I love this one! @ https://industrialfurnitureworld.com/p/ashley-furniture-signature-design-pinnadel-bar-stool-pub-height-set-of-2-rustic-brown/ . Depending on your design of course but I think its very unique with an Industrial feel! Hope that helps :)

DN, I hear you, that’s my stress! I am on my
Feet all day, so any seat is welcomed. But I know, I am not everyone...definitely something to think on.
Charmaine, I looooovvve those stools, I was actually looking at that style, thanks for the link!

(third attempt to post...)

Momofthree Ma, you were so good-natured and gracious with your reply that I now feel guilty. :-D

Would a low-back stool, which would not show above the countertop, be worth considering?

I found these with no idea if they would work with your decor or if they are good vs junk:

Anyway, best of luck to you, and I know you'll find the perfect solution.

Following your thread because I need 3 counter height seats that will not bang into my counter and will tuck totally under the counter. Hope you don’t mind if I follow the suggestions. Comfort is not an issue since my seats are really only for small grandchildren. But safety is...kind of like the low seat with that short raised area in the back....for that reason. What about this one? Looks like it might be adjustable. I saved it so long ago that I’m not sure of the source.

We got these from West Elm. Not too high and very comfortable. Others sell a similar but not in real leather.

I like the ones from West Elm. I don't like the ones with just a tiny lip on the back. They make you want to lean back, but you can't. My friend has them and I always feel like I'm going to fall backwards when I sit on one. I also agree that stools with a real back on them are worth sacrificing sight lines if you have the space!!!

You could go for a ghost stool - something like this:

- has a back but doesn't interrupt your sight lines

Jjam, I feel the same way about the low back ones, I actually find them more uncomfortable than having no back at all.
DN, thanks for the ideas. I think I need to survey my family. I always sit on the edge of stool whether it has a back or not, and my kids are older, so falling off isn’t as much of a concern.
I will have a few people over this weekend and ask them what they think.
Thanks for the ideas everyone!

Damiarain, I thought those were just frames when I first looked at them! Interesting idea, but might be a little too modern for our space???

Very ghost-y huh? =) For sure - the glass+metal look may not fit with a transitional style...

My kids were always falling over when we had backs on the stools. So I got back-less when we remodeled. It's counter-intuitive, but I found that kids naturally want to push their feet against the island if there is a back on the stool, then they fall over. Since we went with the back-less stools, not once have they fallen over.

We Bought these:

https://www.allmodern.com/furniture/pdp/wade-logan-jamal-26-bar-stool-wadl3343.html?piid=15820249

My pet peeve regarding stools is when they are really heavy. My Dad recently bought really heavy wooden stools for his vacation house and nobody uses them because they are so heavy to pull out. If someone does use one, they never push it back in because they are so heavy! I like to be able to scoot them under the counter easily.

I also like a footrest on the stool.

I hate backless stools. They're certainly not for "old" backs and "hanging out", enjoying a drink.

In my small kitchen, I really needed a place for ME to sit if I was tired (I'm always tired!), but I had no room for a stool with a back and I didn't want to pay much. So I bought this Ikea stool and it's perfect. But I don't sit there very long...

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60155602/

What's not to like for under $40!!!

Yikes that one from Ikea looks like torture...Maybe it's the picture but the round seat looks so small.

I have a saddle seat backless stool I picked up at a consignment store that I still need to find a mate. It's just for extra seating once in a while around the dinner table.

I've tried that Ikea stool and yes, the seat IS too small.

I cannot vouch for quality, but I was in an At Home store yesterday and they had tons of stools displayed. Christmas decorations are out too!

I have these. They are well padded and they swivel.

Stratmoor Ivory Swivel Counter & Bar Stool | Pier 1 Imports · More Info

more ideas...

Bali Swivel Stool, Cappuccino, 31" · More Info

Amisco Beacon 26-inch Metal Swivel Counter Stool - Free Shipping Today - Oversto · More Info

Antonio Saddle Fixed Base Counter 26" Bar Stool & Reviews | AllModern · More Info

Saddle Counter/Bar Stool with Nested Leg · More Info

Harper Counter Stool, Bisque French Linen, Rustic Java · More Info

Bar Stool Steals Sale | AllModern · More Info

EQ3 | Mackenzie Counter Stool - Olive · More Info

These are my barstools and I love them! The padded seat makes them very comfortable and they are lightweight enough to move around easily.

I have the Onda from DWR we have had them for 12 yrs not one bad thing to say and that short back actually gives quite a lot of support but sits below the counter