16 Best Backless Stools That'll Seriously Upgrade The Seating At Your Kitchen Island (updated) • Inspired Design Talk

Looking for the best backless stools to upgrade your kitchen? Check out my favorites that are perfect no matter your budget!

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Backless Stools

Backless stools are great for making a space feel large and more expansive. Since they’re low they don’t visually break up a space.

This makes them perfect for smaller kitchens or rec rooms where you need extra seating on a smaller scale. Since backless stools tend to have clean lines and less mass they’re great for modern contemporary homes.

If you have been sourcing the options then you know there are so many materials, styles, and materials to choose from. They’re available in wood, metal, leather, and boucle to name a few.

I pulled together my favorite backless counter stools in the roundup below but many are also available in bar height. As always these resources are meant to give you ideas and inspiration for your next project.

Oh, and they’ll make your life a little easier since they’re all in one convenient location.

This post is all about the best backless stools.

backless stools, wood stool, boucle stool, leather stool

Best Backless Stools For Kitchen Island 2023

Here are the best backless stools for 2023:

Best Overall: Curved Counter Stool | Lulu and Georgia

This wood upholstered stool is great for smaller spaces where you need extra seating.

Best Budget: Upholstered Stool | CB2

At just over $200 this affordable stool will create a focal point whether you add a pair or multiples.

Best Splurge: Backless Counter Stool | Arhaus

For those with unlimited funds, this modern upholstered stool is fabulous!

Best Texture: Boucle Counter Stool | Crate & Barrel

Update any space with texture and style with the addition of this boucle stool.

Best Leather: Braided Leather Stool | Arhaus

If you’re looking to add interest and originality this leather braided stool is perfect for you!

Best Style: Shearling Counter Stool | CB2

This mixed material shearling stool will make a statement in your kitchen, den, bar, and more!

What height are counter height island stools?

The standard height of counter stools is generally 24″-26″ inches from floor to seat. The height of your island is usually the same as the countertop at 36″. An island with a taller height for bar stool seating will be 42″.

How do you pick stools for kitchen island?

The best way to pick backless stools for your kitchen island is to do a concept board with the look and feel you’re after. Your design style will determine the silhouette, finish, and material that’s best for your space.

For instance, if you’re going for a modern look the leather backless stool is a great choice. If you are looking to add luxe sophistication to your living space the shearling counter stool from CB2 is fabulous.

Those who love glam should check out the gold backless counter stool from Target which is a super affordable option to upgrade your kitchen island.

Best Backless Counter Stools

backless stools, wood stool, metal stool, boucle stools, leather stool

1. Cowhide Counter Stool // 2. Boucle Counter Stool // 3. Leather Backless Stool // 4. Backless Counter Stool // 5. Braided Leather Stool // 6. Upholstered Stool // 7. Swivel Stool // 8. Kitchen Stool // 9. Shearling Counter Stool // 10. Brown Leather Counter Stool // 11. Gold Hairpin Stool // 12. Round Backless Stool // 13. Gold Backless Counter Stool // 14. Backless Counter Stool // 15. Modern Backless Stool // 16. Stacking Stools

Crate & Barrel Backless Stools Counter Height

1. Cowhide Counter Stool

buy on Crate & Barrel

This counter stool combines rustic and modern styling in a simple silhouette. It features an airy iron base with x-supports and a speckled hide upholstered seat.

Level up the look of your kitchen or high dining table with this backless stool. It’s available in counter and bar height depending on the size you need in your living space.

2. Boucle Counter Stool

buy on Crate & Barrel

If I’m being totally transparent this is the backless stool that inspired this post! Naturally, it’s designed by Leanne Ford for Crate and Barrel.

For those following along you know, that Leanne is my design bestie in my head. I love her clean modern style. It’s simple but full of texture, dimension, and interest.

This backless stool has a curved arch silhouette, full boucle upholstery, and a wooden dowel footrest. You’ll totally level up the look of your kitchen or any living space this boucle stool is in.

3. Leather Backless Stools

blue top grain leather backless counter stool

buy on Crate & Barrel

Upgrade the look of your kitchen with this leather backless stool. It’s available in both counter and bar height. There are sixteen colorways to choose from so matter the look you’re after there’s one perfect for you.

The silhouette is a modern twist on classic Italian design with its clean Parsons-inspired lines. It has mitered corners, flange seaming, and a stitched construction that adds to the contemporary style.

Put your feet up on the grooved footrest as you relax, dine, or enjoy good company.

Arhaus Counter Stool Inspiration

4. Backless Counter Stools

buy on Arhaus

The stylish design and simple silhouette of this backless stool are perfect for any style of home. Made in Italy by master artisans each stool is made by hand with love.

This counter stool combines comfort and style that’s sure to be a conversation starter in your home.

5. Braided Leather Backless Counter Stools

buy on Arhaus

The Henry backless leather stool has a braided woven strap seat for an updated modern vibe. It’s inspired by the woven pattern and texture of artisan-made baskets.

If you’re looking to add originality and make a statement in your design this style is perfect. It’s available in two colorways depending on the look and feel you’re after in your home.

Lulu And Georgia Backless Stools

As a reader of the blog, enter the code INSPIREDDESIGNTALK15 to save 15% off your Lulu and Georgia order! Happy shopping!

7. Backless Swivel Counter Stools

buy on Lulu and Georgia

The Jarelle backless stool is awesome for the California cool design style that’s super popular these days. This chair has a modern western vibe that’s awesome for small spaces.

It has tapered legs, a molded swivel seat, and a distressed wood finish. They’re easy to assemble and sure to receive loads of compliments in your living space.

8. Backless Kitchen Stool

buy on Lulu and Georgia

Obsessed with the architectural lines and rounded edges of this modern stool. It has a soft but rustic vibe that’ll totally level up the look of your kitchen.

The textural upholstery is the perfect contrast against the dark ash wood frame. This counter stool is sure to be a conversation starter in any space it’s in.

Choose from the charcoal or washed ash wood colorway when placing your order.

14. Backless Counter Stool

buy on Lulu and Georgia

This counter stool is perfect for any modern contemporary space. It’s available in black or natural depending on the vibe you are after.

The curved upholstered seat is a modern update to the classic counter-height stool. Add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen or dining room with the addition of these stools.

If you are after an open airy look these backless stools are for you!

CB2 Backless Counter Stools

6. Upholstered Stool

buy on CB2

Upgrade the look of your kitchen design with this black and white boucle backless stool from CB2. It’s perfect for modern contemporary design styles.

Add function and style to your island or counter-height dining table with these stylish stools. The simple silhouette has matte black legs with a circle footrest.

If you’re looking to add texture and dimension to your design these backless stools are calling your name!

Choose from the counter or bar height when placing your order. You can even get a set of two or four at a discounted price which is awesome!

9. Shearling Counter Stool

buy on CB2

Shearling has been trending in furniture and home decor for quite some time now. I’m personally a fan and love the look!

Elevate the vibe of your kitchen with the addition of this classic counter stool silhouette that’s upholstered in shearling for an updated look. It has an iron frame with a round brass plated footrest that’ll add a touch of glam to your living space.

Whether you need two or four this natural shearling counter stool will add a luxe place to chill and relax.

10. Brown Leather Counter Stool

buy on cb2

If you are looking to add a simple modern look to your kitchen or dining room this chair is for you. The solid oak stool has a saddle leather cushioned seat that’s as durable as it is comfortable.

True to the character of leather this backless stool will get more attractive with age and wear. It’s another one that’s perfect for California cool spaces.

Featured Post: CB2 Living Room Collaboration With Lenny Kravitz That’ll Make Your Home Super Cool

World Market Counter Stools

11. Gold Hairpin Stool

buy on World Market

If you’re looking for an affordable backless stool this one is for you. At under $200 for a set of two, this option is full of style and interest.

The vintage-inspired design has hairpin legs in matte gold with a solid elmwood seat. Add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen with these mid-century modern backless stools.

The simple design is stackable making them fabulous when you need extra seating. Just store them in your closet until it’s time for the party.

We have a set of stackable stools that we bring out for holiday parties every year. They’re awesome! We add them around the peninsula in the kitchen and everyone gathers around for hours of conversation.

When the parties are over we stack them back in the closet and they’re out of sight until the next gathering. I highly recommend these for anyone who loves to entertain or has a large family.

12. Round Backless Stool

buy on World Market

Make a statement in your kitchen with this modern backless stool. It has clean modern lines with a wide padded upholstered seat.

The textured taupe gray fabric is the perfect contrast to the black iron legs. Keep your island airy and clutter-free with this round upholstered stool.

Target Backless Stools

13. Gold Backless Counter Stool

buy on Target

For those looking to add a touch of glam to your kitchen design, these stools are just what you need. The affordable backless stools are available for under $200 which is fabulous.

Choose between white (shown), black, blue, or camel when placing your order. The fashion-forward silhouette will easily slide under the kitchen counter when not in use for a slick modern look.

Aside from being pretty, they’re also great for easy cleanup for those with sloppy guests.

West Elm Counter Stool Styles

15. Modern Backless Stools

buy on west elm

This 80s glam-style counter stool is awesome for those who want options. The stylish stool is available in a plethora of colors and two metal finishes.

If gold is not your jam go for the gunmetal instead. No matter the vibe you’re after there’s a version of this backless stool perfect for you!

At 16″ wide it’s a fabulous choice for small spaces where you want to maximize your seating.

16. Stacking Stools

buy on west elm

This stylish stackable stool is available in deep mauve (shown) or slate gray. Either one is a fabulous look that’ll add extra seating in your kitchen or dining area when your company is over.

I can’t stress enough how fabulous these stacking backless stools are when you host family parties at your house. In my experience, they’ve been a lifesaver.

They’re awesome for both formal and informal dining. Made of durable canvas with a steel frame these are pretty and durable. At just over $100 it’s a super affordable stool to add in multiples.

I hope this roundup of backless stools brought you value and inspires you to design a home you love!

Have an amazing day full of Unicorns & Rainbows!

xo Nicole

This post is all about the best backless stools.

16 Best Backless Stools That’ll Seriously Upgrade The Seating At Your Kitchen Island (updated)

Backless Stools

Best Backless Stools For Kitchen Island 2023

What height are counter height island stools?

How do you pick stools for kitchen island?

Best Backless Counter Stools