The dining room is dead. With the rising popularity of open-concept kitchens, most notably in condos, formal dining tables have been rendered obsolete. It’s the kitchen island that’s become the defacto gathering spot — for doing homework, entertaining guests and of course, eating. Finding bar stools to suit the height of your island and the kitchen aesthetic is no easy task — especially for those on a budget. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up seven modern barstools that will still leave you with beer money for the weekend.
1. Vapor 30″ acrylic bar stool from CB2, $199
Acrylic furniture will lend a light and airy feel to any room. Clutter in the kitchen can be especially problematic but these bar stools from CB2 will keep your space from feeling overcrowded. The Vapor 30” stool boasts a thick acrylic seat and back with a chrome plated square steel frame.
2. Bernhard bar stool from Ikea, $169
Add a playful pop of color to your kitchen with the Bernhard bar stool from Ikea. These eye-catching yellow stools will help to create a welcoming atmosphere. They’re big on comfort too, with padded seats, flexible backs and soft, hardwearing leather.
3. Griffintown wood seat and metal counter stool from Bouclair, $149
Mixing materials is very much on-trend. These aged wood and metal Griffintown bar stools from Bouclair are meant to elicit images of a charming Montreal bistro with exposed brick and a moustached serveur.
4. Treshold Hampden industrial 29″ bar stools from Target, $91
Industrial style bar stools are everywhere these days, from hip barbecue joints to the new condo your great aunt downsized to. Dare to be (a little) different with these wood top Threshold Hampden bar stools from Target. They’re sold in sets of two and come in four colors — black, copper, gun metal and black.
5. Pop bar stools from Industry West, $135
Color us happy — these Pop bar stools from Industry West are bright and cheerful. Available in white, black, red, tangerine and neon green, the stools are crafted from beech veneer and molded Polycarbonate plastic.
6. Simple Living adjustable height/swivel bar stool from Overstock.com, $104
Renters would be wise to opt for adjustable bar stools, like these from Simple Living via Overstock.com. The retro-inspired stool comes in four bold colors and also features a 360 degree swivel and foot rest. The metal is extremely durable with a glossy finish to catch the light.
7. Erie bar stool from Pier 1 Imports, $160
There is more to Pier 1 Imports than LED flamingos and flouncy pillows. These mid century modern bar stools are made with hairpin legs and solid mango wood seats. The design is intricate without being overbearing and would integrate well into just about any space.
