Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool

The complete guide to seating: chairs, ottomans and stools

It’s hard to get comfy while standing. So pull up a chair, take a load off, kick back or do whatever it is you do! We’ll help you find the best chair, stool and ottoman options in our complete guide to seating.

Dining chairs

Ample seating for dinner parties (or the everyday) is essential. Go eclectic with two chair styles like Jenni did in her dining room makeover.

Dining chair, dining room, green chair, black chair, metal chair, dining table, wood table

Dining chair, dining room, green chair, black chair, metal chair, dining table, wood table

New Grange Café Chair in Matte Green and black wooden New Grange Spindle Back Chairs are a match made in modern farmhouse heaven. Photo styling credit: Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY

Photo styling credit: Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY

If you want to have a seriously comfy dinner setting, opt for some cushier chairs with padding or upholstery. They’re perfect for longer gatherings or post-dinner game time.

When mixing chairs, try two matching options as chairs at the ends of your table or pick a dining bench for one side of the table, like the Audrey Upholstered Bench.

Dining room, bench, upholstered bench

Photo credit: Lana Katsaros, Happily Curated Chaos

Plan ahead. Get an extra set of affordable dining chairs that match your dining table, and keep one in the corner or in the home office. Better safe than sorry when a few more guests show up.

Upholstered accent chairs

They’re versatile enough for curling up with a book or pulling up for game night. Pair two lightweight accent chairs to create a conversation space, or choose a slim modern chair for a home office space.

Accent chair, upholstered chair, reading nook, bedroom

Accent chair, upholstered chair, reading nook, bedroom

Harvey Park Occasional Chair styling credit: Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY

Accent chair, upholstered chair, living room

Harvey Park Marley Accent Chair photo credit: Leigh Fager

Accent chair, upholstered chair, work desk, home office

Harvey Park Occasional Chair photo styling credit: Jenna Kutcher

Ottomans

Bachelor night, book club, game night or watching the big game — all require ample, mobile seating, and ottomans are just what you need.

Ottoman, living room seating, stool, chairs, couch, sofa, game night, board game

The versatile Eden Rue Stool/Side Table can be used in a variety of ways. Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Ottoman, living room seating, stool, chairs

Add the Elsie Ottoman for an additional comfy seating spot.

Photo credit: Colleen Ludovice, Inspired to Share

Ottoman, living room seating, stool, chairs, couch, sofa

Eclectic style makes the Viabella Ottoman a stand-out piece. Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Ottoman, living room seating, stool, chairs, couch, sofa

Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Counter/bar-height stools

If you’ve ever hosted a party, you know the kitchen is where groups gather. Give guests a seat at the kitchen island or countertop with counter- or bar-height stools.

Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool

The Sauder Boutique Dixon Dowell Stool is a modern, stylish bar stool that can take your space up a notch. Photo credit: Tyler and Haylee Shelton, Tribe Tyler

Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool

Photo credit: Tyler and Haylee Shelton, Tribe Tyler

Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool

Photo credit: Tyler and Haylee Shelton, Tribe Tyler

Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool, metal stool

Add some stylish seating with wrought metal Cannery Bridge Counter-Height Stools. Photo credit: Melissa George, Polished Habitat

Counter-height stool, kitchen stool, breakfast bar, modern stool, metal stool

Photo credit: Photo credit: Melissa George, Polished Habitat

Benches and small stools

Place a stool or bench in your entryway for a spot to take off/put on your shoes. Put it under the window for your pet to perch on. Move it around your home to add instant seating to anywhere it’s needed. Whatever you do with it, you won’t regret having a multipurpose bench or stool around the house.

Entryway, stool, seating

The most convenient seating companion to any space: the New Grange Accent Stool. Photo credit: Julia Marcum, Chris Loves Julia

Entryway, stool, seating

Photo credit: Julia Marcum, Chris Loves Julia

Bedroom, stool, seating

Photo styling credit: Jenni Radosevich, I Spy DIY

Leigh loves how the Eden Rue Stool/Side Table fits her ever-changing living space and needs.

“Seating has to be able to be moved around, stacked in a corner or used as something else. These stool/side tables can be used as tables, seats, foot rests and more, plus they can be stacked and moved with ease.”

Side table, accent table, living room

Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Side table, accent table, living room

Photo credit: Leigh Fager

Side table, accent table, living room

Photo styling credit: Colleen Ludovice, Inspired to Share

Picking out seating for your home shouldn’t be hard. Once you know which space and for what purpose the seating will serve, you just need to pick what suits you best. If it makes you comfortable inside and out, go for it! Odds are, everyone else will love it, too.

Top photo credit: Tyler and Haylee Shelton, Tribe Tyler