Stylish and affordable counter and bar stools.
Every item on this page was hand-picked by a House Beautiful editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
A good stool allows everyone to commune around your kitchen island and chat while you prep a meal as the host for the evening. That is to say—they're a must-have. But before you start shopping, you need to know if you should be looking for a bar or a counter stool. It's actually pretty straightforward: The only difference between the stools is the height. Most countertops for a kitchen are 36” high, so a counter stool between 22"-28” will work perfectly. Now, if you're setting up your kitchen or a game room and you want a countertop that you can comfortably stand at (bar height!), it’s 42” high. Therefore, a bar stool between 28”-32” will make sense for your space.
Of course, no matter what option you go for, you never buy just one...and that means the price adds up. Well, there’s no need to compromise on good design with our round-up of the most stylish bar stools that are budget-friendly.
These cheap bar stools are high-quality and come in various styles (from rustic to industrial to glam, modern, and more). And they start as low as $70 (there's even a pair under $100!). It's time you finally created a space for entertaining, and ideal seating should be at the heart of it.
You won't find another midcentury-style stool with a built-in groove on top for under $100. Put the natural wood finish against a navy blue, black, or hunter-green island to make it stand out.
Pull right up to your counter with style and easy elegance. The extra padding in the upholstered tufted cushions will give the best back support.
Go for a minimalist look with these black bar stools that are nearly half off—or add a little pop of color in blush pink.
Add personality with a colorful midcentury bar stool. The gold legs are sure to stand out in your bar area.
You can finally line your family up to enjoy breakfast at the kitchen counter with four rustic farmhouse stools.
Get ready for game night in the basement with a pair of these leather swivel stools. You can choose from nine different fabric and leather options to create the ultimate speakeasy in your home.
Whether you have an industrial style or looking for a West Coast vibe with some edge, perch yourself on a saddle bar stool and feel on top of the world.
Grab a pair of glamorous stools that have a soft-to-touch silhouette. You'll also get some support for your lower back too.
Of course, we can't leave your outdoor oasis without an upgrade! The wicker frame includes a cushion so you're able to have a cozy, laidback boho look.
This black accent wood bar stool is eclectic enough to work in any kitchen, and the height is adjustable, too.
These metal bar stools can be used indoors and outdoors, and they come in more than 20 color options. (Yes, even bright yellow!)
The ultimate counter stool dupe! Four generously sized seats will make comfort a breeze. They also come in gray, brown, and black to easily fit in with any kitchen design.
An elegant design stool with whitewashed wood and metal nailheads will fit in seamlessly with an all-white kitchen or grey color palette. No one will believe you bought it for less than $100.
The only difference between a counter and a bar stool is the height. It’s important to know if your counter is suited for a counter stool between 22"-28” or a bar stool that ranges from 28"-32”. If you order the wrong height, your guests may crunch their legs into your countertop or have to look up at their plate (which is awkward). So measure your kitchen island before deciding which stool works for you.
A bar stool should be 10" lower than the countertop so you can easily slide into your seat without bumping into the counter.
Angela Belt is the contributing Assistant Shopping Editor at House Beautiful. She's also an interior designer and is the host of her own podcast, The Mood Board. When it comes to design, she's an esteemed expert with some of her work also appearing in HGTV, Better Homes & Gardens, The Washington Post, and more.
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