I'm sort of decorating challenged, but my gut is to paint them the same color as the island - I do like the color paint you are showing and it would probably look beautiful and interesting on the chairs... I like the stools very much though, I think they look great in your beautiful kitchen!

i like the stool that you show in white- i think it goes perfect without having to paint!

kitchens have so many hard lines; I'd like to see something with a cushion, maybe just tie a cushion onto one of those. Or something soft looking like a rush seat. Of the two you have, I prefer the painted.

Thanks so much, I do think a cushion would be nice,just having a problem finding one that isn't really thick. I like the white too, although it is a very white kitchen. I am trying desperately to find 2 more white ones, but not having much luck! They do come in black, do you think that would look OK?

Here's another vote for the white style and here's why. If you have kids, or will every have little ones eating at your island, you will be happy you went with the solid seat vs. the rush seat. My stools are brushed metal, and everyday I have sticky hand prints and food dropped on them. With the solid seat, all this will wipe away. And if you do a cushion, you could remove them when kids eat or toss them in the washer. I think painting them blue will be adorable!

another vote for the white stool...with wood tone seat. No cushion IF kids are eating there or cushions that can be removed and replaced if need be, frequently

Black would probably break up the white nicely too!! and you have black in your appliances!! Yes i think black would be good!!

I'd paint them white and then give them a little bit of distress with some sandpaper. If you're committed to the blue, you could try painting the edges of the stools blue before you paint them white. Then if you distress them, you'll have a touch of blue showing through. However, since it appears your island has brown showing through, I think I'd just do white with a little bit of sanding on the edges.

Is it just me, or do the whites not match? I mean the chair is a warm white, the island is a cool white, and between the two it clashes. Unless the whites are very close in tone, and it's just a lighting issue. But as I see it, I'd go with a contrasting color to avoid the white/white mismatch. And I vote for the solid seat.

Hi evilbunnie, you are right, the whites don't match. The stools are a warmer white. It doesn't bother me too much though as the island is a different white than the cabinets.

I am still debating about painting the stools. If I don't I may do a cushion for color, either in an oilcloth or a washable fabric. I like the kath kidson fabrics...

I appreciate everyone's responses. Sorry I haven't checked this thread in a while. Please continue to comment if you have any more suggestions/ideas. It really does help.

Geez... you guys have great eyes. I cannot tell the difference in the whites.

It would be easy to sew a little cushion for the seats. Then you could wash/change them out whenever your heart desired.

I like the white stool with the blue paint or even the black that was recommended. It makes it very complimentary.

Question for you - what type of wood counter is on the island? I love it! TIA!

I vote for the black if you can get it with the solid seat and not have to paint it yourself. The dark counters and appliances will work with it and you dont have to worry about the rush seat.

I vote for the white chair with wood seat. I have rush seats and had them redone once(not cheap) and one is unraveling again. As far as cushions I think they would look great but that too can be a pain. I have never been able to find ones that are comfortable and the ties always break. If you can sew that would be another story you could change them out as need be.

Hi Labradoodlemom, the island top is birch with a medium wood tone stain. It is a pretty hard wood, which we wanted. Our round table is pine and it is very soft.

I am pretty handy and could make some cushions if I find a fabric I like. I may try that, or try painting them blue. Not sure how the finish would hold up, but I feel like I need some color somewhere in this kitchen!

I think I have ruled out black stools. We have black chairs at the round table and I don't think I want to have more.

Thanks again!

I think if you paint the chairs blue, and do a distressed finish (think blue with the white, and then some woodtone peeking out) it'd be fantastic, and would hide any wear issues. And you get your color in the kitchen.

I didn't mean to sound snotty about the whites not matching, btw. I just thought if it helps you to choose the blue, I'd point it out.

I like a bit of color in there.

I also like your semi-flush fixture. I was trying to figure out today if I should go with a pendant or a regular fixture. I think you solved my dilemma.

Evilbunnie, no offense taken. I had noticed the same thing. I think I am just gunshy about painting the stools. If I do, I will post pics.

Thanks Danielle00. I was thinking of adding another semi flush or going with something else. I have a thread on it as well.