The 5 Best Bar Stools For 2024

A good set of bar stools can make all the difference when it comes to bringing a kitchen or bar together. Aesthetics are important, but so are comfort and functionality. If you’re struggling to find the best bar stools for your home or bar, we can help! 

Our top pick is the Roundhill Furniture Masaccio Bar Stool Set, which manages to hit all the marks in terms of comfort, visual appeal, and function. But if these counter height stools don’t suit your fancy, we have a few other recs based on budget, comfort, home needs, and bar needs.

Let’s dive into our top picks, so you can make a more informed decision when you buy.

Quick Look at Our Top Picks:

1. Best Overall – Roundhill Furniture Masaccio Cushioned Leatherette Bar Stools Set of 2
2. Best Budget – HOOBRO Bar Stools Set of 2
3. Most Comfortable – Watson & Whitely Modern Swivel Bars Stools Set of 2
4. Best for Home – YOUNUOKE Bar Stools Set of 2
5. Best Commercial Bar Stools – DUMOS Bar Stools Set of 4

We chose this set as our top pick for the best bar stools out there for a few reasons. To start, it is aesthetically pleasing and features a shape and design that could fit a wide range of kitchen styles. Plus, the multiple color options are great for matching the color scheme of your kitchen.

This product hits all the marks in terms of function and size. These counter height stools can be adjusted to reach up to 30 inches tall at the seat, making them perfect for your shortest and tallest guests alike.

Plus, the airlift is easy to adjust, the faux leather and foam are super comfortable, and the 360-degree swivel is perfect for entertaining.

You really can’t go wrong with this beautiful set.

Bar stools (and furniture in general) can be quite expensive nowadays. This great backless bar stool set from HOOBRO manages to combine function, style, and compact size all for a low price of under $50 for a set of two bar-height stools.

They might not be the most comfortable bar stools on the market, but for the price, they are more than worth it for styling a kitchen island in a pinch.

Despite the low price, buyers have noted that these are very durable bar stools. This is an absolute necessity when you consider safety and your overall investment in these stools. The rustic brown and black color scheme are also quite lovely and should fit most kitchen aesthetics well.

If you’re looking for more relaxed seating, these cushioned bar stools from Watson & Whitely are absolutely worth the premium price. This two-piece set features a wide range of color options and luxurious-looking fabric-covered seats, complete with foam cushioning and backrests.

You can enjoy further customization by choosing between 26-inch or 30-inch heights to suit your specific kitchen island or bar. Just as well, the upholstery on these bar stools is stain and water-resistant, so you can keep them looking fresh for years. These are quite sturdy stools as well.

If you’re looking for bar stools for your home kitchen, you will probably want to look for something a bit more comfortable and visually pleasing than what you would buy for a commercial bar.

These stools from YOUNUOKE are the perfect pick since they mix comfort and design in a way that could suit any home. Plus, all the color options are a plus for matching your stools to your kitchen.

These stools come in sets of one or two in a contemporary mid-century modern design. Despite having just a single leg, these stools have a sturdy bottom that ensures guest safety as well as scratch-free movement that your floors will appreciate.

In need of some bar stools to furnish your commercial (or at-home) bar? These bar stools are our top pick. You can purchase them in either black or white, and in sets of two or four to fully furnish a functioning bar.

The price point is excellent if you need a lot of bar stools, but the modern, clean look and overall comfort of these stools are what really sell them. The under-seat adjustable level and footrest add to the comfort guests won’t expect but will be pleasantly surprised to see.

Plus the weight limit for these stools is 250 pounds each, so you can ensure most patrons can sit back and relax comfortably and safely.

What to Look for in the Best Bar Stools: Buyer’s Guide

If the above options don’t suit what you’re looking for, you can do your own research with a few key things to keep in mind while shopping. Specifically, you should consider height and adjustability, comfort, style and design, durability and quality, and budget when looking for bar stools to purchase.

Height and Adjustability

Nobody likes sitting at a bar, only to find that their seat is too short, too tall, or impossible to adjust. When shopping for the perfect bar stools, keep in mind that you will want something with decent height. The general rule of thumb is to look for something with a seat that can be adjusted or reach about 10-12 inches below the bottom of the bar.

Not all bar stools are adjustable, but we recommend looking for products that can be adjusted so they can suit the comfort of your guests or patrons. Many bar stools out there feature an under-seat lever or footrest pedal that can change the height of the seat. In general, just look for something that isn’t too tall or too short.

Comfort

We’ve all been to a bar with egregiously uncomfortable bar stools. Who wants to deal with that at a brunch or dinner party at someone’s home? Look for bar stools that are comfortable, such as stools with a cushioned seat or a backrest.

Our Roundhill Furniture pick is great for comfort, as well as the Watson & Whitely stools that are designed to be as comfy as possible. Try to avoid bar stools that have hard metal seats, and you should be good to go.

Style and Design

Bar stools are style statements in addition to being functional furniture. The design you choose should seamlessly blend with your existing decor or become a standout feature in the room. From sleek, minimalist stools that scream modern chic to classic wooden stools that exude warmth and contemporary vibes, the choices are virtually endless. 

Consider the overall theme of your space – is it modern, rustic, industrial, or something else? Your stools should complement this aesthetic while also expressing your personal style.

Durability and Quality

Durability and quality are particularly important if the stools will be used regularly and experience a lot of traffic. Finding the perfect counter stool is all about finding that perfect blend of sturdy materials and craftsmanship. Solid wood, robust metal, and reinforced plastics are the hallmarks of stools that stand the test of time. 

Pay attention to the construction of the stools you are considering. Are the joints secure? Is the finish resistant to scratches and wear? In places like bars and restaurants, where stools might face a bit more of a rough and tumble life, prioritizing durability will save you from frequent replacements and repairs.

Budget

Let’s be real and talk numbers. Your budget plays a pivotal role in your choice of bar stool (and furnishings in general), but it’s all about striking a balance between cost and quality. It might be tempting to skimp on the price, but cheaper options could end up costing more in the long run due to lower durability. 

Consider your bar stools an investment in the look and function of your kitchen. It’s often worth spending a little more upfront for quality that lasts. However, that doesn’t mean good deals are nonexistent, so keep an eye out for sales or even second-hand gems that don’t compromise on quality!

Best Bar Stools Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many bar stools should I have in a certain amount of space?

The number of bar stools you should have depends largely on the size of your bar or counter and the size of the stools themselves. A good starting point is to allocate about 28 to 30 inches of space per stool. This spacing allows for comfortable seating and easy movement in and out of the counter stool. 

For example, if you have a six-foot counter, you can comfortably fit about three stools. However, if your stools are wider or have arms, you might need to decrease this number to make sure your space doesn’t feel overcrowded. You can absolutely have too many bar stools!

What are the best materials for bar stools?

The best material for your bar stools largely depends on your personal style preferences, the overall decor of the space, and practical considerations like durability and maintenance. Popular choices include wood, metal, and upholstered counter stools. 

Wood offers a classic, timeless look and can range from sleek and modern to rustic, depending on the finish. 

Metal stools, often found in industrial or modern designs, offer durability and also offer a lighter weight option. Just keep in mind that the weight limit for metal stools can vary significantly.

Upholstered counter stools bring a touch of comfort and luxury, with options in leather or fabric. These are particularly ideal if comfort is a top priority. Many of our top picks, such as the Roundhill Furniture bar stool set, have upholstered seats for added comfort.

When choosing materials, consider the ease of cleaning, especially in high-use areas or spaces where spills are likely.

Best Bar Stools

When shopping for bar stools, key considerations include height and adjustability, comfort, style, and quality, all while keeping your budget in mind. 

Our top recommendation, the Roundhill Furniture Masaccio Cushioned Leatherette Bar Stools Set, excels in all these aspects and offers a perfect blend of aesthetic appeal, comfort, and functionality. Its adjustable height, easy-to-use air lift, and 360-degree swivel feature make it a versatile and user-friendly choice.

If our picks aren’t what you’re looking for, try to use some of our guidance from this article when shopping for your counter stool set. Your guests will thank you!