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People are finally revolting against those stiff, hard wooden stools that somehow became the default at kitchen islands a few years back. The truth is that hard, uncomfortable stools don’t make for a cozy kitchen. Those stools are also impossible to deal with when you’re sitting at the bar in your “man cave” or “she shed.” The solution? A stool upgrade!
Luckily, you can find tons of comfortable and stylish bar stools online. However, there’s a trick to finding the best bar stools that you may not know about. Swivel bar stools are actually much better than stationary bar stools. The beauty of a swivel bar stool is that it allows the person sitting in it to be social. Think of all the times you’ve tried to maintain eye contact with the person moving around the kitchen preparing food or drinks while stuck in a rigid chair or stool. It just doesn’t work. With adjustable swivel bar stools, you can face whoever you’re talking to in a kitchen or “basement” bar.
We choose the ALPHA HOME Bar Stools for first place on our list of the best bar stools. Featuring a gorgeous smoky finish with a stable base, each stool can hold up to 350 pounds. These beautiful, adjustable bar stools just make life easier! Of course, there are seven more picks to consider if you’re still on the fence about what to put behind your bar. Take a look at the full list of the eight best bar stools to buy!
1. ALPHA HOME Bar Stools – Best Smooth, High Back Bar Stool
Top Features:
- Stable base
- Nice smoky color
- Charming design
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, leather
- Weight capacity: 350 pounds
- Weight: 32.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 21 x 18.8 x 17.4 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The ALPHA HOME Bar Stools is a charming and well-designed bar stool that will liven up your home. You can choose from two different colors.
The 360-degree swivel on these adjustable bar stools feels smooth! There’s actually a reason behind why these stools are so comfortable. The fabric on the cushion is made from a hot-stamping cloth that is very soft. In addition, these cushions are water-resistant to ensure that you can climb on while holding a drink without any worries.
The high back on this stool deserves some attention. The design actually relieves pressure on the lumbar spine with help from both its shape and beautiful sponge-like cushions. There’s even a footrest where you can relax your feet! You’ll also love that there’s a rubber ring on the stool’s large, stable base to protect your floors from scratches. The seat height adjusts from 28.34 inches to 33.07 inches. Several reviewers called assembly “a snap.” A few remarked that they were wowed by the ease of the height adjustments.
The stool’s dimensions are 21 x 18.8 x 17.4 inches. It weighs 32.7 pounds.
If you’re looking for a stylish bar stool with a comfortable back, then this is a great option for you!
View ALPHA HOME Bar Stools on Amazon
2. Halter Adjustable Height Stool Chairs with Back – Most Comfortable
Top Features:
- Sleek color selection
- Quality materials
- Versatile function
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, fabric
- Weight capacity: 200 pounds
- Weight: 15.77 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.4 x 17.3 x 19 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The Halter Adjustable Height Stool Chairs is a versatile stool chair that has a contemporary design. You can choose from eight different colors.
The beautiful metal frame with a chrome finish makes this a crisp, modern look. The quality is observable in the stool’s diamond-stitched pattern paired with a sturdy base with a built-in footrest. The stool’s 360-degree swivel feels smooth. Overall, the feel is very ergonomic. Reviewers like that these stools are “easy to raise and lower.”
A few reviewers complained that the chair is a bit hard to assemble. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the chair isn’t very sturdy.
The chair’s dimensions are 14.4 x 17.3 x 19 inches. It weighs 15.77 pounds.
If you’re looking for a versatile stool chair, then this is a great option for you!
View Halter Adjustable Height Stool Chairs on Amazon
3. Modern Square PU Leather Bar Stool – Best Leather Stool Option
Top Features:
- Bright color selection
- Nice leather seat
- Super stable base
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, faux leather
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight: 14.99 pounds
- Dimensions: 16 x 15 x 43.5 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The Modern Square PU Leather Bar Stool is an easily adjustable bar stool that has a sleek and modern style. You can choose from a variety of different colors.
The high-density foam upholstered seat in black faux leather balances nicely with the polished chrome base here. In addition, the footrest brings extra comfort and balance. You’ll like the way these stools adjust from counter height to bar height with ease as you go from 21.5 inches to 31.5i inches. The swivel also feels smooth and effortless.
Many reviewers really like this bar stool. The design is super stylish, the price is great, and the customer service is amazing.
A few reviewers complained that the chair squeaks when you sit on it. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the quality control isn’t the best.
The chair’s dimensions are 16 x 15 x 43.5 inches. It weighs 14.99 pounds.
If you’re looking for a leather bar stool, then this is for you!
View Modern Square PU Leather Bar Stool on Amazon
4. Boraam Augusta Bar Stool – Best Classic Coffee Shop Design
Top Features:
- Rustic styled
- High-density foam
- Faux leather seat
Technical Details:
- Material: Wood, plastic, leather
- Weight capacity: 250 pounds
- Weight: 14.03 pounds
- Dimensions: 18 x 19.5 x 43.5 inches
- Warranty: 90 days
The Boraam Augusta Bar Stool is a rustic-styled bar stool that has a sleek leather seat. You can choose from a variety of different colors.
Standing out from the pack due to its wood frame with a cappuccino finish paired with faux-leather cushioning, this elegant design is packed with ergonomic features! In fact, this item ranks high among swivel counter stools with backs in terms of comfort. The solid hardwood used brings stability that’s bolstered by the design’s slightly flared legs. The upholstery offers a high-density foam cushion. It’s all capped off with a durable built-in footrest that just happens to add to the beauty of the design. Reviewers rave about everything from the stability to the color of the wood used.
A few reviewers complained that the seat doesn’t last very long. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the quality isn’t the best.
The bar stool’s dimensions are 18 x 19.5 x 43.5 inches. it weighs 14.03 pounds.
If you’re looking for a rustic bar stool, then this is a great option for you!
View Boraam Augusta Bar Stool on Amazon
5. CangLong Bar Stools – Best Modern Counter Stools
Top Features:
- Large and stable base
- Uniquely designed
- Easy to adjust
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, leather
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight: 29.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 19.29 x 17.32 x 32.87 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The CangLong Bar Stools is a comfortable bar stool that is perfect for decorating your home in a unique way.
Supportive and luxurious, these stools feature hot-stamping cloth seats with moderate hardness that create beautiful silhouettes. In addition to adjusting easily, they swivel like a dream! Reviewers were happy about the fact that these stools can be assembled in minutes!
The bar stool’s dimensions are 19.29 x 17.32 x 32.87 inches. It weighs 29.5 pounds.
If you’re looking for a unique bar stool, then this is a great option for you!
View CangLong Bar Stools on Amazon
6. Amazon Brand – Ravenna Home Bar Stool – Best Minimalist Stool
Top Features:
- Solid hardwood frame
- Polyester and fabric seat
- No assembly required
Technical Details:
- Material: Wood, fabric
- Weight capacity: 300 pounds
- Weight: 21.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 17.72 x 17.72 x 29.92 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The Amazon Brand – Ravenna Home Bar Stool is a moisture-resistant chair that is easy to clean and maintain. You can choose from three different colors.
Our first pick for counter height swivel bar stools without backs, these stools offer many of the same benefits of swivel bar stools with backs with just a little more freedom! The wood frame with a cushion that’s 98 percent polyester with 2 percent nylon creates a very polished, expensive look. One reviewer called these stools “stylish, sturdy and comfortable.” Other reviewers loved the thickness of the cushions.
The bar stool’s dimensions are 17.72 x 17.72 x 29.92 inches. It weighs 21.1 pounds.
If you’re looking for a backless bar stool, then this is a great option for you!
View Amazon Brand – Ravenna Home Bar Stool on Amazon
7. SUPERJARE Swivel Bar Stool – Best Retro Option
Top Features:
- Exclusive design
- Polyester and fabric seat
- No assembly required
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, fabric
- Weight capacity: 265 pounds
- Weight: 34.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 16.7 x 15.2 x 40.6 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The SUPERJARE Swivel Bar Stool is a charming and stable bar stool that has a unique design and a stylish appeal. You can choose from two different colors.
The hot-stamping cloth in retro brown gives these swivel bar stools with backs a very groovy vibe. While the feel is very comfortable and elegant, you’re also getting plenty of wear resistance. The 360-degree swivel is very smooth! In addition, you’re getting the ergonomic benefits of support for your lumbar spine with a nice footrest. These stools are true “floor savers” thanks to a plastic ring at the base that prevents scratching.
Many reviewers really love this bar stool. The actual product looks exactly like what’s in the picture, it is very comfortable, and the overall functionality is perfect.
A few reviewers complained that the stool is a bit too small. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the quality isn’t the best.
The bar stool’s dimensions are 16.7 x 15.2 x 40.6 inches. It weighs 34.1 pounds.
If you’re looking for a stylish bar stool, then this is a great option for you!
View SUPERJARE Swivel Bar Stool on Amazon
8. Huracan Bar Stools – Best Unique Modern Counter Stools
Top Features:
- Smooth leather seat
- Rectangular footrest
- Practical design
Technical Details:
- Material: Metal, leather
- Weight capacity: 80 pounds
- Weight: 28 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.96 x 14.96 x 27.95 inches
- Warranty: 1 year
The Huracan Bar Stools is a uniquely styled bar stool that has a rectangular footrest and a smooth leather seat. You can choose from three different colors.
It’s fair to assume that you’ve never seen swivel counter stools with backs quite like these before! A beautiful chrome finish paired with PU leather all in white will make you fall in love with these modern-meets-retro stools. While this may look like a high-concept design that’s done purely for looks, you’re actually getting amazing ergonomic benefits. The “S” shape of the stool perfectly accommodates the back, hips and thighs without cutting off circulation like some stools. The PU white leather with 2-millimeter cold-foam sponge filling guards these stools against wear and tear. Yes, that means water resistance! What’s more, the PU leather actually keeps your body cooler. One owner of these stools commented that they only took five minutes to assemble. Others praised how easily they “raise and lower” while also being sturdy.
The stool’s dimensions are 14.96 x 14.96 x 27.95 inches. It weighs 28 pounds.
If you’re looking for a unique yet modern bar stool, then this is for you!
View Huracan Bar Stools on Amazon
Swivel Bar Stools Comparison Table
| Product name | Material | Weight capacity | Weight | Dimensions | Warranty |
| ALPHA HOME Bar Stools | Metal, leather | 350 pounds | 32.7 pounds | 21 x 18.8 x 17.4 inches | 1 year |
| Halter Stool Chair | Metal, fabric | 200 pounds | 15.77 pounds | 14.4 x 17.3 x 19 inches | 1 year |
| Modern Square PU Leather Bar Stool | Metal, faux leather | 250 pounds | 14.99 pounds | 16 x 15 x 43.5 inches | 1 year |
| Boraam Augusta Bar Stool | Wood, plastic, leather | 250 pounds | 14.03 pounds | 18 x 19.5 x 43.5 inches | 90 days |
| CangLong Bar Stools | Metal, leather | 300 pounds | 29.5 pounds | 19.29 x 17.32 x 32.87 inches | 1 year |
| Amazon Brand – Ravenna Home Bar Stool | Wood, fabric | 300 pounds | 21.1 pounds | 17.72 x 17.72 x 29.92 inches | 1 year |
| SUPERJARE Swivel Bar Stool | Metal, fabric | 265 pounds | 34.1 pounds | 16.7 x 15.2 x 40.6 inches | 1 year |
| Huracan Bar Stools | Metal, leather | 80 pounds80 pounds | 28 pounds | 14.96 x 14.96 x 27.95 inches | 1 year |
A Quick Shopper’s Guide to Buying Counter Height Swivel Bar Stools Online
You want to enjoy stools that swivel while swerving to avoid cheap, uncomfortable seats that disappoint. It’s understandable if you’re looking to make your kitchen or bar “the place” to hang out in your house. That takes both comfort and style. Take a look at how to find the best bar stools.
Decide If You Want Back Support
You have a million reasons to choose swivel counter stools with backs. They tend to be more comfortable and supportive. They can also make space seem more finished. Of course, the other reality is that they can make space seem more cramped. Think about the usage when making your decision. Who will be sitting at your stools? The truth is that most people over a certain age don’t love jockeying on backless stools. However, you may simply like the “open view” at your kitchen island or bar that backless stools can provide. Sketch out your kitchen or bar to see what looks best!
Cushion Materials
Let’s talk spillage. It’s bound to happen at your kitchen island or bar. The question is how much you really need to worry about it. If you’re buying new stools for a house with kids, you’ll be glad you spent time searching for moisture-resistant stools once that first cup of spilled juice trickles down!
Base Materials
Are you picky about materials? You might want to narrow your search down to real wood stools if you’re going for a country or rustic look. While faux wood stools do exist, they aren’t as durable for high-traffic kitchens. Of course, you’ll have the easiest time if you have a modern kitchen because the metal stools out there are so easy to care for when everything from sticky fingerprints to spills are involved.
Swivel Bar Stools FAQs
Should a buy a swivel bar stool or a stationary bar stool?
Both of these barstools have their pros and cons but primarily swivel bar stools are good if you’re constantly turning. It’s harder to turn around on a stationary bar stool, you have to get up and turn.
How much weight can a bar stool hold?
Typically the industry standard for most chairs is 250 pounds. It may differ though, since bar stools are made of different materials, so you should double-check.
Is it possible to check the quality of the stool before buying?
You can’t physically examine it, but you can check the reviews section on Amazon. A lot of reviewers share their experience with the product and that can help you choose the one for you.
