Perfect Stools to Elevate the Heart of the Home

Prepared by Dania Freudenburg | Published on October 1, 2025

When we started our kitchen remodel at The Sycamore Farmhouse, I knew the island would be the centerpiece of the space. I had such a vision for what I wanted, and Chad put so much care into building it, so I wanted to choose stools that complemented his work instead of distracting from it. The right seating needed to make the island both beautiful and functional, since I knew this was where we’d gather as a family every single day. After looking through NFM’s incredible selection, the Four Hands Baden Counter Stools in Lamont Nettlewood were exactly what I had in mind.

One of the reasons I love shopping at Nebraska Furniture Mart is the variety. They carry so many different styles—wood, metal, upholstered, modern, rustic, classic. It’s one of the few places where you can walk in (or browse online) and see side-by-side comparisons of completely different looks. That made it easier for me to really picture how different stools would feel in our space and narrow down what worked best for us.

For our kitchen, I had a few non-negotiables. First, I wanted stools with a low back profile. The island is a statement piece, and I didn’t want tall backs blocking the view of the craftsmanship. At the same time, the stools needed enough support to be comfortable. I also knew I didn’t want arms—our walkway around the island is a little tighter, and armless stools tuck in neatly without making the space feel crowded. And because we have young kids, easy clean-up was essential. The leather seats on the Baden stools wipe down quickly, which means we don’t have to worry about spills or sticky fingers damaging them.

Beyond looks and practicality, these stools are solid. They feel sturdy and well-made, the kind of furniture you know will last through years of use. That was important to me because our kitchen isn’t just for cooking—it’s the heart of our home. We eat breakfast here before school, the kids do homework at the counter, and we use this as our family table, eating dinner here together in the evenings. The Baden stools make all of that more comfortable, and they’ve already become part of our daily rhythm.

Looking at our finished kitchen now, I’m so glad we chose these stools. They don’t just look like they belong—they help us actually enjoy the space more. If you’re starting a kitchen project or simply need to refresh your seating, I’d recommend checking out NFM’s barstool and counter stool collection. They make it easy to find something that works for your space, your style, and your family