Backless bar stools are an ideal choice, especially if you’re aiming for a contemporary look with curb appeal. They aren’t just for bars, either; they’re often used around kitchen islands ...

"Bar height stools are generally around 30 inches ... the countertops are really show-stopping, we might go backless to really let the kitchen shine," she says. On the other hand, she points ...

backless bar stools for $40 on Amazon, and they measure just over 25 inches high -- perfect for a 35-inch-tall bar. They're just under 12 inches wide. Say your kitchen island is 80 inches long.

The best bar stools make the most of vertical space, whether arranged around a tall kitchen island (as tradition calls for) ...