"Will backless stools be less comfortable?"
I think so. We have backless to avoid the visual clutter but they're not comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. We don't sit in them often but when it's time to replace, we'll be getting backs for sure.

I have 4 barstools at my kitchen bar, have been recovered and are of excellent quality and have been used for 34 yrs. now. By all means if they are going to be used often get a nice back, not some skinny metal one that will probably be uncomfortable. Mine are padded backs and are wonderful,I would recover them again if need be. They have the chrome ring on the bottom for your feet too, nice.

How tall are your stools? When we were shopping for barstools, we found great barstools with low backs from Ballard Designs. They look nice, sit comfortably, and don't add to the visual clutter.

Good things to consider, thanks!

I am using this opportunity to get swivels. Maybe I can look for stools with less fussy and lower backs. I lot has to fall unto place when looking for accessories doesn't it i.e. color, style, size, function, price, material. And that's just for bar stools!

We replaced stools with backs for ones without for exactly the same reason as you. Too much visual clutter looking into the great room from the kitchen. We don't use them often, mainly for the grandkids, but I don't like to sit on them for long. I wish I had gone with a low back.
Dee

Backs are def more comfortable.

But I am going backless and will be purchasing soon.

Even though I originally wanted backs for SURE so my 8 year old son can take breakfast and lunch at the counter I have changed my mind

I figure he can still eat there

my stools will essentially be right next to my dining room chairs (& in not a very large space) and it is just too many chair backs sticking up and Especially in my case where the dining chairs and the barstools will not be a matching set I figure it will be easier for them not to clash if the stools are backless.

I hope I don't regret it but mostly it will be my son using them.

Loretta

In our last house, we had backs on the barstools. We liked them, and used them for each meal (just hubby and me). This was for the raised counter at the back of the sink peninsula that separated the kitchen from the breakfast table area. When I staged the house to sell it, I removed them (mainly because our breakfast table was larger than normal and I didn't want it to look quite so cramped). I liked the cleaner look without the barstool backs sticking up in my field of view when looking through the kitchen to the breakfast room and beyond to the lovely view out the french doors.

So....in our new house, I choose backless stools--the "saddle" type ones that slide up well under the island and don't clutter up the kitchen. I seem to sit there as long after the meal as I did in the other stools at the other house, so they're comfortable enough. If I wanted a really comfortable dining experience, I could always use the table.

We use our wood swivel stools every day. And yes, the backs do occasionally bump the countertop, but I figure that just gives them character. The seats have cat marks too.

Ours have unobtrusive padded black leather backs & seats, swivel, brushed stainless arms and a foot rail -- clean, contemporary lines that do not add visual clutter and are very comfortable. When we staged a bonus room, I bought a couple of backless stools which gave the illusion of being able to use the counter appropriately, but I wouldn't want to sit very long in them. Gave them to one of the movers. Since yours will get used a lot, I'd seek out something similar to what we have, as you can find more traditional versions if that's your preference.

Thanks for revisiting my request for feedback. I really appreciate you perspectives.

One additional issue is that there are 8 dining room chairs, 6 breakfast room chairs, 2 upholstered living room chairs all in view of the 3 bar stools.

I think I may need to seek out unobtrusive to closely match the breakfast room chairs as they are closest.

Thanks again.

We have 4 stools without backs that slide under our breakfast room bar. Adjacent to that is a table with 6 chairs in the kitchen eating area. We never eat a meal at the bar, preferring to look across the table at each other. However, the bar stools are handy for when we want to hang out and watch the cook (my DH), and for when we have people over...they always end up in the kitchen at the stools! Go backless!

Hey there!

I faced a similar issue....counter stools totally in view from the LR. I could have gone with something in red, to go with my kitchen accents. But, I decided the best way to eliminate the visual clutter was to have the stools blend with the cabinetry. I bought espresso wood with chocolate brown (p)leather, which just disappear against the espresso cabinets.

I would never go backless, but we sit at the counter a lot. YMMV.

How are you, btw? Hope all is well. I bet that grandson of yours is getting big by now. :-)

Hey Amy...waving at ya! Sounds like you and the family are doing well in your new home.

I think I'll have to make them blend as well as I can. Perhaps you remember how my kitchen looks over the bar into the living room.

Yup, he is a big boy now and the stools are a consideration since he and DGD use them to help Grammy cook.

My Pier One iron barstools have backs, but they are not very comfortable. They look great. Wish I had looked further for some that actually feel good for more than 10 minutes. I think that if you need to reduce the visual clutter, then, yes, a stool for a few minutes of "perching" would work. If someone needs to sit there for half an hour to eat or do homework, get a chair that gives some support.

Red