Bar stools – our pick of the best

Choose a set of stylish bar stools to lift your kitchen scheme to new heights. If you’d like some extra, casual seating in the kitchen, then you can’t beat bar stools – the perfect spot for a quick cup of coffee before work, or by a breakfast bar where kids can do their homework. If you have a small flat with an open plan kitchen then bar stools beside a kitchen workspace or breakfast-bar table can provide alternative seating to a full dining table and chairs. Not only do bar stools offer a more laid-back style of informal dining, but they're also a great space-saver, as they can be tucked under an island or table. When it comes to design, there are a number of options to consider. Do you want a backless design or a piece in a striking colour? Upholstered seating adds comfort but for practicality opt for a wipe-clean fabric or material. Take a look at our pick of the best and complete your breakfast bar or kitchen island with the most sophisticated seating.

If you have a country home and want timeless seating, why not opt for this solid teak bar stool with a natural rattan back and seat? Use alongside a breakfast bar, bar table or as an occasional seat when preparing food. 

Buy now: Bembridge Bar Stool, £155, Garden Trading

Add a pop of colour to your kitchen with this rocket-shaped bar stool, designed by Eero Aarnio for Artek in 1995, for an eye-catching addition to your kitchen. Solid oak. 

Buy now: Artek Rocket Bar Stool, £229, John Lewis

The striking Talia grey bar stool would work well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. The stool is made from hard-wearing, lacquered solid beech and is available in various colours and sizes. 

Buy now: Talia Grey Bar Stool, £95, Habitat

Go for a retro feel in your kitchen with this upholstered bar stool with tapered wooden legs. The unusual doughnut-style seat in contrasting black is an eyecatching touch. Plywood seat with rubberwood legs and chrome footrest. 

Buy now: Kitson Bar Stool, £79, Made

Designed to be both economical and practical, this striking blue stool has an industrial edge. It has a footrest for relaxed sitting posture. Powder-coated steel. 

Buy now: Raskog Bar stool, £20, Ikea

Introduce industrial style into your home with this contemporary bar stool in gunmetal grey. The chair is made from iron and fir wood and comes fully assembled. 

Buy now: Spitalfields Bar Stool, £60, Dunelm 

With a shaped seat for comfort and the stylish combination of white gloss and birch wood, we think this bar stool is a winning design. Choose a couple of these for your kitchen to update your seating. 

Buy now: Brooklyn Bar Stool, £49, Asda

This beautifully simple bar stool design is made with mango wood and has a contrasting grey zinc-coated metal frame. Handcrafted in wood and metal. 

Buy now: Roger Large Bar Stool, £95, French Connection

Perfect for a classic kitchen breakfast bar, this pair of Milano bar stools are made from wood and feature an ivory, wipe-clean seat pad. 

Buy now: Milano Oak Effect Bar Stools, £190, Debenhams