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Best Modern Counter Stools
Modern homes commonly come with a breakfast nook or counter area. This is when the countertop extends out further for a larger overhang.
You can then place chairs at this counter area and use it for eating quick meals. To make this small but usable space more functional, you need to choose just the right modern countertop stools.
We have curated this list of the best countertop stools for your home.
Read also: 42 Kitchen Bar Ideas and Designs
Top Picks
Best Overall: Kody Bar & Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 23.5 inches
Material: Metal, manufactured wood, upholstered
Seat Back Type: Low back
Do not overthink your stool choice. This simple yet perfectly designed chair is both comfortable and functional. It comes in five beautiful colors, blush pink, sapphire blue, emerald green, platinum, and vintage gold. The bucket seat design lets you sink back into the chair for a relaxed and supportive seat. Balancing the design of the seat are long, slender metal legs. While the legs may look refined, each stool can support an impressive 250 pounds. The seat’s back comes up to about your mid-back, you won’t have to worry about getting a fatigued back.
The velvet upholstery does make these chairs harder to keep them clean despite the manufacturer claiming they wipe clean. The velvet will begin to show wear and tear with heavy use. It can also discolor from spills or aggressive cleaning. Some owners have also complained about the chairs feeling small.
Check PriceBest Budget Pick: Offex Modern Mavka Backless Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 24 inches
Material: Wood
Seat Back Type: None
This simple stool has a classic design made from a wood frame and seat. It features a sturdy frame and seat made from solid rubberwood. The frame is painted white to give it a fresh and clean look, while the seat is kept natural to showcase the beauty of the wood. Each stool can support up to 220 pounds. A nice feature of this stool is the included footrest rungs. This gives you a place to comfortably place your feet while sitting on the stool. The dimensions for the stool measure 12 x 12 x 23.5 inches.
One drawback of this stool is that it does not swivel. This would have been a nice feature. It also does not have a back, so there is no support while sitting on the stool. While the simplicity of the design gives this stool a modern feel, it also tends to look a bit farmhouse in design.
Check PriceBest With Armrests Pick: Worldwide Home Furnishings Counter Height Upholstered Bar Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 26 inches
Material: Metal and fabric
Seat Back Type: Low
The standout feature of this modern stool is that it comes with armrests. The seat, back, and armrest design of this stool gives it an armchair feel while also having a low-profile design. This makes it perfect for a breakfast nook. The slight back slant of the back of the chair allows you to sink back and relax for extended sitting. The fabric upholstery on the seat is rich velvet, giving your stool an elegant yet modern feel. The upholstered seat is paired with a matte black metal frame. The weight capacity for each stool is 300 pounds, making this stool especially strong.
One potential issue with this chair is that it has a wide stance. This can make it too wide for some smaller spaces. You may also find the armrests to be too low to be comfortable. They could also interfere with your ability to push the stool in so that it sits under the countertop.
Check PriceRelated read: 78 Breakfast Bar Ideas
Best Premium Pick: West Elm Holland Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 27 inches
Material: Wood and cord
Seat Back Type: Low
This comfortable stool features a modern take on a classic design. It has a minimalist wood frame with a woven seat strung around it. This gives the chair a modern yet organic feel. This simplistic design makes this chair perfect for a modern, bohemian, farmhouse, or mid-century modern kitchen. What makes this stool stand out is the quality of the construction. The rubberwood wood frame is solid and kiln-dried for durability and longevity. Choose from acorn or black finish. The slim lines of the back and boldly tapered legs elevate the stool’s design to make it more than just a seating option.
The downside of this stool is the woven seat design. Because of its individual cords, they are not as strong as a solid seat. This can cause them to wear out faster. If you get the seat stained or dirty, it is harder to clean because the liquid will absorb into the cord. You may also find that it does not feel as cushioned as other options on this list.
Check PriceBest Modern Glam Pick: Fuji Gold and White Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 27 inches
Material: Metal and Faux Leather
Seat Back Type: Low
Add a touch of glam to your modern kitchen with this stylish stool that features a bright gold frame and faux leather white seat. If this color combination is not your style, there are 35 color combinations to choose from for a custom look. The frame may look like a glamorous gold or silver but is actually made from sturdy stainless steel. A unique feature of this stool is that it is stackable, so you can neatly and compactly store them out of the way when not in use. Each stool has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. The seat on this stool is made with a thick pad for cushioned support and PU leather for the upholstery.
The drawback of this stool is the low profile back. It is so low that it is almost pointless. Its main function is stopping your bum from sliding off the back of the stool, not providing any support for your back.
Check PriceBest Sophisticated Pick: Fairfield Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 26 inches
Material: Metal and Faux Leather
Seat Back Type: Low
The contemporary design of this stool helps it to look modern and timeless. It has a metal frame that gives the stool plenty of strength to support up to 300 pounds. There are ten color combinations to choose from, making it possible to find the perfect bar stool dyeing for your kitchen. The cushioned low back gives you just enough support to make the stool comfortable. It also comes with a footrest bar, making it more comfortable to sit on. You will also appreciate the deeper seat, giving your legs more support for a more stable seated position. This makes the stool comfortable enough to sit in for longer time periods while you enjoy a meal or drinks.
One issue with this stool is that it weighs 20 pounds. This can make it heavy and awkward to move about. You will also need to assemble this stool, which can be challenging when the holes do not line up.
Check PriceBest Plush Cushioned Pick: Corvus Carson Contemporary Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 26 inches
Material: Metal and Fabric
Seat Back Type: Solid
Create the ultimate in comfort with this modern stool that has plush cushioning on the seat and back. They come in three modern colors, beige, yellow, and brown. Each is paired with a sleek black metal frame. To give the stool improved durability, it has a double-layer cushion design and comes in either flat fabric or tulle baran upholstery. Both of these fabrics look and feel luxurious but are easy to care for and keep clean. A nice design feature that helps this stool to stand out is the gentle curvature of the seat and back, which makes the stool more comfortable. Each stool has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds.
The biggest problem with this stool is that it requires assembly. The quality controls for alignment are lacking, making assembly difficult. You may also find that the yellow color is more like mustard, which can look dark and dingy in a kitchen.
Check PriceBest High Backed Pick: Linon Stewart Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 24 inches
Material: wood and fabric
Seat Back Type: Solid
Give your kitchen a formal feel with this modern high back counter stool. The long straight lines of the seat and back give this stool a modern design. While the shiny metal nail heads give it a slightly traditional feel. This balance helps to keep the stool timeless. The stool has a solid black wood-finished frame and is upholstered with crystal polyester fabric. This polyester upholstery is resistant to staining and is easy to clean, helping your chairs to look like new for longer. White is the only upholstery color option. Each stool has a maximum weight capacity of 250 pounds. The frame is made from Aian hardwood, helping it to be durable and strong.
The drawback of this stool is that the high back can be cumbersome. It takes up a lot of space and is taller than the average stool, which can make your home feel cramped.
Check PriceBest Clear Pick: 2XHome Counter Stools
Specs:
Seat Height: 25.5 inches
Material: Polycarbonate
Seat Back Type: Open
The crystal clear polycarbonate construction of this chair gives these chairs an illusion effect. This makes them perfect for smaller spaces where you do not want to feel cramped or closed in. their clear design is also perfect for modern and minimalist designs where this stool takes up a minimal amount of visual space. In addition to crystal clear, you can choose from black, smoke, and white. Each stool is s molded design to be all one piece for the frame, seat, and back. What makes this stool stand out is the construction material. You can literally wipe them clean or wash them if they get especially dirty.
While the clear polycarbonate is beautiful when new, it will eventually show wear and tear. It can scratch, causing the clear finish to look cloudy. This is especially true for the seat where clothes rub against the seat. This stool also has a low maximum weight capacity of 200 pounds.
Check PriceBest Wood Pick: Debby Solid Wood Bar & Counter Stool
Specs:
Seat Height: 24 inches
Material: Iron and Wood
Seat Back Type: None
If you have a limited amount of space, this low-profile counter stool is a perfect option. It features a metal frame that has a compact footprint directly under the rectangular-shaped wood seat. Because it does not have a back or armrests, you can push this stool completely under your countertop for maximum space. Take a look at the stool’s seat, and you will appreciate the beauty of the wood with natural wood graining and color variation. There are even knots and knurls, so give each seat a one-of-a-kind design. This stool measured 24 x 12 x 16 inches. Because of this compact sizing, you can fit more of these stools into a smaller space, making it ideal for places like a home bar where you want plenty of seating options for everyone.
The downside of this stool is that it does not have a back or any seat cushioning. This can make it uncomfortable to sit on for long time periods.
Check PriceHow to Choose a Perfect Modern Counter Stool?
Seat Height
One of the most important features of your counter height stools is seat height. Choose a seat height that is too low, and you will be sitting too low at the counter. You don’t want the counter at your chest. Choose a seat height that is too high, and there will not be enough room for your legs under the counter. As a general rule, the top of the seat should be about ten inches from the bottom of the counter.
Back Height
Not all counter stools have a back to them. If you plan on spending an extended amount of time sitting in your stools, then you will want to have a back on them. This gives you additional support. Once you decide you want a back on the stool, you will need to decide how tall it should be. A low back will typically support your low back. Most people find a taller back more comfortable that extends up to the mid-back or shoulder blades.
Material
If you are like most people, you are probably planning to use your new stools in the kitchen area. This means they have the potential for getting dirty from food and drink spills. A durable and easy to clean fabric is ideal. It is also smart to skip the upholstery altogether for a solid material that is easily wiped clean. Consider who will sit at the stools and the amount of use your stools will get. If you have small children or messy friends, then you may want to treat the material with a stain proofer.
Swivel
A stool that swivels can make it easier to get on and off of the chair. The base of the stool will stay still, and the seat will turn on a ball-bearing style castor. Some stools turn in a complete 360-degree motion. Other bar stools only swivel a short distance to each side. A nice feature to look for is a spring-loaded swivel stool. This mechanism brings the bar stool back to its original position automatically when swiveled. This helps to keep the stools neat and orderly.
Conclusion
Our top picks for the best modern counter stools are the Kody Bar & Counter Stool and the Offex Modern Mavka Backless Counter Stool. The bucket design of the Kody stool makes it incredibly comfortable to sit in. The Offex stool is affordable while having a classic and clean design.
FAQs on Modern Counter Stools
Bar stools are taller with a seat that is higher than a counter height stool. This is because they are designed to be used at higher counters and tables. Counter height stools are designed for use at a standard counter height. Bar stools are typically about 42 inches in height, with a seat that’s between 29 and 31 inches. Counter height stools are typically about 36 inches in height, with a seat between 24 and 27 inches.
Stools can be better than chairs because they either lack or have small armrests. This makes it easier to tuck them under the counter to keep your kitchen area looking neat and orderly. Stools also help with ergonomics, encouraging a natural spine position. This helps to alleviate back and body pain by avoiding awkward body positions.
You should always have more than one stool. A single stool will look awkward and weirdly placed. To determine how many bar stools you need, measure the length of your counter. Typically, you should have about 24 inches of space for each person.