Characteristics of a Rustic Bar Stool

These much-loved designs all have several key attributes. With an emphasis on natural materials, the majority of the stool should be made from wood, as seen in the Oslo, pictured. Fixed in height, their traditional four-legged frames are crafted from dependable solid oak, or solid wood with a natural oak finish. For your convenience the majority are set at kitchen worktop height, making them the ideal addition to a countryside home.

Whilst some designs are backless for a simple and unimposing aesthetic, others possess a solid wooden seat and backrest for that extra support. But whichever you prefer, they're undoubtedly defined by their organic textures and natural finishes – the more you can see of the grain, the better. They exhibit a modest and sometimes neutral look for a cosy rural feel, rather than a fancy, polished or enhanced sheen. With a timeless ambience, they’re known for evoking the warmth of the past.

Oslo Oak Bar Stool

Get the Country Look

Often found in country cottage or farmhouse style kitchens with oak cabinets and exposed beams overhead, rustic bar stools will enhance the pastoral charm and natural, organic feel of a room. Ideal for shabby chic styled homes, designs like the Knightsbridge will look great alongside a gingham tablecloth, distressed wooden worktops and burlap accent decor.

Yet they can also be used in sleek, modern interiors as a striking contrast, the juxtaposition of old and new materials creating a fashionable eye-catching aesthetic. If a room has an excess of metallic appliances, for example multiple brushed steel or mirrored chrome surfaces, it can sometimes appear a little cold and impersonal. In such environments, wooden bar stools are ideal for lending depth and character, softening and warming up highly polished kitchens that can sometimes verge on clinical.

Need some ideas? Take a look at our favourite rustic bar stools:

For more interior inspiration, check out our Country Chic pinterest board. Or, if you like what you see, why not browse our full collection of bar stools below.