8 best bar stools for your kitchen island or breakfast bar

With a woven seat that feels refreshingly natural, this bar stool adds warmth, texture and a relaxed, artisanal touch to any dining or kitchen space. But at the same time, it delivers contemporary sass. The oversized chunky weave features a bold contrasting black stripe, while the geometric lines of the woven seat are reflected in the angular shaping of the frame itself.

Crafted from solid ash in a pale, natural finish, the Eden is all about Scandi-inspired calm – with an edge. Without a back or armrests, the bar stool tucks in neatly, making it a space saver, while its footrests sit at two different heights to suit your own height – a thoughtful design detail. You simply need to rotate the stool to find your best angle.

This bar stool brings a refined industrial edge to any kitchen or dining setup, combining a striking black lattice real leather seat with a robust, black metal frame. Its woven surface adds depth and texture, giving a modern yet artisanal feel that stands out against the clean lines of its structure.

Designed at counter height, it’s ideal for kitchen islands or bar areas, offering a comfortable and stylish perch for everyday use. With a slimline but sturdy minimalist frame, and a seat and lower backrest that brags a little bit of give, the Berkley balances comfort and style seamlessly – and it tucks in neatly. This one’s a go-to for a bold, sophisticated look in the kitchen

Habitat’s Kysen stool in tan brings an industrial yet warm vibe to modern interiors. The distressed faux leather upholstery, combined with a sturdy black steel frame, creates a stylish contrast. But it’s not all about looks – comfort is well-considered too, with a wide, padded seat that’s gently curved, and a convenient footrest.

At just over 4kg, the stool is lightweight and easy to move around, yet it proves both sturdy and supportive. But best of all, this is a furniture piece that looks and feels much more expensive than it is, and for just £50, you get form and function in an effortlessly chic package.

This bar stool blends refined style with top-quality craftsmanship. It boasts individually tailored covers, which are available in premium fabrics or luxurious leathers, and surprisingly, they can be removed for easy cleaning, which is a thoughtful design detail. The stool nails the finer details too, from its fine stitching to its beautifully curved lines that give it a sleek, modern vibe.

A lesson in chic modernity, but it’s as comfy as it is handsome. It’s definitely the priciest option here, but for a piece that’s this stylish and practical, it’s an investment that feels totally worth it.

The Wolton counter stool brings modern country charm to your kitchen with its wooden legs and classic, armchair-like design. The plush backrest, featuring quilted upholstery with button detailing, offers both comfort and elegance, while the fabric is deeply textured with a cosy, tactile effect.

With chunky, oak-look legs and a deep, upholstered seat, this stool balances rustic warmth with refined details: think gently curved backrest that allows you to properly sit back and feel snug, as well as subtly angled back legs for added stability. This one gets our top marks for cosy comfort.

The Italian-made Loop combines understated elegance with a seamless design, featuring hidden fixtures that integrate the recycled blue bouclé seat pad and backrest into a continuous loop of glossy black steel – no screws visible. This detail enhances the bar stool’s minimalist silhouette, while the fabric, crafted from repurposed plastic, offers a soft touch with excellent durability.

With a cantilevered design that provides unexpected comfort, and practical rubber feet for stability, the stool is a sophisticated choice. Perfect for modern spaces, it perfectly demonstrates refined Italian craftsmanship.

These bar stools offer both a tropical twist and a touch of luxury with their soft velvet upholstery. The cushioned seats are designed for comfort, making them ideal for lingering breakfasts or evening drinks, while the velvet adds a subtle texture and sheen that elevates the look further.

The sleek black metal legs keep things modern and refined (and, we found, wobble-free, thanks to their angled design), while rubber feet provide slip prevention, ensuring stability on various floor types. Perfect if you appreciate both style and function, this stylish pair blends plush comfort with a contemporary silhouette.

Channelling a classic shaker design with a clean, minimalist silhouette, this bar stool is endlessly versatile. In natural oak-coloured wood (in fact solid ash), it brings warmth and a subtle rustic touch to any space, while its subtly curved seat ensures a comfortable sit.

The simple, spindle-style legs and crossbar footrest provide just the right amount of support, making it a practical choice for everyday use at kitchen counters or breakfast bars. With a timeless appeal and sturdy build, it’s well-suited to both traditional and contemporary interiors, adding understated charm without stealing the spotlight. Perfect for those who value simplicity done well.