Best coastal bar stools – 12 wicker, rattan and French-inspired barstools for seaside vibes
Bar stools are often one of the few pieces of standalone furniture in the kitchen so, no pressure, but they’re a big chance to underscore your decorating scheme and tie in your kitchen decor to the rest of your home. If you love the coastal grandmother aesthetic or you wish you lived inside the Serena & Lily catalogue, coastal bar stools are a must have design detail in the kitchen.
The good news is that there are a ton of coastal bar stools to be had right now. I think it all started with the popularity of the Serena & Lily Riviera stool/chair (you know the one). While the Riviera stool is still one of my favorites, there are now plenty of bar stool options that achieve a similar look and many at a less expensive price point.
If you’re looking for coastal bar stools for your kitchen or dining area, I’ve rounded up my favorites in a range of prices, below.
No time to read the full roundup? Check out my favorite coastal bar stools below. (Click on each to shop!)
The best coastal bar stools for all budgets
From rattan and wicker bar stools, to French Rivera styles, these gorgeous coastal bar stools will add seaside style to your kitchen no matter where you look.
Riviera Bar & Counter Stool, $398
The Riviera bar stool from Serena & Lily has become an icon over the past few years. Modeled after a classic French bistro chair, it brings Riviera vibes that perfectly complement a coastal decor scheme. The chair comes in a variety of seafaring shades, like white, navy, and sky blue.
Deltana Stool, $223
Looking for a cheaper version of the Serena & Lily Riviera stool? The Deltana coastal bar stool, which can be found on websites like Wayfair, offers a similar French bistro-chair design, with a rattan back and bamboo legs, but will save you about $150 per chair. The look is also sleeker and more contemporary, which would work well for smaller or more modern spaces.
Balboa Rattan Counter/Bar stool, $828
Another Serena & Lily favorite, the Balboa stool has a rattan finish that gives it a beachy feel. The clean, straight lines make it a bit more modern-feeling than the Riviera stool, so it’s great for a California coastal vibe or a Studio Mcgee-inspired kitchen.
South Shore Rattan Barstool, $649/pair
The South Shore rattan bar stool has a similar look to the Balboa stool, but without the cushion and brass details. This creates a look that’s more casual and better suited to bohemian-leaning spaces. The price point is also less than half that of the Balboa stool, making this a more budget-friendly pick.
Mistana Alistair Stool, $177
This backless, French-inspired stool comes in lots of options. Besides choosing bar or counter height, the stool also comes in more than 30 color options, including shades of green, blue, white, gray and black.
Safavieh Coastal Wicker Bar Stool, $209
Again, if you love the Balboa bar stool, but $800+ per stool is out of your price point, this option from Safavieh is a great alternative. The styling on the Safavieh version is a bit more traditional, almost like a mix of Serena & Lily’s Riviera and Balboa stools.
Landis Woven-Backed Counter Stool, $120
These low-profile, mixed-media coastal bar stools would make a great choice for a modern coastal space. At just $120 apiece, they’re budget-friendly, too.
Indigo Coastal Barstool, $549
Pottery Barn’s Indigo coastal bar stool is a gorgeous, contemporary take on coastal design. The white oak legs and woven back feel beachy, but upscale and chic. I love this for adding a subtle nod to coastal design in a more modern or minimalist home.
Threshold Coastal Rattan Counter Stool
This Threshold rattan bar stool is another French Riviera-inspired option I love. It comes in two colors, white and a black/white combo, but is only offered in a counter-height option, so make sure to check your measurements before you order!
World Market Wicker Counter Stool, $249
This cute counter stool has a wicker back that gives it a vintage vibe. It’s perfect for traditional beach houses, or those with an Americana vibe.
Woven rattan bar stool, $343
For a classic coastal look, this woven-backed bar stool is a lovely option. It looks like natural wicker, but it’s made from all-weather resin, so it’s super durable (and a good indoor-outdoor option). The cushion is a woven khaki fabric, but there are replacement options available, too.
Performance Fabric Upholstered Rattan Bar stool
This gorgeous bar stool pairs sleek, tapered legs and a chunky open-weave rattan back. The best part, however, might be the seat cushion, which is upholstered in a performance fabric.
What are the best coastal bar stools?
If you’re looking for bar stools to help create a beachy ambience in your home, you’ll have a few options to choose from.
- Wicker or rattan bar stools: These natural materials are a popular choice for coastal-themed decor, and can add a laid-back and beachy vibe to your space. Look for barstools with sturdy frames and comfortable cushions for optimal durability and comfort.
- Nautical-themed bar stools: If you want to incorporate more overt coastal elements into your decor, look for bar stools with nautical accents like anchor or compass designs, rope detailing, or navy blue and white color schemes.
- White or light-colored bar stools: A clean and bright color palette is often associated with coastal design, and white or light-colored barstools can help create a fresh and airy look in your space. Look for materials like painted wood or metal to achieve this style.
- Woven or rope bar stools: Bar stools made from woven or rope materials can add texture and interest to your space, and can work well with both modern and traditional coastal design styles.
- Seagrass barstools: Like wicker and rattan, seagrass is a natural material that can add a casual and beachy vibe to your space. Seagrass bar stools are often designed with sturdy frames and comfortable cushions for maximum comfort.
Choosing a coastal bar stool material
Coastal bar stools are unlike other types because they generally come in specific, natural materials like rattan and wicker. While both natural materials are durable, they aren’t quite as durable as a synthetic material because they are more prone to staining and wear.
If you’re concerned about the durability of your bar stools, or if you have kids and/or pets, look for a synthetic wicker or rattan option, or a barstool with metal legs. Synthetic rattan and wicker stand up easier to staining, while metal legs are less tempting for cats to scratch.
Are rattan and wicker bar stools comfortable?
Natural materials like rattan and wicker are coastal design staples, and loved for the texture and warmth they bring to a space. The good news? They are comfortable, too. Wicker tends to be a bit more firm that rattan, so a slim cushion can add an extra bit of comfort.
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