Remodelista

Counter stools: a necessity spawned by the kitchen island phenomenon. You know the scenario, kids perched on stools fighting or doing homework while dinner is underway. Problem is, while hopelessly suburban (the stylistic equivalent of a minivan), kitchen islands are incredibly practical. The remedy? Stylish stools. Here are ten sure bets:

The New Classics. Below L: The Covey Model Six Stool by San Francisco designer Jeff Covey for Herman Miller; $379 from Office Designs.  Below R: Square Guest Bar Stool in American black walnut with dark mulled leather from Brooklyn-based BDDW Furniture:

The Modern Classics. Below L: Alvar Aalto 64 counter stool; $560 from finnstyle.com (also check out Ikea’s Frosta knockoff for under $20; at stores only). Below R: Alvar Aalto–inspired 617 High Stool from Artek; $841 from Finn Style:

Below L: Bertoia Counter Stool; from $683 (depending on finish) from DWR; Below R: Cherner molded plywood counter stool; $659 at www.hivemodern.com.

Below L: Henry counter stool from Berkeley-based Oly Studio; go to olystudio.com or call (775) 336-2100 for price and store locations; Below R: Shaker webbed stool, $102.50 unassembled or $205 finished, from shakerworkshops.com:

The Utilitarians. Below L: Steel Schoolhouse Stool with hardboard seat, $39 from K-Log; Below R: Tolix Tabouret Stool galvanized steel French 1934 stool, $245 at Sundance; Red Enamel Tolix Tabouret available from $188 at Conran USA:

Below: Precision stool with footrest, $378 at DWR; Below R: Deja Vu Stool in polished aluminum; $526 at 2Modern:

Bonus budget stools. Below L: Ikea Bosse; $39.99 at Ikea; Below R: Unfinished whitewood (note to Target: what is whitewood?) Saddle-Seat Stool for $59.99 from Target, to be painted the color of your choice: