitchen Island I have read many reviews about. The package features 4 pieces that are nicely crafted to give you the kind of comfort you need when sitting on the stools.

One of the things you will love about this kitchen bar stool is the colors. Can you envision how your home bar will look like with a set of four best kitchen bar stools that come in four different colors? Colorful, isn’t it? That is exactly what Furmax, the manufacturer of these bar stools is promising you.

Speaking of nice-looking colors, the manufacturer has chosen to decorate the stools with red, gun, orange, and green colors. If you think these are just colors, then you are wrong. The stools feature excellent polish finish.

The other thing I personally love about Furmax 30-inch stools is that they are made from a type of steel that is mar and scratch resistant. If that is not what you are looking for, then I’m not sure what I will say.

For additional support, each of four stools features an X-brace. This section is under the sitting area.

Notable features:

• Available in four main colors (Green, Red, Orange, and Gun).
• Stackable.
• X-brace frame under the sitting area.
• Made of steel.

4. Nathan James 21303 Hylie Nailhead Wood Pub-Height 24” Kitchen Counter Bar Stool

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	16.73″D x 11.42″W x 24.02″H
Frame Material	Wood
Seat Material Type	Fabric
Item Weight	10.34 pounds
Manufacturer	Nathan James
Model number	21303
Warranty Description	Lifetime manufacturer warranty
Number of Shelves	2
Included Components	Floor Protectors

For a long time, Nathan James is known to be the maker of the best bar stools for Kitchen Island. The stools are everywhere in the world and are many investors’ favorite.

The stool top is padded to give comfort especially if you spend long hours drinking from your home bar or working from the kitchen.

Although you can get a taller stool than this that goes up to 29”, this particular one is 24”.

The choice of colors is exceptional with some of the trending colors being black, beige/light brown, dark gray, white, and brown.

To enable you get comfort, needed for sitting for many hours, the maker has included a 4-inch nicely-tightened cushion. You will love the relaxing feeling once you sit on the stool.

The top appearance is finished using silver-nailed accents.

Notable features:

• Lifetime warranty.
• 4-inch cushion at the top.
• Sturdy pinewood legs.
• Silver nailhead accents.
• Polyester upholstery.
• Nicely-built footrests.

5. Bar Stools Counter Height Adjustable Bar Chairs (PU Leather Swivel)

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	16″D x 18.5″W x 40.78″H
Frame Material	Metal
Seat Material Type	Faux Leather
Item Weight	0.01 ounces
Manufacturer	BestOffice
Model number	BC-B03-Black
Date First Available	November 23, 2013

BestOffice is stopping at nothing in making the best bar stools for kitchen island. For this reason, the company has unleashed its latest product to the market. The product is an adjustable bar stool with 2 PU leather top.

This red/brown best bar stool for back is sturdy and extremely comfortable. The stools are a product of high-quality chrome that is padded with PU leather and foam.

Perhaps, the most interesting about BestOffice counter-height surface stools is that they have a backrest. Remember this is something everyone wants – to lean alt the back once they are tired. Thankfully, BestOffice realized that long ago and has now produced the best bar stool for back worth mentioning.

The other thing that stands out is the footrest. It is important to mention that the position of the footrest is strategic. Whether you lean at the back or you sit straight, you will always reach the footrest whenever you want.

You can swivel the stool up to 360 degrees, sit as high as 18.5 inches high and sit at the depth of 16 inches.

Notable features:

• Made using heavy-duty chrome metal.
• Features PU leather at the sitting area.
• Rotates 360 degrees.
• Comes with backrest and footrest.
• Features brown and red colors.

6. BestOffice Counter Height 2-Set Bar Stools with PU Leather Swivel Stool

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	15″D x 15″W x 44.5″H
Frame Material	Metal
Seat Material Type	Faux Leather
Item Weight	28.6 pounds
Manufacturer	BestOffice
Model number	Bar Stools Barstools Swivel Stool
Date First Available	February 14, 2019

BestOffice is at it again. This time it is not brown/red but the classic black and white colors. The stools are made to conform with the modern design, style, and comfort that most people cannot find in other bar stools for kitchen.

One of the things that I love about BestOffice’s Counter Height 2-Set kitchen bar stool is it is made with unmatched durability.

The other interesting thing is you can be able to adjust the barstool between 25” and 33”, something you will never find in many traditional kitchen bar stools.  The sitting area is also generous and deep enough to make you comfortable.

You can rotate the stool some 360 degrees.

The PU leather is another thing you will love about this stool.

Thanks to the robust bodywork, the stool is durable and skid-resistant. Besides, the sturdiness comes from the chrome material that is used to make this stool.

Notable features:

• Rotates some 360 degrees.
• Adjustable height from 25 to 33 inches.
• Holds up to 250 lbs.
• Rubber feet.

7. Modway Casper Modern Acrylic Stacking Kitchen & Dining Room Chair (Fully Assembled)

Bar Stools At A Glance

Bar Stools Dimensions	19.5″D x 15″W x 35.5″H
Frame Material	Plastic
Seat Material Type	Plastic
Item Weight	15 pounds
Manufacturer
Model number	‎EEI-122-BLK
Date First Available	July 26, 2005

Very few bar stools for kitchen come with colors that suite everyone. Besides, almost all the best bar stools for Kitchen Island on this list, come unassembled. That means you will need to spend extra time to put together the bar stool before you use it.

Interestingly, one company looks into your plight and goes ahead to offer you the best solution you need urgently. Modway has produced Modway Casper Modern Acrylic Dining Room and Kitchen Chair. This uniquely-built bar stool has among other things many colors.

With a transparent design, you are able to transform your kitchen home bar, dining, or any other room into a unique antiquity you will love. This surrounding will also appeal to your friends.

It is built using the modern polycarbonate material that is also durable.

Cleaning the stool is also an easy thing because it wipes in an instant.

Notable features:

• Built using polycarbonate material.
• Transparent and stylish design.
• Converts into a modern chair for several rooms in the house.
• Available in a variety of colors.

What Is A Real Bar Stool?

This is a tall chair. The main characteristic of a bar stool is that it has a footrest. Although there are a few that do not have, many bar stools for kitchen come with footrests. You can choose on the width and height that suits you. However, in many cases, your preference is governed by the countertop board or table that you intend to use the bar stool on.

Originally, a bar stool was meant and designed to be used in the bar, just as the name suggests. However, nowadays, this tall sitting chair has found its way into the kitchen. Modern kitchens have between two and five best kitchen bar stools where you can sit to enjoy a cold drink.

Benefits Of A Quality Bar Stool:

If you get the best kitchen bar stool, you are likely to say goodbye to many PROBLEMS that face many people who go for bad quality bar stools. In this section, I will highlight on a few benefits of putting your money on quality bar stools for Kitchen Island.

A place to rest your back – a quality bar stool should be able to help you rest your back. It is true that some bar stools in the market today do not have backrests but are not categorized as bad-quality. In reality, a bar stool that does not have a backrest will make you spend more money and time to nurse your back pain.

Good footrest – with a height of 30” to 36” your body needs a place to rest its feet. Honestly, you cannot sit a stool this height for long without your feet feeling fatigued. For this reason, if you find a quality bar stool, you will say goodbye to foot pain, stress, and feet fatigue. Besides, blood will flow freely back and forth the legs.

You will have a complete view of the room/house – a swivel bar stool for instance, gives you the convenience to view your room/house without turning your head. Thanks to technology, modern kitchen bar stools come with the swivel feature, which allows you to turn the chair 360 degrees.

The Difference Between A Bar Stool And A Counter Stool

Although sometimes people refer a bar stool to as a counters stool, there exists a subtle difference. The main difference between the two is the height. Usually, bar stools are taller than counter stools. When on average a counter stool stands between 24 inches and 29 inches tall, a bar stool stands at 30 inches to 36 inches tall. In short, a counter stool is shorter compared to a barstool.

When you are out shopping for a bar stool, do not go below 30 inches. If you do, you will find yourself changing everything in your kitchen especially where you are going to use the bar stool on. Nonetheless, you will also need to look at other specific features in case you are comparing different types of the best bar stools for Kitchen Island.

Types Of Bar Stools

There are basically four types of bar stools. The difference between these types of bar stools is also subtle thus, you do not expect a lot. Apart from where you intend to use the bar stool, the other difference is the design and the material used to make the stool.

Here are the four main types of bar stools for kitchen:

Commercial Bar Stools:

As the name suggests, these are intended to be used on commercial places. They are usually colorful, simple and made of metal because they serve many people of different weights. In most cases, commercial bar stools do not have the convenience of a backrest, although a few come with backrests. For easy climbing and alighting commercial bar stools have footrests.

Residential Bar Stools:

Again, as the name suggests, these are designed to be used in homes, residential buildings. Because people have difference preferences and tastes, you are at liberty to design the bar stool as you want.

In most cases, residential bar stools come with all manner of conveniences including PU leather tops, a heavy-density foam (3” and above), velvet and nice finishing. Residential bar stools come with footrests, backrests, and most of them are swivel.

Wood or Metal Bar Stools:

Most bar stools in the market today are made of either wood or metal. The two materials are considered sturdy and durable. As long as the gauge of the metal or the thickness of wood, is big and a product of either hardwood or high-quality metal, you don’t have to worry about the bar stool.

Gas-lift Bar Stools:

Like other gas-lift seats, gas-lift bar stools raise or go down using gas. You sit on the stool and press on the gas button to raise or lower the sitting height. The good thing about gas-lift bar stools is that most of them are swivel thus help you rotate 360 degrees to have a perfect view of the room.

Factors To Consider When Buying Bar Stools For Kitchen Island

Before you decide on the best bar stools for Kitchen Island you will spend your money on, here are a few yet important things you need to consider:

Material

The overall body material is a matter of concern when buying a kitchen bar stool. As mentioned earlier in previous sections, bar stools are made of three main materials namely; wood, metal, and plastic.

Metal bar stools are ultimately durable because metal, is not prone to breakages. In case there occurs a breakage, you can repair the metal frame using a welding machine or gas. Metal is not the only durable material in metal bar stool.

Kitchen bar stools made of wood are also durable provided you get the best hardwood. The good thing with these two materials for making kitchen bar stools is that they are repairable. In the even they break, you can repair them.

Lastly, there are kitchen bar stools that are made of plastic. These ones are not as durable as metal or wooden kitchen bar stools. Even if you get the best quality plastic, you will always realize that kitchen bar stools that are made of plastic are less durable compared to their metal and wooden counterparts.

Finishing:

Bar stools come with different finishing to make them look presentable and neat. Common finishing materials include PU leather, polyurethane, velvet and synthetic.

Of all the above finishing materials, PU leather is considered the most durable and lucrative. However, a good choice of a velvet material is likely to last longer compared to many PU leather materials in the market today.

Unless you are very selective and know what you want in leather, chances of landing on the worst leather are imminent.

Polyurethane is also not bad but you have to be very careful. Quality polyurethane goes a long way. Although you cannot compare it with the other two materials, it is likely that if you get the right quality of polyurethane and have the finishing done by an expert, you will love the elegancy of your kitchen.

Bar stool Features:

This is perhaps the most important thing in a barstool. Most of the best bar stools for kitchen Island on this list have exceptional features. Here are some of the features a quality bar stool for kitchen must have:

Adjustable – an adjustable kitchen bar stool is good and gives you the liberty to adjust its height. You can decide to raise or lower the stool to suit your height and at the same time reach the table or countertop.

Swivel – this is a nice feature for all bar stools for kitchen. With a swivel design, you don’t need to turn your head. Instead, you rotate the bar stool to whatever direction you desire. If you want to face east or west, you only need to touch the bar stool and rotate it to wherever you want.

With or without backrest – as mentioned earlier, a backrest is one of the important features of a quality bars stool for kitchen. With a backrest, you are assured of a comfortable sit. If you prefer a backless bar stool, then you will not sit on it for long.

With arms – bar stool arms add stability and security when you are sitted. In the event that alcohol overwhelms you when you are alone in the kitchen bar, which I am not advocating, the best bar stool for back that incorporates armrests, will guard you against unnecessary falls.

Footrest – armrests, footrest, and backrest are additional safety features that add value to a kitchen bar stool. As mentioned on the difference between a bar stool and as counter stool, a bar stool is taller than a counter stool. As such when you sit on a stool that is as high as a whopping 36”, you definitely need a place to rest your feet. That is how a footrest comes in handy.

Bar stool Size:

The size is also another thing to think of. A good bar stool for kitchen should have a wide sitting area. With a reasonable sitting area, you will not fear of falling from the stool no matter how high it stands. A sizeable sitting area ensures your butt doesn’t feel any pain.

Bar stool Mobility:

If you use your kitchen bar stool from other rooms in the house, then you should be concerned about how easy it is to move them from one place to the other. Stackable bar stools are a good choice when it comes to this feature. Unfortunately, I have not seen metal or wooden kitchen stool bars that are stackable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A: There is no rule on the exact height of a bar stool. Normally, a bar stool stands between 29 inches and 36 inches. Anything less than that does not qualify to be a bar stool.

Q: Are all bar stools of the same height?

A: No! Bar stools for kitchen come in different heights stretching from 30” to 36”.

Q: How many stools do I need for a Kitchen Island?

A: A quality Kitchen Island needs between 3 and 6 bar stools.

Q: What are the most comfortable bar stools?

A: Most comfortable bar stools are those that come with backrests, stand between 30” and 33”, have footrests, armrests, and are swivel. In addition, a comfortable bar stool must have a 3”+ foam on its sitting area.

Q: What is the ideal distance between the stool and the countertop board?

A: After measuring accurately, the difference between the countertop board and the stool should be around 10 inches. This is the reasonable distance that gives you room to move your arms.

How to Choose the Right Stool – Bar vs Counter Stools

Final thoughts

While finding the best bar stools for Kitchen Island is a lucrative thing, how to use the stools is another thing. Some people have missed a mark thus fallen from the stools or have taken a lot of alcohol and fallen while they are enjoying their drink. You can avoid these nasty mistakes by taking time to select the best kitchen bar stool that include the best bar stool for back, arm, and footrest. In the end, make sure you clean and stack the stools in a specific place especially if some part is made of glass. That way, the bar stools for kitchen will last many days.