These days, it's tough to find a floor plan that isn't open. So when it comes to finding pieces that coordinate in a kitchen, work seamlessly with a dining room, and even complement a living area, the search can be tough. But since your kitchen island can be seen from other parts of your house — and often acts as its focal point — one way to solve this cohesion problem is to focus on the bar stools. Find a pair or more of simplistic colors and streamlined shapes that'll work with any design scheme, and it will be easier to incorporate more elaborate shades and textures throughout the rest of the space. Here are 11 choices to help bridge that gap, from a rose gold wire creation to a seat with a copper finish that'll patina over time. While none of these picks are too over the top, they all can be used to help unify a larger design.
Gabby King Acrylic Bar Stool
Add a touch of modern flair to your island with a pair of these acrylic bar stools from Houzz ($498). The clear seat and gold legs make these beauties a statement piece that'll create a clear sightline into your living room.
Rose Gold Wire Bar Stool
Now you can have rosé in your glass and in your kitchen, too. This rose gold bar stool from Target ($515) is a bit of a splurge, but the slim profile and continuous wire design will make you feel good about your purchase every time you see it.
Pilot Bar Stool
The contrast between the white seat, oak legs, and steel hardware makes this pilot bar stool ($422 - $460) just as chic as it is functional. Plus, the mix of materials means that this piece will work with almost any aesthetic.
Real Good Copper Bar Stool
This copper bar stool from Blu Dot ($399) is not just a chair, it's a work of art. Made with a copper-plated finish that will naturally patina over time, this laser-cut bar stool will make your kitchen look better and better every day.
Mapleton Round Barstool
The hairpin legs and recycled teak wood seat of this mapleton round bar stool found on Gilt ($89) will add the perfect natural touch to an otherwise sleek and airy kitchen.
Schoolhouse Electric Utility Stool
If ever there were a piece of furniture that was made to last, it's this utility stool from School House Electric ($169). Stand these next to a butcher-block island for a clean, timeless look.
Kate Faux Fur Bar Stool
While this faux fur stool from Pier 1 ($119.99 - $129.99) isn't the most practical purchase, it sure is pretty. This pick works for when you want to make a glam statement without too much fanfare — try it in a minimalist kitchen for added texture.
Wainscott Bar Stool
The clean lines of this solid wood wainscott bar stool from CB2 ($289) will complement, not compete with, the rest of the furnishings in a moody design. Pair it with bright colors, like those in a dining area rug, for a dramatic finish.
Interlude Dyer Acrylic Barstool
While a set of these acrylic barstools from Neiman Marcus ($1,399) will set you back a pretty penny, the sleek ultra-modern design and brass-capped feet are hard to beat. They'll look especially sharp alongside an island with a painted base.
Collins Stool
Inject your neutral kitchen with a cool pop of color. This collins stool from Room & Board ($339) comes in 45 different combinations, so you can guarantee they'll match your palette perfectly with just the right hue.
Perch Stool
From the reclaimed teak seat to the architectural base, this perch stool from Anthropologie ($328) can do no wrong. The seat is protected with a layer of clear lacquer, too, so it'll be able to handle an accidental spill or two.
Ashley Tyler is a South Florida-based freelance writer with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Nova Southeastern University. When she's not writing, she can be found chasing around her two young sons, cooking up a storm or tackling multiple DIY projects.