Yes exactly, real leather with brushed steel and a super comfortable chair would be ideal. I'm finding the whole business of getting something that works in the space a bit stressful! Good to know about the chrome, definitely don't want them to rust. I was hoping that they would last since they're steel underneath the chrome, but if it's going to rust then maybe it's best to forego the chrome option and look elsewhere.

Out of the two, I would go for the leather ones. After a while you won't even notice whether they're brushed or shiny finish, because you'll be used to seeing them, but you will notice if they're uncomfortable or if the faux leather starts to wear.

At least you know where you are with leather and it wears so well. I would always go for a leather above faux - the same when I buy handbags as well.

Also psychologically, with leather, there's a subconscious perception of quality even if folks don't consciously notice what it's made of.

Yes Ribena this is where I’m at right now! I notice the real leather and always go for it in clothing and other goods as I can tell the difference. And comfort is always preferable, certainly as the stools are for sitting on above all.

Atlantic do 7 Bar Stools in the brushed steel all with real leather seats, I quite like the Mimi, I really like the Lush and the Delux Paradis.

I'm not sure you've got the room for 4, unless you plan on putting one on the kitchen run side, might look out of place.

Here's the Delux

i'm 'bar stool' hunting too!

This thread on here gives some good links, especially for bespoke stools (Gomodern). Loads of possibilities of kegs, fabrics, base style. ( depending however on how much you want to spend!)

https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/looking-for-bar-stools-dsvw-vd~3374987

Yes, the backrests are a must for us because we have three children ages 5 and under! My main criteria for the stools are: 1) young child friendly (i.e. sturdy with a backrest and wipeable, 2) really comfortable as we and our friends/family spend a lot of time at the island, and 3) something that looks/feels of a nice quality and fits with the more modern style of the kitchen without being cold and harsh. It's obviously quite a light coloured space so I'd like black stools as they sort of visually ground it a bit if that makes sense.

It will definitely fit 4 stools--two on each side (we've got 4 now and there's plenty of space with room to spare).

I've looked at the Delux Paradis and like it, but am not sure about the chair seams and the flimsier-looking footrest...

Thanks for the link Louisa, I'll have a look at that!

The kids are 3.5 years old and 5 year old twins, so no high chairs and no toddlers. They’re pretty good at getting up into the stools without a problem, I just want backs for extra safety. And also because I just find them more comfortable! I actually really dislike the ones we have—will be replacing them ASAP as they‘re too tall and uncomfortable. We just got the very cheapest thing we could find initially!

I can't really choose either as I much prefer the brushed metal than the chrome and would choose that - but if the other one is more comfy....

I had some black padded ones like the ones in your images (not quite as nice!) typical gas lift faux leather on a chrome base. Very comfy as lots of padding but the faux leather ones were super cheap - maybe £55 for a pair, haha.

The chrome was awful and showed every bit of muck and dust and it rusted constantly. They ideally need sealing over with chrome to protect them.

The faux pvc to me (even though I actually work with leather!) worked well as they were always getting grubby (especially when the nephews visited and put their dirty hands all over them, haha) and I had to scrub them down a lot so they endured quite a bit over the years I had them.

The leather on the stools I imagine is similar to an upholstery leather so it will possibly look the same and not have that real leather feel to it (like some of the leather industrial style stools you find) and although I would always choose leather over pvc, if the seats are housing children then you might want to perhaps look at the cheaper end to start with to see how they get on with them. My nephews would spin on them, go up and down on them constantly, knock them over (rolls eyes) and needless to say, the gas lift started to fail on some of them.

That's helpful Tani, thanks!