It’s been awhile since I’ve written on here, and when I think back to why I started this blog… in part it was because I had some free time for a hobby: decorating being a passion of mine. The second reason was because I found myself sending the same texts, links, or repeating the same advice to different friends and clients- to this blog became a way of cataloging that advice to send to friends. Lately- I’ve found myself sending lots of bar and counter stool links to clients.

I’ve been working as a kitchen designer on the side for 5 years now- and this post is a long time coming. There’s no better way to screw up a pretty kitchen design then with the wrong stools (and wall paint color). I’ll save you the long drawn out stories that all the memes make fun of when it comes to recipe & decor blogs and cut to the chase. Here’s some simple rules as well as kitchen stools to complete any look:

Simple Rules and Advice when purchasing Stools:

1) What Height? Use this diagram to help. You want to make sure you have enough leg room between the top of the stool and bottom of the counter. Kitchen counters are a standard 36” H (34.5” below), Bars and Bar height kitchen islands are taller:

2) Backs versus no backs? It’s personal preference, but the older I get the more I appreciate a back on my stool. You’ll find most of the stools in this post will have backs.

3) Swivel versus no swivel? I’m not really a fan of the swivel- reason being, I feel like over time the swivel stops working in a way- and the stools can’t be put back with perfectly straight backs from the back view. In addition- if the stool has a back and it swivels ( as opposed to a backless stool with a swivel) kids often swivel the arms into the countertops, which can lead to chips.

4) Leather versus fabric or just wood? Again person preference. If it’s real leather you definitely want to get a leather protector. If you have small kids and are worried about fabric protection- I recommend scotch guard (linked below). Stick with wood seats if you’re really worried about the impact of kids on the fabric and leather. I DO NOT like seagrass weaved seats- in my experience they chip over time.

These stools are some of my favorites from around the internet including: Target, Wayfair, Denver Modern, Arhaus, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Ballard Designs, and Nathan James. Click the links below to be brought directly to the item. Note: most of these items are offered in different colors, finishes, fabrics.

Special note to my kitchen clients reading this: should you find a stool you like from Pottery Barn, West Elm, or Denver Modern- I can extend my trade discount to you- just send me an email to my Brattesani Designs email :)

Stools $115 and under linked below:

(Note many of these are offered in varying wood and fabric colors)

Stools $150- 250:

Stools if you got money to burn ( jealous over here, be sure to share if you purchase these so we can all live through you :) )

Two that missed the pictures cut:

As always, thanks for stopping by, supporting, and sharing my blog! Feel free to comment or ask questions below!

:) Barbra

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