Best Counter-Height Bar Stools to Complete Your Kitchen
We’re all the way up.
Complete your kitchen island with bar stools that are the perfect height for your counters. Slightly shorter than typical bar stools, counter-height stools ensure you can sit comfortably while you dine. Here are the best counter-height bar stools to complete your kitchen!
Tip!
Before you begin your search for counter stools, read What Are Counter-Height Stools? to make sure they’re the right fit for your kitchen and seating requirements.
1. Best Overall: Fortville Swivel Upholstered Counter Stool
The Fortville swivel bar and counter stool is our pick for overall best counter-height bar stool. Not only does this stool come at the right height for counters, it has a lot of beneficial features such as a swivel, footrest, and backing, all for optimal support and comfort. Not to mention, the built-in plush cushion offers extra comfort as you sit. This single chair comes in a variety of colors (six total) so you can find the right shade for your kitchen aesthetic. With over 1,800 five-star reviews, customers love this counter-height stool for its ease of assembly and sturdy construction.
2. Best Budget-Friendly: Nieva Backless Indoor-Outdoor Counter-Height Stool
Need a budget-friendly option? The Nieva bar stool is priced affordably and offers all of the features of a high-quality seat. Available in nine different colors, these industrial stools can easily fit any aesthetic while still offering the prime benefits of the best counter-height bar stools such as durability, a footrest for comfort, and protective powder-coated frame finish. These stools are built with a 12" seat to give you plenty of space to sit, while the plastic caps on all of the legs keep your floors free of scratches. The metal construction is not only strong and sturdy, but lightweight to make it easy to move around. With over 18,000 five-star reviews, this counter stool is a favorite among customers for its value and versatility.
3. Best Splurge: Walsh Velvet Counter Stool (Set of 2)
If you want to splurge on bar stools that will last, then go for the Walsh counter stool set. These stools feature a sleek and modern design with a chrome-finish cantilever base, velvet seat, and woven cane backrest that give it a unique retro aesthetic. This stool seat cushion is filled with high-density foam and comes in four different upholstery options that will make a stunning addition to any kitchen. Satisfied customers praise the comfort and stylish appearance of these bar stools.
4. Best for Outdoors: Mullinax Patio Bar Stool (Set of 2)
Have an outdoor bar or patio bistro table? Complete them with a set of Mullinax bar stools. Coming in a set of 2, these stools are exceptional for outdoor use as their natural hardwood materials are water-resistant and can be exposed to rain or pool water. The stools also feature curved armrests for comfort, as well as cushioned seating that is also water- and fade-resistant to conserve their look. The legs on these stools are slim for a compact style that will look beautiful in your outdoor environment. Verified customers rave about these bar stools’ sturdiness and durability in outdoor environments.
5. Best Swivel: Morgan Swivel Upholstered Counter Stool With Solid Wood Frame
Looking for the best counter-height bar stools with a swivel feature? Look no further than the Morgan swivel counter stool. The seat is able to swivel 360º so you can turn as needed on the foam-filled linen-blend seat while using the built-in circular footrest for comfort. The backing on this chair has wooden slots to cover the middle so you can stay supported the entire time you’re sitting. With over 1,100 five-star reviews, this counter stool is a favorite among customers looking for a supportive, comfortable, and attractive seat for their kitchen.
6. Best for Back Support: Julienn Bar & Counter Stool (Set of 2)
And speaking of back support, the Julienn counter stool set provides all the support your back needs thanks to its fully covered backing. This stool comes in a set of two with three different color options so you can find the shade that best fits your aesthetic and preferences. While the backing on this chair is low, it still offers support along with a slightly curved seat for your lower back to nestle into. The built-in footrest takes pressure off your feet and knees by giving them a place to rest as you occupy the stool and enjoy the foam-filled cushion. This set of counter stools is praised for its high-quality appearance at an affordable price – with nearly 4,300 five-star reviews from satisfied customers.
7. Best Armrests: Etta Solid Wood Counter Stool
If you want a place to rest your arms while you’re at the bar, consider choosing the Etta stool with its unobtrusive built-in armrests. This Scandinavian-inspired stool can fit in nearly any aesthetic since the frames and seats come in a variety of neutral hues. The wishbone-style backing offers you support with the one bar going down the middle for your back to rest on. The stool is made from solid ash wood, while the woven wicker cord seat plays up the natural texture and creates a comfortable spot to sit. Our customers love the quality of the wood frames and the modern aesthetic it brings to their kitchens.
8. Best Armless: Zyaire Upholstered Counter Stool
Don’t want a stool as bulky with armrests? Opt for the Zyaire bar stool that’s completely armless but not lacking in support or comfort. This stool comes fully padded in both the backing and seat, underneath the striking blue-and-white striped upholstery. The built-in footrests on this stool increases your support and boosts the aesthetic of the stool with its lighter wooden finish. To keep your floors protected, all of the legs have a plastic glider underfoot to prevent scratches from occurring. This counter stool is especially loved by verified buyers for its color, comfort, and coastal aesthetic.
9. Best Footrest: Volana Upholstered Counter Stool (Set of 2)
If one of your main focuses when searching for a barstool is the footrest, then allow the Volana stool to take the load off – literally! This stool is packed full of comfort for bar sitting, making it one of the best counter-height bar stools. Not only does this chair feature a built-in footrest, it also comes with a seat and back loaded with padding. Each set comes with two stools and three different color options to find the shade that best suits your kitchen. Customers love how these modern counter stools effortlessly balance style and comfort.
10. Best Upholstered: Burlison Counter Stool (Set of 2)
Are you looking for a counter-height bar stool designed with elegance? The tufted fabric on these stools makes an elegant addition to any kitchen with one of the three color options to choose from. The stools are packed with comfort and support, from the completely covered and padded backrest to the cushioned seat. One set comes with two stools that both feature footrests and caps on the bottom of the legs to keep your floors scratch-free as you enjoy the use of the stools at your counter. Happy customers specifically note the ease of assembly, sturdy construction, and comfortable padding of these bar stools.
11. Best Space-Saving Design: Knaack Counter-Height Bar Stool
If you don’t want counter stools that are bulky and take up too much space, then consider the Knaack bar stool. This stool is slim and compact, designed with space conservation in mind. When not in use, the backless design allows you to tuck it underneath your counter to be out of the way until you’re ready to use it again. When you are ready to sit at the counter, pull it out to enjoy its comfortable contoured saddle seat and built-in footrest. With over 2,300 five-star reviews, this counter stool is especially loved by customers for its sturdy construction and high-quality wood materials.
12. Best Set: Nesbit Counter Stool (Set of 4)
Keep a uniformed look going in your kitchen with this set of bar stools. This Nesbit set of stools comes with four stools with an industrial aesthetic to make it feel as if you’re at a downtown bar in your own kitchen. Made of solid wood seats and steel frames, these chairs are very durable and strong, and feature supportive backing, comfortable seating, and a foot rest. The legs are also made with protective ends to preserve your floors and avoid scratches if you need to move the stools around. Customers love the lightweight, space-efficient design of these stools and praise them for their high-quality industrial appearance.
Tip!
Curious about the difference between counter-height and bar-height stools? Read our guide Counter Stool vs. Bar Stool: Which Seat Height Should I Choose? for more info.


