They can be neatly stashed under tables, out of the way. They’re often industrial, sleek, polished or earthy. They can double as side tables. We’re talking about stools, and they’re experiencing a revival, thanks to the possibilities they offer in terms of function and style. Today we’re exploring the trend of dining stools. No longer are stools an afterthought at the dining table! The beautifully designed dining vignettes below prove that when it comes to interesting seating, stools have finally found their niche.

Sleek Stools

Let’s start with the chic and the shiny! Today’s post was inspired by the eclectic table setting below, a cactus-themed brunch designed by Studio DIY and Sugar & Cloth in collaboration with Lowe’s. The patterned powder-coated steel “stools” are actually plant stands (from Lowe’s), repurposed as stools with the help of some grips added to the bottom. Creative, right?!

These Carmel Stools from Room & Board are available in counter, bar and dining options. Plus, the seats come in a variety of colors, and the powder-coated steel base can be ordered in white, graphite and silver finishes. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor seating!

Industrial Stools

Many of today’s most popular stools showcase industrial style, often the result of an interesting mixture of wood and metal. This dining room designed by Gaile Guevara features a range of items from CB2, from the table and wall clocks to the mango wood and cast iron Contact Stools:

Speaking of CB2, the Dot Acacia Side Table-Stools below are also from the popular modern retailer. Acacia wood is the material of choice for the gorgeous seat, while steel with an antiqued zinc finish makes up the base. Note how the stools are easily mixed with cane chairs for an eclectic look in the dining room:

This home designed by Pedro Ferreira Pinto features an impressive modern dining room that’s as sleek as it is industrial. While the stools may appear to be leather at first glance, they’re likely wood. The contrast between the smooth, warm-hued seat and the black base is quite striking. [photo courtesy of Casa do Pego via ArchDaily]

There’s no rule that says dining stools have to be backless, and these industrial selections from Restoration Hardware add unforgettable style to the room below. They have a mechanized quality that’s enhanced by their bold silhouettes:

Woven Stools

Woven stools provide an earthy, Boho accent to eclectic dining spaces, and they’re often available in bold patterns and vibrant colors. Below we see an assortment of fabulous stools from Palecek, including the Woven Rattan Black & White Hourglass Stool/Table shown second from the left:

Not all woven stools need to be colorful to make a strong statement. The two stools in the next image introduce an element of texture to the rooms they adorn. After all, texture is one of today’s most powerful design elements! [images from Sunset (left) and House Doctor via Decor8 (right)]

Stools are often the perfect choice for unconventional dining spaces, such as the room below, which utilizes corner seating with the help of a round table. Note the nautical theme! Also note how the stools are easily mixed with bench seating, an interesting choice for an eclectic feel.  [room designed by Jeannie Balsam LLC, photo by Nick Johnson]

Don’t forget that stools can add extra seating to ANY table, including the coffee table in your living room. This can certaily come in handy when entertaining. Pull up a stool, grab a plate, and enjoy a relaxed meal! In the next image, we see vibrant woven stools at the San Giorgio Hotel in Mykonos, featured at Perpetually Chic:

Now that you’ve witnessed the versatility of the dining stool, will you be adding stool seating to your dining space?…