Get The Vintage Farmhouse Look With Kitchen Island Stools

The farmhouse style trend shows no signs of slowing down. With its rugged materials and vintage-chic aesthetic, it's easy to see why everyone wants a home filled with reclaimed wood accents, galvanized metal, and timeworn charm.

One of the best ways to incorporate farmhouse style into your home is in the heart of it all - the kitchen. Kitchen islands are hugely popular in modern home design. Adding some farmhouse stools to your kitchen island is a simple way to get that rustic, country vibe.

Benefits of Kitchen Island Stools

Before diving into the world of farmhouse stools, let's look at why kitchen island seating is so popular in general:

• Extra seating - Stools provide a casual spot for kids or guests to sit.
• Transforms the island into a dining space for quick meals.
• Makes a handy eat-in kitchen work area.
• Adds stylistic flair and personality to your kitchen.

It's easy to see the appeal of stools. Not only are they functional, but they also become a decorative focal point.

Farmhouse Style Stools Ideal for Islands

Farmhouse kitchen islands beg for stools with vintage, rustic flair. The distressed wood and metal farmhouse style perfectly complements an island workspace or dining spot. Let's explore what defines the farmhouse stool look.

Materials

Authentic-looking farmhouse stools showcase natural, raw materials. Some top choices are:

• Wood - Distressed, aged wood with a worn patina fits the farmhouse aesthetic perfectly. Oak and pine are typical.
• Metal - Wrought iron, galvanized tin, and bronze metalwork lend an industrial vibe.
• Upholstery - Burlap, cotton, or linen add softness and texture.

Shapes

Classic farmhouse stool silhouettes include:

• Ladderback - Horizontal slatted backrests, inspired by vintage ladder designs.
• X-back - Crisscrossing slats on the backrest.
• Plank seat - A simple rectangular wood seat atop turned legs.
• Spindle back - Vertical spindles supporting the seat.
• Saddle seat - A contoured, curved seat for comfort.

Height

You'll want to consider your island height and stool purpose when selecting a seat height. Some common options are:

• 24" counter height - Standard for working at countertops.
• 30" barstool height - Allows for gathering around a higher island.
• 36" director's chair height - Very tall seating if you want a true bar feel.

Style

While maintaining their farmhouse roots, stools can take on different complementary styles:

• Rustic industrial - Black metal meets distressed wood.
• Shabby chic - Painted or white-washed wood with a worn,chippy look.
• French country - Light oak wood with padded linen or burlap seats.
• Traditional farmhouse - Classic barn red with natural unfinished pine wood.

Decorating and Accessorizing Your Island

With your farmhouse stools in place, it's time to deck out the rest of the island area for a completely coordinated look. Some farmhouse-inspired ideas include:

Backsplash

• Tin backsplash panels
• White subway tile
• Natural stone slate backsplash

Pendant Lighting

• Galvanized metal pendant lights
• Rustic wagon wheel light fixture
• Simple glass jar pendant lamps

Accessories

• Woven baskets for produce storage
• Fresh floral arrangements in vintage milk bottles
• Antique-looking chopping boards
• Repurposed antique milk can as utensil holder

The possibilities are endless for putting your personal spin on the farmhouse kitchen island aesthetic.

Get Building - DIY Farmhouse Stool Ideas

Want to tap into your inner Chip and Joanna Gaines? Crafting your own farmhouse stools can be a rewarding (and budget-friendly!) option. Some DIY inspiration:

• Upcycle old chairs or stools with new paint and upholstery
• Use wooden crates as rustic stools
• Make ladder-back stools with simpe DIY woodworking

Scour garage sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace for diamonds in the rough to transform into one-of-a-kind stools that suit your style.

Shopping for the Perfect Farmhouse Stools

For those who prefer to buy rather than build, there are plenty of places to purchase great farmhouse stools for your kitchen island.

• Online retailers like Wayfair and Overstock have endless farmhouse bar stool options.
• Check your local mom and pop furniture stores.
• Antique and thrift shops can yield hidden vintage gems.

It may take some searching to discover the ideal farmhouse stools for your home. But once you do, they are sure to become a cherished part of your kitchen.

The farmhouse look doesn't have to stop at your kitchen island. For a cohesive rustic style throughout your kitchen, also consider:

• Open shelving for dish storage
• An apron front sink
• Barn door cabinetry
• Butcher block countertops
• Freestanding furniture like an antique Hoosier cabinet

With the right mix of materials, textures, and vintage accents, you can craft a farmhouse kitchen that looks straight out of a Tuscan countryside. Happy farmhouse decorating!