The Most Dazzling and Trendy Funky Kitchen Stools You Can Buy
Funky stools for the kitchen are having a major moment right now. Homeowners everywhere are using these eye-catching seats to inject personality into their culinary spaces. Funky stools stray from classic silhouettes and materials, opting instead for adventurous shapes, textures, and colors. If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen in a playful way, funky stools are just the ticket.
You'll discover key tips for incorporating funky stools into your kitchen decor and find plenty of sources for purchasing the coolest options. Let's dive in to find the perfect funky stools to give your kitchen an infusion of wow-factor style!
What Makes a Stool "Funky"?
When searching for funky kitchen stools, keep an eye out for these three defining factors:
Unique Shapes and Silhouettes
Funky stools utilize creative, unexpected forms. Look for sensuous curved seats, tapered spindle legs, and circular or spherical shapes. Mid-century modern designs often have a distinctive sputnik shape. The key is to choose a stool that stands out from classic square or simple round seats.
Funky stools come in an array of heights, but counter height seats around 24 inches are most popular for pairing with kitchen islands or prepping at countertops. Play with different shapes and leg designs to create visual interest.
Cool and Trendy Materials
From transparent acrylic to natural rattan, funky stools showcase trend-forward materials. Clear "ghost" lucite or acrylic stools have a floating, invisible effect. Metals like copper and brass inject industrial edge, as do iron pipe frames. Woven banana leaf, abaca rope, or seagrass add organic texture.
Salvaged and refinished wood makes for handsome bohemian style stools. Fun patterns and textures on upholstered seat pads also contribute to the funky stool aesthetic. Mixing materials, like a faux leather seat and hairpin legs, packs extra punch.
Vibrant and Bold Colors
Color plays an integral role in funky stool appeal. Look for vibrant hues, glossy lacquers, sleek metallics, and multi-tone combinations. Primary reds, sunny yellows and lime greens make a cheerful statement. Deep blues and purples add a touch of the unexpected. Go for high-gloss seat finishes that capture the light.
Many transparent acrylic stools feature colorful inner accents. Patterned seat cushions also provide color pops. Don't be afraid to use bold color combinations like teal, tangerine and silver for serious style.
Popular Styles of Funky Kitchen Stools
Retro and Mid-Century Modern Stools
For vintage flair, shop for sputnik-shaped seats in metallics or molded plywood with tapered legs. Look for backless spinning seats reminiscent of diner stools. These retro styles currently trend thanks to the mid-century modern craze.
Crate and Barrel's Lively Yellow Counter Stool channels retro vibes with its round seat and flared legs. IKEA's PS 2014 seat has a gently curved shape with splayed dowel legs. Check vintage stores and Etsy for authentic 50s-70s era finds.
Industrial Stools
Exposed metal framing, reclaimed wood, and factory-inspired shapes lend stools rugged industrial edge. Iron piping adds an unexpectedly decorative touch. Hairpin legs keep things sleek and streamlined.
World Market's Iron and Acacia Block Counter Stool mixes wood and black iron strapping. Wayfair's Rickey Bar & Counter Stool flaunts an exposed antique brass frame. CB2's Cylinder seat pairs iron with mango wood. West Elm, Article and Amazon carry many affordable industrial options too.
Bohemian and Eclectic Stools
For free-spirited flair, browse boho-chic seats with global patterns, fringe, vivid colors and natural materials like rattan. Multicultural textiles in ikat, suzani, kilim or batik prints enliven stools with an exotic feel.
Anthropologie sells handcrafted rattan and bamboo stools, like the Mare Stool. At Target, find decorative tribal print and fringe embellished options. World Market has a vast selection of bohemian stools sourced from across the globe.
Transparent Ghost Stools
Also called lucite stools, transparent designs create the illusion of a floating seat. Their clear construction allows them to blend seamlessly into modern decor. Look for stools made of acrylic or polycarbonate.
Target sells acrylic stools in fun hues like blush pink and seafoam green. Ghost stools at CB2 come surrounded by chrome or copper wire accents. West Elm's lucite stool impresses with smoked finish legs. The invisible look adds modern flair to any funky kitchen.
Tips for Styling Funky Stools in Your Kitchen
Choose Complementary Colors and Patterns
When selecting funky stool colors and patterns, consider your existing kitchen color palette. Contrast bright stools with neutral cabinetry and countertops to make them pop. Ground bold patterns with solid color backsplashes and rugs.
Echo paint or accent colors in your funky stool upholstery or finish. Tie everything together with metallics like brass hardware and fixtures. Follow general interior design guidelines for color pairing.
Mix Up Materials and Styles
Create visual interest by combining different funky stool materials and silhouettes. An acrylic ghost seat pairs nicely with raw iron pipe legs. Or match a woven seat with sleek tapered legs. Using a mix of heights and shapes adds appealing asymmetry.
Place your most eye-catching statement stool at one end of a kitchen island, with more simple seats at the other end. The contrast highlights the diversity of your funky finds.
Get Creative with Arrangements
When arranging funky stools at kitchen islands or bars, think beyond basic uniformity. Angle stools at different heights for a dynamic look. Or cluster stools so seats almost touch to create intimate conversation nooks.
Suspend transparent stools beneath islands floating over open space. Let bold stool colors make a vibrant display. Have fun with inventive arrangements to showcase your funky selections.
Where to Shop for Funky Kitchen Stools
Ready to start shopping for the coolest funky stools? Here are our top tips for sourcing options:
Check Big Retailers Online
Mass retailers like Wayfair, Overstock, Amazon, Target and Walmart offer the widest selection of funky kitchen stools at affordable prices. Search sites using terms like "retro," "mid-century," "hygge," or "Scandinavian" to find unique options.
Browse In-Store at Specialty Retailers
Brick-and-mortar stores like World Market, IKEA, Crate & Barrel, West Elm and vintage shops let you test stools in person. Scout locally owned boutiques for handmade one-of-a-kind finds. Sit on stools to ensure comfort and quality.
Scope Out Handcrafted Stools on Etsy
For completely custom funky stools, independent makers on Etsy offer upcycled, artistic and boho chic options you won't find anywhere else. Search for transparent ghost chairs, hand-painted seats, mixed media metalwork and more.
Adding funky kitchen stools introduces an element of playfulness, imagination and surprise to your decor. Their adventurous shapes, materials and colors pack visual impact into small but mighty seats. Use our guide to find the perfect funky stools to make your kitchen extra fabulous.
Funky stools not only look cool, they provide a handy spot for casual dining and chatting with family and friends. Your kitchen will never be boring again with funky seats that inspire joy and inject your own unique style. Time to shop for the most dazzling, on-trend funky stools that delight your decorating tastes!