Kitchen Island with Stools

Adding stools to one side of a kitchen island is a simple way of creating a casual dining space.

Kitchen With Blue Cabinets, White Tile Backsplash and Hardwood Floors

Fresh Kitchen Remodel With Blue Cabinets and Wide Plank Hardwood Floors

This transitional kitchen remodel pairs together oak and painted blue cabinets with a white subway tile backsplash and wide plank hardwood floors. Recessed lighting illuminates the space, while kitchen island stools with wrought iron legs provide a spot for casual countertop dining.

From: America's Most Desperate Kitchens

Photo by: Emilee Ramsier

Emilee Ramsier

By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

If extra seating is your goal when it comes to adding an island to your kitchen, then it is important to know how to choose the right stools for your space.

First, consider these questions: How many seats are you seeking? How high is the bar? What type of seats would fit your kitchen style? Once you have determined the design of your kitchen island, you can then begin planning for a bar space and the stools that will most appropriately fit.

In order to determine how many stools will fit at your kitchen island, home experts recommend you allow 28 to 30 inches for each seating space, which means you can divide the length of your island's counter by 30 to to figure out how many stools will comfortably fit. (For example, if your island has a 90-inch countertop, you can comfortably fit 3 stools along one side.) You might be tempted to add an extra seat, but keep in mind that you don't want to pack in too many stools and block walkways or make your kitchen feel cramped.

Bar stools come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Metal, wooden and fabric-covered stools are available, in addition to backless stools and ones that have arm rests. If your stools are covered with a material, then choose a fabric in a spill-friendly color or one that will easily resist a stain.

Kitchen Seating Options: Ideas for Chairs and Stools

See All Photos

Shop This Look

Next Up

How to Build a DIY Kitchen Island on Wheels

Need some extra workspace in your kitchen? Build a rolling island for added functionality and style. One side stores a stand mixer, sheet pans, cutting boards and more, while the other side allows for extra seating. Perfect for small spaces, this portable kitchen island easily rolls out when you need it and neatly tucks away when you don’t.

How to Build a Grilling Island

Create an outdoor kitchen by nestling a gas grill into a custom-built, granite-topped island.

New Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Get all the info you need on new kitchen cabinet doors, a great way to update your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Resurfacing Kitchen Cabinets

Resurfacing kitchen cabinets gives your kitchen a much-needed facelift without the hassles of a complete remodel.

Updating Kitchen Cabinets

Updating kitchen cabinets transforms your kitchen into a gathering place for the whole family.

Kitchen Cabinet Options

Learn about the different options for kitchen cabinets and decide what's right for your home based on your budget and style.

Replacing Kitchen Cabinets

When refinishing and refacing don't make sense, consider replacing your kitchen cabinets.

Refinishing Kitchen Cabinet Ideas

Get the feel of a whole new kitchen with beautifully refinished kitchen cabinets.

How to Pick a Kitchen Backsplash

Get tips on how to find a backsplash that meets your needs and expresses your personality.

Small Kitchen Seating Ideas

Solve the kitchen seating quandary with practical yet pretty ways to take a seat at mealtime.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.