Looking for outdoor bar stools to complement a modern backyard design?
Well, look no further!
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about finding the best modern outdoor bar stools for your space.
From important modern design considerations to some of the top bar stool brands on the market… We’ve got you covered!
Without further ado, let’s discuss how to get the perfect counter stools for your modern dining table or outdoor bar.
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Modern Outdoor Bar Stool Buying Guide
So you’re looking for modern outdoor bar stools, specifically… Chances are you have an idea of what you want already in mind.
But honestly, there’s just so much that falls into the modern design category.
Simply keying “modern outdoor bar stools” into your search tab may not be the best way to cut through the noise and find exactly what you’re looking for!
So, what is the best way to narrow down your search, and find the perfectly styled stools for your outdoor bar?
Let’s start by breaking down modern outdoor design trends.
Modern Outdoor Furniture Design Trends
Before you start browsing bar stool brands… Some clarification is in order.
What is modern design?
Short answer, modern design actually speaks directly to style trends originating in the early to mid-twentieth century.
That said, many brands will often label both mid-century modern and contemporary styles as “modern design.”
Now, mid-century modern and contemporary design trends may have roots in modern design… But there’s actually a good amount of variation here!
Understanding the nuances between modern, mid-century modern, and contemporary design trends may help you eliminate patio bar stool options that don’t quite fit your desired modern aesthetic.
Want to bring your idea to life?
Modern Design
As we mentioned, modern design trends originated in the first half of the twentieth century, from 1900 – 1950.
Modern design saw a departure from ornate, ornamented design trends of the past… And instead favored industrial, sleek, geometric, and uncluttered styles, as well as neutral shades, earth tones, and natural elements.
This was an era of minimalism, monochromatic colors, and clean, straight lines.
Today, modern outdoor bar stools are often constructed with metal, to bring back that straight-edge, industrial style.
Mid-Century Modern Design
As you can infer from the name… Mid-century modern design refers to design trends of the 1950s and ‘60s.
Similar to modern design… Mid-century modern trends were all about clean, straight lines, straightforward functionality, and minimalism with little flair.
The main difference here? This design trend favored loud, bright colors rather than neutral, natural hues.
And during this period, curved shapes also saw an uptick in popularity.
As for material, metal remained in favor… But certain types of wooden furniture also became more popular!
Contemporary Design
Finally, many contemporary pieces will often be mislabeled as “modern.”
While modern design refers to a period of time that has come and gone… Contemporary design speaks to here and now. It’s what’s currently trending.
According to an article by Interiors Online… Popular outdoor furniture trends are currently predicted to include bright and bold colors, monochromatic schemes, globally inspired designs, as well as curved lines and oversized, comfortable pieces.
In recent years, wicker, rattan, and acacia wood have been commonly used for contemporary outdoor bar furniture… But going forward, this is expected to change!
Instead, luxe materials (like brass or copper metallics), sustainable outdoor furniture (made with bamboo or recycled plastic), and mixed eclectic styles (combining two or more types of materials) will be trending.
Alright… Now you have a better idea of what to expect when searching for modern bistro furniture.
You may have noticed that we mentioned some popular materials… Now, let’s talk about how each of these materials will hold up!
Modern Outdoor Bar Stools: Materials
When searching for modern outdoor bar stools, you can expect to find a lot of metal and plastic options, with a few wooden bar height chairs in the mix.
How will these materials hold up on your back patio?
Metal Outdoor Bar Stools
For modern, mid-century, and contemporary outdoor spaces… Metal outdoor furniture is common!
Now, metal outdoor dining furniture may hold up super well outdoors… Or it may quickly rust and corrode. It all comes down to the grade used!
Bar chairs made with 304 stainless steel or marine grade aluminum are high-quality… And will hold up to rust and corrosion for decades.
But more often, you’ll find outdoor chairs made with low quality powder-coated aluminum frames or an unknown grade of powder-coated steel.
These may hold up for a short time… But they’re definitely not cut out for the long haul! Frequent exposure to moisture will quickly cause lower quality metal bar chairs to rust and corrode.
If you want your modern outdoor bar stools to last a long time… Looking for durable metal dining chairs is key. (But fair warning, these are quite hard to find!)
Plastic Outdoor Bar Stools
Plastic bar furniture is also popular… Particularly among those with contemporary outdoor spaces!
While plastic furniture can be low quality… There are increasingly more and more available options for durable plastic bar stools.
Especially as sustainable patio furniture continues to grow in popularity, HDPE and recycled plastic dining chairs tend to be quite heavy duty!
Wood Outdoor Bar Stools
Though modern wood dining sets are a bit more out of the ordinary… These may still fit certain contemporary or mid-century spaces.
Teak wood is especially popular in mid-century modern design.
And bamboo may have some appeal in contemporary settings!
Though teak and bamboo may have a bit of natural weather-resistance… The truth is that neither is ideal for outdoor use!
When any wood is exposed to frequent moisture, it will eventually rot, swell, or warp.
If you do want wooden outdoor bar stools… Just know that you’ll have to store them indoors when it rains or snows!
Now that you have a better idea of what to expect in your search for modern outdoor bar stools… Let’s take a look at a few options!
Modern Outdoor Bar Stool Brands
To help spark ideas for your outdoor living space… We’ve compiled a list detailing some of the best modern, mid-century, and contemporary outdoor bar stools!
Let’s dive in.
Great Deal Furniture Full Back Outdoor Counter Stools
FEATURES
Seat Height: 26”
Overall Dimensions: 42” x 18.25” x 24.75”
Material: Iron Frame with Polyester Cushion
Stools Included: 4
Price: $339.65
WHAT WE LIKE
- Unique, industrial modern style.
- The polyester cushion provides extra comfort.
- The price is fair for what you get.
- cular design for 360 degree cooking.
CONS
- We’d like to see a longer warranty.
- The iron frame will be prone to rust.
- The 26” seat height may be too short for some bar table tops.
We’ll kick off our list with this metal counter height stool set from Great Deal Furniture.
This set of four bar stools features a full, geometric back style… And the 26” tall square seat is supported by a stylish, thin metal frame.
These bar chairs are available in a light brass, gray, or teal finish… All of which come with a removable, polyester ivory seat cushion.
With an industrial, geometric design, they’d look fantastic in modern or contemporary backyard spaces!
The frame material on these outdoor chairs is iron, and we’re guessing the color comes from a powder-coated finish.
Now, the powder-coating should protect the frame for a short time… But unfortunately, iron is notorious for rusting! If the exterior is damaged, these stools won’t be long for the world.
But if the straight-edge style of these bar stools has captured your interest, just know you’ll have to be extra wary to cover or store them when not in use.
Great Deal Furniture offers a 90-day limited warranty on their bar & counter stools… And at the time of writing, you can buy a set of four for $339.65.
Devoko Backless Metal Bar Stools
FEATURES
Seat Height: 30”
Overall Dimensions: 30” x 16.9” x 16.9”
Material: Powder-Coated Iron Frame
Stools Included: 4
Price: $89.99
WHAT WE LIKE
- Stackable design makes these bar stools easy to store.
- The price is extremely affordable.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The iron frame isn’t ideal for long term outdoor use.
Looking for backless modern outdoor bar stools? Maybe these metal chairs from Devoko would be a better fit!
This set of four bar stools has an industrial, metal look, perfect for modern spaces.
They’re available in black and gray for a monochromatic design… But if you’re looking to add a pop of color to your space, they also come in blue or orange!
The 30” high square seat sits on four metal legs, with a built in footrest for additional support.
Like the previous option, these outdoor bar stools feature an iron frame with a powder-coated finish.
Though Devoko claims these stools are waterproof and anti-rust… This likely isn’t the case! As we mentioned earlier, iron is susceptible to rusting.
Luckily, these backless bar chairs are stackable… Which means it’ll be easy to keep them stored and protected from the elements!
Devoko offers a one year warranty on their bar stools.
Concerning price, this is rather cheap outdoor modern bar furniture! At the time of writing, a set of four backless barstools goes for $89.99.
Polywood Modern Outdoor Bar Stools with Arms
FEATURES
Seat Height: 30.5”
Overall Dimensions: 49” x 24.5” x 25”
Material: HDPE Polywood Lumber Frame with High Quality Woven Fabric Seat
Stools Included: 1
Price: $479.00 – $549.00
WHAT WE LIKE
- The recycled plastic construction is durable and sustainable.
- The breathable, sling fabric seat and full armrests provide extra comfort.
- This stool is backed by an impressive 20 year warranty.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
These high end outdoor bar stools may not fit everyone’s budget.
If you’re more into sustainable outdoor furniture… This coastal bar chair from Polywood may be of interest for your modern or contemporary backyard design!
Made with mixed materials… This chair features a recycled plastic frame, complete with full back and arm rests, and a comfy sling fabric seat.
The HDPE plastic frame is available in several neutral earth-tones, depending on your preference!
And if you don’t mind waiting a little longer for your bar stools to ship… You’ll also have the option to customize the color of the sling fabric seat (if you prefer not to wait, the default seat color is white).
Polywood’s bar stool is an extremely durable choice! Unlike the metal options we’ve discussed thus far, you won’t have to worry about rust!
Not to mention, the plastic frame also won’t fade, crack, chip, peel, rot, or corrode!
Polywood is confident in the durability of their outdoor furniture… And they offer a robust 20 year warranty!
At the time of writing, this bar chair costs $479.00 – $549.00, depending on color.
Seating at the perfect hangout spot
Hashtag Home Adrienne Patio Bar Stool
FEATURES
Seat Height: 25.6”
Overall Dimensions: 38.5” x 17.4” x 19.7”
Material: Plastic Frame
Stools Included: 2
Price: $229.98
WHAT WE LIKE
- The natural colors would look fantastic in a natural space.
- There’ll be no risk of water or UV damage, mold, rust, or staining.
- The price is fair for what you get.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
- We’d rather see recycled plastic used here.
- Seat height is on the shorter side.
This modern outdoor plastic bar chair set from Hashtag Home will look fantastic alongside a natural landscape!
These stools are available in white, taupe, or olive green, and have a simple, unembellished finish.
The seat measures in at 25.6” inches tall… And sits on four legs, with built-in footrests and a full backrest.
Like the previous option, these patio stools are made with 100% polypropylene.
Again, this’ll hold up decently well… But it’s unfortunately not the most eco-friendly choice.
Hashtag Home offers a two year warranty on their bar stools.
At the time of writing, you can get a set of two for $229.98.
Corrigan Studio Swivel Bar & Counter Stools
FEATURES
Seat Height: 30”
Overall Dimensions: 39.8” x 15.3” x 15.3”
Material: Plastic/Acrylic Seat and Steel Frame
Stools Included: 4
Price: $249.99
WHAT WE LIKE
- The price is reasonable.
- The curved seat shape and mixed materials give these stools a unique look.
- The swivel function is appealing.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
- The warranty isn’t all that impressive.
- The steel frame and acrylic seat aren’t the most durable materials.
Let’s take a look at these modern patio bar stools from Corrigan Studio!
This set of four swivel barstools is available in black, light gray, and white.
If you’re looking for modern outdoor bar furniture with softer, curved edges… These may be perfect for your space!
These bar chairs are made with mixed materials… And feature an acrylic seat and a black steel frame.
The acrylic seat is certainly stylish, but it’s definitely not the most durable plastic out there! Unfortunately, acrylic often scratches easily.
The grade of steel used for the frame isn’t specified… So it’s hard to say for sure how this’ll hold up! If it isn’t 304 stainless steel, though, it may quickly rust.
When it rains or snows, it’d be best to keep these stools in storage!
There’s a 90-day limited warranty covering this bar stool set.
At the time of writing, you can purchase four bar chairs for $249.99.
IndustryWest Spence Bar Stool
FEATURES
Seat Height: 29.5”
Overall Dimensions: 37.2” x 23.8” x 21.6”
Material: Teak Seat with Aluminum Frame
Stools Included: 1
Price: $375.00
WHAT WE LIKE
- The mixed eclectic style is appealing.
- The available colors would provide a vibrant color pop to any modern outdoor space.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
- On the pricier side for just one stool.
- Neither the teak seat or aluminum frame are ideal at holding up to the elements.
These bar stools from IndustryWest have a more contemporary style…
With slatted teak wood seats and a vibrant green or yellow aluminum frame, they could certainly be considered mixed eclectic!
Now, there’s not much information available on the aluminum frame… So it’s tough to tell how it’ll hold up! If it’s not marine grade, it may corrode when left outdoors.
As for the teak slatted seats, we can say for sure that these won’t be the best at holding up to the weather!
IndustryWest also points out that their outdoor furniture isn’t fade-proof.
Like many of the other stools on our list, you’ll want to make sure these stools are protected from the elements to keep them looking great!
It looks like IndustryWest offers a one year warranty on their outdoor products.
At the time of writing, one stool is priced at $375.00.
PotteryBarn Eucalyptus Modern Bar Stools Outdoors
FEATURES
Seat Height: 29.5”
Overall Dimensions: 46” x 19.5” x 23.5”
Material: Mahogany Wood
Stools Included: 1
Price: $359.00 – $399.00
WHAT WE LIKE
- PotteryBarn uses sustainably sourced materials, and your purchase will go towards supporting healthy forests.
- The wood finish would add a touch of warmth to modern outdoor spaces.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
- Wood furniture is far from the best at holding up outdoors.
- There’s no clear warranty info available.
- This bar stool is on the pricier side.
We’ll round out our list with this wooden bar stool from PotteryBarn.
Though it’s finished to look like a Eucalyptus bar stool… It’s actually constructed with sustainably sourced mahogany wood.
It’s available with either a weathered-gray or biscotti finish… Either of which would certainly add a touch of warmth to an outdoor bar!
But as we previously mentioned… Wood just isn’t ideal for long term outdoor use.
In fact, PotteryBarn actually recommends covering these wooden bar stools during inclement weather and when not in use.
Unfortunately, we had a hard time pinning down a warranty for this bar stool.
At the time of writing, you’ll pay $359.00 for the weathered gray finish, and $399.00 for the biscotti finish (you’ll also have the option to add a bar stool cushion for an additional cost).
The Best Modern Outdoor Bar Stools
Alright… At this point, you’ve gotten a pretty good feel for the different types of outdoor modern bar stools.
Of the options listed, is there an overall best?
To us… Polywood’s modern outdoor bar stool truly stands out from the rest.
Not only does Polywood take a super sustainable approach to their outdoor furniture… It’s also extremely high quality!
While Polywood’s stool may be a bigger investment than many of the other options on our list… We’d say that the investment is well worth it!
You won’t have to worry about maintaining or storing away these durable bar stools… And you won’t have to spend more to replace it in a few short years!
That said, if you’re more inclined towards a different option… Just be sure you have ample storage space (or high quality furniture covers) to keep your new modern bar stools shielded from the elements.
Now, we know that you’re eager to get to shopping.
But before you go, there’s just one more thing to ponder…
Where Will Your Modern Outdoor Bar Stools Go?
Your new bar stools will look great in your modern outdoor living space… But do you know what would make them look even better?
Placing them at a modern outdoor kitchen bar!
At RTA, we offer outdoor kitchen islands that would be the stunning centerpiece of a modern or contemporary space.
Our high performance concrete panels come with a variety of finishing options available… From natural stacked stone to sleek and stylish modern concrete.
Not to mention… We offer a line of modular outdoor kitchens, made with durable marine-grade composite panels in a range of bright or neutral hues.
And might we add that a new outdoor grill station won’t only make your backyard look fantastic…
It’ll also make it extremely functional!
A summer kitchen is the ideal spot for outdoor entertaining.
While you whip up delicious recipes on a built in grill (or other outdoor appliance)… Just steps away at the outdoor kitchen bar, your guests can kick back and enjoy your carefully planned modern backyard design!
Perhaps we’ve caught your attention… But what’s the next step to make this all happen?
Well, our Learning Hub will provide you with all the details on outdoor kitchen planning.
And if you want a visual… Why not test out our free online design tool?
If an outdoor kitchen is the missing element in your modern backyard design… Don’t hesitate to reach out! We’re more than happy to help.
Need Help With Your Plans?
FAQ
Many modern outdoor bar stools fit design trends that have persisted for decades… So chances are they’ll stay in style for the foreseeable future!
You most likely won’t have to worry about your new modern bar stools not being trendy in just a few short years.
