My Counter Stool Saga + Where to Find Them!

Continuing on with the kitchen progress, The Bar Keepers Friend has arrived so we will be tackling that project this week and see what happens with the copper hood.  (to get up to speed check it out here)

But if you follow me on Instagram you know I’ve been on the hunt for some new kitchen stools!  I’ve been sharing a bunch over there in stories trying to decide which are the perfect choice.

These existing stools were purchased several years ago on clearance at our local RH outlet.  I have painted them twice to give them new life but it’s time for something that’s not wood to sit on.

Here’s my criteria:

1.  Cost: I need 6 so they can’t be astronomically expensive.
2. Comfort:  We sit at the counter and play board games, sometimes going as long as a 2-3 hours, so they have to be good for this.
3. Size: since we need so many they can’t be larger than 20″ wide, preferably a bit smaller
4. Style: I have to really like them, I mean that’s a given right?!  I’m picky though, I admit it

You would think this combination wouldn’t be so difficult to find but let me tell you!  It’s been something I’ve kind of been keeping an eye out on for quite some time.  Only recently with freshening up the kitchen and our more consistent use of board games, did I really get serious about wanting to find something better for us.

I have had a massive outpouring of thoughts from folks over on the ‘gram (including “where from” requests!) so I’ll give you a round up of what I’ve shared so far, what I’ve learned about each and my thoughts.

First up is this beauty!  It’s a lovely emerald green with a sleek shape, a great price tag and some really good reviews.  Currently on sale for $169 each it’s a fantastic value.  It’s downside, I heard from a couple of followers that if you have kids the upholstery is really hard to keep clean and can end up looking dingy after not too long.  Since I’ve got 4 that is worrisome, also I don’t love the chrome accent.  And it doesn’t have the pow look I really want.

Torri Counter Stool from Castlery

This one was a HUGE fave in my polling.  It’s sleek design and gorgeous slate blue upholstery were clearly an eye catcher.  It also looks to be incredibly comfy with the cushioning of the seat and the rounded back.  The downsides, the frame is super basic for me and I wasn’t in love with the back styling.  Coming in at $374 I wanted to really love it.

The Angelo Counter Stool from Rove Concepts 

Now we get to a couple of controversial stools.  These were either love or hate, nobody just kind of liked them or kind of didn’t like them.

This guy caught my eye on Etsy.  The vintage feel of the frame combined with the cushy looking seat gave me an instant “must see more” moment.  The cushion is removable for easy cleaning and they fold up if you ever want to store them.  Reviews noted the excellent quality and stability.  I could also custom order the frame in any finish and the cushion in a variety of colors.

The downside, I spoke with someone who had ordered this exact stool and they said it’s amazing and it’s perfect for eating or after dinner lounging but probably not great for long term sitting due to the more dramatic angle of the back.

Counter stool size $349  customizable from Etsy

This stunner is a handmade rattan stool.  It’s fabulous unique sculptural shape instantly caught my eye.  The texture of the piece, the simplicity of the back and the bold base are all big pros.  It’s a statement style that is the opposite of trendy, it will be gorgeous and interesting forever.  The existing bar stools are the perfect width but much too tall and deep for my space.  I’m now waiting to hear if they can be made in the smaller size necessary to work for me, a timeline on delivery and a cost estimate.

Clocking in at $1700 with free shipping (for the existing large bar stool size) they are definitely on the more expensive side.  But I love that they are one of a kind handmade pieces.  And that they are sourced from Indonesia to the US via a fair trade business supporting artisans.  Sometimes the extra cost is totally worth it when you get to enjoy this kind of piece/s in your home and support a small business doing good things all at the same time.

The Rattan Snake Bar Stool by Storied Roots via Etsy

Now I’m getting wild and crazy.  While waiting to hear on the above rattan stool I kept looking and found this bad boy.  Holla at me with that fringe baby!

Perfect classic rounded back for comfort with a bang textural element.  These stunners are made in Portugal and I actually haven’t found a price on them but that image, I can’t get it out of my head, oo lala.  I’ve emailed the company to see if I can get the deets.  But if it’s crazy spendy, I’m debating sourcing some inexpensive stools and DIY’ing something fringe-y.

And yes, if you have little ones or cats this could be a complete and utter disaster, luckily my kids are older and we have no cats so I am willing to take the risk.   Cue my booty shake/version of mom twerking. (apparently it’s a sight to behold as my daughter lol’s and cringes all at the same time as she bears witness)

Fringes Bar/Counter Stool by Munna 

And last but not least on my top picks list is this guy.  That glorious simple columned pedestal with the 360 footrest is both sophisticated and practical.  The clean lined T back and swivel action are all winning elements.

I wish the upholstery came in other color options as the cream linen isn’t quite my jam, plus I worry about cleanability.  Linen, historically, hasn’t been my friend, especially a white/cream linen.  And at $620 a piece they are right up at the top of the budget pile.  But still I adore the silhouette and they look like they would be quite comfy for long term butt squishability.

Candace Swivel Bar/Counter Stool Wayfair

And that’s where we have it!  I really like each of these for different reasons and will keep you posted when I actually make a decision (and get more info like if the rattan stools are a go or no go and just how much $$ those blue fringe beauties are).   Can you tell I am totally looking for something not in the realm of “normal”?  Anything but predictable baby.

In the meantime what are your thoughts?!  Do you have a particular fave?!  I always love to hear from you so hit me up in the comments!

And don’t forget the subscribe box in the sidebar, more projects in the works comin at ya hot…be the first to see it all!

XOXOXO