The kitchen is the heart of the home — it is where everyone wants to be and often where you spend a good amount of your time. Because of this, it is no surprise that kitchen islands have been more of a focus perhaps more than ever, where you can utilize extra seating centrally within the kitchen space. That extra seating is found in the form of stylish counter stools. In contrast to barstools, counter stools are lower in height, typically 24-27” inches high, making them easier to sit at a kitchen island counter.

As with any well-structured chair, it can be costly to add counter stools. But I am sharing some great options under $350, both full back and backless styles. Some even come as a set of 2, which may be all you need depending on the size of your space and is a great option if you are looking for the most budget-friendly way to add some counter stools to your kitchen.

When it comes to full back styles, I think they are a great option when you want the dining chair look at a counter height. And you obviously get the added comfort and back support, which is great benefit to those styles, as well. I tend to go towards styles that aren’t upholstered, but this very affordable EMERY COUNTER BARSTSOOL option was worth including. I love it because it comes with a removable upholstered seat, which makes it easy to maintain and clean or to use without the seat at times. If you aren’t sure what material would work for you, considering your lifestyle and usage can help you decide on what might be best option for you. For instance, for kid-friendly counter stools, easy to clean and comfortable options never fail, like these FAUX LEATHER COUNTER STOOLS , that make it easy to wipe clean and offer a padded cushioned seat.

Backless styles are equally great, and give you the simple barstool look at a shorter height. But don’t think that simple silhouette means simple style, as you can find really great options — like this BRENNER LEATHER COUNTER STOOL that is chic and modern.

I also love this TIBETAN COUNTER STOOL for an affordable option that would look great in any kitchen.

Shop all my picks below…

1 Augusto Counter Stool | 2 Vintage Acorn and Rattan Amolea Counter Stool , similar style: Malibu Counter Stool | 3 Ward Faux Leather Sling Counter Stool | 4 Wood Counter Barstool , similar styles: Linus Natural Flax/ Brown Upholstered Counter Height Stool , Harrisville Modern Counter Height Barstool , | 5 Black Wood Windsor Counter Stool Set of 2 , similar style: Shay Counter Stool | 6 Berkshire Counter Stool | 7 Natural Wicker Counter Stool | 8 Faux Leather Counter Height Barstool , similar styles: Faux Leather Counter Stool Set of 2 , Cognac Molded Leather Stool | 9 Chapin Modern Woven Counter Height Barstool | 10 Porter Black Metal and Oak Counter Stool Set of 2 | 11 Dark Charcoal Wood Counter Stools with Cross Back Set of 2 | 12 Dorsey Ivory Wood Counter Stool with Back & Woven Rush Seat

1 Biscotti Cayman Backless Counter Stool | 2 Tibetan Counter Stool , similar style: Light Brown Farmhouse Counter Stool Set of 2 | 3 Metal Base Wood Counter Stool , similar style: Wood Counter Stool Set of 2 | 4 Brenner Leather Counter Stool | 5 Round Wood and Metal Adjustable Stool | 6 Black Wood Counter Stool , similar style: Dark Charcoal Counter Stool Set of 2 | 7 Woven Wood Counter Stool | 8 Gold and Wood Counter Stool | 9 Rhodes Metal/Wood Counter Stool Set of 2, similar style: Black Metal Industrial Counter Stool | 10 Wood Upholstered Counter Stool | 11 White Counter Stool Set of 2 | 12 Augusto Backless Counter Stool

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