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The 15 Best Modern Bar Stools and Counter Stools for 2025

Best Bar Stool
Bar stools offer stylish, comfortable seating that will never go out of style. They're great for breakfast bars, kitchen islands, and counter-height tables, and they'll add instant class to your home decor. But all bar stools are not created equal.

You'll have a range of options to choose between, like backless or backrest, bar-height or counter-height, and swivel or fixed. Before you buy, though, you need to know what height you're looking for to ensure the perfect fit. From there, you get to move on to the fun part of actually picking a style you love. 

If this sounds like a lot of work for bar stools, don't worry. We've already done the research for you, so all you need to do is measure your table or countertop. And we've included a list of some of the best bar stools on the web to make your job easier.

What’s the difference between a bar stool and a counter stool?

Choosing the wrong height is one of the most common mistakes people make when outfitting their home bar or dining room. It seems like they'd all be the same height, so you might buy the first set you see on Amazon or at Walmart. But when you get them home, the height will likely be off. This is because there's a difference between bar stools and counter stools, also known as counter-height bar stools.

“Always double check to make sure your bar stools or counter stools are the correct height — this is the most important step in picking the appropriate stool for your space,” says Andrea Schumacher of Andrea Schumacher Interiors.

"Standard bar-height stools should have seat heights of 29 to 32 inches and are paired with table heights of 41 to 43 inches. This is the average bar-stool height and fits most home bars and bar tables.”

“Counter-height bar stools usually measure 23 to 28 inches from the floor to the seat and are used with 35 to 37 inch high countertops. Most kitchen counters are around this height to match the height of standard kitchen appliances. Standard bar-height stools should have seat heights of 29 to 32 inches and are paired with table heights of 41 to 43 inches. This is the average bar-stool height and fits most home bars and bar tables.”

In addition to counter-height stools and bar stools, there's height variance in each category. And then there are adjustable bar stools, but they usually make finding a fit easier rather than harder.

For comfortable seating, you want the seat height for your dining chairs or bar stools to be between 10 and 13 inches shorter than your table or countertop. This leaves a comfortable amount of room for sitting and moving around in the chair.

The Best Backless Bar Stools

1. Bartlett Backless Bar Stool

Bartlett Bar Stool

Brand: Fyrn

Price: $770

The Bartlett Backless Bar Stool from Fyrn is a bit of a star in restaurants across the United States. It's made for bar-height counters, featuring a comfortable seat and a broad profile to encourage lingering over good conversations or extra drinks. If the Bartlett backless bar stool is durable and lightweight enough to survive daily use in restaurants across the country, we're confident that it can make itself at home anywhere.

You can choose between a wood and leather seat, with vegan leather options available for those who prefer cruelty-free products. Customization options include multiple color selections for the wood finish, metal brackets, and leather seat (if chosen). And the best part is that all parts are 100% repairable or replaceable for life.

Shop now at fyrn.com

2. Stand Out Stool

Stand Out Bar Stool n Solid Wood

Brand: Sundays

Price: from $367.50

The Stand Out Stool from Sundays is an effortlessly versatile piece. It features natural materials with a hand-carved frame made from solid oak wood and an airy shape. The Stand Out Stool also features handwoven to provide casual comfort in any setting.

You can choose between a 26" counter stool and a 29" bar stool height.

“The Stand Out s a minimally chic piece. It really lets our craftsmen’s woodworking skills shine, and it seamlessly mixes materiality of handwoven seat with wood legs,” says our reviewer. “It’s a versatile piece to design with and can both a traditional or more modern aesthetic.”

Shop now at sundays-company.com

3. Jai Solid Wood Bar Stool

Jai Solid Wood Bar Stool

Brand: AllModern

Price: $110

The Jai Solid Wood Bar Stool from AllModern offers comfortable seating with a saddle seat and ergonomic footrest. It features clean, sleek lines with a curved, powder-coated metal frame in black for a contemporary industrial style.

The Jai Solid Wood Bar Stool is 30" high. It features angled legs and floor protectors for stability, and a solid iron frame. The saddle seat is made from natural, sustainably-sourced mango wood, which offers a beautiful grain and texture. And at $118 each, it's definitely among the best budget options.

Shop now at allmodern.com

4. Caress Solid Barstool

Bar stool with black metal base and wooden top
Caress Barstool

Brand: Birch Lane

Price: $158

The Caress Barstool from Birch Lane is a simple, rustic option that would fit right in with most breakfast bars and bar-height counter areas. It has a no-nonsense design with a comfortable seat, ideal for enjoying long conversations, especially with foot rails on all four sides. With a relaxed, classic style, this beauty could fit in with almost any space.

The Caress Barstool is made from solid wood and is available in in one brown finish. It stands 30" high and is made with a thick, iron frame that's lovingly hewn and sanded to create a smooth texture.

Shop now at birchlane.com

5. Sabino Backless Leather Bar Stool

Bar stool in wood and leather

Brand: Grandin Road

Price: $379

The Sabino Bar Stool from Grandin Road is a neutral, timeless piece with a classic profile. Featuring a bold black frame paired with a striped leather seat, this bar stool makes a sophisticated statement. The backless silhouette enhances visual openness, lending a clean, modern aesthetic to any space. Available in both counter (24") and bar (30") heights, it offers versatile seating options to suit your layout and lifestyle.

This piece does not include customization options. And while it's not mentioned on the product page, this stool might be a good fit for those searching for a stackable option.

Shop now at grandinroad.com

6. Alastair Bar Stool

Alastair Bar & Counter Stool with Green/White stripe

Brand: Birch Lane

Price: $251.93

The collection bar stool elevates your home bar with a dash of boho charm.

It features a meticulously woven polyethylene seat, designed for durability and easy care. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, it adds both texture and personality to any space., perfect for chatting with friends in free time. Sturdy rubberwood-blocked legs and a convenient footrest ensure stability while chatting and snacking.

Expertly crafted from durable rubberwood, this counter stool is available in a 24" height for counters and 30" for bar seating, making it a versatile addition to any space. Its clean design and high-quality, easy-to-maintain materials offer the perfect balance of style and functionality. Assembly is simple, ensuring a seamless setup experience.

Shop now at wayfair.com

The Best Bar Stools with Backs

7. The Austin Leather

Austin Leather Counter Stool

Brand: Joybird

Price: $313 each

The Austin Leather Counter Stool from Joybird brings timeless mid-century inspiration into modern spaces with ease. Expertly handcrafted, it features a sleek, solid wood frame paired with a luxuriously padded leather seat—designed for both style and comfort.

Overall dimensions: 19"w x 20"d x 35.5"h, seating: 16"w x 15"d x 25"h.

With its gently curved backrest, the Austin isn’t just stylish—it also delivers added comfort and support, making it a smart pick for everyday use in busy households or for anyone who appreciates thoughtful ergonomics in their seating. Its sculptural profile looks equally striking whether tucked neatly under a counter or standing on display.

Shop now at joybird.com

8. Best Adjustable Counter Stools: Simone Performance Bouclé

Adjustable Counter Stool in Matt Black
Simone Performance Bouclé

Brand: Castlery

Price: $858

Designed to evoke a post-modern aesthetic, the Counter Stool from Castlery blends timeless craftsmanship with contemporary elegance—making it a seamless fit for any modern interior.

The stool’s understated profile and perfectly angled curved back offer unmatched ergonomic comfort, ideal for dining. With its adjustable height, swivel mechanism, and supportive armrests, it adapts effortlessly to your space and needs.

This premium piece is available in stool or chair model and is a testament to enduring style and quality.

Shop now at castlery.com

9. Tall Eternity Counter Stool

Eternity Counter Stool with Back
Eternity Counter Stool

Brand: Eternity

Price: $650 each

The Eternity Counter Stool from Eternity Modern by Urban Natural is among the best budget options with an affordable price point. It has an elegant design with an ergonomic seat and a sturdy metal frame. The solid seat comes in a wide variety of vibrant color options to customize the essential look.

The Eternity Counter Stool has a total height of 43.9" and a seat height of 27.2". The design would fit in with retro and contemporary home decor in any room of the home.

Shop now at urbannatural.com

10. Aisha Upholstered Bar Stool Set

Aisha Upholstered Bar Stool

Brand: AllModern

Price: $179

The Aisha Upholstered Bar Stool Set on AllModern is another candidate among the best budget options. These bar stools feature a low-profile modern silhouette with a metal base and low-back seat. They have rustic faux leather upholstery with visible stitching for an authentic appeal.

The comfortable seats feature foam cushion filling, and you can choose from a range of eye-catching upholstery colors. On checkout, you can also choose between a 30.5" seat height and a 23.5" seat height.

Shop now at allmodern.com

11. Lunden Swivel Bar Stool

lunden swivel barstool

Brand: Arhaus

Price: $640 each

The Lunden Swivel Bar Stool from Arhaus cuts a classic profile with a minimalist-inspired silhouette. It fits with the rest of the Lunden dining chair collection and will bring color and comfort to any dining area. It features a solid, reinforced hardwood frame that's SFI-certified and comes with a beautiful hand-stained finish. For comfort, the Lunden boasts a generously-padded upholstered seat and backrest with dense foam made partially from plant-based material.

The Lunden Stool also features a swivel stool seat with a memory swivel motion for smooth rotation. The espresso-toned legs are lacquered for added protection, and the upholstery is made from sustainably certified Crypton® Nomad Performance Fabrics for easy cleaning.

Shop now at arhaus.com

12. Linenic Bar Stool

Linenic Series Modern Bar Stools with PU Leather Upholstery Beige and Black
Linenic Series Modern Bar Stools

Brand: Homary

Price: $279.99

The Linenic Modern Black PU Leather Bar Stool a perfect blend of contemporary design and comfort. This stool features sleek black PU leather upholstery and a low back design, providing both style and support. The foam-filled seat ensures comfort, while the built-in footrest offers added relaxation. Supported by sturdy metal legs, this bar stool is ideal for modern kitchens or breakfast bars, adding a touch of elegance to your space.

Shop now at homary.com

13. Haneza Bar Stool

Haneza Bar Stool in Metal and natural Rattan
Haneza Bar Stool

Brand: Joss & Main

Price: $528

The Haneza Bar Stool from Lulu & Georgia could give any home bar a contemporary coastal appeal with a woven rattan seat. It features a sleek steel frame and a classic molded seat around which the rattan is woven to create a pop of natural texture. And it's so comfortable that your guests won't want the conversation to end.

The Haneza Bar Stool features a total height of 39.5" and a 31" seat height. It would fit well with most coastal spaces, but the rattan design would also work well in modern kitchens. Breakfast bars and kitchen islands work well when paired with bar stools that have a touch of character.

Shop now at jossandmain.com

14. Solid Wood Bar Height Chair (Set of 2)

Two Bar Height Black Chairs
Height Chair

Brand: Plank+Beam

Price: $475.96

The Height bar Chair from Plank+Beam is comfortable with a curved backrest and deepening in the seat. It's designed to go with the bar table and comes in your choice of black, pecan, and blonde finishes. The stool has a total height of 44" and a seat height of 30", and it leads the best budget options on our list.

The high back design with a curved stool shape provides excellent lower back support to prevent your back from getting tired after extended time spent seated. The deepening in the wood seat also distributes your weight evenly over the chair to reduce pressure on your sitting bones.

Shop now at plankandbeam.com

15. Graham Leather Counter Stool

Graham Leather Metal Framed Upholstered Counter Stool
Graham Leather Counter Stool

Brand: Interior Define

Price: $695 each

The Graham Upholstered Bar Stool from Interior Define is designed with world-class comfort in mind. The seat and back are filled with comfortable polyurethane foam and polyester fibers, and they're tightly upholstered in your choice of pigment-dyed Leather. The frame features steel legs with an antique bronze finish and a tubular shape that matches the signature contemporary style.

The Graham Upholstered Bar Stool is perfect for adding a touch of glam to the kitchen, but this design would also work well in the living room at a shared counter. On website, you can choose between a 26" counter stool and a 29.5" bar stool height.

Shop now at interiordefine.com

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Shelby Golding
Written by
Shelby Golding
Shelby Golding is a Colorado-based writer/editor with over a decade of experience. She has a college education in interior design and enjoys woodworking in her free time.
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