Pull up a pew with our bar stool edit

With so many modern kitchens now centering around an island or breakfast bar, and more and more people opting to work from home, sourcing complementary bar stools has become pertinent. Function should come first, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Here’s our round-up of bar stools worthy of a perch.

Sturdy

As bar stools will be dragged in and out often, they need to be sturdy, so do note their composition; wood, steel and iron are all materials to watch for. These solid oak Joe bar stools from Habitat, come in at around €256, and fit the bill nicely.

Without Backs

Inspired by bicycle racks, these Jonas Trampdach bar stools are light but resilient, and come in a choice of wood finishes for the sea, and chrome or powder coated legs. Cornet bar stools, €195, HAY

With Backs

If you’re the kind of person who’d like to linger at the island or high table of an evening, maybe with a glass of wine or two, comfortable back supports are a must. Calligarus Skin high chairs, €117 from Design Icons. Calligarus is also stocked at Arnotts and Caseys.

The downside of stools with backs is that people will inevitably hang their coats on them, so you’ll have to be vigilant if you prefer to keep the kitchen uncluttered. Mackinder Bar Stool, available in white or mauve, €421, Anthropologie.

Finally, in heavy duty areas like a kitchen island, upholstery is a risky one. Save yourself fretting over stains and go for a wipeable finish. Aged oak and iron bar stool, €240, Flanagan Kerins.

Featured image: Franky Dutchbone stool, Woo .Design