This post is all about the BEST bar stools for kitchen counters that are budget-friendly, functional, and stylish.
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One of the best ways to decorate a kitchen is with bar stools. Not only do they act as décor pieces, but they are extremely functional as well. Especially if you’re living in a small apartment and you don’t have the space or money for a dining table and chairs!
You can use your bar stools to eat at your kitchen island or to work if you need a change of scenery from your home office. There are so many uses for them and you’d be surprised at the number of times you’ll find yourself sitting at them.
However, before we dive into the best bar stools that are cheap and aesthetic, the most common question most people ask is…
What’s the difference between bar stools and counter stools?
This is crucial to know as the main difference between bar stools and counter stools is the height. Counter stools are often shorter than bar stools. A lot of counter stools manufactured today are often the standard height for builder-grade kitchen countertops or islands. However, bar stools will often be a few inches taller than that and suitable for bar counter height.
To think about this, try and compare the height of your kitchen island to the height of bar seating at a restaurant. I’m fairly short so for bar seating at a restaurant, it’s a bit hard for me to get up there lol. On the other hand, the seating for my kitchen island is a lot easier and doesn’t require as much effort.
As a reminder, this is a very general statement and some sites may not be accurate with their description, so ALWAYS look at the measurements. Measure the space you’d like to put your counter or bar stools first and then check out the heights of the options you’re looking at.
Now that we’ve got some of the definitions and details out of the way, let’s take a look at the BEST bar and counter stools for your kitchen counters that will totally take your apartment to the next level. These are options that LOOK expensive and high-end but are actually SUPER budget-friendly.
NOTE:
For simplicity of the post, all the options below will be counter stools as this post is geared towards decorating your kitchen and choosing the perfect stools for your kitchen countertops or island. However, a lot of these options come in a bar stool version as well. So depending on the height you need, there will most likely be an option for you!
**Disclaimer: I can’t comment on the quality of all these items as I don’t own every single option mentioned below. I am simply discussing the overall appearance and options I would consider buying if I was looking for bar stools for my own kitchen. The only one I have and can discuss quality, performance, etc. on is the first option below! Always do your own research as well 😊.
Let’s get into it…
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #1: Cobbler Black 26″ Counter Stool from Living Spaces
This counter stool has is ALL. It’s truly amazing and I would know since I have them in my apartment 😂. You can get this style barstool from several places, however, I had a Living Spaces coupon and definitely wanted to use it. With the coupon, I was able to get these for around $75 each, suuuch an amazing steal!
They’ve held up really well and I use them FREQUENTLY. Love the color and the black accent it gives to my kitchen. Clean lines and a modern look that blends seamlessly with my décor style! It was also fairly easy to assemble, which was a major plus.
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Black, Faux Leather & Metal
- Height: 26 in (fits perfectly for my builder-grade kitchen)
- Ratings: 4.8/5 stars with 156 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #2: Bowden Upholstered Molded Faux Leather Counter Height Barstool – Project 62™ from Target
Super similar to the option above, with a bit more of a linear shape. This stool also comes in several color options, so there will definitely be something for you and your style. Super cool and another great affordable option!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Brown / Carmel / Dark Gray / Black, Faux Leather & Metal
- Height: 24 in
- Ratings: 4.3/5 stars with 355 reviews
Wanted to throw in some Amazon options because who doesn’t love Prime shipping and easy returns! Again, these next two are super similar to the first Living Spaces option. A very simple barstool, but will FOR SURE elevate your space.
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #3: Signature Design by Ashley Centiar (2 count) from Amazon
Color & Fabric: Black, Faux Leather & Metal
Height: 24 in
Ratings: 4.6/5 stars with 1,850 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #4: Waleaf Faux Leather Counter Bar Height Stools with Back, Set of 2 from Amazon
Color & Fabric: Black / Dark Brown / Whiskey, Faux Leather & Metal
Height: 25.5 in
Ratings: 4.4/5 stars with 249 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #5: Rattan Natural 26 Inch Counter Stool from Living Spaces
This rattan stool option from Living Spaces is so cute and at a reasonable price. Love the detailing here with the beige rattan and black metal accent. This one will definitely add some texture and color to your kitchen space and look amazing at any countertop or island!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Tan & Black, Rattan & Metal
- Height: 26 in
- Ratings: 5/5 stars with 9 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #6: HANDCRAFTED IN INDONESIA, Set Of 2 Woven Stripe Counter Stools from Marshalls
TJ Maxx ALWAYS had hidden furniture gems, ESPECIALLY if you look on their website. They are constantly adding new things to their website every week, so I’d definitely check it out if you’re looking for décor, furniture, etc. on a budget.
Also, always check HomeGoods.com and Marshalls.com because even though they are both owned by TJ Maxx, they will all have different items on their respective websites!
Stumbled across these woven striped counter stools. Similar texture as the Living Spaces rattan stool above, but I LOVE the black stripe detailing on these. These are a bit more expensive, but look super high-end so could definitely be an area to splurge in if you’re up to it!!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Tan & Black, Woven Rattan/Rope Material & Wood
- Height: 41 in (full height, no seat height provided)
- Ratings: N/A
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #7: Ceylon Woven Counter Height Barstool – Opalhouse™ from Target
Found this Opalhouse stool and thought it was super cute! How do you all feel about the Opalhouse collection? I think it’s either a hit or miss with a lot of their pieces (at least for my décor style). But these are definitely a HIT.
I’ve seen this style a lot at designer home stores and they are extremely expensive. Super nice to have this affordable option that still gives that designer home look without breaking your bank completely!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Black / Natural / White / Brown, Faux Leather & Wood
- Height: 24 in
- Ratings: 4.2/5 stars with 108 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #8: HANDCRAFTED IN INDONESIA, Genuine Leather Woven Teak Counter Stool from TJ Maxx
Found these super pretty woven counter stools on tjmaxx.com. These are super popular right now (as mentioned with the similar-looking Opalhouse option above) and the woven detail on the chair back would look AMAZING tucked into your kitchen counter. It adds such a nice accent to a plain kitchen and gives me major spring/summer vibes 💘.
This one is a bit more expensive than some other options. I believe it is because it’s genuine leather and teak wood. I would expect the quality to hold up better at this price. Definitely another splurge option if you want to go for it!!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: White, Leather & Teak Wood
- Height: 38 in (full height, no seat height provided)
- Ratings: N/A
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #9: Wellfleet Woven Faux Leather Metal Base Counter Height Barstool – Project 62™ from Target
If you love the above 2 styles but are not a huge fan of the wood/have too much wood in your kitchen already, this option from Project 62 might be for you! This one has that similar woven leather seat look, but with a black metal base instead. Perfect if you’re looking for some black accents to be added to your kitchen décor.
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Brown / Black, Faux Leather & Metal
- Height: 24.5 in
- Ratings: 4.3/5 stars with 24 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #10: Centerville Wood Counter Height Barstool with Upholstered Seat/Back – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee from Target
Studio McGee has my HEART. Absolutely love their line at Target because it gives that aesthetic I’m looking for at a reasonable price! Who wouldn’t want that!
These linen barstools are super traditional and classic, you literally can’t go wrong with these. Love the linen texture mixed with the wood. Would be the perfect addition to a builder-grade kitchen to bring some life/color into your space.
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Dark Gray / Linen (basically an off-white color), Linen & Wood
- Height: 26 in
- Ratings: 3.9/5 stars with 14 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #11: Emery Wood Counter Height Barstool with Upholstered Seat and Sling Back Natural – Threshold™ designed with Studio McGee from Target
Another classic Studio McGee option. The upholstered seat and sling back detail paired with the warm wood base is *chef’s kiss*. Traditional, classic, timeless, all of the above. Not sure why, but it’s giving me European, Tuscan village vibes and I’m loving it.
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Off-White, Upholstered Fabric & Wood
- Height: 26.5 in
- Ratings: 3.9/5 stars with 26 reviews
Bar Stools for Kitchen Counters #12: Set of 2 Becket Metal X Back Counter Height Barstool – Project 62™ from Target
Last but not least, we have this plain black metal option from Target. I love this one if you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck and want a simple, traditional look. This one gives me modern farmhouse + traditional vibes. Not sure how comfortable it is just by looking at it, but definitely one to consider if you’re on a budget!!
Key Points:
- Color & Fabric: Black / White / Light Blue / Gray, Metal
- Height: 24 in
- Ratings: 4.3/5 stars with 236 reviews
If you’ve made it all the way to the end…
I hope you found this list helpful, especially if you’re currently in search of the perfect bar/counter stools for your kitchen. Check out my previous blog post, Amazon Décor You Need to Add to Your Cart Now, for more of my content. Happy decorating everyone ❤️.
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