Counter Stool Styles

Six of the most popular counter stool styles Swivel If you're going to buy a counter stool, getting one that can swivel is half the fun. Swivel counter stools are popular because of how smoothly they tie a home bar or kitchen entertainment area in with its surroundings. No neck craning is necessary to follow a meandering cocktail party conversation or keep an eye on the big game when you're atop a swivel counter stool. Want your stool backs to line up neatly in their original position when not in use? Look for models with a memory swivel feature. Backless The backless counter stool is a good choice if you want a casual or retro look, or want to maintain a clean sight line from your kitchen. This style looks especially sleek with a metal frame, though backless wood stools also offer sturdy, versatile seating that can be used throughout your home. Versus high-backed designs, hopping on and off backless counter stools would be easier in crowded, frenetic kitchens.

Ladderback

The ladderback style with its strong, comfortable, ergonomic slats dates back to the mahogany Chippendale chairs of the mid-to-late 18th century. Though this classic style is also used with metal counter stools, the most popular ladderback counter stools are made from wood. The clean lines of a wood ladderback counter stool would look right at home in a Shaker or country-style kitchen.

Saddle seat

The saddle seat counter stool is the ultimate in laidback country and transitional style. Its rectangular, extra-long, saddle-shaped seat with a concave center offers no frills in the visual department, but it's extremely comfortable and easy to stow away when not in use. Saddle seat counter stools take up little space, and can double as work stools or extra seating when friends or family visit.

Leather

If you've never thought of a stool as an elegant piece of furniture, prepare to change your mind. Sensual, sophisticated, and flat-out gorgeous: that's a leather counter stool. Few materials can match leather for beauty and quality, and the combination of metal and leather or wood and leather provides just the sort of interesting textural smorgasbord that can rejuvenate a kitchen or dining area. If you want to create a lounge-quality decor, start with leather counter stools.

Upholstered

With functional furniture pieces such as stools, being beautiful isn't everything. Upholstered counter height stools add the element of comfort, combining the stylishness and durability of a metal or wood frame with a leather or microfiber seat. An upholstered counter stool allows you to derive more - and longer - enjoyment from your kitchen island or home bar. And from a decorating perspective, an upholstered stool's combination of textures offers you more options if you decide to redecorate.