Beautiful Counter Stools – Honest Review And Impressions

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A couple of months ago I got these Serena and Lily Balboa counter stools for my kitchen. I wanted us to use them for a little while before I wrote a review on them and let you know how I like them and how they’re holding up.

At the time my kitchen remodel was completed (read the reveal post), I ordered French-style counter stools with tall oval cane backs. I loved that style and the fact that the seats were upholstered. We spend a lot of time on these stools and comfort is an important factor. I definitely wanted a stool with a back. I loved the curved design on the back of the old stools and the cane detail. However, my style evolved away from the traditional formal look of the Louis chairs. I wanted a similarly textured back but lower profile and straight lines. Also, after over two years of daily use, the fabric on the seats of the old stools started to wear and eventually ripped. I needed a replacement.

The Design of the Serena and Lily Balboa Stools

The Serena and Lily Balboa counter stools checked all the boxes for me. Upholstered seat, woven texture, low profile back. Even better, the seat cushions are removable and zippered so the covers can be washed. Rattan is a very popular material right now, it is classic and diverse. It can fit well in many different design styles. The Serena and Lily Balboa stools are more diverse and more casual than my previous French-inspired stools because of the straight legs and square back. The woven rattan brings in warmth and texture to my all-white kitchen and is very easy to wipe down and keep clean.

Wear and Tear

We’ve been using the Serena and Lily Balboa counter stools daily for the past two months. The kitchen is the center of our home and the island is the only casual dining space. My family of 5 (kids ages 8, 12, 14) eat all three meals on these stools and sit on them throughout the day for snacks. or just to hang out, or do work. The counter stools are solid and well-built. The cushion fabric has held up great and I haven’t needed to wash the slipcovers yet. It is also reassuring to know that replacement cushions are available, should I need them in the future.

I love the color and texture the Serena and Lily Balboa counter stools bring to my all-white kitchen. The color variation in the natural rattan picks up tones from the wood floor and complements the floor stain. The low back provides sufficient support but also an unobstructed view across the island.

Making a large purchase like this is never easy especially when I need five of these counter stools. I was anxious and nervous to receive them and see if they lived up to my expectations. After the initial positive impression and the two months of use that followed, I can say that the Serena and Lily Balboa counter stools were a sound investment for my family. I can recommend them if you’re considering purchasing them.

Counter Stools Recommendations

There are some other natural woven styles from Serena and Lily that I also considered before deciding on the Balboa counter stools. Here is my selection:

Serena and Lily Balboa Collection

My new counter stools are from the Serena and Lily Balboa collection. I absolutely love the woven rattan look and try to incorporate its natural texture in every room of my home. I also have the Balboa armchair as an office accent chair, as well as the Shore Bench in my hallway. The bench might be my favorite and so diverse – it can also be used at the foot of a bed or as a dining bench.

Here are some of the pieces in that collection and different ways that you can bring rattan into your decor. Tap the photo below to see each item:

Check out my kitchen island decor post for styling tips!