From guest editor Allison:
While kitchen stools with backs are not as glamorous as their swivel bar-stool cousins, they are an essential item for households with children. Perhaps this is why so many are reminiscent of schoolhouse furniture, a feature we find particularly appealing. Below are a few options that are as stylish as they are sensible.
MIDCENTURY MODERN CLASSICS
Above: Case Study's Dowel Counter Stool comes in 20 colors; $490 with a maple base at Modernica.
Above: High Chair K65 by Alvar Aalto for Artek makes a great wooden stool; $485 at Unica Home; photo from Nest.
Above: The Bertoia Counter Metal Stool at Design Within Reach is $959; available in chrome, black, and white.
Above: The Cherner Wood Leg Counter Stool is $749 at Hive Modern; photo from Nest.
INDUSTRIAL RETRO
Above: Emeco Navy Metal Stool; $730 to $1650 (depending on finish) at Design Public. (N.B. For more industrial stool ideas, see "High to Low: Industrial Stools.")
Above: The Metal Schoolhouse Counter Stool is a reliable workshop basic; currently on sale for $149 at Restoration Hardware.
Above: The Haute Tabouret Tolix is available from Loft Butik starting at €538 for the 65 cm counter stool. The Tabouret Stool with a Short Back is sold in the US through Melissa Edelman Antiquaire, a Chicago-area dealer who represents the full line of Tolix industrial stools, chairs, tables, and lockers in an array of custom colors; pricing information is available upon request.
Above: Stainless-steel Precision Stool with Backrest; on sale for $556.50 (down from $795) at Design Within Reach.
WOOD CLASSICS
Above: Director's Wood Counter Stool; $49 at Home Decorators Collection.
Above: Crate & Barrel's Basque Java Kitchen Counter Stool is $259.
Above: Teak N3 Kitchen Counter Stool; $400 at Lekker Home.
(N.B. For more stool options, see our favorite red industrial bar stools.)
