The bar stool is perhaps the epitome of laid-back seating. Lacking the formality of other types of chairs, the bar stool brings company and conversation into the kitchen—encouraging friends with a glass of wine and children finishing their homework, to linger while you cook.
The relaxed nature of the bar stool also seems to be the reason they tend to fit so effortlessly into the coastal aesthetic—conjuring images of a Cocktail-like beach bar and holidays to far-flung locales.
With their rattan backs and seats, these bar stools bring a fresh coastal element into a contemporary kitchen in Brisbane. Photography: Mindi Cooke / Styling: Kylie Jackes
But despite its laid-back qualities, the bar stool can be a tricky seat to get right, requiring a discerning eye to look over its often overlooked but important features. Rattan for example, is a common material to find on coastal bar stools, but taking a seat on the wrong type or weave of rattan is guaranteed to result in more pain than pleasure.
Likewise, its worth considering whether you want your bar stools to have a back for extra support, and whether you prefer an upholstered or more rustic look.
With these considerations in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to selecting the right bar stool for your space, as well as our seven favourite styles to buy in 2024.
2024’s best coastal bar stools
- Classic weave bar stool, $620, Highgate House
- Lola Swivel bar stool, $590, Highgate House
- Natalie bar stool, $199, Fantastic Furniture
The best coastal bar stools
Classic weave bar stool
from $620, Highgate House
Best for: comfort
This classic coastal bar stool’s eyelet weave rattan and natural linen seat cushion are an elegant coastal addition to any living space. Plus, with its supportive back, foot rest and upholstered cushion seat, this bar stool doesn’t sacrifice comfort for style.
Sizes: 52.5cm x 54cm x 91cm
Colours: Natural/dark
Materials: Natural woven rattan, natural linen
Key features:
- Eyelet weave rattan
- Upholstered seat cushion
- Outdoor Sunbrella fabric
Lola swivel bar stool
from $590, Highgate House
Best for: vintage-inspired interiors
The vintage-inspired silhouette, intricate detailing and blonde white wash of Highgate House’s Lola swivel bar stool will set your coastal décor apart from other similar styles.
Sizes: 105cm x 57cm x 50cm
Colours: Blonde white wash
Materials: Natural woven rattan
Key features:
- Neutral shade
- 360 swivel seat
- Indoor use only
Natalie barstool set of two
from $199, Fantastic Furniture
Best for: classic stool, affordability
Conveniently sold in a set of two, the contemporary coastal design and affordable price point of these bar stools make them a safe choice for almost all interior styles.
Sizes: 48cm x 48cm x 65cm
Colours: Brown, white
Materials: Rattan, rubber wood
Key features:
- Set of two
- Smooth edges for a refined finish
- Sturdy leg brace for added stability
BANGALOW counter stool
from $369 (usually $499), Freedom
Best for: modern coastal
With its square design, supportive back and handwoven rattan, this Freedom counter stool will elevate any modern coastal aesthetic.
Sizes: 45cm x 56cm x 100cm
Colours: Natural
Materials: Ash, Pine, Rattan
Key features:
- With back
- Solid timber frame
- Hand-woven rattan crafted using traditional techniques
Bastion bar stool oak
$379, Early Settler
Best for: rustic interiors
The classic timber frame and curved rattan back and seat of this bar stool will bring a sense of island elegance into any home.
Sizes: 96.5 cm x 45 cm x 42 cm
Colours: Brown/white
Materials: Chinese oak with a woven rattan back and seat
Key features:
- Sturdy frame
- Handy footrest
- Springy woven rattan seat and back
Laguna rope outdoor barstool
$379.99, Temple & Webster
Best for: outdoors, dining
With a white rope back, water resistant cushion and warm acacia wood frame, this bar stool brings comfort and style to your outdoor dining area.
Sizes: 94cm x 58.5cm x 57cm
Colours: White/green
Materials: Powder-coated steel wrapped with white polypropylene plastic rope seat, acacia wood legs, 100% polyester cushion cover, foam cushion fill
Key features:
- Removeable seat cushion with zipper cover for easy maintenance
- Ethically sourced & fast-growing sustainable wood
- Lower back
Marcus beech wood barstool
$269.99, Temple & Webster
Best for: contemporary coastal
With its woven paper rope seat and sturdy beech wood legs, this bar stool’s mix of traditional and modern coastal design makes it the perfect fit for most interior styles.
Sizes: 96.5cm x 46cm x 49.5cm
Colours: Light wood
Materials: Timber, beech wood with clear lacquer finish
Key features:
- Curved backrest
- Lightweight
- Woven paper rope seat & backrest
How to choose the right bar stool height?
The height of your bar stool will determine both the chair’s comfort and overall look in your space. To find the right height, its important to first determine the height of the countertop, bar or table that the stool will be placed under.
The most common bar stool height is between 60cm and 68cm, which is a size that fits underneath most kitchen counters and benchtops. Taller bar stalls, which generally fall within the 85cm to 95cm range, tend to fit home bars and taller benchtops.
You also shouldn’t forget to measure the space between your bar stool’s seat and the countertop, with a 20cm to 30cm gap between the two generally providing the optimum amount of space for your thighs and legs to fit. comfortably.
What type of bar stool is the most comfortable?
While comfort preferences do vary from person to person, bar stools with more support—with backrests, armrests and footrests—will generally be the most comfortable to sit on for a long period of time.
Its also important to consider the type of material your bar stool is made from, as some rougher and woven rattan materials will likely feel more uncomfortable on the underside of your thighs (especially if you’re wearing a skirt or shorts in the summer).
For this reason, it may be worth opting for an upholstered design or testing the seat before making a purchase.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
