for starters:

Sonoma Saddle Seat Counter Stool, Barnwood Wire-Brush, 24", Single · More Info

Set of 2 Saddle Tufted Counter Stools, 24 Inch, Yellowish Brown-Faux Leather · More Info

Madison Park Belfast Saddle Counter Stool Backless Barstool, Gray · More Info

How did it "Come out narrower than you wanted" is the BIG question. There was a plan, there were clearances in inches on that plan? What is "narrower" exactly? How many inches between fridge and counter top edge?

A saddle style is best, but even with that it seems a VERY inconvenient people problem.

Endless style choices; be sure to consider the overall depth with legs.

Maybe at least share the actual measurements of the space and honestly the stools should never have been planned for the area in front of a fridge.

Since we don't all live in expansive homes with perfectly planned dimensions ... my SIL had this issue in previous home. She used the stools like the first pic above. If she needed something from fridge, she'd tell whomever was on the stool in front of the fridge to get it for her. Fortunately she rarely entertains people who are too precious to do so. :D

I had 6 of these these stools from Pottery Barn in my previous house and tucked them under the counter overhang. We had them for about 12 years and they still looked pretty good when I gave the last 2 away.

https://www.potterybarn.com/products/manchester-backless-leather-barstool/?pkey=cbarstools

PotteryBarn Tibetan Bar & Counter Stools. I have the dark brown ones. The curve of the seat makes them quite comfortable despite being all wooden. They fit nicely under the counter. PotteryBarn has good collection of smaller stools.

I purchased these from Frontgate. They are VERY comfortable, work well for narrow areas, and are affordable for being sold by them. Just be sure you order the correct one, because I nearly purchased the square version instead of the narrower rectangular version.

Frontgate Wexford Rectangular Stool

We wanted smaller scale stools and found the onda at dwr. only 14” deep, they swivel and we find them comfortable though our larger friends do not. they may be too modern looking for most though.

Ugh... this has been such a nightmare and definately the fridge shouldn’t have been placed in this area. Contactor, interior and kitchen designer, and a bunch of others involved and no one flagged this. When all the walls were already closed we decided to make the spce wide enough, at least 48”, we could have even made it bigger, bit the kitchen contractor made it smaller, 42”. So, we actually have enough space on the other side for 3 chairs and in the space by the fridge I will keep 3 saddle stools.

What are island dimensions? In no way do I see enough space for THREE stools, on either side.

Not to mention a reversal of ovens with fridge would have made more sense, with a clearer path to cook and sink.

Probably didn't need the prep sink at all.

Beauty gone awry ?

Island is 5x 6 (should have been 4-4.5 then wouldn't be so bad) and yes, the fridge should have been in the walkway and the oven probably to the right. Lot's of sleepless nights over this :(

Should have been 42 inches by 72 max....

You can fit 3 stools as is, ( two on the end ) and move on to be annoyed 12/24 by the one on the fridge side. Is what it IS.