19 smart bar stools to elevate your home bar

Growing up, the one house feature I was always envious of was the breakfast counter and bar stools combination. Going to my friend's houses, I always insisted on taking breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks at the counter, regardless of whether my friend wanted to do so.

To this day I still find myself jealous of houses with them (Matilda Goad's articulated bar stools spring to mind). Except now I don't just covet a breakfast bar with stools, but a home bar too. Two or three elegant stools can elevate a hole-in-the-wall home bar faster than you can say "mine's a margarita," so don't be afraid to splash out on them. With a small footprint and ease with which they can be tucked under the counter or kitchen island, bar stools are also a great seating option for small kitchens.

Our top picks, at a glance

• Best wooden bar stool: Oval Oak Bar Stool, from Rowen & Wren
• Best upholstered bar stool: Molina Barstool, from Soho Home
• Best luxury bar stool: Billiani 1911 Marimba Bar Stool by Emilio Nanni, from Artemest
• Best rattan bar stool: Musette High Rattan & Braiding Bar Stool, from La Redoute
• Best metal bar stool: 1006 Navy Stool with Arms, hand polished, from Emeco
• Best affordable bar stool: Faro Pair of Woven Oak Bar Stools, from Habitat

What is the best type of bar stool?

For kitchen counters, something smart but practical is best. A swivel stool will allow you to jump on and off the seat with ease, especially when in a rush. If you have children, picking something that is height adjustable is also a good idea as you can change it as they grow. In a home bar setting, something with a padded seat will allow you to sit in comfort for hours. A foot rest or bar is often an asset too, as dangling legs will start to ache after a while.

Scroll on for our top bar stool and breakfast bar picks.

After more home bar ideas? Check out our guide to home bar accessories here. For inspiration on what to stock in a bar cart, read our guide on bottles to buy for a home bar.

Best bar stools 2025