Are they for looks or for use? Those look stunningly uncomfortable....and not in keeping with the aesthetic of the beautiful kitchen. Why not backs? And arms and a cushy seat cushion too? Isn't the whole point to sit back and relax with a glass of wine and talk to the cook, all the while being out of the cook's way?

I like both top ones (not the rattan) but I wonder about the one with the back if they swivel, will they bash into the counter top and chip it? I'd go for the no back round ones. I'd like to be able push them under the counter and out of the way and not see the backs sticking up or have them in my way.

I agree with Jancy about the backs. But if you definitely want some with back I would mix and match the RH stools. They don't look uncomfortable to me- think they will be great in your kitchen.

I'm not a fan of backs just because I like the clean look of them tucked under the island when nobody is using them. I would personally go with wood that matches your island so they blend in with the island (at least the legs). But I do like these if you must have a back….

How about the saddle stools from PB? My kids were really pushing for stools with backs, but I got those so I could tuck them in, and they love them. Really comfortable. May have an espresso color to match.

When we first finished our kitchen we bought ultra cheap, no back/no cushion stools until I could get bar stools made to match our dining room table/chairs. Those no back stools were so uncomfortable no one ever sat in them longer than 5 - 10 minutes. The ones we had made have backs and I put cushions on them...now my DH will sit and talk to me the whole time I am making dinner. My preference would be for something with a back for support...what's the point in any kind of chair if no one sits in them.

I love both of those with and without the backs but I think in your space either a low back or no back would be best so that they don't block the view of the fridge when not in use. Also definitely your space has a more refined elegant feel and those stools have more of a modern vibe.

One thing to note, if you have kids around and opt for swivel stool with backs, make sure they are well trained not to spin them into the counter edge :o

I agree with practigal. Go with comfort. I have the ones mark_rachel showed you which blend with my dark island. They are extremely comfortable and have a low profile.

You have a lovely kitchen! I cannot see the swivel chairs in your space at all. I think one of these, with our without a back would compliment your space perfectly! They are from World Market. Ballard has some as well with cane backs.

These look fun!

I think the first two are too industrial for your kitchen. Beautiful kitchen, btw! I think the ones that aktillery9 posted would be perfect!

Your kitchen is stunning but the stools that you show don't really go with it. I like any of the ones that aktillary9 posted. I am looking for stools for my remodel also. And yes, I think you can mix & match with the backs.

Your kitchen is too elegant for those chairs that look like chairs for an office. I like the ones that aktillery9 just posted much better for your space.

I also think none of the stools will be comfortable or go with your Kitchen. The rattan one looks like something for an outside pool or deck bar and the others look like chairs used to put kids in the corner for a time out! Sorry, but that's the first thing I thought of when I saw the top one!

The round backless one looks like a stool in a doctor's office or hospital.

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Backs, cushions, and swivel! The three together make sitting at the counter so much more comfortable.

If you have stone counters, your stools will not chip your counters - but the counters may chip the stools. However, I would still go with the swivel. It is so much easier getting on/off swivel stools - especially when there is a tight aisle behind the island as is stated by the OP in this case. (If you have less than 50" or so, it will be tight with that refrigerator right there.)

I also like the stools aktillery suggested. But upholstered cushions are not an option with my kids. They can handle swivel, but the mess I would have to clean with cushions? I shudder to think about it ;)

Is this the only seating in your kitchen, or do you have a table? We only eat snacks and such on our stools. If you are using them as a place for a leisurely meal, you may want to think more about comfort over function.

Chairs such as those that aktillery showed can be upholstered with indoor/outdoor fabrics which are practically destruction proof.

While I normally love the circular back on the chairs aktillery showed, I don't like this with your island, and the lighter color of the wood is distracting. (I'm just guessing at heights here).

One last - and remember you should be able to provide your own material for many barstools.

I have the RH machinist stools at my island. Have never had a problem with the backs chipping the granite counter. As for comfort, the seats are very comfortable, but the narrow footrest can be uncomfortable if you're bare-footed (which is a very minor issue). The seat backs are adjustable up and down.

As for the style, I think they would go in your kitchen depending on what else you use to decorate. My kitchen is a bit "farmhouse industrial" and they go well.

Shancap, who made your cabinets? The top and bottom moldings on your wall cabs look a lot like mine, which are custom-made Amish cabinets.

I would love backs on bar stools but don't know if enough room on fridge side. The island is 80x59. The depth on the fridge side is 48 inches. Attached is our kitchen table and chairs. Thanks everyone for all the help! @oldbat2be - Thanks for the mock layouts!

For something totally different... What about a "ghost" stool? I love these. Will visually disappear when pushed in.

i have the same configuration as you with my double ovens and fridge behind the island seating. One of the best decisions I made for my remodel was getting a counter depth fridge AND getting rid of my stools that had backs and swiveled. What a difference it made not only in when someone is getting something out of the fridge or oven (now they can pivot to the island to set something down) but also for parties where you use the island as a buffet (the stools don't get in the way and guests can reach over them to get food). Plus they don't take any coveted aisle space when walking through. Here is my set up:

Here are some others:

lcskaisgir, are those stools all from the same source?

No, a couple from Wayfair, a couple from Pottery Barn, one from Overstock, and one from Frontgate.

@lcskaisgir - I do like yours, where are they from? Are the legs black or dark espresso? The last one you posted there is a grey base similar from Ballards & Design that I liked as well. The Frontgate stools are all mahogany and worries about red tones. Thx for your help! Beautiful kitchen you have!

Mine have black legs. They are from Wayfair. I absolutely love your kitchen! Beautiful hood and island and I love the chandelier. What kind of counters do you have?

Look at these: https://www.tractorstool.com/ They have variants in black and grey(?) color. I think one of them will be good on your kitchen.

Something with the nailhead trim looks nice, if you want a dark stool.

Oh, and your kitchen is gorgeous. I love your lighting.

Here are a couple from Ballard that I like for your space.

I like stools with a back - especially if you will be sitting for long periods of time

Lots of fabrics to choose from:

Something about this one spoke to me — I think with your chandy and black accents. With a light seat, it would look classy.

jedwaking, what flooring did you use in your kitchen?

Jellytoast, they are red oak with Minwax cherry stain. 3.5 inch width in a mix of higher grade (longer lengths that have less character) and lower grade (with knots, worm holes and heavy grain patterns that are normally culled out of the higher grades). I like the character.