Small kitchen island Designs

If the modern-day kitchen island is the new dining room table, then selecting comfortable and stylish kitchen island seating is on par with choosing the perfect dining chair.

In fact, kitchen island stools can be as elaborate (think upholstered seats and sculptural backs) or as pared-down (wooden saddle seats or leather-and-chrome pedestals) as you'd like, depending on the overall style of your kitchen.

Before making a purchase, take a hard look at the back of the kitchen island stool or chair, as that's the silhouette you'll see on a day-to-day basis.

If you'd prefer the stools to make a design statement rather than receding into the island, consider introducing a new material to the space, whether it's metal or a colorful finish. And don't overlook the legs—placed in multiples, the effect can be "busy." Beyond aesthetics, though, make sure the stools are proportional to both the island and the overall space—and that footrests are comfortable.