Best bar stools

The best bar stools to make the most of your kitchen island or bar, with adjustable and swivel options.

Superjare Set of 2 Adjustable Bar Stools
(Image credit: Superjare)

When choosing the right seating for your home, you want an option that suits both your aesthetic sensibilities and your budget. A set of quality bar stools may not be your first consideration, but these classic seating options can be the perfect addition to your home. From classic sturdy options, to luxe leather picks, not all bar stools look the same and they can add a touch of personality to otherwise austere rooms. We've got the best of the best for you here! 

When browsing the options, think about the details that matter to you. Do you want it to be upholstered for ultimate comfort, or are you after something a little more hardy that can be used outdoors? Is it important that it can swivel, or would you rather a static stool? Are you looking for something that makes a statement, or something understatedly cool? 

Our personal favorites, the AC Pacific Modern Industrial Bucket Back Barstools, are double reinforced for durability and are available in a distressed or matte black. To learn more about these, as well as some other great options, read on. 

The best stools around

AC Pacific Modern Light Weight Industrial Metal Bucket Back Barstool

(Image credit: AC Pacific)

AC Pacific Modern Industrial Bucket Back Barstools

Lightweight and sturdy, these great bar stools are built to last

Made from high-quality metal, these top-notch bar stools have a high back and a footrest. 

Pros:

  • High back
  • Footrest
  • Durable
  • Weather-resistant
  • Outdoor and indoor use
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • No swivel
  • Not height adjustable

The AC Pacific Modern Industrial Bucket Back Barstools are our best pick for a good reason. They're made from metal and feature reinforced steel legs. They can be used outdoors or indoors, while they're lightweight, comfortable, and sturdy. Thanks to their high backs, they offer a little bit of comfort. They are available in a matte or distressed finish – both of which look smart.

Though these bar stools aren't height-adjustable, they do come in two different heights – 24 inches and 30 inches. They may not swivel, but they can offer a footrest. Other than that, they tick all our boxes. Stylish, comfortable, and affordable.

The best luxury stools

Glitzhome Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools

Adjustable and good looking

Made from luxurious-feeling faux leather, these bar stools can swivel 360 degrees. Charming yet still practical.

Pros:

  • Set of two
  • Adjustable height
  • Swivel
  • Footrest

Cons:

  • No singles available

The Glitzhome Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools are our best luxury pick. They're made from an expensive-looking faux leather and are padded enough for sitting for hours. They look the part thanks to their worn-in design and are comfortable since they sport armrests. For stability purposes, they each have a large circular base. Hard floors? This base has a plastic ring to prevent scratching. This bar stool can hold up to 265 pounds in weight.

These bar stools adjust by height from 23.8 inches to 32 inches, and the lifting mechanism is made from stainless steel. They can swivel 360 degrees and even have a footrest so you can relax your legs.

Best statement stool

Leopard Products Adjustable Bar Stools

(Image credit: Leopard Outdoor Products)

Leopard Products Adjustable Bar Stools

With a modern style and chic faux leather upholstery, these are sure to wow

Offering a non-slip base, this is an easy-assembly pick that simply oozes style.

Pros:

  • Adjustable height
  • 360-degree swivel
  • Wear-resistant
  • Non-slip base
  • Chic upholstery

Cons:

  • Not genuine leather

When it comes to chic and sleekness, the Leopard Products Adjustable Bar Stools are the gold standard. Designed in a modern style, the stools, which come as a set of two, are upholstered with faux-leather seating. Both comfortable and sophisticated, they offer 360-degree rotation, and their height can be adjusted within the range of 21.5 to 31.5 inches. Neat, right? With a base made from heavy-duty chrome, which comes complete with a non-slip rubber ring underneath, these stools can be used in a variety of spots in your home, from the kitchen to the living room.

Best stools on a budget

AmazonBasics Solid Wood Kitchen Counter Stools

(Image credit: AmazonBasics )

AmazonBasics Kitchen Counter Stools

A sturdy and simple choice that performs

Available in a white, black and walnut, this cheap and cheerful set can suit any home

Pros:

  • Solid wood
  • Understated design
  • Available in three colors
  • Easy assembly
  • All required hardware included

Cons:

  • A little plain

Keeping it simple? No problem. These AmazonBasics Kitchen Counter Stools look great and won't jar with your other home furnishings because of their pared-back style. Inexpensive, they come in a set of two and are constructed in solid wood. With an A-frame design, they have contoured seats, which can hold up to 220 pounds. Suited to kitchen islands and worktops, they can be assembled without hassle, and all the bits you need are included in the purchase. Oh, and as well as all this, they're durable and built to last. Sold?

The best plastic stools

Morden White PP Plastic Bar Stools

These lightweight bar stools will be sure to impress

These bar stools are comfortable as well as stylish.

Pros:

  • Understated
  • Easy to clean
  • Very stylish
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • Screws need frequent tightening
  • Not height adjustable
  • No swivel

Because plastic doesn't always equal bad looking, these Morden White PP Plastic Bar Stools certainly look the part. They feature a heavy-duty plastic seat with a steel frame and solid wood legs. They are easy to assemble, and due to their plastic nature, they're super simple to clean.

While these bar stools cannot swivel nor are they height-adjustable, they are comfortable and sit at 30 inches high. They also have a footrest and they're lightweight so are easy to move around the home, too.

Our verdict

Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Have you made your mind up yet? If not, don't stress. We have summarised our favorite bar stools below.

Our chart-topper choice, the AC Pacific Modern Industrial Bucket Back Barstools, are both lightweight and sturdy, and they can be used outdoors. After a little luxury? Glitzhome Adjustable Swivel Bar Stools are your go-to. Wanting to wow your guests? The Leopard Products Adjustable Bar Stools are sure to please. Can't part with too much, but won't skimp on quality? Go for the AmazonBasics Kitchen Counter Stools. And finally, who said plastic couldn't be stylish? These Morden White PP Plastic Bar Stools have certainly busted that myth.

Why trust us?

At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money.

We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.